FORM 10-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2019
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______
Commission file number1-10816

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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
OR
☐ 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 1-10816
MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATIONInvestment Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
WISCONSINWisconsin 39-1486475
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
MGIC PLAZA, 250 EAST KILBOURN AVENUE,  
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN250 E. Kilbourn Avenue 53202
Milwaukee,Wisconsin(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices) 
(414)347-6480
(Zip Code)Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(414) 347-6480
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Securities Registered Pursuantregistered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class:each class Common Stock, Par Value $1 Per Share
Trading Symbol Common Share Purchase RightsName of each exchange on which registered
Name of EachCommon stock, par value $1 per shareMTGNew York Stock Exchange on Which Registered:
Common share purchase rightsN/A New York Stock Exchange


Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☒Yes ☐NoYes ☒ No ☐


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes YesNo ☒ No


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrantregistrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrantregistrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒YesYes ☒ No No


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒YesYes ☒ No No


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer ☐Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting companyEmerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES  Yes ☒NoNO ☒

State the aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2018:2019: Approximately $3.9$4.6 billion*


* Solely for purposes of computing such value and without thereby admitting that such persons are affiliates of the Registrant, shares held by directors and executive officers of the Registrant are deemed to be held by affiliates of the Registrant. Shares held are those shares beneficially owned for purposes of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 but excluding shares subject to stock options.


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’sissuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of February 15, 2019: 355,636,28414, 2020, there were 345,852,631 shares of common stock of the registrant, par value $1.00 per share, outstanding.


The following documents have been incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, as indicated:
Document Part and Item Number of Form 10-K Into Which Incorporated*
Proxy Statement for the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, provided such Proxy Statement is filed within 120 days after December 31, 2018.2019. If not so filed, the information provided in Items 10 through 14 of Part III will be included in an amended Form 10-K filed within such 120 day period. Items 10 through 14 of Part III


* In each case, to the extent provided in the Items listed.





MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries






Table of Contents
  Page No.
PART I   
 Item 1. 
 Item 1A.
 Item 1B.
 Item 2.
 Item 3.
 Item 4.
PART II  
 Item 5.
 Item 6.
 Item 7.
 Item 7A.
 Item 8.
 Item 9.
 Item 9A.
 Item 9B.
PART III  
 Item 10.
 Item 11.
 Item 12.
 Item 13.
 Item 14.
PART IV  
 Item 15.
 Item 16.
 
   








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Glossary of terms and acronyms


/ A
ARMs
Adjustable rate mortgages


ABS
Asset-backed securities


ASC
Accounting Standards Codification


Available Assets
Assets, as designated under the PMIERs, that are readily available to pay claims, and include the most liquid investmentsassets


/ B
Book or book year
A group of loans insured in a particular calendar year


BPMI
Borrower-paid mortgage insurance


/ C
CECL
Current expected credit losses


CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau


CLO
Collateralized loan obligations


CMBS
Commercial mortgage-backed securities


CRT
Credit Risk Transfer. The transfer of a portion of mortgage credit risk to the private sector through different forms of transactions and structures

/ D
DAC
Deferred insurance policy acquisition costs


Debt-to-income ("DTI") ratio
The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of a borrower's total debt payments to gross income


Direct
When referring to insurance or risk written or in force, "direct"Direct means before giving effect to reinsurance


/E
ETFsEPS
Exchange traded fundsEarnings per share
 

/ F
Fannie Mae
Federal National Mortgage Association


FCRA
Fair Credit Reporting Act

FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency


FHA
Federal Housing Administration


FHFA
Federal Housing Finance Agency


FHLB
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, of which MGIC is a member


FICO score
A measure of consumer credit risk provided by credit bureaus, typically produced from statistical models by Fair Isaac Corporation utilizing data collected by the credit bureaus


FOMC
Federal Open Market Committee

Freddie Mac
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation


/ G
GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States


GSEs
Collectively, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac


/ H
HAMP
Home Affordable Modification Program


HARP
Home Affordable Refinance Program

Home Re
Home Re 2018-1, Ltd., anTransactions
Excess-of-loss reinsurance transactions with unaffiliated special purpose insurerinsurers domiciled in Bermuda


HOPA
Homeowners Protection Act

HUD
Housing and Urban Development





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HOPA
Homeowners Protection Act


/ I
IADA
Individual Assistance Disaster Area

IBNR
Losses incurred but not reported


IIF
Insurance in force, which for loans insured by us, is equal to the unpaid principal balance, as reported to us


ILN
Insurance-linked notes

/ L
LAE
Loss adjustment expenses

Legacy book
Mortgage insurance policies written prior to 2009


Loan-to-value ("LTV") ratio
The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the dollar amount of the first mortgage loan to the value of the property at the time the loan became insured and does not reflect subsequent housing price appreciation or depreciation. Subordinate mortgages may also be present


Long-term debt:
5% Notes
5% Convertible Senior Notes due on May 1, 2017, with interest payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year

2% Notes
2% Convertible Senior Notes due on April 1, 2020, with interest payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year

5.75% Notes
5.75% Senior Notes due on August 15, 2023, with interest payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year


9% Debentures
9% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures due on April 1, 2063, with interest payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year


FHLB Advance or the Advance
1.91% Fixed rate advance from the FHLB due on February 10, 2023, with interest payable monthly


Loss ratio
The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the sum of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to NPE


Low down payment loans or mortgages
Loans with less than 20% down payments


LPMI
Lender-paid mortgage insurance


/ M
MBA
Mortgage Bankers Association

MBS
Mortgage-backed securities


MD&A
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations


MGIC
Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary of MGIC Investment Corporation


MAC
MGIC Assurance Corporation, a subsidiary of MGIC


Minimum Required Assets
The greater of $400 million or the total of the minimum amount of Available Assets that must be held under the PMIERs, which is based uponon an insurer's book of IIF and is calculated from tables of factors with several risk dimensions, reduced for credit given for risk ceded under reinsurance transactions, and subject to a percentagefloor of RIF weighted by certain risk attributes$400 million.


MPP
Minimum Policyholder Position, as required under certain state requirements. The “policyholder position” of a mortgage insurer is its net worth or surplus, contingency reserve and a portion of the reserves for unearned premiums


/ N
N/A
Not applicable for the period presented


NAIC
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners


NIW
New Insurance Written, is the aggregate original principal amount of the mortgages that are insured during a period


N/M
Data, or calculation, deemed not meaningful for the period presented



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NPE
The amount of premiums earned, net of premiums assumed and ceded under reinsurance agreements


NPL
Non-performing loan, which is a delinquent loan, at any stage in its delinquency


NPW
The amount of premiums written, net of premiums assumed and ceded under reinsurance agreements


/ O
OCI
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin


OTTI
Other than temporary impairment


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/ P
Persistency
The percentage of our insurance remaining in force from one year prior


PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance (as an industry or product type)


PMIERs
Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements issued by the GSEseach of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to set forth requirements that an approved insurer must meet and maintain to provide mortgage guaranty insurance on loans delivered to or acquired by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, as applicable


Premium Yield
The ratio of NPE divided by the average IIF outstanding for the period measured


Premium Rate
The contractual rate charged for coverage under our insurance policies.

Primary Insurance
Insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans. Primary insurance may be written on a flow and"flow" basis, in which loans are insured in individual, loan-by-loan transactions, or on a "bulk" basis, in which each loan in a portfolio of loans is individually insured in a single bulk basistransaction


/ Q
QSR Transaction
Quota share reinsurance transaction with a group of unaffiliated reinsurers


QM
A mortgage loan that satisfies the "qualified mortgage" loan characteristics pursuant to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's ability-to-repay under the Truth in Lending Act. Originating a QM loan may provide a lender with legal protection from lawsuits that claim the lender failed to verify a borrower's ability to repay

/ R
REMIC
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

RESPA
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act


RIF
Risk in force, which for an individual loan insured by us, is equal to the unpaid loan principal balance, as reported to us, multiplied by the insurance coverage percentage. RIF is sometimes referred to as exposure


Risk-to-capital
 
Risk-to-capital
Under certain state regulations, the ratio of RIF, net of quota share reinsurance and exposure on policies currently in default and for which loss reserves have been established, to the level of statutory capital


RMBS
Residential mortgage-backed securities


/ S
State Capital Requirements
Under certain state regulations, the minimum amount of statutory capital relative to risk in force (or similar measure)


/ T
TILA
Truth in Lending Act

Tax Act
The U.S. tax reform enacted on December 22, 2017 and commonly referred to as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act"


/ U
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the underwriting and operating expenses, net and amortization of DAC of our combined insurance operations (which excludes underwriting and operating expenses of our non-insurance subsidiaries) to NPW


Underwriting profit
NPE minus incurred losses and underwriting and operating expenses


USDA
U.S. Department of Agriculture


/ V
VA
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs


VIE
Variable interest entity






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PART I


Item 1. Business
See the "Glossary of terms and acronyms" for definitions and descriptions of terms used throughout this annual report.


A.    General
We are a holding company and through wholly-owned subsidiaries we provide private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services. In 2018,2019, our net premiums written were $1.0 billion and our primary NIW was $50.5$63.4 billion. As of December 31, 2018,2019, our direct primary IIF was $209.7$222.3 billion and our direct primary RIF was $54.1$57.2 billion. For further information about our results of operations, see our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 and our MD&A in Item 7. As of December 31, 2018,2019, our principal mortgage insurance subsidiary, MGIC, was licensed in all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. During 2018,2019, we wrote new insurance in each of those jurisdictions.


BUSINESS STRATEGIES
Our current business strategies are to 1) prudently grow IIF, 2) pursue new business opportunities that meetimprove our return objectives,competitive position in the market, 3) preserve and expand our role and that of the PMI industry in housing finance policy, 4) manage and deploy capital to optimize the creation of shareholdermaximize our long-term value and 5) expand and develop the talents offoster an environment that best positions our co-workers.people to succeed.


Following are several of our 20182019 accomplishments that furthered our business strategies.


Increased primary NIW from $49.1 billion in 2017 to $50.5 billion in 2018 and increased primary IIF by more than 7.6%
Increased primary NIW from $50.5 billion in 2018 to $63.4 billion in 2019 and increased primary IIF by more than 6.0% year-over-year. The NIW is consistent with the Company's risk and return goals.
Executed on our succession plan for key roles in the organization including Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Information Officer, promoting all such officers from within the organization.
Held leadership roles in key trade associations.association working groups.
Continued to enhance the reputation of the Company and the industry relative to changing housing finance policy and a broader role for PMI.
Positioned ourselves for a successful launch in the first quarter 2019 of MiQTM, our loan level pricing system that establishes our premium rates based on a borrower's individual risk profile and loan attributes, and considers more attributes than were considered in 2018.
 
Successfully launched MiQ, our risk-based pricing system that establishes our premium rates based on a borrower's individual risk profile and loan attributes.
Executed a $318$316 million insurance linked note transaction, our second such post-financial crisis transaction, which allows the Company to better manage its risk profile and provides a newan alternative source of capital.
Continued our Quota Share ("QS") reinsurance program, entering into a transaction covering the substantial majority of our 2019 NIW (at a 30% QS); restructuring our 2015 transaction, reducing the QS percentage from 30% to 15%; and agreeing to terms for transactions covering the substantial majority of our 2020 NIW (at a 30% QS) and our 2021 NIW (at a 17.5% QS).
Increased dividends from MGIC to our holding company from $140 million in 2017 to $220 million in 2018.2018 to $280 million in 2019.
Initiated ratings from A.M. Best andRe-started the payment of quarterly dividends by our holding company, after having suspended such payments during the financial crisis.
Repurchased 8.7 million shares of our stock, returning $114 million to shareholders.
MGIC received an A- rating.upgrade in its financial strength rating from Moody's Investors Service (from Baa2 to Baa1).
Executed $175 million in share repurchasesDelivered training workshops designed to build strategic capabilities which enhance performance.
Continued to enhance career developments, talent analytics and financial health capabilities for more than 4% of our common stock outstanding.employees.


OVERVIEW OF THE PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE INDUSTRY AND ITS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
We established the PMI industry in 1957 to provide a private market alternative to federal government insurance programs. PMI covers losses from homeowner defaults on residential mortgage loans, reducing, and in some instances eliminating, the loss to the insured institution.


Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been the major purchasers of the mortgage loans underlying new insurance written by private mortgage insurers. The GSEs purchase residential mortgage loans as part of their governmental mandate to provide liquidity in the secondary mortgage market. The GSEs cannot buy low down payment mortgage loans without certain forms of


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credit enhancement. LendersPrivate mortgage insurance has generally have used privatebeen purchased by lenders in primary mortgage insurancemarket transactions to satisfy this credit enhancement requirement. Therefore, PMI facilitates the sale of low down payment mortgages in the secondary mortgage market to the GSEs and plays an important role in the housing finance system by assisting consumers, especially first-time and lower net-worth homebuyers, to finance homes with low down payment mortgages. PMI also reduces the regulatory capital that depository institutions are required to hold against certain low down payment mortgages that they hold as assets. (GSE programs initiated in 2018 that provide loan level default coverage by various (re)insurers (which may include affiliates of private mortgage insurers) are discussed below.)


Because the GSEs have been the major purchasers of the mortgages underlying new insurance written by private mortgage insurers, the PMI industry in the U.S. is defined in large part by the requirements and practices of the GSEs. These requirements and practices, as well as those of the federal regulators that oversee the GSEs and lenders, impact the operating results and financial performance of private mortgage insurers. In 2008, the federal government took control of the GSEs through a conservatorship process. The FHFA is the conservator


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of the GSEs and has the authority to control and direct their operations.

In 2019, the past, membersU.S. Treasury Department released the “Treasury Housing Reform Plan.” The Plan recommends reforms for the housing finance system, the goals of Congress have introduced several bills intendedwhich include ending the conservatorships of the GSEs and increasing competition and participation by the private sector in the mortgage market. The impact of the Plan on private mortgage insurance is unclear. The Plan does not refer to changemortgage insurance explicitly; however, it refers to a requirement for credit enhancement on high LTV loans, which is a requirement of the current GSE charters. The Plan also indicates that the FHFA should continue to support efforts to expand credit risk transfer ("CRT") programs and should encourage the GSEs to continue to engage in a diverse mix of economically sensible CRT programs, including by increasing reliance on institution-level capital (presumably, as distinguished from capital obtained in the capital markets). For more information about the Plan and CRT programs, see our risk factor titled "Changes in the business practices of the GSEs, and the FHA, however, nofederal legislation has been enacted.

The Administration issuedthat changes their charters or a June 2018 report indicating that the conservatorshiprestructuring of the GSEs should endcould reduce our revenues or increase our losses" and that the GSEs should transition"The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to fully private entities. It is unclear whether and when that would occur and how that would impact us. mortgage insurance" in Item 1A.

As a result of the matters referred to above, it is uncertain what role the GSEs, FHA and private capital, including private mortgage insurance, will play in the domestic residential housing finance system in the future. The timing and impact on our business orof any resulting changes is uncertain. Some changes would require Congressional action to implement and it is
difficult to estimate when any action would be final and how long any associated phase-in period may last. See our risk factor titled “Changes in the business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses” in Item 1A.


The GSEs have private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements, or PMIERs, for private mortgage insurers that insure loans delivered to or purchased by the GSEs. The financial requirements of the PMIERs require a mortgage insurer’s Available Assets to equal or exceed its Minimum Required Assets. While on an overall basis,MGIC is in compliance with the amount of Available Assets MGIC must hold in order to continuePMIERs and eligible to insure GSE loans is greaterpurchased by the GSEs. In calculating Minimum Required Assets, we receive significant credit for risk ceded under the PMIERs than the amount state regulation currently requires,our reinsurance transactions. See "Our Products and Services – Reinsurance" for information about our reinsurance transactions mitigate the negative effect of the PMIERs on our returns. Seeand "Regulation – Direct Regulation" below for information about our compliance with the financial requirements of the PMIERs.


The private mortgage insurance industry is greatly impacted by macroeconomic conditions that affect home loan originations and credit performance of home loans, including unemployment rates, home prices, restrictions on mortgage credit due to underwriting standards, interest rates, household formations and homeownership rates. During the last several years precedingleading up to the financial crisis, the mortgage lending industry increasingly made home loans with higher risk profiles. In certain sections of this Annual Report, we discuss our insurance written in 2005-2008 separately from our insurance written in earlier and later years. Beginning in 2007, job creation slowed and the housing markets began slowing in certain areas, with declines in certain other areas. In 2008 and 2009, employment in the U.S. decreased substantially and nearly all geographic areas in the U.S. experienced home price declines. Together, these conditions resulted in significant adverse developments for us and our industry. The operating environment for private
mortgage insurers has materially improved in recent years as the economy has recovered.


During 2018, $2922019, $384 billion of mortgages were insured with primary coverage by private mortgage insurers, compared to $292 billion in 2018 and $270 billion in each of 2017 and 2016. Although the 20182017. The 2019 volume was significantly greater than the recent low in 2010 of $70 billion it remains belowand greater than the volumes of 2001 through 2007 when, on average, approximately $311 billion of mortgages were insured with primary coverage by private mortgage insurers.


For most of our business, we and other private mortgage insurers compete directly with federal and state governmental and quasi-governmental agencies that sponsor government-backed mortgage insurance programs, principally the FHA, VA and USDA. The publication Inside Mortgage Finance estimates that in 2018,2019, the FHA accounted for 29.9%28.2% of low down payment residential mortgages that were subject to FHA, VA, USDA or primary private mortgage insurance, compared to 30.5% in 2018 and 33.9% in 2017. In the prior ten years, the FHA’s market share has been as low


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as 29.9%28.2% in 20182019 and as high as 66.8%64.5% in 2009.2010. Factors that influence the FHA’s market share include relative rates and fees, underwriting guidelines and loan limits of the FHA, VA, USDA, private mortgage insurers and the GSEs; lenders' perceptions of legal risks under FHA versus GSE programs; flexibility for the FHA to establish new products as a result of federal legislation and programs; returns expected to be obtained by lenders for Ginnie Mae securitization of FHA-insured loans compared to those obtained from selling loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Macthe GSEs for securitization; and differences in policy terms, such as the ability of a borrower to cancel insurance coverage under certain circumstances. We cannot predict how the factors listed above or the FHA’s share of NIW will change in the future.


Inside Mortgage Finance estimates that in 2018,2019, the VA accounted for 24.4%25.2% of all low down payment residential mortgages that were subject to FHA, VA, USDA or primary private mortgage insurance, compared to 22.9% in 2018 and 24.7% in 2017. In the prior ten years, the VA's market share has been as low as 15.7% in 2010 and as high asa 27.2% in 2016 and as low as 14.3% in 2009.2016. We believe that the VA’s market share has generally been increasingelevated in recent years because of an increase in the number of borrowers that are eligible for the VA’s program, which offers 100% LTV loans and charges a one-time funding fee that can be included in the loan amount, and because eligible borrowers have opted to use the VA program when refinancing their mortgages.


The private mortgage insurance industry also competes with alternatives to mortgage insurance, such as investors using risk mitigation and credit risk transfer techniques other than PMI, including capital market transactions entered into by the GSEs and banks; lenders and other investors willing to hold credit risk on their own balance sheets without credit enhancement,holding mortgages in portfolio and self-insuring; and “piggyback loans,” which combine a first lien loan with a second lien loan.


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In 2018, the GSE initiated secondary mortgage market programs with loan level mortgage default coverage provided by various (re)insurers that are not mortgage insurers governed by PMIERs, and that are not selected by the lenders. While we view these programs as competing with traditional private mortgage insurance, we have participated in them and may participate in future GSE or other programs.

The GSEs (and other investors) have also used other forms of credit enhancement that did not involve traditional private mortgage insurance, such as engaging in credit-linked note transactions executed in the capital markets, or using other forms of debt issuances or securitizations that transfer credit risk directly to other investors, including competitors and an affiliate of MGIC; and using other risk mitigation techniques in conjunction with reduced levels of private mortgage insurance coverage.

In addition to the FHA, VA, other governmental agencies and the alternatives to mortgage insurance discussed above, we also compete with other mortgage insurers. The level of competition, including price competition, within the private mortgage insurance industry has intensified over the past several years. See "Our Products and Services – Sales and Marketing and Competition – Competition" below for more information about the impact on our business of competition in the private mortgage insurance industry.


In addition to being subject to the requirements and practices of the GSEs, private mortgage insurers are subject to comprehensive, detailed regulation by state insurance departments. The insurance laws of 16 jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, MGIC's domiciliary state, require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to the RIF (or a similar measure) in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write new business. The NAIC plans to revise the minimum capital and surplus requirements for mortgage insurers that are provided for in its Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act. AIn December 2019, a working group of state regulators has been considering since 2016released an exposure draft of a revised Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act and a risk-based capital framework to establish capital requirements for mortgage insurers, although no date has been established by which the NAIC must propose revisions to the capital requirements.


Due to the changing environment described above, as well as other factors discussed below, at this time the greatest uncertainty we face is whether private mortgage insurance will remain a significant credit enhancement alternative for low down payment single family mortgages. An increase in the use of alternatives to private mortgage insurance, such as GSE programs with loan level default coverage provided by (re)insurers that are not mortgage insurers subject to PMIERs, or a possible restructuring or change in the charters of the GSEs, could significantly affect our business. For additional information about this uncertainty, see our
risk factors titled “The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance” and “Changes in the business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses” in Item 1A.


GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COMPANY
We are a Wisconsin corporation organized in 1984. Our principal office is located at MGIC Plaza, 250 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (telephone number (414) 347-6480). As used in this annual report, “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MGIC Investment Corporation’s consolidated operations or to MGIC Investment Corporation, as a separate entity, as


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the context requires, and “MGIC” refers to Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation.


Our revenues and losses may be materially affected by the risk factors that are included in Item 1A of this annual report. These risk factors are an integral part of this annual report. These risk factors may also cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by forward looking statements that we may make. Forward looking statements consist of statements which relate to matters other than historical fact. Among others, statements that include words such as we “believe,” “anticipate” or “expect,” or words of similar import, are forward looking statements. We are not undertaking any obligation to update any forward looking statements or other statements we may make even though these statements may be affected by events or circumstances occurring after the forward looking statements or other statements were made. No reader of this annual report should rely on these statements being current at any time other than the time at which this annual report was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


B. Our Products and Services
MORTGAGE INSURANCE
In general, there are two principal types of private mortgage insurance: “primary” and “pool.”


Primary Insurance. Primary insurance provides mortgage default protection on individual loans and covers a percentage of the unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest and certain expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure or sale approved by us, of the underlying property (collectively, the “claim amount”). In addition to the loan principal, the claim amount is affected by the mortgage note rate and the time necessary to complete the foreclosure or sale process. The insurer generally pays the coverage percentage of the claim amount specified in the primary policy but has the option to pay 100% of the claim amount and acquire title to the property. Primary insurance is generally written on first mortgage loans secured by owner


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occupied "single-family" homes, which are one-to-four family homes and condominiums. Primary insurance can be written on first liens secured by non-owner occupied single-family homes, which are referred to in the home mortgage lending industry as investor loans, and on vacation or second homes. Primary coverage can be used on any type of residential mortgage loan instrument approved by the mortgage insurer.


References in this document to amounts of insurance written or in force, risk written or in force and other historical data related to our insurance refer only to direct (before giving effect to reinsurance) primary insurance, unless otherwise indicated. Primary insurance may be written on a flow basis, in which loans
are insured in individual, loan-by-loan transactions, or may be written on a bulk basis, in which each loan in a portfolio of loans is individually insured in a single, bulk transaction. Our new primary insurance written was $63.4 billion in 2019, compared to $50.5 billion in 2018 compared toand $49.1 billion in 2017 and $47.9 billion in 2016.2017. The 20182019 increase compared to 20172018 reflects an increase in both the refinance and purchase mortgage originations we insured offsetting a decrease in the refinance originations we insured.


The following charts show, on a direct basis, our primary IIF and primary RIF as of December 31 for the years indicated.
Primary insurance and risk in force
(In billions) 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Primary IIF $209.7
 $194.9
 $182.0
 $174.5
 $164.9
 $222.3
 $209.7
 $194.9
 $182.0
 $174.5
Primary RIF 54.1
 50.3
 47.2
 45.5
 42.9
 57.2
 54.1
 50.3
 47.2
 45.5


For loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac,a GSE, the coverage percentage must comply with the requirements established by the particular GSE to which the loan is delivered. The GSEs have different loan purchase programs that allow different levels of mortgage insurance coverage. Under the “charter coverage” program, on certain loans lenders may choose a mortgage insurance coverage percentage that is less than the GSEs’ “standard coverage” and only the minimum required by the GSEs’ charters, with the GSEs paying a lower price for such loans. In 2018,2019, nearly all of our volume was on loans with GSE standard or higher coverage.


For loans that are not sold to the GSEs, the lender determines the coverage percentage from those that we offer. Higher coverage percentages generally result in increased severity, which is the amount paid on a claim. We charge higher premium rates for higher coverage percentages. However, there can be no assurance that the higher premium rates adequately reflect the risks associated with higher coverage percentages. In accordance with GAAP for the mortgage insurance industry, reserves for losses are only established for policies covering delinquent loans. Because, historically, relatively few
delinquencies occur in the early years of a book of business, the higher premium revenue from higher coverage has historically been recognized before any significant higher losses resulting from that higher coverage may be incurred. For more information, see “– Exposure to Catastrophic Loss; Defaults; Claims; Loss Mitigation – Claims.”


In general, mortgage insurance coverage cannot be terminated by the insurer. However, subject to certain restrictions as are specified in our insurance policy, we may terminate or rescind coverage for, among other reasons, non-payment of premium, certain material misrepresentations made in connection with the application for the insurance policy or if the loan was never eligible for coverage under our policy. Mortgage insurance coverage is renewable at the option of the


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insured lender, at the renewal rate fixed when the loan was initially insured. Lenders may cancel insurance written on a flow basis at any time at their option or because of mortgage repayment, which may be accelerated because of the refinancing of mortgages. In the case of a loan purchased by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae,a GSE, a borrower meetingmay request termination of insurance based on the home’s current value if certain conditions may requireLTV ratio and seasoning requirements are met and the mortgage servicerborrowers have an acceptable payment history. For loans seasoned between two and five years, the LTV ratio must be 75% or less, and for loans seasoned more than five years the LTV ratio must be 80% or less. If the borrower has made substantial improvements to cancel insurance upon the borrower’s request, generally whenproperty, the principal balance ofGSEs allow for cancellation once the loan isLTV ratio reaches 80% or less of the home’s current value.with no minimum seasoning requirement.


Mortgage insurance for loans secured by one-family, primary residences can be canceled under HOPA. In general, HOPA requires a servicer to cancel the mortgage insurance if a borrower requests cancellation when the principal balance of the loan is first scheduled to reach 80% of the original value, or reaches that percentage through payments, if 1) the borrower is current on the loan and has a “good payment history” (as defined by HOPA), 2) the borrower provides evidence as and if required by the mortgage owner, the borrower provides evidence that the value of the property has not declined below the original value, and 3) if required by the mortgage owner, the borrower certifies that the borrower’s equity in the property is not subject to a subordinate lien. Additionally, HOPA requires mortgage insurance to terminate automatically when the principal balance of the loan is first scheduled to reach 78% of the original value and the borrower is current on loan payments or thereafter becomes current. Annually, servicers must inform borrowers of their right to cancel or terminate mortgage insurance. The provisions of HOPA described above apply only to borrower paid mortgage insurance, which is described below.


Coverage tends to continue for borrowers experiencing economic difficulties or living in areas experiencing home price depreciation. The persistency of coverage for those borrowers, coupled with cancellation of coverage for other borrowers, can increase the percentage of an insurer’s portfolio covering loans with more credit risk. This development can also occur during periods of heavy mortgage refinancing because borrowers experiencing property value appreciation are less likely to require mortgage insurance at the time of


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refinancing, while borrowers not experiencing property value appreciation are more likely to continue to require mortgage insurance at the time of refinancing or not qualify for refinancing at all (including if they have experienced economic difficulties) and thus remain subject to the mortgage insurance coverage.


The percentage of NIW on loans representing refinances was 19% for 2019, compared to 7% for 2018 compared toand 11% for 2017 and 20% for 2016.2017. When a borrower refinances a mortgage loan
insured by us by paying it off in full with the proceeds of a new mortgage that is also insured by us, the insurance on that existing mortgage is cancelled, and insurance on the new mortgage is considered to be NIW. Therefore, continuation of our coverage from a refinanced loan to a new loan results in both a cancellation of insurance and NIW. When a lender and borrower modify a loan rather than replace it with a new one or enter into a new loan pursuant to a loan modification program, our insurance continues without being cancelled, assuming that we consent to the modification or new loan. As a result, such modifications or new loans, including those modified under HARP and replacement programs, are not included in our NIW.


In addition to varying with the coverage percentage, our premium rates for insurance have varied depending upon the perceived risk of a claim on the insured loan and thus have taken into account, among other things, the LTV ratio, the borrower’s credit score and DTI ratio, whether the loan is a fixed payment loan or a non-fixed payment loan (a non-fixed payment loan is referred to in the home mortgage lending industry as an ARM), the number of borrowers, the mortgage term and whether the property is the borrower’s primary residence. We generally utilized a national, rather than a regional or local, premium rate policy. However, dependingDepending upon regional economic conditions, we have made, and may make, changes to our underwriting requirements to implement more restrictive standardsor premium rates in certain markets and for loan characteristics that we categorize as higher risk.markets. In the first quarter of 2019 we introduced MiQ™,MiQ, our loan levelrisk-based pricing system that establishes our premium rates based on more risk attributes than were considered in 2018. Premium rates cannot be changed after the issuance of coverage.


The borrower’s mortgage loan instrument may require the borrower to pay the mortgage insurance premium. Our industry refers to the related mortgage insurance as “borrower-paid.”“borrower-paid” or BPMI. If the borrower is not required to pay the premium and mortgage insurance is required in connection with the origination of the loan, then the premium is paid by the lender, who may recover the premium through an increase in the note rate on the mortgage or higher origination fees. Our industry refers to the related mortgage insurance as “lender-paid.”“lender-paid” or LPMI. Most of our primary IIF is borrower-paid mortgage insurance.BPMI.
There are several payment plans available to the borrower, or lender, as the case may be. Under the single premium plan, the borrower or lender pays us in advance a single payment covering a specified term exceeding twelve months. Under the monthly premium plan, the borrower or lender pays us a monthly premium payment to provide only one month of coverage. Under the annual premium plan, an annual premium is paid to us in advance, with annual renewal premiums paid in advance thereafter.


During 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, the single premium plan represented approximately 17%16%, 19%17% and 19%, respectively, of our NIW. The monthly premium plan represented approximately 83%84%, 81%83% and 81%,


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respectively. The annual premium plan represented less than 1% of NIW in each of those years. Depending onupon the actual life of a single premium policy and its premium rate relative to that of a monthly premium policy, a single premium policy may generate more or less premium than a monthly premium policy over its life.


Pool and Other Insurance. Pool insurance is generally used as an additional “credit enhancement” for certain secondary market mortgage transactions. Pool insurance generally covers the amount of the loss on a defaulted mortgage loan that exceeds the claim payment under the primary coverage, if primary insurance is required on that mortgage loan, as well as the total loss on a defaulted mortgage loan which did not require primary insurance. Pool insurance may have a stated aggregate loss limit for a pool of loans and may also have a deductible under which no losses are paid by the insurer until losses on the pool of loans exceed the deductible. MGIC has written no new pool insurance
since 2008; however, for a variety of reasons, including responding to capital market alternatives to PMI and customer demands, MGIC may write pool risk in the future. As of December 31, 2018,2019, less than 1% of our RIF was associated with pool insurance.


In connection with the GSEs' credit risk transfer programs, we provide insurance and reinsurance covering portions of the credit risk related to certain reference pools of mortgages acquired by the GSEs.


GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION
The following tables reflect the percentage of primary RIF in the top 10 jurisdictions and top 10 core-based statistical areas for the MGIC Book at December 31, 2018.2019. We refer to the insurance that has been written by MGIC (including MGIC Indemnity Corporation, a subsidiary of MGIC, for portions of 2012 and 2013) as the "MGIC Book."




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Dispersion of Primary Risk in Force
Top 10 jurisdictions
  
California8.68.3%
Florida7.0%
Texas6.26.3%
Pennsylvania5.25.3%
Ohio4.5%
Illinois4.2%
Virginia3.53.6%
Georgia3.33.4%
North Carolina3.2%
Michigan3.3%
Minnesota3.13.2%
Total48.949.0%


Top 10 core-based statistical areas
  
Chicago-Naperville-Arlington HeightsWashington-Arlington-Alexandria2.8%
Washington-Arlington-AlexandriaChicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights2.62.7%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell2.5%
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington2.1%
Houston-Woodlands-Sugar Land1.9%
Philadelphia1.9%
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale1.8%
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale1.9%
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale1.91.8%
Riverside-San Bernardino-OntarioBernardino1.4%
Cincinnati1.31.4%
Total20.3%


The percentages shown above for various core-based statistical areas can be affected by changes, from time to time, in the federal government’s definition of a core-based statistical area.




 






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INSURANCE IN FORCE BY POLICY YEAR
The following table sets forth for the MGIC Book the dispersion of our primary IIF and RIF as of December 31, 2018,2019, by year(s) of policy origination since we began operations in 1985.
Primary insurance in force and risk in force by policy year
              
Insurance in Force Risk in ForceInsurance in Force Risk in Force
Policy Year
Total
(In millions)
 
Percent of
Total
 
Total
(In millions)
 
Percent of
Total
Total
(In millions)
 
Percent of
Total
 
Total
(In millions)
 
Percent of
Total
2004 and prior$3,575
 1.7% $995
 1.8%$2,731
 1.2% $760
 1.3%
20053,408
 1.6% 969
 1.8%2,736
 1.2% 779
 1.4%
20066,361
 3.0% 1,753
 3.2%5,233
 2.4% 1,446
 2.5%
200714,052
 6.7% 3,619
 6.7%11,319
 5.1% 2,928
 5.1%
20086,128
 2.9% 1,564
 2.9%4,708
 2.1% 1,200
 2.1%
2009812
 0.4% 186
 0.3%493
 0.2% 107
 0.2%
2010528
 0.2% 152
 0.3%231
 0.1% 65
 0.1%
20111,089
 0.5% 314
 0.6%639
 0.3% 186
 0.3%
20124,186
 2.0% 1,194
 2.2%2,421
 1.1% 707
 1.2%
20137,256
 3.5% 2,048
 3.8%4,945
 2.2% 1,414
 2.5%
201412,943
 6.2% 3,459
 6.4%9,494
 4.3% 2,589
 4.5%
201523,408
 11.2% 6,138
 11.4%17,684
 8.0% 4,721
 8.3%
201635,712
 17.0% 9,047
 16.7%27,977
 12.6% 7,233
 12.6%
201743,325
 20.7% 10,853
 20.1%35,005
 15.7% 8,867
 15.5%
201846,924
 22.4% 11,771
 21.8%38,024
 17.1% 9,577
 16.7%
201958,653
 26.4% 14,634
 25.6%
Total$209,707
 100.0% $54,063
 100.0%$222,295
 100.0% $57,213
 100.0%






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PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
The following table reflects, at the dates indicated and by the categories indicated, the total dollar amount of primary RIF for the MGIC Book and the percentage of that primary RIF, as determined on the basis of information available on the date of mortgage origination.
Characteristics of primary risk in force
      
December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Primary RIF (In millions):
$54,063
 $50,319
$57,213
 $54,063
Loan-to-value ratios:      
95.01% and above14.8% 13.8%15.3% 14.8%
90.01 - 95.00%52.2% 52.0%52.2% 52.2%
85.01 - 90.00%27.5% 28.3%27.1% 27.5%
80.01 - 85.00%4.8% 4.9%4.8% 4.8%
80% and below0.7% 1.0%0.6% 0.7%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
Debt-to-income ratios:      
45.01% and above14.3% 12.6%14.2% 14.3%
38.01% - 45.00%33.3% 33.3%33.3% 33.3%
38% and below52.4% 54.1%52.5% 52.4%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
Loan Type:      
Fixed(1)
98.7% 98.2%99.0% 98.7%
ARMs(2)
1.3% 1.8%1.0% 1.3%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
Original Insured Loan Amount:(3)
      
Conforming loan limit and below97.5% 97.6%97.4% 97.5%
Non-conforming2.5% 2.4%2.6% 2.5%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
Mortgage Term:      
15-years and under1.6% 2.1%1.4% 1.6%
Over 15 years98.4% 97.9%98.6% 98.4%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
Property Type:      
Single-family detached87.5% 87.6%87.7% 87.5%
Condominium/Townhouse/Other attached11.7% 11.7%11.5% 11.7%
Other(4)
0.8% 0.7%0.8% 0.8%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
Occupancy Status:      
Owner occupied97.5% 97.3%97.6% 97.5%
Second home2.0% 2.0%2.0% 2.0%
Investor property0.5% 0.7%0.4% 0.5%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
Documentation:      
Reduced:(5)
      
Stated1.5% 2.0%1.2% 1.5%
No0.3% 0.4%0.2% 0.3%
Full documentation98.2% 97.6%98.6% 98.2%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%




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Characteristics of primary risk in force
      
December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
FICO Score:(6)
      
760 and greater37.7% 36.6%39.0% 37.7%
740 - 75915.6% 15.0%16.5% 15.6%
720 - 73913.9% 13.6%14.0% 13.9%
700 - 71911.3% 11.2%11.2% 11.3%
680 - 6998.6% 9.0%8.3% 8.6%
660 - 6794.8% 5.2%4.3% 4.8%
640 - 6593.3% 3.7%2.9% 3.3%
639 and less4.8% 5.7%3.8% 4.8%
Total100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%
(1) 
Includes fixed rate mortgages with temporary buydowns (where in effect, the applicable interest rate is typically reduced by one or two percentage points during the first two years of the loan)loan and then increased thereafter to the original interest rate), ARMs in which the initial interest rate is fixed for at least five years, and balloon payment mortgages (a loan with a maturity, typically five to seven years, that is shorter than the loan’s amortization period).


(2) 
Includes ARMs where payments adjust fully with interest rate adjustments. Also includes pay option ARMs and other ARMs with negative amortization features, which collectively at each of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, represented 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, of primary RIF. As indicated in note (1), does not include ARMs in which the initial interest rate is fixed for at least five years. As of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, ARMs with LTV ratios in excess of 90% represented 0.3%0.2% and 0.4%0.3%, respectively, of primary RIF.


(3) 
Loans within the conforming loan limit have an original principal balance that does not exceed the maximum original principal balance of loans that the GSEs will purchase. The conforming loan limit for one unit properties was $417,000 from 2007 through 2016, $424,100 for 2017, $453,100 for 2018, and $484,350 for 2019.2019, and $510,400 for 2020. The limit for high cost communities has been higher and is $726,525$765,600 for 2019.2020. Non-conforming loans are loans with an original principal balance above the conforming loan limit.


(4) 
Includes cooperatives and manufactured homes deemed to be real estate.


(5) 
Reduced documentation loans were originated prior to 2009 under programs in which there was a reduced level of verification or disclosure compared to traditional mortgage loan underwriting, including programs in which the borrower’s income and/or assets were disclosed
 
in the loan application but there was no verification of those disclosures ("stated" documentation) and programs in which there was no disclosure of income or assets in the loan application ("no" documentation). In accordance with industry practice, loans approved by GSE and other automated underwriting (AU) systems under “doc waiver” programs that did not require verification of borrower income are classified by us as “full documentation.” Based in part on information provided by the GSEs, we estimate full documentation loans of this type were approximately 4% of 2007 NIW. Information for other periods is not available. We understand these AU systems granted such doc waivers for loans they judged to have higher credit quality. We also understand that the GSEs terminated their “doc waiver” programs in the second half of 2008.


(6) 
Represents the FICO score at loan origination. The weighted average “decision FICO score” at loan origination for NIW in 2018 and 20172019 was 745.749 compared to 745 in 2018. The FICO score for a loan with multiple borrowers is the lowest of the borrowers’ decision FICO scores. A borrower’s “decision FICO score” is determined as follows: if there are three FICO scores available, the middle FICO score is used; if two FICO scores are available, the lower of the two is used; if only one FICO score is available, it is used. A FICO score is a score based on a borrower’s credit history generated by a model developed by Fair Isaac Corporation.








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OTHER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Contract Underwriting. A non-insurance subsidiary of ours performs contract underwriting services for lenders, underwriting loans to conform to prescribed guidelines. The guidelines might be the lender's own guidelines or the guidelines of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or a non-GSE investor. These services are provided for loans that require private mortgage insurance as well as for loans that do not require private mortgage insurance.


Under our contract underwriting agreements, we may be required to provide certain remedies to our customers if certain standards relating to the quality of our underwriting work are not met, and we have an established reserve for such future obligations. The related contract underwriting remedy expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements. Claims for remedies may be made a number of years after the underwriting work was performed.

Other. We provide various fee-based services for the mortgage finance industry, such as analysis of loan originations and portfolios, and mortgage lead generation.


We provide insurance and reinsurance related to certain mortgages under Fannie Mae and Freddie MacGSE credit risk transfer programs. The amount of risk associated with these transactions is currently $53$182 million.


REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS
Quota Share Transactions.At each of December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately 79% and 2017, approximately 78%, respectively, of our IIF was subject to quota share reinsurance ("QSR") transactions. In 2019 and 2018, approximately 82% and 75%, respectively, of our NIW was subject to quota share reinsuranceQSR transactions.

Our QSR transactions compared to 84% in 2017.

We have in place QSR transactionsare with unaffiliated reinsurers that coversand cover most of our insurance written from 2013 through 2018,2019, and a portion of our insurance written prior to 2013. The structure of the transactions is a 30% quota share of either 15% or 30% for all policies covered, with a 20% ceding commission as well as a profit commission. Generally, under the transactions, we will receive aan annual profit commission provided that the annual loss ratio on the loans covered under the transactions remains below a percentage ranging from 60% (62% forto 68%, depending upon the transaction covering 2018 NIW).transaction. We expect that in the first quarter of 2019,2020, we will enter into an agreement with a similar agreementstructure covering most of our NIW in 2019,2020 (with a 30% quota share) and 2021 (with a 17.5% quota share).

Excess of Loss Transaction. We have aggregate excess of loss reinsurance agreements with unaffiliated special purpose insurers covering a portion of our insurance written from July 1, 2016 through March 31, 2019. For the reinsurance coverage periods, we retain the first layer of the respective aggregate losses, and a special purpose insurer will then provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. We retain losses in excess of the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage decreases over a ten-year period, subject to certain conditions, as the underlying covered mortgages amortize or are repaid, or mortgage insurance losses are paid. The special purpose insurers financed the coverages by issuing mortgage insurance-
linked notes (“ILNs”) to unaffiliated investors in an aggregate amount equal to the initial reinsurance coverage amounts. The ILNs each have ten-year legal maturities and are non-recourse to any of our assets. The proceeds of the ILNs, which were deposited into reinsurance trusts for our benefit, will be the source of reinsurance claim payments to us and principal repayments on terms no less favorable than our existing transactions. the ILNs.

Although reinsuring against possible loan losses does not discharge us from liability to a policyholder, it reduces the amount of capital we are required to retain against potential future losses for PMIERs, rating agency and insurance regulatory purposes. The GSEs' approvals of thetotal credit that we are allowed for PMIER purposes for risk ceded under our reinsurance transactions is subject to a modest reduction. Our existing reinsurance transactions are subject to
several conditions and the transactions will be reviewed under the PMIERs at least annually periodic review by the GSEs. We mayGSEs and there is a risk we will not receive fullour current level of credit under the PMIERsin future periods for the risk ceded under our quota share reinsurancethem. In addition, we may not receive the same level of credit under future transactions that we receive under existing transactions.


Excess of Loss Transaction. On October 30, 2018, MGIC entered into a fully collateralized reinsurance agreement with an unaffiliated special purpose insurer that provides for up to $318.6 million of aggregate excess-of-loss reinsurance coverage on a portfolio of mortgage insurance policies with in force dates on or after July 1, 2016 and before January 1, 2018. MGIC will retain the first layer of $168.7 million of aggregate losses, and the reinsurer will then provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. The aggregate coverage decreases over a ten-year period as the underlying covered mortgages amortize, principal is prepaid or mortgage insurance losses are paid. For further information about our reinsurance agreements, including the Company's early termination rights, see Note 9 – “Reinsurance,” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.


CUSTOMERS
Originators of residential mortgage loans such as savings institutions, commercial banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, mortgage bankers and other lenders have historically determined the placement of mortgage insurance written on a flow basis and as a result are our customers. To obtain primary insurance from us written on a flow basis, a mortgage lender must first apply for and receive a mortgage guaranty master policy from us. Our top 10 customers, none of whom represented more than 10% of our consolidated revenues, generated 24% of our NIW on a flow basis in each of 2019 and 2018, compared toand 23% in 2017 and 24% in 2016.  Our largest customer accounted for approximately 5%, 4% and 5% of our flow NIW in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.2017. Our relationships with our customers could be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including if our premium rates are higher than those of our competitors, our underwriting requirements result inare more restrictive than those of our declining to insure some of the loans originated bycompetitors, or our customers andare dissatisfied with our claims-paying practices (including insurance policy rescissions and claim curtailments that affect the customer.curtailments). Information about some of the other factors that can affect a mortgage insurer’s relationship with its customers can be found in our risk factor titled “Competition or changes in our relationships with our customers could reduce our revenues, reduce our premium yields and/or increase our losses” in Item 1A.


SALES AND MARKETING AND COMPETITION
Sales and Marketing. Our employees sell our insurance products throughout all regions of the United States and in Puerto Rico and Guam.





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Competition. Our competition includes other mortgage insurers, governmental agencies and products designed to eliminate the need to purchase private mortgage insurance. For flow business, we and other private mortgage insurers compete directly with federal and state governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, principally the FHA and the VA. The FHA, VA and USDA sponsor government-backed mortgage insurance programs, and it is estimated that during 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, they accounted for a combined approximately 56.8%55.3%, 61.4%55.9% and 63.9%61.4%, respectively, of the total low down payment residential mortgages which were subject to FHA, VA, USDA or primary private mortgage insurance. For more information about the market share of the FHA and the VA, see “Overview of the Private Mortgage Insurance Industry and its Operating Environment” above.


In addition to competition from the FHA, VA and USDA, we and other private mortgage insurers face competition from state-supported mortgage insurance funds in several states. From time to time, other state legislatures and agencies consider expanding the authority of their state governments to insure residential mortgages.


The PMI industry is highly competitive. We believe that we currently compete with other private mortgage insurers based on premium rates, underwriting requirements, financial strength (including based on creditorcredit or financial strength ratings), customer relationships, name recognition, reputation, the strength of our management teamteams and field organization,organizations, the ancillary products and services provided to lenders, and the effective use of technology and innovation in the delivery and servicing of our mortgage insurance products.


The U.S. PMI industry currently consists of six active mortgage insurers and their affiliates. The names of these mortgage insurers can be found in our risk factor titled “Competition or changes in our relationships with our customers could reduce our revenues, reduce our premium yields and/or increase our losses” in Item 1A. Until 2010,affiliates, including MGIC and the PMI industry had not had new entrants in many years. Since 2010, two public companies have been formed and begun writing business and a worldwide insurer and reinsurer with mortgage insurance operations in Europe completed the purchase of two competitors. following companies:

Arch Mortgage Insurance Company
Essent Guaranty Mortgage Insurance
Genworth Mortgage Insurance Corporation
National Mortgage Insurance Corporation
Radian Guaranty Inc.

Our market share (as measured by NIW) was 16.5% in 2019, compared to 17.4% in 2018 compared toand 18.3% in 2017, and 17.9% in 2016, in each case excluding HARP refinances. (source: Inside Mortgage Finance).
If we are unable to compete effectively in the current or any future markets as a result of the financial strength ratings assigned to our insurance subsidiaries, our future new insurance written could be negatively affected. Substantially all of our insurance written since 2008 has been for loans purchased by the GSEs. The
 
GSEs' current PMIERs of each of the GSEs do not require an insurer to maintain minimum financial strength ratings. However, depending onupon the evolution of housing finance reform, the level of issuances of non-GSE MBS may increase in the future. Financial strength ratings may be considered by issuers of non-GSE MBS in determining whether to purchase private mortgage insurance for loans supporting such securities. In assigning financial strength ratings, in addition to considering the adequacy of the mortgage insurer’s capital to withstand very high claim scenarios under assumptions determined by the rating agency, we believe rating agencies review a mortgage insurer’s historical and projected operating performance, franchise risk, business outlook, competitive position, management, corporate strategy, enterprise risk management and other factors. The rating agency issuing the financial strength rating can withdraw or change its rating at any time. At the time that this annual report was finalized, the financial strength of MGIC was rated Baa2A- (with a stable outlook) by A.M. Best, Baa1 (with a stable outlook) by Moody’s Investors Service and BBB+ (with a stable outlook) by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services and A- (with a stable outlook) by A.M. Best.Services.


RISK MANAGEMENT
Enterprise Risk Management. The Company has an enterprise risk management (“ERM”) framework that it believes is commensurate with the size, nature and complexity of the Company’s business activities (all of which relate to insuring or reinsuring mortgage credit risk) and strategies. Among the key objectives of the ERM framework are to have a clear and well documented shared understanding, by senior management and the Board, of the Company’s risk management philosophy and overall appetite for risk, and that there are appropriate monitoring, management and reporting mechanisms to support the framework.


Risk Governance. The Company maintains a Senior Management Oversight Committee (“SMOC”) that, at the management level, serves as its primary risk management governance organization. The SMOC seeks to maintain an enterprise-wide view of risk. The SMOC oversees the Company’s ERM framework; oversees the risks associated with strategic and business issues critical to the Company, monitoring the Company’s risk profile across the set of identified key risks (see “Risk Identification and Assessment” below); and supports the Risk Management Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (“RMC”). The SMOC, of which the CEO is a member, is chaired by the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, who is the principal management liaison to the RMC.


Risk Management and Controls. The Company has established enterprise-wide policies, procedures and processes to allow it to identify, assess, monitor and manage the Company’s managementvarious risks. Management of risk uses the “three lines of defense” model. The front-line business units, whose activities create inherent risk exposures, represent the “first line of defense.” Front-line business units are responsible for ensuringthese risks are taken and managed within theis an interdepartmental endeavor, with




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guidelines establishedoversight by the Company’s Risk Management (“RM”) group.

RM, along with the Company’s separate compliance program, comprise the “second line of defense” and are management and oversight functions that are primarily responsible for many aspects of the management of risk. RM is generally responsible for the ERM framework, for policies and metrics that dimension the risk tolerances of the Company’s business activities and for measurement and assessment of all key risks and reporting of those risks to the SMOC and the RMC.

compliance personnel. The Company’s Internal Audit forms the “third line of defense” and serves in an independent assurance capacity.  Itfunction, which reports to senior management and the Audit Committee of the Board regarding the effectivenessof Directors, provides independent ongoing assessments of the firstCompany’s management of certain enterprise risks and second lines of defense. Internal Audit is responsible for establishing a comprehensive audit plan that covers all functions and identified material risks of the Company, communication of any material deficienciesreports its findings to the SMOC and the Audit Committee, and determining whether corrective actions fully remediate any noted deficiencies.Committee.


Risk Identification and Assessment. The Company completes an annual key risk identification and assessment process that is focused on identifying and assessing those risks with the potential to have the greatest impact on the Company’s ability to accomplish its strategic goals. These key risks include both risks that are, at least in part, internal to the Company (e.g., mortgage credit risk) and therefore, at least in part, within management’s direct control, as well as risks that are external to the Company (e.g., business risk) and outside of management’s direct control. The results of the identification and assessment are reviewed and approved annually by both the SMOC and the RMC.


Risk Appetite.  The Company has established risk appetite statements for each of its key risks, as well as quantitative or qualitative metrics used as thresholds for dimensioning the risk appetite for each key risk. The resulting risk appetite statements and associated metrics are reviewed and approved annually by the SMOC and the RMC.

Risk Reporting and Communication. RMThe Company's Risk Management department produces various analyses, reports and key risk indicators (“KRIs”) that are reported to the SMOC, the RMC and the Board quarterly.  For our largest risk exposure, mortgage credit risk, these KRIs include risk factors for the Company’s NIW, IIF, quality control and claim activity. activity, and the quarterly reports include performance relative to risk appetites. 


Although the Company has in place the ERM framework discussed above, it may not be effective in identifying, or adequate in controlling or mitigating, the risks we face. For more information, see our Risk Factor titled "If our risk management programs are not effective in identifying, or adequate in controlling or mitigating, the risks we face, or if the models used in our businesses
are inaccurate, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition" in Item 1A.


MORTGAGE CREDIT RISK
We believe that mortgage credit risk is materially affected by:


the condition of the economy, including the direction of change in home prices and employment, in the area in which the property is located;
the borrower’s credit profile, including the borrower’s credit history, DTI ratio and cash reserves, and the willingness of a borrower with sufficient resources to make mortgage payments when the mortgage balance exceeds the value of the home;
the loan product, which encompasses the LTV ratio, the type of loan instrument, including whether the instrument provides for fixed or
variable payments and the amortization schedule, the type of property and the purpose of the loan;
origination practices of lenders and the percentage of coverage on insured loans; and
the size of insured loans.


We believe that, excluding other factors, claim incidence increases:


during periods of economic contraction and home price depreciation, including when these conditions may not be nationwide, compared to periods of economic expansion and home price appreciation;
for loans to borrowers with lower FICO scores compared to loans to borrowers with higher FICO scores;
for loans to borrowers with higher DTI ratios compared to loans to borrowers with lower DTI ratios;
for loans with less than full underwriting documentation compared to loans with full underwriting documentation;
for loans with higher LTV ratios compared to loans with lower LTV ratios;
for ARMs when the reset interest rate significantly exceeds the interest rate at the time of loan origination;
for loans that permit the deferral of principal amortization compared to loans that require principal amortization with each monthly payment;


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for loans in which the original loan amount exceeds the conforming loan limit compared to loans below that limit; and
for cash out refinance loans compared to rate and term refinance loans.


Other types of loan characteristics relating to the individual loan or borrower may also affect the risk potential for a loan. The presence of a number of higher-risk characteristics in a loan materially increases the likelihood of a claim on such a loan unless there are other characteristics to mitigate the risk.


We charge higher premium rates to reflect the increased risk of claim incidence that we perceive is associated with a loan. Not all higher risk characteristics are reflected in our premium rates; however, in the first quarter of 2019 we introduced MiQ™,MiQ, our loan levelrisk-based pricing system that establishes our premium rates based on more risk attributes than were considered in 2018. There can be no assurance that our premium rates adequately reflect the increased risk, particularly in a period of economic


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recession, high unemployment, slowing home price appreciation or home price declines. For additional information, see our risk factors in Item 1A, including the one titled “The premiums we charge may not be adequate to compensate us for our liabilities for losses and as a result any inadequacy could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.”


Underwriting Insurance Applications. Applications for mortgage insurance are submitted to us through both our delegated and non-delegated options. Under the delegated option, applications are submitted to us electronically and we rely upon the lender’s representations and warranties that the data submitted is true, accurate and consistent with the documents in the lender's loan origination file, when making our insurance decision. If the loan data submitted meets the underwriting requirements, a commitment to insure the loan is immediately issued. If the requirements are not met, the loan is reviewed by one of our underwriters. Non-delegated applications are submitted with documents from the lender’s loan origination file. During loan set-up, data is entered from those application documents and electronically evaluated against our
underwriting requirements. An internally generated feedback report guides the mortgage insurance review as a full review of the mortgage documents is performed by one of our underwriters.review. If the loan meets the underwriting requirements, a commitment to insure the loan is issued.


Beginning in 2013, we aligned most of our underwriting requirements with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for loans that receive and are processed in accordance with certain approval recommendations from a GSE automated underwriting system. Our underwriting requirements are available on our website at http://www.mgic.com/underwriting/index.html. Our underwriters are authorized to approve loans that do not meet all of our underwriting requirements provided appropriate offsetting factors can be identified.


EXPOSURE TO CATASTROPHIC LOSSES; DELINQUENCIES; CLAIMS; LOSS MITIGATION
Exposure to Catastrophic Losses. The PMI industry experienced catastrophic losses in the mid-to-late 1980s, similar to the losses we experienced in 2007-2013. For background information about such losses in 2007-2013, refer to “General – Overview of Private Mortgage Insurance Industry and its Operating Environment” above.


Delinquencies. The claim cycle on PMI generally begins with the insurer’s receipt of notification of a delinquency on an insured loan from the loan servicer. We consider a loan to be delinquent when it is two or more payments past due. Most servicers report delinquent loans to us within this two month period. The incidence of delinquency is affected by a variety of factors, including the level of borrower income growth, unemployment, health issues, family status, the level of interest rates, rates of home price appreciation or depreciation and general borrower creditworthiness. Delinquencies that are not cured result in a claim to us. See “– Claims.” Delinquencies may be cured by the borrower bringing current the delinquent loan payments or by a sale of the property and the satisfaction of all amounts due under the mortgage. In addition, when a policy is rescinded or a claim is denied we remove the loan from our delinquency inventory.





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The following table shows the number of insured primary and pool loans in the MGIC Book, the related number of delinquent loans and the percentage of delinquent loans, or delinquency rate, as of December 31, 2014-2018.2015-2019.
Delinquency statistics for the MGIC book
  
December 31,December 31,
2018 2017 2016 2015 20142019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Primary Insurance:  
Insured loans in force1,058,292 1,023,951 998,294 992,188 968,7481,079,578 1,058,292 1,023,951 998,294 992,188
Delinquent loans32,898 46,556 50,282 62,633 79,90130,028 32,898 46,556 50,282 62,633
Delinquency rate – all loans3.1% 4.6% 5.0% 6.3% 8.3%2.8% 3.1% 4.6% 5.0% 6.3%
Defaulted loans in our claims received inventory809 954 1,385 2,769 4,746538 809 954 1,385 2,769
  
Pool Insurance:  
Insured loans in force23,675 31,364 39,071 52,189 62,86920,318 23,675 31,364 39,071 52,189
Delinquent loans859 1,309 1,883 2,739 3,797653 859 1,309 1,883 2,739
Delinquency rate3.6% 4.2% 4.8% 5.3% 6.0%3.2% 3.6% 4.2% 4.8% 5.3%


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Different geographical areas may experience different delinquency rates due to varying localized economic conditions from year to year and the amount of time it takes for foreclosures to be completed for uncured delinquencies. The following table shows the percentage of primary loans we insured that were delinquent as of December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 for the 15 jurisdictions for which we paid the most claims during 2018.2019.
Jurisdiction delinquency rates
          
December 31,December 31,
2018 2017 20162019 2018 2017
Florida*3.4% 3.9% 9.5%
New York*5.3
 6.1
 8.0
New Jersey*4.6% 7.3% 11.3%3.9
 4.6
 7.3
New York*6.1
 8.0
 10.5
Florida*3.9
 9.5
 6.6
Illinois*3.3
 4.1
 5.5
3.2
 3.3
 4.1
Puerto Rico*8.2
 10.3
 24.2
Maryland4.1
 5.4
 7.4
3.6
 4.1
 5.4
Pennsylvania*3.2
 4.2
 5.3
2.8
 3.2
 4.2
Ohio*2.3
 2.6
 3.2
Connecticut*3.6
 3.5
 4.4
California2.2
 2.6
 3.1
2.1
 2.2
 2.6
Puerto Rico*10.3
 24.2
 10.7
Ohio*2.6
 3.2
 4.2
Massachusetts3.2
 4.1
 6.1
Connecticut*3.5
 4.4
 5.6
Texas3.3
 3.6
 6.0
Michigan2.0
 2.3
 2.9
Virginia2.1
 2.8
 3.8
1.9
 2.1
 2.8
Georgia3.4
 4.5
 5.5
3.1
 3.4
 4.5
Texas3.6
 6.0
 4.8
Michigan2.3
 2.9
 3.4
Wisconsin1.9
 2.0
 2.5
All other jurisdictions2.6
 3.3
 4.2
2.4
 2.7
 3.4
Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominantly use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time for a foreclosure to be completed.


We believe the increase in delinquency rates from 2016 to 2017 in Florida, Puerto Rico and Texas reflect the impact of the 2017 hurricanes experienced in those areas. Based on our analysis and past experience, we do not expect the 2017 hurricane activity to result in a material increase in our incurred losses or paid claims.
The primary delinquency inventory in those same jurisdictions as of December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 appears in a table found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Consolidated Results of Operations – Losses and expenses – Loss Reserves,” in Item 7.


Claims. Claims result from delinquencies that are not cured or a short sale that we approve. Whether a claim results from an uncured delinquency depends, in large part, on the borrower’s equity in the home at the time of delinquency, the borrower’s or the lender’s ability to sell the home for an amount sufficient to satisfy all amounts due under the mortgage and the willingness and ability of the borrower and lender to enter into a loan modification that provides for a cure of the delinquency. Various factors affect the frequency and amount of claims, including local home prices and employment levels, and interest rates. If a delinquency goes to claim, any premium collected from the time of delinquency to the time of claim payment is returned to the servicer along with the claim payment.


Under the terms of our master policy, the lender is required to file a claim for primary insurance with us within 60 days after it has acquired title to the underlying property (typically through foreclosure). For the past several years, the average time it took to receive a claim associated with a delinquency increased significantly from our historical experience of approximately twelve months,months. This was, in part, due to new loss mitigation protocols established by servicers and to changes in some state foreclosure laws that may include,have included, for example, a requirement for additional review and/or mediation processes. Recently,In recent quarters, the average time


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for servicers are using to process foreclosures has decreased, which has reducedresulting in a decrease in the average time to receive a claimclaims associated with new delinquent noticesdelinquencies that do not cure. All else being equal, the longer the period between delinquency and claim filing, the greater the size of the claim, or “severity.” It is difficult to estimate how long it may take for current and future delinquencies that do not cure to develop into paid claims.


The majority of loans we insured from 2005 through 2008 (which represent 54% of the loans in the delinquency inventory) are covered by master policy terms that, except under certain circumstances, do not limit the number of years of accumulated interest that an insured may include in a claim. Under our current master policy terms, an insured can include accumulated interest only for the first three years the loan is delinquent.

Within 60 days after a claim has been filed and all documents required to be submitted to us have been delivered, we generally have the option ofto either (1) payingpay the coverage percentage specified for thatthe insured loan, with the insured retaining title to the underlying property and receiving all proceeds from the eventual sale of the property (we have elected this option for the vast majority of claim payments in the recent past), or (2) payingpay 100% of the claim amount in exchange for the lender’s conveyance to us of good and marketable title to the property. After we receive title to a property, we sell it for our own account. If we fail to pay a claim timely, we would beare subject to additional interest expense.


Claim activity is not evenly spread throughout the coverage period of a book of primary business. Relatively few claims are typically received during the first two years following issuance of coverage on a loan. This isThe highest level of claim activity has typically followed by a period of rising claims which, based on industry experience, has historically reached its highest leveloccurred in the third and fourth years after the year of loan origination. Thereafter, the number of claims typically received has historicallytypically declined at a gradual rate, although the rate of decline can be affected by conditions in the economy, including slowing home price appreciation or home price depreciation. Moreover, when a loan is refinanced, because the new loan replaces, and is a continuation of, an earlier loan, the pattern of claims frequency for that new loan may be different from the historicaltypical pattern for other loans. Persistency, the condition of the economy,


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including unemployment, and other factors can affect the pattern of claim activity. For example, a weak economy can lead to claims from older books of business increasing, continuing at stable levels or experiencing a lower rate of decline. As of December 31, 2018, 59%2019, 58% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2016, 70% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2015, 70%and 79% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2014, and 76% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2013.2014. See “Our Products and Services – Mortgage Insurance – Primary Insurance In Force and Risk In Force by Policy Year” above.


Another important factor affecting MGIC Book losses is the amount of the average claim size, which is generally referred to as claim severity. The main determinants of claim severity are the amount of the mortgage loan, the coverage percentage on the loan, loss mitigation efforts and local market conditions. For information about our primary average claim paid, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Consolidated Results of Operations – Net Losses and LAE Paid,” in Item 7.

Net losses paid and primary losses paid for the top 15 jurisdictions and all other jurisdictions for 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 appear in tables found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Consolidated Results of Operations – Losses and expenses – Net Losses and LAE Paid,” in Item 7.


Loss Mitigation.
Before paying a claim, we review the loan and servicing files to determine the appropriateness of the claim amount. Our insurance policies generally provide that we can reduce or deny a claim if the servicer did not comply with its obligations under our insurance policy, including the requirement to mitigate our loss by performing reasonable loss mitigation efforts or, for example, diligently pursuing a foreclosure or bankruptcy relief in a timely manner. We call such reduction of claims submitted to us “curtailments.” In each of 20182019 and 2017,2018, curtailments reduced our average claim paid by approximately 5.8%5.0% and 5.6%5.8%, respectively.


When reviewing the loan file associated with a claim, we may determine that we have the right to rescind coverage on the loan. In our SEC reports, we refer to insurance rescissions and denials of claims as “rescissions” and variations of this term. The circumstances in which we are entitled to rescind coverage narrowed under more restrictive policy terms beginning in 2012. As a result of December 31, 2018, approximately 82% of our IIF was written under the more restrictive terms. We expect a new version ofrevised PMIERs requirements, we have revised our master policy containing more restrictive termsand expect it to be effective for businessnew insurance written beginning in the third or fourth quarter of 2019. For more information, see our Risk Factor titled "The mix of businessMarch 1, 2020. Our ability to rescind insurance coverage will become further limited for insurance we write affects our Minimum Required Assets under the PMIERs,new master policy, potentially resulting in higher losses than would be the case under our premium yields and the likelihood of losses occurring" in Item 1A.existing master policies. In recent quarters, an immaterial percentage of claims
received in a quarter have been resolved by rescissions. We do not expect future rescissions will be a significant portion of the claims we resolve over the next few years.


Our loss reserving methodology incorporates our estimates of future rescissions, curtailments, and reversals of rescissions and curtailments. When we rescind coverage, we return all premiums previously paid to us under the policy and are relieved of our obligation to pay a claim under the policy. A variance between ultimate actual rescission, curtailment or reversal rates and our estimates, as a result of the outcome of litigation, settlements or other factors, could materially affect our losses.


When the insured disputes our right to rescind coverage or curtail a claim, we generally engage in discussions in an attempt to settle the dispute. If we are unable to reach a settlement, the outcome of a dispute ultimately may be determined by legal proceedings. Under ASC 450-20, until a liability associated with settlement discussions or legal proceedings becomes probable and


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can be reasonably estimated, we consider our claim payment or rescission resolved for financial reporting purposes and do not accrue an estimated loss. WhereWhen we have determineddetermine that a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we have recordedrecord our best estimate of our probable loss.


In addition to matters for which we have recorded a probable loss, weWe are currently involved in other discussions and/or proceedings with insureds with respect to our claims paying practices. Although it is reasonably possible that when these matters are resolved we will not prevail in all cases, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate or range of estimates of the potential liability. We estimate the maximum exposure associated with matters where a loss is reasonably possible to be approximately $279 million, although we believe (but can give no assurance that) we will ultimately resolve these matters for significantly less than this amount.$46 million. This estimate of our maximum exposure is based upon currently available information; is subject to significant judgment, numerous assumptions and known and unknown uncertainties; will include an amount for matters for which we have recorded a probable loss until such matters are concluded; will include different matters from time to time; and does not include interest or consequential or exemplary damages.


Although loan modification programs continued to mitigate our losses in 2018,2019, their impact has decreased significantly from the impact we experienced in 2008-2012.


LOSS RESERVES
A significant period of time typically elapses between the time when a borrower becomes delinquent on a mortgage payment, which is the event triggering a potential future claim payment by us, the reporting of the delinquency to us, the acquisition of the property by the lender (typically through foreclosure) or the sale of the property with our approval, and the eventual


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payment of the claim related to the uncured delinquency or a rescission. To recognize the estimated liability for losses related to outstanding reported delinquencies, or delinquency inventory, we establish loss reserves.  Loss reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our delinquency inventory that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity. Our loss reserve estimates are established based upon historical experience, including rescission and curtailment activity. In accordance with GAAP for the mortgage insurance industry, we generally do not establish losscase reserves for future claims on insured loans that are not currently delinquent.


We also establish reserves to provide for the estimated costs of settling claims, general expenses of administering the claims settlement process, legal fees and other fees (“loss adjustment expenses”), and for losses and loss adjustment expenses from delinquencies that have occurred, but which have not yet been reported to us.us (IBNR).


Our reserving process bases our estimates of future events on our past experience. However, estimation of loss reserves is inherently judgmental and conditions that have affected the development of the loss reserves in the past may not necessarily affect development patterns in the future, in either a similar manner or to a similar degree. For further information, see our risk factors in Item 1A, including the ones titled “Because we establish loss reserves only upon a loan delinquency rather than based on estimates of our ultimate losses on risk in force, losses may have a disproportionate adverse effect on our earnings in certain periods,” and “Because loss reserve estimates are subject to uncertainties, paid claims may be substantially different than our loss reserves.”


Our losses incurred from our RIF have declined in recent2019, 2018 and 2017 were $118.6 million, $36.6 million and $53.7 million, respectively, compared to $240.2 million and $343.5 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our losses incurred for the last three years were below the levels in 2016 and 2015, in part due to the improving economy, the run-off of the insurance policies we wrote before the financial crisis and the credit quality of insurance policies written since the financial crisis. These factors resulted in fewer delinquent loans, as well as an improved cure rate on delinquent loans. Our losses incurred were $36.6 million in 2018, compared to $53.7 million in 2017 and $240.2 million in 2016. For information about the decrease in losses incurred from 20162017 to 2018,2019, including the amounts of losses incurred that are associated with delinquency notices received in the reporting year compared to losses incurred associated with delinquency notices received in prior years, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Consolidated Results of Operations – Losses and expenses – Losses incurred, net,” in Item 7.


C. Investment Portfolio
POLICY AND STRATEGY
At December 31, 2018,2019, the fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $5.2$5.8 billion. In addition, at December 31, 2018,2019, our total assets included approximately $152$162 million of cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2018,2019, approximately $248$325 million of investments and cash and cash equivalents was held by our parent company, and the remainder was held by our subsidiaries, primarily MGIC.


As of December 31, 2018,2019, approximately 77%79% of our investment portfolio (excluding cash and cash equivalents) was managed by Wellington Management Company, LLP, although we maintain overall control of investment policy and strategy. We maintain direct management of the remainder of our investment portfolio. Unless otherwise indicated, the remainder of the discussion regarding our investment portfolio refers to our investment portfolio only and not to cash and cash equivalents.


The investment policy of our operating companies (primarily MGIC) emphasizes preservation of PMIERs assets, limiting portfolio volatility and maximizing total return with an emphasis on yield (subject to the other objectives). Our holding company investment policy emphasizes providing liquidity with minimal realized losses through holding high credit quality, low volatility


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assets. Consequently, our investment portfolio consists almost entirely of high-quality, investment grade, fixed income securities. Our investment portfolio strategy considers tax efficiency. The mix of tax-exempt municipal securities in our investment portfolio will be dependent upon their value, relative to taxable equivalent securities, determined in part by federal statutory tax rates. Our investment policies and strategies are subject to change depending upon regulatory, economic and market conditions and our existing or anticipated financial condition and operating requirements.


Our investment policies in effect at December 31, 20182019 limit investments in the securities of a single issuer, other than the U.S. government, and generally limit the purchase of fixed income securities to those that are rated investment grade by at least one rating agency. They also limit the amount of investment in foreign governments and foreign domiciled securities and in any individual foreign country. In addition, the guidelines require maintenance ofthe portfolio to carry a weighted average credit quality of at least an "A" rating.



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The aggregate market value of the holdings of a single obligor, or type of investment, as applicable, is limited to:
U.S. government and GNMA securities No limit
Pre-refunded municipals escrowed in Treasury securities No limit
Individual U.S. government agencies(1)
 10% of portfolio market value
Individual securities rated “AAA” or “AA” (2)
 3% of portfolio market value
Individual securities rated “BBB” or “A” (2)
 2% of portfolio market value
Foreign governments & foreign domiciled securities (in total) (3)
 20%25% of portfolio market value
(1) 
As used with respect to our investment portfolio, U.S. government agencies include all GSEs and Federal Home Loan Banks.
(2) 
For the holding company, individual securities with a rating of "AA" or "AAA" may represent a maximum 10% of the portfolio market value and individual securities with a rating of "BBB" or "A" may represent a maximum 5%.
(3)
For the holding company, there is no maximum aggregate limit for foreign government or foreign domiciled securities.


For information about the credit ratings of securities in our investment portfolio, see "Balance Sheet Review" in Item 7.


Investment Operations
At December 31, 2018,2019, the sectors ofrepresented in our investment portfolio were as shown in the table below:
Investment portfolio - sectors 
  
 Percentage of Portfolio’s Fair Value
1.  Corporate47%48%
2.  Tax-Exempt Municipals2219
3.  Asset-Backed1415
4.  Taxable Municipals119
5.  U.S. government and agency debt34
6. GNMA and other agency mortgage-backed securities35
 100%


We had no derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. Securities with stated maturities due within up to one year, after one year and up to five years, after five years and up to ten years, and after ten years, represented 9%7%, 32%34%, 19% and 23%20%, respectively, of the total fair value of our investment in fixed income debt securities. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are not included in these maturity categories as the expected maturities may be different from the stated maturities depending onupon the periodic payments during the life of the security. Asset-backed
securities represent 14%15% of the investment portfolio (CLOs represent 6%, CMBS represent 5% and other asset-backed securities securities represent 3%4%). GNMA and other agency mortgage-backed securities represent 3%5% of the investment portfolio. Our pre-tax yield was 3.1%, 3.1% and 2.7% for 2019, 2018, and 2.6% for 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, and our after-tax yield was 2.6%2.5%, 2.6% and 2.0% for 2019, 2018, and 1.9% for 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.


Our ten largest holdings at December 31, 20182019 appear in the table below:
Investment portfolio - top ten largest holdings
  
 
Fair Value
(In thousands)
1.  New York St Dorm Auth Rev$57,035
2.  Goldman Sachs Group51,400
3.  JP Morgan Chase38,678
4.  Wells Fargo and Company36,698
5.  Chicago Ill Tran Auth and O Hare Apt35,894
6.  Pennsylvania St Turnpike Comm35,033
7.  Citigroup Inc33,212
8.  New York City NY Transitional32,113
9.  Metropolitan Trans Auth NY31,459
10. Bank of America Corp31,438
 $382,960
Investment portfolio - ten largest holdings
  
 
Fair Value
(In thousands)
1. New York St Dorm Auth Rev$59,610
2. Goldman Sachs Group55,773
3. JP Morgan Chase44,743
4. Bank of America Corp44,404
5. AT&T Inc40,491
6. Citibank NA/Citigroup39,882
7. Morgan Stanley37,940
8. Chicago Airport Rev37,554
9. Pennsylvania St Turnpike Comm36,845
10. Wells Fargo and Company35,878
 $433,120




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Note: This table excludes securities issued by the U.S. government or U.S. government agencies.


For further information concerning investment operations, see Note 5 – “Investments,” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.


D. Regulation
Direct Regulation
We are subject to comprehensive, detailed regulation by state insurance departments. These regulations are principally designed for the protection of our insured policyholders, rather than for the benefit of investors. Although their scope varies, state insurance laws generally grant broad supervisory powers to agencies or officials to examine insurance companies and enforce rules or exercise discretion affecting almost every significant aspect of the insurance business.


In general, regulation of our subsidiaries’ businesses relates to:
licenses to transact businesses;
policy forms;
premium rates;rates and discrimination in pricing;
insurable loans;
annual and other reports on financial condition;


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the basis upon which assets and liabilities must be stated;
requirements regarding contingency reserves equal to 50% of premiums earned;
minimum capital levels and adequacy ratios;
reinsurance requirements;
limitations on the types of investment instruments which may be held in an investment portfolio;
privacy;
deposits of securities;
transactions among affiliates;
cybersecurity
limits on dividends payable;
suitability of officers and directors; and
claims handling.


Wisconsin has adopted the Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment Act, which requires, among other things, that we:
no less than annually, conduct an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment ("ORSA") to assess the material risks associated with our business and our current and estimated projected future solvency position;
maintain a risk management framework to assess, monitor, manage and report on material risks;
provide a confidential high-level ORSA Summary Report annually to the OCI; and
Provide an Enterprise Risk Management Report annually to the OCI.


The insurance laws of 16 jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, our domiciliary state, require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to the RIF (or a similar measure) in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write new business. We refer to these requirements as the “State Capital Requirements.” While they vary among jurisdictions, currently the most common State Capital Requirements allow for a maximum risk-to-capital ratio of 25 to 1. Wisconsin does not regulate capital by using a risk-to-capital measure but instead requires a minimum policyholder position. The “policyholder position” of a mortgage insurer is its net worth or surplus, contingency reserve and a portion of the reserves for unearned premiums.


At December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s risk-to-capital ratio was 9.09.7 to 1, below the maximum allowed by the jurisdictions with State Capital Requirements, and its policyholder position was $2.6$3.0 billion above the required MPP of $1.3$1.7 billion.


The NAIC has previously announced plans to revise the minimum capital and surplus requirements for mortgage insurers that are provided for in its Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act. AIn December 2019, a working group of state regulators has been considering since 2016released an exposure draft of a revised Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act and a risk-based capital framework to establish capital requirements for mortgage insurers, although no date has been established by which the NAIC must propose revisions to the capital requirements. See our risk factors “We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease as we are required to maintain significantly more capital in order to maintain our eligibility” and “State Capital requirements may prevent us from continuing to write new insurance on an uninterrupted basis” in Item 1A, for information about regulations governing our capital adequacy and our expectations regarding our future capital position. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Adequacy" in Item 7 for information about our current capital position.


Most states also regulate transactions between insurance companies and their parents or affiliates and have restrictions on transactions that have the effect of inducing lenders to place business with the insurer. For a description of limits on dividends payable to us from MGIC, see Note 14 – “Statutory Information,” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.




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Mortgage insurance premium rates are also subject to state regulation to protect policyholders against the adverse effects of excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory rates and to encourage competition in the insurance marketplace. Any increase in premium rates must be justified, generally on the basis of the insurer’s loss experience, expenses and future trend analysis. The general mortgage default experience may also be considered. Premium rates are subject to review and challenge by state regulators.


We are required to establish statutory accounting contingency loss reserves in an amount equal to 50% of net earned premiums. These amounts cannot be withdrawn for a period of 10 years, except as permitted by insurance regulations. With regulatory approval a mortgage guaranty insurance company may make early withdrawals from the contingency reserve when incurred losses exceed 35% of net premiums earned in a calendar year. For further information, see Note 14 – “Statutory Information,” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.


Mortgage insurers are generally single-line companies, restricted to writing residential mortgage insurance business only. Although we, as an insurance holding company, are prohibited from engaging in certain transactions with MGIC or our other insurance subsidiaries without submission to and, in some instances, prior approval by applicable insurance


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departments, we are not subject to insurance company regulation on our non-insurance businesses.


Wisconsin’s insurance regulations generally provide that no person may acquire control of us unless the transaction in which control is acquired has been approved by the OCI. The regulations provide for a rebuttable presumption of control when a person owns or has the right to vote more than 10% of the voting securities. In addition, the insurance regulations of other states in which MGIC is licensed require notification to the state’s insurance department a specified time before a person acquires control of us. If regulators in these states disapprove the change of control, our licenses to conduct business in the disapproving states could be terminated. For further information about regulatory proceedings applicable to us and our industry, see “We are involved in legal proceedings and aresubject to the risk of additional legal proceedings in the future” in Item 1A.


The CFPB was established by the Dodd-Frank Act to regulate the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under federal law. The CFPB’s rules implementing laws that require mortgage lenders to make ability-to-pay determinations prior to extending credit affect the characteristics of loans being originated and the volume of loans available to be insured. We are uncertain whether the CFPB will issue any other rules or regulations that affect our business.
Such rules and regulations could have a material adverse effect on us.


As the most significant purchasers and sellers of conventional mortgage loans and beneficiaries of private mortgage insurance, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae impose financial and other requirements on private mortgage insurers in order for them to be eligible to insure loans sold to the GSEs (these requirements are referred to as the "PMIERs", as discussed above). These requirements are subject to change from time to time. Based on our interpretation of the financial requirements of the PMIERs, as of December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s Available Assets totaled $4.8$4.6 billion, or $1.4$1.2 billion in excess of its Minimum Required Assets. MGIC is in compliance with the requirements of the PMIERs and eligible to insure loans purchased by the GSEs. If MGIC ceases to be eligible to insure loans purchased by one or both of the GSEs, it would significantly reduce the volume of our new business writings. For information about matters that could negatively affect our compliance with the PMIERs, see our risk factor titled “We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease as we are required to maintain significantly more capital in order to maintain our eligibility” in Item 1A.

Revised PMIERs were published in September 2018 and will become effective March 31, 2019. If the revised PMIERs had been effective as of December 31, 2018, we estimate that MGIC’s pro forma excess of Available Assets over Minimum Required Assets would have been approximately $1 billion. The decrease in the pro forma excess from the reported excess of $1.4 billion is primarily due to the elimination of any credit for future premiums that had previously been allowed for certain insurance policies.


The FHFA ishas been the conservator of the GSEs since 2008 and has the authority to control and direct their operations. The increased role that the federal
government has assumed in the residential mortgage market through the GSE conservatorship may increase the likelihood that the business practices of the GSEs change, including through administrative action, in ways that have a material adverse effect on us and that the charters of GSEs are changed by new federal legislation. In September 2019, at the past, membersdirection of Congress introduced several billsPresident Trump, the U.S. Treasury Department ("Treasury") released the “Treasury Housing Reform Plan” (the "Plan"). The Plan recommends administrative and legislative reforms for the housing finance system, with such reforms intended to scale backachieve the goals of ending the conservatorships of the GSEs; however, no legislation has been enacted. The Administration issued a June 2018 report indicating thatincreasing competition and participation by the conservatorshipprivate sector in the mortgage market including by authorizing the FHFA to approve additional guarantors of conventional mortgages in the secondary market, simplifying the qualified mortgage ("QM") rule of the CFPB, transferring risk to the private sector, and eliminating the GSE Patch (which expands the definition of QM under the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) ("TILA") to include mortgages eligible to be purchased by the GSEs, even if the mortgages do not meet the DTI ratio limit of 43% included in the standard QM definition); establishing regulation of the GSEs should endthat safeguards their safety and soundness and minimizes the risks they pose to the financial stability of the United States; and providing that the GSEs should transitionfederal government is properly compensated for any explicit or implicit support it provides to fully private entities, competing on a level playing field with private issuers of mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") (such issuers, collectively with the GSEs referredor the secondary housing finance market. Also in September 2019, the Treasury and FHFA entered into a letter agreement that will allow the GSEs to inremit less of their earnings to the report as the "guarantors"). government, which will help them rebuild their capital.

The report further indicated that a federal entity should regulate the guarantors, including their capital adequacy, and that guarantors should have access to an explicit federal guarantee on the MBS that is exposed only after substantial losses


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are incurred by the private market, including the guarantors. It is unclear whether and when that would occur and how that would impact us. As a result of the matters referred to above, it is uncertain what role the GSEs, FHA and private capital, includingPlan on private mortgage insurance will playis unclear. It does not refer to mortgage insurance explicitly; however, it refers to a requirement for credit enhancement on high LTV loans, which is a requirement of the current GSE charters. The Plan also indicates that the FHFA should continue to support efforts to expand credit risk transfer ("CRT") programs and should encourage the GSEs to continue to engage in a diverse mix of economically sensible CRT programs, including by increasing reliance on institution-level capital (presumably, as distinguished from capital obtained in the domestic residential housing finance system in the future or the impact of any such changes on our business. In addition, the timing of the impact of any resulting changes on our business is uncertain. Most meaningful changes would require Congressional action to implement and it is difficult to estimate when Congressional action would be final and how long any associated phase-in period may last.capital markets). For additionalmore information about the potential impact that any such changes in the GSE’s roles may have on us,CRT programs, see theour risk factor titled “Changes"The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance" in the business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses” in Item 1A.1A.

In December 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Federal Insurance Office released a report that calls for federal standards and oversight for mortgage insurers to be developed and implemented. It is uncertain if and when the standards and oversight will become effective and what form they will take.


Indirect Regulation
We are also indirectly, but significantly, impacted by regulations affecting purchasers of mortgage loans, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and regulations affecting governmental insurers, such as the FHA and the VA, and lenders. See our risk factor titled “Changes in the business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses”


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in Item 1A for a discussion of how potential changes in the GSEs’ business practices could affect us. Private mortgage insurers, including MGIC, are highly dependent upon federal housing legislation and other laws and regulations to the extent they affect the demand for private mortgage insurance and the housing market generally. From time to time, those laws and regulations have been amended in ways that affect competition from government agencies. Proposals are discussed from time to time by Congress and certain federal agencies to reform or modify the FHA and the Government National Mortgage Association, which securitizes mortgages insured by the FHA.


Subject to certain exceptions, in general, RESPA prohibits any person from giving or receiving any “thing of value” pursuant to an agreement or understanding to refer settlement services.


The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have uniform guidelines on real estate lending by insured lending institutions under their
supervision. The guidelines specify that a residential mortgage loan originated with a loan-to-value ratio of 90% or greater should have appropriate credit enhancement in the form of mortgage insurance or readily marketable collateral, although no depth of coverage percentage is specified in the guidelines.


Lenders are subject to various laws, including the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and the Fair Housing Act, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are subject to various laws, including laws relating to government sponsored enterprises, which may impose obligations or create incentives for increased lending to low and moderate income persons, or in targeted areas.


There can be no assurance that other federal laws and regulations affecting these institutions and entities will not change, or that new legislation or regulations will not be adopted which will adversely affect the private mortgage insurance industry. In this regard, see the risk factor titled “Changes in the business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses” in Item 1A.


E. Employees
At December 31, 2018,2019, we had 793724 full- and part-time employees, approximately 34% of whom were assigned to our field offices. The number of employees given above does not include “on-call” employees. The number of “on-call” employees can vary substantially, primarily as a result of changes in demand for contract underwriting services. In recent years, the number of “on-call”
“on-call” employees has ranged from fewer than 40 to more than 110.


F. Website Access
We make available, free of charge, through our Internet website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of our website is http://mtg.mgic.com, and such reports and amendments are accessible through the “Reports & Filings” link at such address. The inclusion of our website address in this report is an inactive textual reference only and is not intended to include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this report.




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Item 1A. Risk Factors
As used below, “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MGIC Investment Corporation’s consolidated operations or to MGIC Investment Corporation, as the context requires; and “MGIC” refers to Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation.


Our actual results could be affected by the risk factors below. These risk factors are an integral part of this annual report. These risk factors may also cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by forward looking statements that we may make. Forward looking statements consist of statements which relate to matters other than historical fact, including matters that inherently refer to future events. Among others, statements that include words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “will” or “expect,” or words of similar import, are forward looking statements. We are not undertaking any obligation to update any forward looking statements or other statements we may make even though these statements may be affected by events or circumstances occurring after the forward looking statements or other statements were made. No reader of this annual report should rely on these statements being current at any time other than the time at which this annual report was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Competition or changes in our relationships with our customers could reduce our revenues, reduce our premium yields and / or increase our losses.
Our private mortgage insurance competitors include:
Arch Mortgage Insurance Company,
Essent Guaranty, Inc.,
Genworth Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
National Mortgage Insurance Corporation, and
Radian Guaranty Inc.
The private mortgage insurance industry is highly competitive and is expected to remain so. We believe that we currently compete with other private mortgage insurers based on premium rates, underwriting requirements, financial strength (including based on credit or financial strength ratings), customer relationships, name recognition, reputation, the strength of our management teamteams and field organization,organizations, the ancillary products and services provided to lenders and the effective use of technology and innovation in the delivery and servicing of our mortgage insurance products.


Our relationships with our customers, which may affect the amount of our NIW, could be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including if our premium rates are higher than those of our competitors, our underwriting requirements are more restrictive than those of our competitors, or our customers are dissatisfied with our claims-paying practices (including insurance policy rescissions and claim curtailments).

Much of the competition in the industry in the last few years has centered on pricing practices which have included: (i) reductions in standard filed rates for borrower-paid mortgage insurance policies ("BPMI");rates; (ii) use by competitorsof customized rate plans (typically lower than standard rates) that are made available to lenders that meet certain criteria; and (iii) use of a spectrum of filed rates to allow for formulaic, risk-based pricing that may be
quickly adjusted more frequently within certain parameters (referred to as "loan level"risk-based pricing systems"); and (iii). We expect premium rates to continue to decline. While our increased use of reinsurance over the past several years has helped to mitigate the negative effect of declining premium rates on our returns, refer to our risk factor titled "Reinsurance may not always be available or affordable" for a discussion of the risks associated with the availability of reinsurance.
In 2019, we introduced MiQ, our risk-based pricing system that establishes our premium rates based on more risk attributes than were considered in 2018. The widespread use of risk-based pricing systems by the private mortgage insurance industry makes it more difficult to compare our rates to those offered by our competitors. We may not be aware of industry rate changes until we observe that our volume of new insurance written ("NIW") has changed. In addition, business under customized rates (discounted from standard rates) that are made available to lenders that meetrate plans is awarded by certain criteria.customers for only limited periods of time. As a result, our NIW may fluctuate more than it had in the past. Regarding the concentration of our new business, our top ten customers accounted for approximately 24% of our NIW, in each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.
We monitor various competitive and economic factors while seeking to balance both profitability and market share considerations in developing our pricing strategies. We reduced certain ofA reduction in our premium rates in 2018, which will reduce our premium yield (net premiums earned divided by the average insurance in force) over time as older insurance policies with higher premium rates run off and new insurance policies with lower premium rates are written.
In 2018, we continued to evolve our pricing from a standard rate card approach, where Our premium rates vary based on relatively few attributes,are subject to a more granular approach, where more attributes are considered. Inapproval by state regulatory agencies, which can delay or limit our ability to change them, outside of the first quarter of 2019, we introduced MiQ™, our loan level pricing system that establishes our premium rates based on more risk attributes than were considered in 2018. The widespread use of loan level pricing systems by the private mortgage industry will make it more difficult to compare our rates to those offered by our competitors. We may not be aware of industry changes until we observe that our volume of new insurance written ("NIW") has changed and our volume may fluctuate more as a result.parameters already approved.
There can be no assurance that our premium rates adequately reflect the risk associated with the underlying mortgage insurance policies. For additional information, see our risk factors titled “The premiums we charge may not be adequate to compensate us for our liabilities for losses and as a result any inadequacy could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations"operations" and "If"If our risk management programs are not effective in identifying, or adequate in controlling or mitigating, the risks we face, or if the models used in our businesses are inaccurate, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition."
Our relationships with our customers, which may affect the amount of our new business written, could be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including if our premium rates are higher than those of our competitors, our underwriting requirements result in our declining to insure some of the loans originated by our customers, or our insurance policy rescissions and claim curtailments affect the customer. Regarding the concentration of our


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new business, our largest customer accounted for approximately 4% and 5% of our NIW in each of 2017 and 2018, respectively, and our top ten customers accounted for approximately 23% and 24% of our NIW, in each of 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Certain of our competitors have access to capital at a lower cost than we do (including, through off-shore reinsurance vehicles, which are tax-advantaged). As a result, they may be able to achieve higher after-tax rates of return on their NIW compared to us, which could allow


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them to leverage reduced premium rates to gain market share, and they may be better positioned to compete outside of traditional mortgage insurance, including by participating in alternative forms of credit enhancement pursued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the "GSEs") discussed in our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance."
Substantially all of our insurance written since 2008 has been for loans purchased by the GSEs. The current private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements ("PMIERs") of each of the GSEs require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of assets to support its insured risk, as discussed in our risk factor titled “We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease asif we are required to maintain more capital in order to maintain our eligibility.” The PMIERs do not require an insurer to maintain minimum financial strength ratings; however, our financial strength ratings can affect us in the following ways:
A downgrade in our financial strength ratings could result in increased scrutiny of our financial condition by the GSEs and/or our customers, potentially resulting in a decrease in the amount of our new insurance written.NIW.
Our ability to participate in the non-GSE mortgage market (which(the size of which has been limited since 2008, but may grow in the future), could depend on our ability to maintain and improve our investment grade ratings for our mortgage insurance subsidiaries. We could be competitively disadvantaged with some market participants because the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries are lower than those of some competitors. MGIC's financial strength rating from Moody’sA.M. Best is Baa2A- (with a stable outlook), from Moody’s is Baa1 (with a stable outlook) and from Standard & Poor’s is BBB+ (with a stable outlook) and from A.M. Best is A- (with a stable outlook).
Financial strength ratings may also play a greater role if the GSEs no longer operate in their current capacities, for example, due to legislative or regulatory action. In addition, although the PMIERs do not require minimum financial strength ratings,
the GSEs consider financial strength ratings to be important when using forms of credit enhancement other than traditional mortgage insurance, as discussed in our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance."
Financial strength ratings may also play a greater role if the GSEs no longer operate in their current capacities, for example, due to legislative or regulatory action. In addition, although the PMIERs do not require minimum financial strength ratings, the GSEs consider financial strength ratings to be important when using forms of credit enhancement other than traditional mortgage insurance, as discussed in our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance."
If we are unable to compete effectively in the current or any future markets as a result of the financial strength ratings assigned to our insurance subsidiaries, our future new insurance written could be negatively affected.
The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance.
Alternatives to private mortgage insurance include:
lenders using FHA, VA and other government mortgage insurance programs,
investors using risk mitigation and credit risk transfer techniques other than private mortgage insurance,
lenders and other investors holding mortgages in portfolio and self-insuring,
lenders using Federal Housing Administration ("FHA"), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA") and other government mortgage insurance programs, and
lenders originating mortgages using piggyback structures to avoid private mortgage insurance, such as a first mortgage with an 80% loan-to-value ("LTV") ratio and a second mortgage with a 10%, 15% or 20% loan-to-valueLTV ratio (referred to as 80-10-10, 80-15-5 or 80-20 loans, respectively) rather than a first mortgage with a 90%, 95% or 100% loan-to-valueLTV ratio that has private mortgage insurance.
The GSEs’ charters generally require credit enhancement for a low down payment mortgage loan (a loan with an amount that exceeds 80% of a home’s value) in order for such loan to be eligible for purchase by the GSEs. Private mortgage insurance has generally been purchased by lenders in primary mortgage market transactions to satisfy this credit enhancement requirement. In 2018, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae initiated secondary mortgage market programs with loan level mortgage default coverage provided by various (re)insurers that are not mortgage insurers governed by PMIERs, and that are not selected by the lenders. DueThese programs compete with traditional private mortgage insurance and, due to differences in policy terms, these programsthey may offer premium rates that are generally below prevalent single premium lender paid mortgage insurance ("LPMI") rates. While we viewWe participate in these programs as competing with traditional private mortgage insurance, we have participatedfrom time to time. See our risk factor titled “Changes in them andthe business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses” for a discussion of various business practices of the GSEs that may participate in future GSEbe changed, including through expansion or othermodification of these programs.
The GSEs (and other investors) have also used other forms of credit enhancement that did not involve traditional private mortgage insurance, such as engaging in credit-linked note transactions executed in the capital markets, or using other forms of debt issuances or securitizations that transfer credit risk directly to other investors, including competitors and an affiliate of MGIC; using other risk mitigation techniques in conjunction with reduced levels of private mortgage insurance




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coverage; or accepting credit risk without credit enhancement.
The GSEs' charters also permit the use of "Lender Risk Sharing" transactions as a form of credit enhancement. In these transactions, the lender may issue securities to transfer all or a portion of its risk or the lender may retain the credit risk. While the use of Lender Risk Sharing transactions has recently been increasing, we are not aware that their use has displaced private mortgage insurance. The amount of business we write would be adversely affected if Lender Risk Sharing transactions are structured in a manner that displaces private mortgage insurance.
The FHA's share of the low down payment residential mortgages that were subject to FHA, VA, USDA or primary private mortgage insurance was 29.9%28.2% in 2019, 30.5% in 2018 and 33.9% in 2017 and 34.2% in 2016 (these figures exclude FHA's home equity conversion mortgages, or HECMs).2017. In the past ten years, the FHA’s share has been as low as 29.9%28.2% in 20182019 and as high as 66.8%64.5% in 2009.2010. Factors that influence the FHA’s market share include relative rates and fees, underwriting guidelines and loan limits of the FHA, VA, private mortgage insurers and the GSEs; lenders' perceptions of legal risks under FHA versus GSE programs; flexibility for the FHA to establish new products as a result of federal legislation and programs; returns expected to be obtained by lenders for Ginnie Mae securitization of FHA-insured loans compared to those obtained from selling loans to the GSEs for securitization; and differences in policy terms, such as the ability of a borrower to cancel insurance coverage under certain circumstances. We cannot predict how the factors that affect the FHA’s share of new insurance written will change in the future.
The VA's share of the low down payment residential mortgages that were subject to FHA, VA, USDA or primary private mortgage insurance was 24.4%25.2% in 2019, 22.9% in 2018 and 24.7% in 2017 and 27.2% in 2016.2017. In the past ten years, the VA’s share has been as low as 14.3%15.7% in 20092010 and as high as 27.2% in 2016. We believe that the VA’s market share has generally been increasingelevated in recent years because of an increase in the number of borrowers that are eligible for the VA’s program, which offers 100% loan-to-valueLTV ratio ("LTV") loans and charges a one-time funding fee that can be included in the loan amount, and because eligible borrowers have opted to use the VA program when refinancing their mortgages.
Changes in the business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses.
The GSEs’ charters generally require credit enhancementSubstantially all of our insurance written since 2008 has been for a low down payment mortgage loan (a loan amount that exceeds 80% of a home’s value) in order for such loan to be eligible for purchase by the GSEs. Lenders generally have used private mortgage insurance to satisfy this credit enhancement requirement. (For information about GSE programs initiated in 2018 that provide loan level default coverage by various (re)insurers (which may include affiliates of private mortgage insurers), see our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance.") Because low down payment mortgagesloans purchased by the GSEs, have generally been insured with private mortgage insurance,therefore, the business
practices of the GSEs greatly impact our business and include:
private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements of the GSEs, the financial requirements of which are discussed in our risk factor titled “We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease as we are required to maintain more capital in order to maintain our eligibility,”
the capital and collateral requirements for participants in the GSEs' alternative forms of credit enhancement discussed in our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance,"
the GSEs' PMIERs, the financial requirements of which are discussed in our risk factor titled “We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease if we are required to maintain more capital in order to maintain our eligibility,”
the capital and collateral requirements for participants in the GSEs' alternative forms of credit enhancement discussed in our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance,"
the level of private mortgage insurance coverage, subject to the limitations of the GSEs’ charters, when private mortgage insurance is used as the required credit enhancement on low down payment mortgages (the GSEs generally require a level of mortgage insurance coverage that is higher than the level of coverage required by their charters; any change in the required level of coverage will impact our new risk written),
the amount of loan level price adjustments and guaranty fees (which result in higher costs to borrowers) that the GSEs assess on loans that require private mortgage insurance,
whether the GSEs select or influence the mortgage lender’s selection of the mortgage insurer providing coverage,
the underwriting standards that determine which loans are eligible for purchase by the GSEs, which can affect the quality of the risk insured by the mortgage insurer and the availability of mortgage loans,
the terms on which mortgage insurance coverage can be canceled before reaching the cancellation thresholds established by law,
the programs established by the GSEs intended to avoid or mitigate loss on insured mortgages and the circumstances in which mortgage servicers must implement such programs,
the terms that the GSEs require to be included in mortgage insurance policies for loans that they purchase, including limitations on the rescission rights of mortgage insurers,
the extent to which the GSEs intervene in mortgage insurers’ claims paying practices, rescission practices or rescission settlement practices with lenders,and
the extent to which the GSEs intervene in mortgage insurers’ claims paying practices, rescission practices or rescission settlement practices with lenders,and




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the maximum loan limits of the GSEs compared to those of the FHA and other investors.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”)FHFA has been the conservator of the GSEs since 2008 and has the authority to control and direct their operations. The increased role that the federal government has assumed in the residential housing finance system through the GSE conservatorship may increase the likelihood that the business practices of the GSEs change, including through administrative action, in ways that have a material adverse effect on us and that the charters of the GSEs are changed by new federal legislation.

In September 2019, at the past, membersdirection of Congress have introduced several billsPresident Trump, the U.S. Treasury Department ("Treasury") released the “Treasury Housing Reform Plan” (the "Plan"). The Plan recommends administrative and legislative reforms for the housing finance system, with such reforms intended to changeachieve the business practicesgoals of ending the conservatorships of the GSEs; increasing competition and participation by the private sector in the mortgage market including by authorizing the FHFA to approve additional guarantors of conventional mortgages in the secondary market, simplifying the qualified mortgage ("QM") rule of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), transferring risk to the private sector, and eliminating the "GSE Patch" (discussed below); establishing regulation of the GSEs that safeguards their safety and soundness and minimizes the FHA;risks they pose to the financial stability of the United States; and providing that the federal government is properly compensated for any explicit or implicit support it provides to the GSEs or the secondary housing finance market. Also in September 2019, the Treasury and FHFA entered into a letter agreement that will allow the GSEs to remit less of their earnings to the government, which will help them rebuild their capital.

The impact of the Plan on private mortgage insurance is unclear. The Plan does not refer to mortgage insurance explicitly; however, no legislation has been enacted.it refers to a requirement for credit enhancement on high LTV ratio loans, which is a requirement of the current GSE charters. The Plan also indicates that the FHFA should continue to support efforts to expand credit risk transfer ("CRT") programs and should encourage the GSEs to continue to engage in a diverse mix of economically sensible CRT programs, including by increasing reliance on institution-level capital (presumably, as distinguished from capital obtained in the capital markets). For more information about CRT programs, see our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance."

The Administration issuedcurrent GSE Patch expands the definition of QM under the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) ("TILA") to include mortgages eligible to be purchased by the GSEs, even if the mortgages do not meet the debt-to-income
("DTI") ratio limit of 43% that is included in the standard QM definition. Originating a June 2018 report indicatingQM may provide a lender with legal protection from lawsuits that claim the lender failed to verify a borrower’s ability to repay. The GSE Patch is scheduled to expire no later than January 2021. Approximately 27% and 22% of our NIW in the first and second halves of 2019, respectively, was on loans with DTI ratios greater than 43%. However, it is possible that expiration of the GSE Patch will be delayed and that not all future loans with DTI ratios greater than 43% will be affected by such expiration. In this regard, we note that the conservatorshipCFPB recently indicated that it expects to issue for comment, no later than May 2020, a proposed new "ability-to-repay" ("ATR") rule that would replace the use of DTI ratio in the definition of QM with an alternative measure, such as a pricing threshold. The CFPB also indicated that it would extend the expiration of the GSE Patch until the earlier of the effective date of the proposed alternative or until one of the GSEs should end andexits conservatorship.

We insure loans that do not qualify as QMs; however, we are unsure the extent to which lenders will make non-QM loans because they will not be entitled to the presumptions about compliance with the ATR rule that the GSEs should transitionlaw allows with respect to fullyQM loans. We are also unsure the extent to which lenders will purchase private entities, competing on a level playing field with private issuers of mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") (such issuers, collectively withmortgage insurance for loans that cannot be sold to the GSEs, referred to in the report as the "guarantors"). GSEs.
The report further indicated that a federal entity should regulate the guarantors, including their capital adequacy, and that guarantors should have access to an explicit federal guarantee on the MBS that is exposed only after substantial losses are incurredQM definition for loans insured by the private market, including the guarantors. The report also indicated that a fee on the outstanding volume of MBS would be transferred toFHA, which was issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (of which(“HUD”), is less restrictive than the CFPB’s definition in certain respects, including that (i) it has no DTI ratio limit, and (ii) it allows lenders certain presumptions about compliance with the ATR rule on higher priced loans. It is possible that, in the future, lenders will prefer FHA-insured loans to loans insured by private mortgage insurance as a result of the FHA’s less restrictive QM definition. However, in September 2019, HUD released its Housing Reform Plan and indicated that the FHA isshould refocus on its mission of providing housing finance support to low- and moderate-income families that cannot be fulfilled through traditional underwriting. In addition, Treasury's Plan indicated that the FHFA and HUD should develop and implement a part)specific understanding as to be used for affordable housing purposes. the appropriate roles and overlap between the GSEs and FHA, including with respect to the GSEs’ acquisitions of high LTV ratio and high DTI ratio loans.
As a result of the matters referred to above, it is uncertain what role the GSEs, FHA and private capital, including private mortgage insurance, will play in the residential housing finance system in the future. The timing and impact on our business of any resulting changes is uncertain. Most meaningfulMany of the proposed changes would require Congressional action to implement and it is difficult to estimate when Congressional action would


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be final and how long any associated phase-in period may last.
We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease asif we are required to maintain more capital in order to maintain our eligibility.
We must comply with thea GSE's PMIERs to be eligible to insure loans delivered to or purchased by the GSEs.that GSE. The PMIERs include financial requirements, as well as business, quality control and certain transaction approval requirements. The financial requirements of the PMIERs require a mortgage insurer’s “Available Assets” (generally only the most liquid assets of an insurer) to equal or exceed its “Minimum Required Assets” (which are based on an insurer’s book of insurance in force and are calculated from tables of factors with several risk dimensions, reduced for credit given for risk ceded under reinsurance agreements, and are subject to a floor amount).
Based on our interpretation of the more restrictive application of PMIERs, as of December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s Available Assets totaled $4.8$4.6 billion, or $1.4$1.2 billion in excess of its Minimum Required Assets. MGIC is in compliance with the PMIERs and eligible to insure loans purchased by the GSEs. Revised PMIERs were published in September 2018 and will become effective March 31, 2019. If the revised PMIERs had been effective as of December 31, 2018, we estimate that MGIC’s pro forma excess of Available Assets over Minimum Required Assets would have been approximately $1 billion. The decrease in the pro forma excess from the reported excess of $1.4 billion is primarily due to the elimination of any credit for future premiums that had previously been allowed for certain insurance policies. 
In calculating ourthese "Minimum Required Assets," we are allowed fullthe total credit for the risk ceded under our quota share reinsurance transactions with unaffiliated reinsurers and expectis subject to be allowed full credit for our excess-of-lossa modest reduction. Our reinsurance transaction entered into on October 30, 2018,transactions are discussed in our risk factor titled "The mix of business we write affects our Minimum Required Assets under the PMIERs, our premium yields and the likelihood of losses occurring." Our existing reinsurance transactions will be reviewed underare subject to periodic review by the PMIERs at least annuallyGSEs and there is a risk we will not receive fullour current level of credit in future periods for the risk ceded under them. In addition, we may not receive the same level of credit under future reinsurance transactions that we receive under existing transactions. If MGIC is not allowed certain levels of credit under the PMIERs, under certain circumstances, MGIC may terminate the reinsurance transactions, without penalty.
If MGIC ceases to be eligible to insure loans purchased by one or both of the GSEs, it would significantly reduce the volume of our new business writings. Factors that may negatively impact MGIC’s ability to continue to comply with the financial requirements of the PMIERs include the following:
The GSEs may amend the PMIERs at any time and may make the PMIERs more onerous in the future. The PMIERs provide that the factors that determine Minimum Required Assets will be updated periodically, or as needed if there is a significant change in macroeconomic conditions or loan performance. We do not anticipate that the regular periodic updates will occur more frequently than once every two years. The PMIERs state that the GSEs will provide notice 180 days prior to the
effective date of updates to the factors; however, the GSEs may amend any portion of the PMIERs at any time.
There may be future implications for PMIERs based upon forthcoming regulatory capital requirements for the GSEs. In June 2018, the FHFA issued a proposed rule on regulatory capital requirementsrule for the GSEs, ("Enterprise Capital Requirements"), which included a framework for determining the capital relief allowed to the GSEs for loans with private mortgage insurance. The GSEs haveFHFA recently indicated that there may be potentialit plans to re-propose a capital rule as early as the first quarter of 2020, although the timing and content of the proposal is uncertain. Further, any changes to the GSEs' capital and liquidity requirements resulting from the Treasury Housing Reform Plan could have future implications for PMIERs based upon feedback the FHFA receives on its proposed rule on Enterprise Capital Requirements (public comments were due by November 16, 2018). In addition, the PMIERs provide that the factors that determine Minimum Required Assets will be updated every two years and may be updated more frequently to reflect changes in macroeconomic conditions or loan performance. The GSEs have indicated that they will generally provide notice 180 days prior to the effective date of such updates.PMIERs.


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Our future operating results may be negatively impacted by the matters discussed in the rest of these risk factors. Such matters could decrease our revenues, increase our losses or require the use of assets, thereby creating a shortfall in Available Assets.
Should capital be needed by MGIC in the future, capital contributions from our holding company may not be available due to competing demands on holding company resources, including for repayment of debt.
While on an overall basis, the amountReinsurance may not always be available or affordable.
As discussed in our risk factor titled "The mix of Availablebusiness we write affects our Minimum Required Assets MGIC must hold in order to continue to insure GSE loans is greater under the PMIERs, than what state regulation currently requires, our premium yields and the likelihood of losses occurring," we have in place quota share and excess of loss reinsurance transactions mitigate the negative effectcovering a portion of the PMIERsour risk in force. These reinsurance transactions enable us to earn higher returns on our returns.business than we would without them because fewer Available Assets are required to be held under PMIERs. However, reinsurance may not always be available to us or available on similar terms, it subjectsthe quota share reinsurance transactions subject us to counterparty credit risk and the GSEs may change the credit they allow under the PMIERs for risk ceded under our reinsurance transactions. If we are unable to obtain reinsurance for NIW, our returns may decrease absent an increase in premium rates. An increase in our premium rates may lead to a decrease in our NIW.
We are involved in legal proceedings and are subject to the risk of additional legal proceedings in the future.
Before paying an insurance claim, we review the loan and servicing files to determine the appropriateness of the claim amount. When reviewing the files, we may determine that we have the right to rescind coverage on the loan. In our SEC reports, we refer to insurance rescissions and denials of claims collectively as “rescissions”


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“rescissions” and variations of that term. In addition, our insurance policies generally provide that we can reduce or deny a claim if the servicer did not comply with its obligations under our insurance policy. We call such reduction of claims “curtailments.” In recent quarters, an immaterial percentage of claims received in a quarter have been resolved by rescissions. In 20172018 and 2018,2019, curtailments reduced our average claim paid by approximately 5.6%5.8% and 5.8%5.0%, respectively.
Our loss reserving methodology incorporates our estimates of future rescissions, curtailments, and reversals of rescissions and curtailments. A variance between ultimate actual rescission, curtailment and reversal rates and our estimates, as a result of the outcome of litigation, settlements or other factors, could materially affect our losses.
When the insured disputes our right to rescind coverage or curtail claims, we generally engage in discussions in an attempt to settle the dispute. If we are unable to reach a settlement, the outcome of a dispute ultimately may be determined by legal proceedings.
Under ASC 450-20, until a liabilityloss associated with settlement discussions or legal proceedings becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated, we consider
our claim payment or rescission resolved for financial reporting purposes and do not accrue an estimated loss. WhereWhen we have determineddetermine that a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we have recordedrecord our best estimate of our probable loss.
In addition to mattersthose cases, until settlement negotiations or legal proceedings are concluded (including the receipt of any necessary GSE approvals), it is reasonably possible that we will record an additional loss. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the agreement for which we havehad recorded a probable loss weof $23.5 million, received necessary GSE approvals. There was no additional loss recognized as a result of entering into the agreement, as the settlement amount was consistent with our original estimate of the probable loss. We are currently involved in other discussions and/or proceedings with insureds with respect to our claims paying practices. Although it is reasonably possible that when all of these matters are resolved we will not prevail in all cases, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate or range of estimates of the potential liability. We estimate the maximum exposure associated with matters where a loss is reasonably possible to be approximately $279$46 million. This estimate of maximum exposure is based upon currently available information andinformation; is subject to significant judgment, numerous assumptions and known and unknown uncertainties. Theuncertainties; will include an amount for matters underlying the estimate of maximum exposurefor which we have recorded a probable loss until such matters are concluded; will changeinclude different matters from time to time. This estimate of our maximum exposuretime; and does not include interest or consequential or exemplary damages.
Mortgage insurers, including MGIC, have been involved in litigation and regulatory actions related to alleged violations of the anti-referral fee provisions of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which is commonly known as RESPA, and the notice provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which is commonly known as FCRA. While these proceedings in the aggregate have not resulted in material liability for MGIC, there can be no assurance that the outcome of future proceedings, if any, under these laws would not have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, various regulators, including the CFPB, state insurance commissioners and state attorneys general may bring other actions seeking various forms of relief in connection with alleged violations of RESPA. The insurance law provisions of many states prohibit paying for the referral of insurance business and provide various mechanisms to enforce this prohibition. While we believe our practices are in conformity with applicable laws and regulations, it is not possible to predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of any such reviews or investigations nor is it possible to predict their effect on us or the mortgage insurance industry.
In addition to the matters described above, we are involved in other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, based on the facts known at this time, the ultimate resolution of these ordinary course legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
We are subject to comprehensive regulation and other requirements, which we may fail to satisfy.
We are subject to comprehensive, detailed regulation, including by state insurance departments. TheseMany of these regulations are


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principally designed for the protection of our insured policyholders and consumers, rather than for the benefit of investors. Mortgage insurers, including MGIC, have in the past been involved in litigation and regulatory actions related to alleged violations of the anti-referral fee provisions of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"), and the notice provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA"). While these proceedings in the aggregate did not result in material liability for MGIC, there can be no assurance that the outcome of future proceedings, if any, under these laws would not have a material adverse effect on us. To the extent that we are construed to make independent credit decisions in connection with our contract underwriting activities, we also could be subject to increased regulatory requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ("ECOA"), FCRA, and other laws. Under ECOA, examination may also be made of whether a mortgage insurer's underwriting decisions have a disparate impact on persons belonging to a protected class in violation of the law.
Although their scope varies, state insurance laws generally grant broad supervisory powers to agencies or officials to examine insurance companies and enforce rules or exercise discretion affecting almost every significant aspect of the insurance business. Statebusiness, including payment for the referral of insurance regulatory authorities could take actions, including changesbusiness, premium rates and discrimination in pricing, and minimum capital requirements, that could have a material adverse effect on us.requirements. For more information about state capital requirements, see our risk factor titled “State capital requirements may prevent us from continuing to write new insurance on an uninterrupted basis.” To the extent For information about regulation of data privacy, see our risk factor titled “We could be adversely affected if personal information on consumers that we are construedmaintain is improperly disclosed; and damage to, make independent credit decisionsor interruption in, connection with our contract underwriting activities, we also could be subject to increased regulatory requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, commonly known as ECOA, FCRA, and other laws. information technology systems may disrupt our operations.” For more details about the various ways in which our subsidiaries are regulated, see “Business - Regulation” in Item 1. In additionWhile we believe our practices are in conformity with applicable laws and regulations, it is not possible to regulation by statepredict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of any such reviews or investigations nor is it possible to predict their effect on us or the mortgage insurance regulators, the CFPB may issue additional rules or regulations, which may materially affect our business.industry.
In December 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Federal Insurance Office released a report that calls for federal standards

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If our risk management programs are not effective in identifying, or adequate in controlling or mitigating, the risks we face, or if the models used in our businesses are inaccurate, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our enterprise risk management program, described in "Business - Our Products and Services - Risk Management" in Item 1, may not be effective in identifying, or adequate in controlling or mitigating, the risks we face in our business.
We employ proprietary and third party models to project returns, price products (including through our new loan levelrisk-based pricing system), calculatedetermine the techniques used to underwrite insurance, estimate reserves, generate projections used to estimate future pre-tax income and to evaluate loss recognition testing, evaluate risk, determine internal capital requirements, perform stress testing, and for other uses. These models rely on estimates and projections that are inherently uncertain and may not operate as intended. In addition, from time to time we seek to improve certain models, and the conversion process may result in material changes to assumptions, including those about returns and financial results. The models we employ are complex, which increases our risk of error in their design, implementation or use. Also, the associated input data,
assumptions and calculations may not be correct, and the controls we have in place to mitigate that risk may not be effective in all cases. The risks related to our models may increase when we change assumptions and/or methodologies, or when we add or change modeling platforms. We have enhanced, and we intend to continue to enhance, our modeling capabilities. Moreover, we may use information we receive through enhancements to refine or otherwise change existing assumptions and/or methodologies.
Because we establish loss reserves only upon a loan delinquency rather than based on estimates of our ultimate losses on risk in force, losses may have a disproportionate adverse effect on our earnings in certain periods.
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, commonly referred to as GAAP, we establish case reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses only when notices of default on insured mortgage loans are received and for loans we estimate are in default but for which notices of default have not yet been reported to us by the servicers (this is often referred to as “IBNR”). Because our reserving method does not take account of losses that could occur from loans that are not delinquent, such losses are not reflected in our financial statements, except in the case where a premium deficiency exists. As a result, future losses on loans that are not currently delinquent may
have a material impact on future results as such losses emerge.
Because loss reserve estimates are subject to uncertainties, paid claims may be substantially different than our loss reserves.
When we establish case reserves, we estimate the ultimate loss on delinquent loans using estimatedby estimating the number of loans in our inventory of delinquent loans that will result in a claim ratespayment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim amounts.payment, which is referred to as claim severity. The estimated claim ratesrate and claim amountsseverity represent our best estimates of what we will actually pay on the loans in default as of the reserve date and incorporate anticipated mitigation from rescissions and curtailments. The establishment of loss reserves is subject to inherent uncertainty and requires judgment by management. The actual amount of the claim payments may be substantially different than our loss reserve estimates. Our estimates could be affected by several factors, including a change in regional or national economic conditions, and a change in the length of time loans are delinquent before claims are received. The change in conditions may include changes in unemployment, affecting borrowers’ income and thus their ability to make mortgage payments, and changes in home prices, which may affect borrower willingness to continue to make mortgage payments when the value of the home is below the mortgage balance. Changes to our estimates could have a material impact on our future results, even in a stable economic environment. In addition, historically, losses incurred have followed a


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seasonal trend in which the second half of the year has weaker credit performance than the first half, with higher new default notice activity and a lower cure rate.
We rely on our management team and our business could be harmed if we are unable to retain qualified personnel or successfully develop and/or recruit their replacements.
Our success depends, in part, on the skills, working relationships and continued services of our management team and other key personnel. The unexpected departure of key personnel could adversely affect the conduct of our business. In such event, we would be required to obtain other personnel to manage and operate our business. In addition, we will be required to replace the knowledge and expertise of our aging workforce as our workers retire. In either case, there can be no assurance that we would be able to develop or recruit suitable replacements for the departing individuals; that replacements could be hired, if necessary, on terms that are favorable to us; or that we can successfully transition such replacements in a timely manner. We currently have not entered into any employment agreements with our officers or key personnel. Volatility or lack of performance in our stock


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price may affect our ability to retain our key personnel or attract replacements should key personnel depart. Without a properly skilled and experienced workforce, our costs, including productivity costs and costs to replace employees may increase, and this could negatively impact our earnings.
If the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations declines, the amount of insurance that we write could decline.
The factors that may affect the volume of low down payment mortgage originations include:
restrictions on mortgage credit due to more stringent underwriting standards, liquidity issues or risk-retention and/or capital requirements affecting lenders,
the level of home mortgage interest rates,
the health of the domestic economy as well as conditions in regional and local economies and the level of consumer confidence,
housing affordability,
new and existing housing availability,
the rate of household formation, which is influenced, in part, by population and immigration trends,
homeownership rates,
the rate of home price appreciation, which in times of heavy refinancing can affect whether refinanced loans have loan-to-valueLTV ratios that require private mortgage insurance, and
government housing policy encouraging loans to first-time homebuyers.
A decline in the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations could decrease demand for mortgage insurance and decreaselimit our new insurance written.NIW. For other factors that could decrease the demand for mortgage insurance, see our risk factor titled “The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance.”
State capital requirements may prevent us from continuing to write new insurance on an uninterrupted basis.
The insurance laws of 16 jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, MGIC's domiciliary state, require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to its risk in force (or a similar measure) in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write
new business. We refer to these requirements as the “State Capital Requirements.” While they vary among jurisdictions, the most common State Capital Requirements allow for a maximum risk-to-capital ratio of 25 to 1. A risk-to-capital ratio will increase if (i) the percentage decrease in capital exceeds the percentage decrease in insured risk, or (ii) the percentage increase in capital is less than the percentage increase in insured risk. Wisconsin does not regulate capital by using a risk-to-capital measure but instead requires a minimum policyholder position (“MPP”). The “policyholder position” of a mortgage insurer is its net worth or surplus, contingency reserve and a portion of the reserves for unearned premiums.
At December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s risk-to-capital ratio was 9.09.7 to 1, below the maximum allowed by the jurisdictions with State Capital Requirements, and its policyholder position was $2.6$3.0 billion above the required MPP of $1.3$1.7 billion. Our risk-to-capital ratio and MPP reflect full credit for the risk ceded under our quota share reinsurance and excess of loss transactions with unaffiliated reinsurers. It is possible that under the revised State Capital Requirements discussed below, MGIC will not be allowed full credit for the risk ceded under such transactions. If MGIC is not allowed an agreed level of credit under the State Capital Requirements, MGIC may terminate the reinsurance transactions, without penalty. At this time, we expect MGIC to continue to comply with the current State Capital Requirements; however, you should read the rest of these risk factors for information about matters that could negatively affect such compliance.


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At December 31, 2018,2019, the risk-to-capital ratio of our combined insurance operations (which includes a reinsurance affiliate) was 9.89.6 to 1. Reinsurance transactions with our affiliate permit MGIC to write insurance with a higher coverage percentage than it could on its own under certain state-specific requirements.
The NAIC has previously announced plans to revise the minimum capital and surplus requirements for mortgage insurers that are provided for in its Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act. In May 2016,December 2019, a working group of state regulators released an exposure draft of a revised Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act and a risk-based capital framework to establish capital requirements for mortgage insurers, although no date has been established by which the NAIC must propose revisions to the capital requirements and certain items have not yet been completely addressed by the framework, including the treatment of ceded risk and minimum capital floors, and action level triggers.floors. Currently we believe that the PMIERs contain more restrictive capital requirements than the draft Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act in most circumstances.
While MGIC currently meets, and expects to continue to meet, the State Capital Requirements of Wisconsin and all other jurisdictions, it could be prevented from writing new business in the future in all jurisdictions if it fails to meet the State Capital Requirements of Wisconsin, or it could be prevented from writing new business in a particular jurisdiction if it fails to meet the State Capital Requirements of that jurisdiction, and in each case if


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MGIC does not obtain a waiver of such requirements. It is possible that regulatory action by one or more jurisdictions, including those that do not have specific State Capital Requirements, may prevent MGIC from continuing to write new insurance in such jurisdictions. If we are unable to write business in a particular jurisdiction, lenders may be unwilling to procure insurance from us anywhere. In addition, a lender’s assessment of the future ability of our insurance operations to meet the State Capital Requirements or the PMIERs may affect its willingness to procure insurance from us. In this regard, see our risk factor titled “Competition or changes in our relationships with our customers could reduce our revenues, reduce our premium yields and/or increase our losses.” A possible future failure by MGIC to meet the State Capital Requirements or the PMIERs will not necessarily mean that MGIC lacks sufficient resources to pay claims on its insurance liabilities. While we believe MGIC has sufficient claims paying resources to meet its claim obligations on its insurance in force on a timely basis, you should read the rest of these risk factors for information about matters that could negatively affect MGIC’s claims paying resources.
Downturns in the domestic economy or declines in the value of borrowers’ homes from their value at the time their loans closed may result in more homeowners defaulting and our losses increasing, with a corresponding decrease in our returns.
Losses result from events that reduce a borrower’s ability or willingness to continue to make mortgage payments, such as unemployment, health issues, family status, and whether the home of a borrower who defaults on his mortgage can be sold for an amount that will cover unpaid principal and interest and the expenses of the sale. In general, favorable economic conditions reduce the likelihood that borrowers will lack sufficient income to pay their mortgages and also favorably affect the value of homes, thereby reducing and in some cases even eliminating a loss from a mortgage default. A deterioration in economic conditions, including an increase in unemployment, generally increases the likelihood that borrowers will not have sufficient income to pay their mortgages and can also adversely affect home prices, which in turn can influence the willingness of borrowers with sufficient resources to make mortgage payments to do so when the mortgage balance exceeds the value of the home. Home prices may decline even absent a deterioration in economic conditions due to declines in demand for homes, which in turn may result from changes in buyers’ perceptions of the potential for future appreciation, restrictions on and the cost of mortgage credit due to more stringent underwriting standards, higher interest rates generally, changes to the deductibility of mortgage interest for income tax purposes, decreases in the rate of household formations, or other factors. Changes in home prices and unemployment levels are inherently difficult to
forecast given the uncertainty in the current market environment, including uncertainty about the effect of actions the federal government has taken and may take with respect to tax policies, mortgage finance programs and policies, and housing finance reform.
The mix of business we write affects our Minimum Required Assets under the PMIERs, our premium yields and the likelihood of losses occurring.
The Minimum Required Assets under the PMIERs are, in part, a function of the direct risk-in-force and the risk profile of the loans we insure, considering loan-to-valueLTV ratio, credit score, vintage, Home Affordable Refinance Program ("HARP") status and delinquency status; and whether the loans were insured under lender-paid mortgage insurance policies or other policies that are not subject to automatic termination consistent with the Homeowners Protection Act requirements for borrower paid mortgage insurance. Therefore, if our direct risk-in-force increases through increases in new insurance written,NIW, or if our mix of business changes to include loans with higher loan-to-valueLTV ratios or lower FICO scores, for example, or if we insure a higher percentage of loans under lender-paid mortgage insurance policies,


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all other things equal, we will be required to hold more Available Assets in order to maintain GSE eligibility.
The minimum capital required by the risk-based capital framework contained in the exposure draft released by the NAIC in May 2016December 2019 would be, in part, a function of certain loan and economic factors, including property location, loan-to-valueLTV ratio and credit score; general underwriting quality in the market at the time of loan origination; the age of the loan; and the premium rate we charge. Depending onupon the provisions of the capital requirements when they are released in final form and become effective, our mix of business may affect the minimum capital we are required to hold under the new framework.
The percentage of our NIW from all single-premium policies (LPMI and BPMI, combined) has ranged from approximately 10% in 2013 to 19% in 2017 and was 17% in 2018.2018 and 16% in 2019. Depending onupon the actual life of a single premium policy and its premium rate relative to that of a monthly premium policy, a single premium policy may generate more or less premium than a monthly premium policy over its life.
We have in place quota share reinsurance ("QSR") transactions with unaffiliated reinsurers that cover most of our insurance written from 2013 through 2018,2019, and a portion of our insurance written prior to 2013. Although the transactions reduce our premiums, they have a lesser impact on our overall results, as losses ceded under the transactions reduce our losses incurred and the ceding commissions we receive reduce our underwriting expenses. The blended pre-tax cost of reinsurance under our different transactions is less than 6% (but will decrease if losses are materially higher than we expect). This blended pre-tax cost is derived by dividing the reduction in our pre-tax income on loans covered by reinsurance by our direct (that is, without reinsurance) premiums from such loans. Although the pre-tax cost of the reinsurance under each transaction is generally constant, the effect of the reinsuranceQSR transactions on the various components of pre-tax


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income will vary from period to period, depending onupon the level of ceded losses. We expect that in the first quarter of
In 2018 and 2019, we will enter into an agreement covering most of our new insurance written in 2019, on terms no less favorable than our existing transactions.
On October 30, 2018, MGIC entered into a reinsurance agreementagreements that provides for up to $318.6 million of aggregateprovide excess-of-loss reinsurance coverage for a portion of the risk associated with certain mortgage insurance policies having an insurance coverage in force date on or after July 1, 2016 and before JanuaryApril 1, 2018. For2019. The transactions were entered into with special purpose insurers that issued notes linked to the reinsurance coverage period, MGIC will retain the first layer of $168.7 million of aggregate losses, and the reinsurer will provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. The reinsurance premiums ceded under this reinsurance
agreement reduced our net premiums by $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.("Insurance Linked Notes" or "ILNs"). We expect that we may enter into other ILN transactions if capital market conditions remain favorable.
In addition to the effect of reinsurance on our premiums, we expect a decline in our premium yield resulting from the premium rates themselves. Anbecause an increasing percentage of our insurance in force is from recent book years with lower premium rates becausewhose premium rates have trended lower in recent periods and are expected to continue to trend lower into 2019.been trending lower.
The circumstances in which we are entitledOur ability to rescind insurance coverage have narrowedbecame more limited for insurance we wrote beginning in mid-2012. As a result of revised PMIERs requirements, we have written in recent years. During the second quarter of 2012, we began writing a portion ofrevised our master policy and expect it to be effective for new insurance under an endorsement to our then existing master policy (the “Gold Cert Endorsement”), which limited ourwritten beginning March 1, 2020. Our ability to rescind insurance coverage compared to that master policy. To comply with requirements ofwill become further limited for insurance we write under the GSEs, we introduced our currentnew master policy, in 2014. Our rescission rights under our current master policy are comparable to those under our previous master policy, as modified by the Gold Cert Endorsement. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 82% of our flow, primary insurance in force was written under our Gold Cert Endorsement or our current master policy. The revised PMIERs, which become effective March 31, 2019, include rescission relief principles that were provided as guidance to be used when drafting our new master policy. The principles will, among other things, further limit the circumstances under which we may rescind coverage, potentially resulting in higher losses than would be the case under our existing master policies. We expect a new version of our master policy, incorporating these rescission relief principles, to be effective for business written beginning in the third or fourth quarter of 2019, subject to state statutory approvals.
From time to time, in response to market conditions, we change the types of loans that we insure and the requirements under which we insure them. We also change our underwriting guidelines, in part through aligning somemost of them with Fannie Mae and Freddie Macthe GSEs for loans that receive and are processed in accordance with certain approval recommendations from a GSE automated underwriting system. We also make exceptions to our underwriting requirements on a loan-by-loan basis and for certain customer programs. As a result of changes to our underwriting guidelines and requirements (including those related to debt to income ("DTI") ratios, credit scores, and the manner in which income levels and property values are determined) and other factors, our business written beginning in the second half of 2013 is expected to have a somewhat higher claim incidence than business written in 2009 through the first half of 2013, but materially below that on business written in 2005-2008. However, we believe this business presents an acceptable level of risk. Our underwriting requirements are available on our website at http://www.mgic.com/underwriting/index.html.


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Even when home prices are stable or rising, mortgages with certain characteristics have higher probabilities of claims. These characteristics include higher LTV ratios, lower FICO scores, limited underwriting, including limited borrower documentation, or higher DTI ratios, as well as loans having combinations of higher risk factors. As of December 31, 2018,2019, mortgages with these characteristics in our primary risk in force included mortgages with LTV ratios greater than 95% (14.8%(15.3%), loans with borrowers having FICO scores below 620 (2.3%(2.0%), mortgages with borrowers having FICO scores of 620-679 (10.3%(9.0%), mortgages with limited underwriting, including limited borrower documentation (2.2%(1.7%), and mortgages with borrowers having DTI ratios greater than 45% (or where no ratio is available) (14.3%(14.2%), each attribute as determined at the time of loan origination. An individual loan may have more than one of these attributes.
Beginning in 2017, the percentage of NIW that we have written on mortgages with LTV ratios greater than 95% and mortgages with DTI ratios greater than 45% has increased.increased, although the percentage of NIW that we have written on mortgages with DTI ratios greater than 45% has declined in 2019 from its 2018 level. In 2018, we started considering DTI ratios when setting our premium rates, and we changed our methodology for calculating DTI ratios for pricing and eligibility purposes to exclude the impact of mortgage insurance premiums. As a result of this change, loan originators may have changed the information they provide to us. Although we have revised our operational procedures to account for this possibility, we cannot be sure that the DTI ratio we report for each loan beginning in late 2018 includes the related mortgage insurance premiums in the calculation. In addition, we expect to insure certain loans that would not have previously met our guidelines and to offer premium rates for certain loans lower than would have been offered under our previous methodology.
Until our loan levelThe widespread use of risk-based pricing systemsystems by the private mortgage insurance industry (discussed in our risk factor titled "Competition or changes in our relationships with our customers could reduce our revenues, reduce our premium yields and / or increase our losses") ismakes it more broadly adopteddifficult to compare our premium rates to those offered by customers,our competitors. We may not be aware of industry rate changes until we will be unable to adjustobserve that our ratesmix of new insurance written has changed and our mix may fluctuate more as quickly as those competitors using loan level pricing systems for the majority of their business. During that time, there is an increased risk that we are adversely selected by lenders to insure certain loans, which may result in an increase in the credit risk we bear and/or a decrease in the volume of loans we insure.
As of December 31, 2018, approximately 1% of our primary risk in force consisted of adjustable rate mortgages which allow for adjustment of the initial interest rate during the five years after the mortgage closing (“ARMs”). We classify as fixed rate loans adjustable rate mortgages with an initial interest rate that is fixed during the five years after the mortgage closing and loans with temporary interest rate adjustments during the initial five years, commonly referred to as "buydowns," that convert to a fixed rate for the duration of the loan term. If interest rates should rise between the time of origination of such loans and when their interest rates may be reset, claim rates on such loans may be substantially higher than for loans without variable interest rate features. In addition, prior to 2011,
we insured “interest-only” loans, which may also be ARMs, and loans with negative amortization features, such as pay option ARMs. We believe claim rates on these loans will be substantially higher than on loans without scheduled payment increases that are made to borrowers of comparable credit quality.result.
If state or federal regulations or statutes are changed in ways that ease mortgage lending standards and/or requirements, or if lenders seek ways to replace business in times of lower mortgage originations, it is possible that more mortgage loans could be originated with higher risk characteristics than are currently being originated, such as loans with lower FICO scores and higher DTIs.DTI ratios. Lenders could pressure mortgage insurers to insure such loans, which are expected to experience higher claim rates. Although we attempt to incorporate these higher expected claim rates into our underwriting and pricing models, there can be no assurance that the premiums earned and the associated investment income will be adequate to compensate for actual losses even under our current underwriting requirements. We do, however, believe that our insurance written beginning in the second half of 2008 will generate underwriting profits.
The premiums we charge may not be adequate to compensate us for our liabilities for losses and as a result any inadequacy could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We set premiums at the time a policy is issued based on our expectations regarding likely performance of the insured risks over the long term. Our premiums are subject to approval by state regulatory agencies, which can delay or limit our ability to increase our premiums. Generally, we cannot cancel mortgage insurance


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coverage or adjust renewal premiums during the life of a mortgage insurance policy. As a result, higher than anticipated claims generally cannot be offset by premium increases on policies in force or mitigated by our non-renewal or cancellation of insurance coverage. The premiums we charge, the investment income we earn and the amount of reinsurance we carry may not be adequate to compensate us for the risks and costs associated with the insurance coverage provided to customers. An increase in the number or size of claims, compared to what we anticipate, could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. Our premium rates are also based in part on the amount of capital we are required to hold against the insured risk. If the amount of capital we are required to hold increases from the amount we were required to hold when a policy was written, we cannot adjust premiums to compensate for this and our returns may be lower than we assumed.
The losses we have incurred on our 2005-2008 books of business have exceeded our premiums from those books. The incurred losses from those books, although declining, continue to generate a material portion of our


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total incurred losses. The ultimate amount of these losses will depend in part on general economic conditions, including unemployment, and the direction of home prices.
We are susceptible to disruptions in the servicing of mortgage loans that we insure and we rely on third-party reporting for information regarding the mortgage loans we insure.
We depend on reliable, consistent third-party servicing of the loans that we insure. Over the last several years, the mortgage loan servicing industry has experienced consolidation and an increase in the number of specialty servicers servicing delinquent loans. The resulting change in the composition of servicers could lead to disruptions in the servicing of mortgage loans covered by our insurance policies. Further changes in the servicing industry resulting in the transfer of servicing could cause a disruption in the servicing of delinquent loans which could reduce servicers’ ability to undertake mitigation efforts that could help limit our losses. Future housing market conditions could lead to additional increases in delinquencies and transfers of servicing.
The information presented in this report and on our website with respect to the mortgage loans we insure is based on information reported to us by third parties, including the servicers and originators of the mortgage loans. Consequently, information presented may be subject to lapses or inaccuracies in reporting from such third parties. In many cases, we may not be aware that information reported to us by third parties is incorrect until such time as a claim is made against us under the relevant insurance policy. We do not receive monthly information from servicers for single premium policies, and may not be aware that the mortgage loans insured
by such policies have been repaid. We periodically attempt to determine if coverage is still in force on such policies by asking the last servicer of record or through the periodic reconciliation of loan information with certain servicers. It may be possible that our reports continue to reflect, as active, policies on mortgage loans that have been repaid.
Changes in interest rates, house prices or mortgage insurance cancellation requirements may change the length of time that our policies remain in force.
The premium from a single premium policy is collected upfront and generally earned over the estimated life of the policy. In contrast, premiums from a monthly premium policy are received and earned each month over the life of the policy. In each year, most of our premiums earned are from insurance that has been written in prior years. As a result, the length of time insurance remains in force, which is generally measured by persistency (the percentage of our insurance remaining in force from one year prior), is a significant determinant of our revenues. Future premiums on our monthly premium policies in force represent a material portion of our claims paying resources and a low persistency rate will reduce those future premiums. In contrast, a higher than expected persistency rate will decrease the profitability from single premium policies because they will remain in force longer than was estimated when the policies were written.
Our persistency rate was 75.8% at December 31, 2019, 81.7% at December 31, 2018, and 80.1% at December 31, 2017 and 76.9% at December 31, 2016.2017. Since 2000, our year-end persistency ranged from a high of 84.7% at December 31, 2009 to a low of 47.1% at December 31, 2003.
Our persistency rate is primarily affected by the level of current mortgage interest rates compared to the mortgage coupon rates on our insurance in force, which affects the vulnerability of the insurance in force to refinancing. Our persistency rate is also affected by the mortgage insurance cancellation policies of mortgage investors along with the current value of the homes underlying the mortgages in the insurance in force. In
2018, the GSEs announced changes to various mortgage insurance termination requirements that are intended to further simplify the process of evaluating borrower-initiated requests for mortgage insurance termination and may reduce our persistency rate in the future.
Our holding company debt obligations materially exceed our holding company cash and investments.
At December 31, 2018,2019, we had approximately $248$325 million in cash and investments at our holding company and our holding company’s debt obligations were $815 million in aggregate principal amount, consisting of $425 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due in 2023 ("5.75% Notes") and $390 million of 9% Debentures (ofdue in 2063


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(of which approximately $133 million was purchased, and is held, by MGIC, and is eliminated on the consolidated balance sheet). Annual debt service on the 5.75% Notes and 9% Debentures outstanding as of December 31, 2018,2019, is approximately $60 million (of which approximately $12 million will be paid to MGIC and will be eliminated on the consolidated statement of operations).
The 5.75% Senior Notes and 9% Debentures are obligations of our holding company, MGIC Investment Corporation, and not of its subsidiaries. The payment of dividends from our insurance subsidiaries which, other than investment income and raising capital in the public markets, is the principal source of our holding company cash inflow, is restricted by insurance regulation. MGIC is the principal source of dividend-paying capacity. Individends, and in 2019 and 2018, and 2017, MGICit paid a total of $220$280 million and $140$220 million, respectively, in quarterly dividends to our holding company. We expecthave received the appropriate approvals for MGIC to continuepay to our holding company, in the first quarter of 2020, a special dividend of $320 million and a quarterly dividend of $70 million. We expect to use most of the proceeds of the special dividend to repurchase our common stock as discussed below. We expect MGIC to pay quarterly dividends oftotaling at least the $60$280 million amount paid in the fourth quarter of 2018,per year, subject to approval by its Board of Directors. We ask the OCI not to object before MGIC pays dividends.
On April 26,In 2019 and 2018, we repurchased approximately 8.7 million and 16.0 million shares of our common stock, respectively, using approximately $114 million and $175 million of holding company resources, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, we had $111 million of authorization remaining to repurchase our common stock through the end of 2020 under a share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors authorized a sharein 2019. From January 1, 2020 through February 19, 2020, we repurchased approximately 2.5 million shares of our common stock for approximately $35 million. In addition, in January 2020, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase program under which we may repurchaseof up to $200an additional $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2019. During 2018, we repurchased approximately 16.0 million shares of our common stock using approximately $175 million of holding company resources.2021. Repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market (including through 10b5-1 plans) or through privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program may be suspended for periods or discontinued at any time. If any additional capital contributions to our subsidiaries were required, such contributions would decrease our holding company cash and investments. As described in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2016, MGIC borrowed $155 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. This is an obligation of MGIC and not of our holding company.


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Your ownership in our company may be diluted by additional capital that we raise or if the holders of our outstanding convertible debt convert that debt into shares of our common stock.
As noted above under our risk factor titled “We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease asif we are required to maintain more capital in order to maintain our eligibility,” although we are currently in compliance with the requirements of the PMIERs, there can be no assurance that we would not seek to issue non-dilutive debt capital or to raise additional equity capital to manage our capital position under the PMIERs or for other purposes. Any future issuance of equity securities may dilute your ownership interest in our company. In addition, the market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares or similar securities in the market or the perception that such sales could occur.
At December 31, 2018,2019, we had outstanding $390 million principal amount of 9% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures due in 2063 ("9% Debentures") (of which approximately $133 million was purchased, and is held, by MGIC, and is eliminated on the consolidated balance sheet). The principal amount of the 9% Debentures is currently convertible, at the holder’s option, at an initiala conversion rate, which is subject to adjustment, of 74.074174.4718 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of debentures. This represents an initiala conversion price of approximately $13.50$13.43 per share. The payment of dividends by our holding company will result in an adjustment to the conversion rate and price, with such adjustment generally deferred until the end of the year.
We may redeem the 9% Debentures in whole or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 9% Debentures being redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if the closing sale price of our common stock exceeds $17.55$17.46 for at least 20 of the 30 trading days preceding notice of the redemption.
We have the right, and may elect, to defer interest payable under the debentures in the future. If a holder elects to convert its debentures, the interest that has been deferred on the debentures being converted is also convertible into shares of our common stock. The conversion rate for such deferred interest is based on the average price that our shares traded at during a 5-day period immediately prior to the election to convert the associated debentures. We may elect to pay cash for some or all of the shares issuable upon a conversion of the debentures.
For a discussion of the dilutive effects of our convertible securities on our earnings per share, see Note 4 – “Earnings Per Share” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8. As noted above, during 2019 and


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2018, we repurchased shares of our common stock and may do so in the future. In addition, we have in the past purchased, and may in the future purchase, our debt securities.
The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, which may make it difficult for holders to resell common stock when they want or at a price they find attractive.
The market price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. In addition to the risk factors described herein, the following factors may have an adverse impact on the market price for our common stock: announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions or strategic initiatives; our actual or anticipated quarterly and annual operating results; changes in expectations of future financial performance (including incurred losses on our insurance in force); changes in estimates of securities analysts or rating agencies; actual or anticipated changes in our share repurchase program or dividends; changes in general conditions in the economy, the mortgage insurance industry or the financial markets; changes in operating performance or market valuation of companies in the mortgage insurance industry; the addition or departure of key personnel; changes in tax law; and adverse press or news announcements affecting us or the industry. In addition, ownership by certain types of investors may affect the market price and trading volume of our common stock. For example, ownership in our common stock by investors such as index funds and exchange-traded funds can affect the stock’s price when those investors must purchase or sell our common stock because the investors have experienced significant cash inflows or outflows, the index to which our common stock belongs has been rebalanced, or our common stock is added to and/or removed from an index (due to changes in our market capitalization, for example).
We could be adversely affected if personal information on consumers that we maintain is improperly disclosed, and damage to, or interruption in, our information technology systems may become outdated and we may not be able to make timely modifications to supportdisrupt our products and services.operations.
As part of our business, we maintain large amounts of personal information on consumers. Federal and state laws designed to promote the protection of personal information of consumers require businesses that collect or maintain consumer information to adopt information security programs, notify individuals, and in some jurisdictions, regulatory authorities, of security breaches involving personally identifiable information. Those laws may require free credit monitoring services to be provided to individuals affected by security breaches. While we believe we have appropriate information security policies and systems to prevent unauthorized disclosure, there can be no assurance that unauthorized disclosure, either through the actions of third parties or employees, will not occur. Unauthorized
disclosure could adversely affect our reputation, result in a loss of business and expose us to material claims for damages.
We rely on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of complex information technology systems. All information technology systems are potentially vulnerable to damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including through the actions of third parties. Due to our reliance on our information technology systems, including ours and those of our customers and third party service providers, their damage or interruption could severely disrupt our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, business prospects and results of operations.
In addition, we are in the process of upgrading certain of our information systems that have been in place for a number of years and are implementingcontinue to deploy and enhance our loan levelrisk-based pricing system. The implementation of these technological improvements, as well as their integration with customer and third party systems when applicable, is complex, expensive and time consuming. If we fail to timely and successfully implement and integrate the new technology systems, or if the systems do not operate as expected, it could have an adverse impact on our business, business prospects and results of operations.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to manage risks in our investment portfolio.
Our investment portfolio is an important source of revenue and is our primary source of claims paying resources. Although our investment portfolio consists mostly of highly-rated fixed income investments, our investment portfolio is affected by general economic conditions and tax policy, which may adversely affect the markets for credit and interest-rate-sensitive securities, including the extent and timing of investor participation in these markets, the level and volatility of interest rates and credit spreads and, consequently, the value of our fixed income securities, and as such, we may not achieve our investment objectives. Volatility or lack of liquidity in the markets in which we hold securities has at times reduced the market value of some of our investments, and if this worsens substantially it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.


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For the significant portion of our investment portfolio that is held by MGIC, to receive full capital credit under insurance regulatory requirements and under the PMIERs, we generally are limited to investing in investment grade fixed income securities whose yields reflect their lower credit risk profile. Our investment income depends upon the size of the portfolio and its reinvestment at prevailing interest rates. A prolonged period of low investment yields would have an adverse impact on our investment income as would a decrease in the size of the portfolio.


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In addition, we structure our investment portfolio to satisfy our expected liabilities, including claim payments in our mortgage insurance business. If we underestimate our liabilities or improperly structure our investments to meet these liabilities, we could have unexpected losses resulting from the forced liquidation of fixed income investments before their maturity, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our financial results may be adversely impacted byHurricanes and other natural disasters; certain hurricanesdisasters may impact our incurred losses, the amount and timing of paid claims, our inventory of notices of default and our Minimum Required Assets under PMIERs.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods, or other events related to changing climatic conditions, could trigger an economic downturn in the affected areas, which could result in a decline in our business and an increased claim rate on policies in those areas. Natural disasters, rising sea levels and increased cost of flood insurance could lead to a decrease in home prices in the affected areas, or in areas with similar risks, which could result in an increase in claim severity on policies in those areas. If we were to attempt to limit our new insurance written in disaster-prone areas, lenders may be unwilling to procure insurance from us anywhere.
Natural disasters could also lead to increased reinsurance rates or reduced availability of reinsurance. This may cause us to retain more risk than we otherwise would retain and could negatively affect our compliance with the financial requirements of the PMIERs.
We insure mortgages for homes in areas that have been impacted by recent natural disasters, including 2017 and 2018 hurricanes. We do not expect those hurricanes to result in a material increase in our incurred losses or paid claims. However, the following factors could cause our actual results to differ from our expectation in the forward looking statement in the preceding sentence:
Home values in hurricane-affected areas may decrease at the time claims are filed from their current levels thereby adversely affecting our ability to mitigate loss.
Hurricane-affected areas may experience deteriorating economic conditions resulting in more borrowers defaulting on their loans in the future (or
failing to cure existing defaults) than we currently expect.
If an insured contests our claim denial or curtailment, there can be no assurance we will prevail. We describe how claims under our policy are affected by damage to the borrower’s home in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 14, 2017.
Due to the suspension of certain foreclosures by the GSEs from time-to-time, our receipt of claims associated with foreclosed mortgages in hurricane-affected areas may be delayed.
The PMIERs require us to maintain significantly more "Minimum Required Assets" for delinquent loans than for performing loans; however, the increase in Minimum Required Assets is not as great for certain delinquent loans in areas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared major disaster areas. An increase in delinquency notices resulting from hurricanesa natural disaster may result in an increase in "Minimum Required Assets" and a decrease in the level of our excess "Available Assets" which is discussed in our risk factor titled "We may not continue to meet the GSEs’ private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements and our returns may decrease asif we are required to maintain more capital in order to maintain our eligibility."

The Company may be adversely impacted by the transition from LIBOR as a reference rate.
In 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that after 2021 it would no longer compel banks to submit rate quotations required to calculate LIBOR. As a result, it is uncertain whether LIBOR will continue to be quoted after 2021. Efforts are underway to identify and transition to a set of alternative reference rates. The set of alternative rates includes the Secured Overnight Financing Rate
(“SOFR”), which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing in 2018. SOFR is calculated based on different criteria than LIBOR. Accordingly, SOFR and LIBOR may diverge. In addition, SOFR may be subject to direct influence by activities of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in ways that other rates may not be.
There is considerable uncertainty as to how the financial services industry will address the discontinuance of LIBOR in financial instruments. Financial instruments indexed to LIBOR could experience disparate outcomes based on their contractual terms, ability to amend those terms, market or product type, legal or regulatory jurisdiction, and other factors. Alternative reference rates that replace LIBOR may not yield the same or similar economic results over the lives of the financial instruments, which could adversely affect the value of and return on these instruments.
While it is not currently possible to determine precisely whether, or to what extent, the replacement of LIBOR would affect us, the implementation of alternative benchmark rates to LIBOR may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Our transactions involving financial instruments that reference LIBOR, include:
Buying and selling fixed income securities (as of December 31, 2019, approximately 6.0% of the fair value of our investment portfolio consisted of securities referencing LIBOR).
Insuring adjustable rate mortgages (“ARMs”) whose interest is referenced to LIBOR (as of December 31, 2019, approximately $1.1 billion of our risk in force was on ARMs referencing LIBOR). A change in reference rate associated with these loans may affect their principal balance, which may affect our risk-in-force and the amount of Minimum Required Assets we are required to maintain under PMIERs. A change in reference rate may also affect the amount of principal and/or accrued interest we are required to pay in the event of a claim payment.
Entering into reinsurance agreements under which our premiums are determined, in part, by the difference between interest payable on the reinsurers’ notes which reference LIBOR and earnings from a pool of securities receiving interest that may reference LIBOR (in 2019, our total premiums on such transactions was approximately $17.6 million).




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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.


Item 2. Properties
At December 31, 2018,2019, we leased office space in various cities throughout the United States under leases expiring between 20192020 and 20212023 and which required monthly rental payments that in the aggregate are immaterial.


We own our headquarters facility and an additional office/warehouse facility, both located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which contain an aggregate of approximately 310,000 square feet of space.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business may be filed or pending against us from time to time. For information about such legal proceedings, you should review our risk factor titled “We are involved in legal proceedings and are subject to the risk of additional legal proceedings in the future” in Item 1A.


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.




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Information About Our Executive Officers of the Registrant
Certain information with respect to our executive officers as of February 22, 201921, 2020 is set forth below:
Executive officers of the registrant
 
Name and Age Title
Patrick Sinks, 62Timothy J. Mattke, 44 President and Chief Executive Officer of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC; Director of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC
Timothy J. Mattke, 43Salvatore A. Miosi, 53President and Chief Operating Officer of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC
Nathan H. Colson, 36 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC
James J. Hughes, 5657 Executive Vice President – Sales and Business Development of MGIC
Stephen C. Mackey, 58Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC
Paula C. Maggio, 5051 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC
Salvatore A. Miosi, 52Steven M. Thompson, 57 Executive Vice President – Business Strategy and Operations of MGIC
Gregory A. Chi, 59Senior Vice President – Information Services and Chief InformationRisk Officer of MGIC until retirement in March 2019
Robert J. Candelmo, 5556 Vice President – Chief Technology Officer of MGIC until March 2019. Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of MGIC effective upon Mr. Chi’s retirement in March 2019



Mr. SinksMattke has served as our Chief Executive Officer since March 2015 and has been our and MGIC’s President since January 2006.  He was Executive Vice President – Field Operations of MGIC from January 2004 to January 2006 and was Senior Vice President – Field Operations of MGIC from July 2002 to January 2004. From March 1985 to July 2002,2019. Before then, he held various positions within MGIC’s finance and accounting organization, the last of which was Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Sinks has been a director of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC since July 2014.

Mr. Mattke hashad been the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since March 2014. He served as the Company’sfrom 2014 to 2019, and its Controller from 2009 through Marchto 2014. He joined the Company in 2006. Prior to his becoming Controller, he was Assistant Controller of MGIC beginning in August 2007 and prior to that was a manager in MGIC’s accounting department.  Before joining MGIC, Mr. Mattke was an audit manager and an auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered accounting firm.


Mr. Miosi has served as our President and Chief Operating Officer since July 2019. Before then, he had been Executive Vice President – Business Strategy and Operations since January 2017. He served as Senior Vice President – Business Strategy and Operations of MGIC from 2015 to January 2017, and Vice President – Marketing from 2004 to 2015. Mr. Miosi joined the company in 1988 and has also held a variety of leadership positions in the operations, technology and marketing divisions.

Mr. Colson has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 2019. Before then, he had been MGIC's Vice President – Finance during 2019 and its Assistant Treasurer from 2016 to 2019. He joined MGIC in 2014 and prior to becoming Assistant Treasurer, he held positions in its Risk Management Department. Before joining MGIC, Mr. Colson was with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered accounting firm.

Mr. Hughes has served as Executive Vice President – Sales and Business Development of MGIC since
January 2017. He served as Senior Vice President –
Sales and Business Development of MGIC from 2015 to January 2017, and Vice President, Managing Director in the sales area from 2001 to 2015. He joined MGIC in 1987 and prior to becoming Vice President, Managing Director, he had been an Account Manager and a Sales Manager.

Mr. Mackey joined MGIC in June 2015 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer since September 2015. Before joining MGIC, Mr. Mackey was with JP Morgan Chase & Company from March 2011 until June 2015, where he held a number of senior leadership positions, including Managing Director, Firmwide Market Risk, Senior Vice President and Risk Management Executive in Mortgage Banking and Senior Vice President and Controller in Mortgage Banking. He has a diverse professional background prior to JP Morgan that includes 13 years with Fannie Mae where he had been a Vice President.


Ms. Maggio joined the Company in July 2018 and has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since July 2018.then. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Maggio had been Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Retail Properties of America, Inc. from 2016 to 2018, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (SHR) from 2012 to 2015, and in various other leadership roles with SHR since joining that firm in 2000. Prior to joining SHR, Ms. Maggio had been in private legal practice from 1994-2000.


Mr. MiosiThompson has served as MGIC's Executive Vice President – Business Strategy and OperationsChief Risk Officer since January 2017.November 2019. Before then, he had been Interim Chief Risk Officer during 2019, and Vice President Credit Policy and Pricing from 2016 to 2019. He served as Seniorjoined MGIC in 1998 and prior to being named Vice President Credit Policy and Pricing, he held several management positions in its Risk Management Department, including Vice President – Business Strategy and Operations of MGICRisk Management from 20152000 to January 2017, and Vice President - Marketing from 2004 to 2015. Mr. Miosi joined the company in 1988 and has also held a variety of leadership positions in the operations, technology and marketing divisions.2016.


Mr. Chi joined MGIC in February 2012,Candelmo has served as MGIC’sMGIC's Senior Vice President – Information Services and Chief Information Officer since March 2012 and will retire in March 2019. Prior to joining MGIC, Mr. Chi had been Senior Vice President of Enterprise Delivery Services with SunTrust Bank since 2008. Prior to joining SunTrust, Mr. Chi held various senior management positions in the financial services industry.

Mr. CandelmoHe joined MGIC in October 2014 as its Vice President – Chief Technology Officer and will become its Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer in March 2019, upon the retirement of Mr. Chi.Officer. Prior to joining MGIC, Mr. Candelmo had been Senior Vice President of Enterprise Information Services with SunTrust Bank since 2008. Prior to joining SunTrust, Mr. Candelmo had held various other leadership roles within the information technology discipline.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 4042

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries






PART II


Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


(a)Our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MTG.”


As of February 15, 2019,14, 2020, the number of shareholders of record was 294.272 In addition, we estimate there are approximately 46,00042,000 beneficial owners of shares held by brokers and fiduciaries.


Information regarding equity compensation plans is contained in Item 12.


(b)Not applicable.


(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information about purchases of MGIC Investment Corporation common stock by us during the three months ended December 31, 2018.2019.
Share repurchases
Period Beginning Period Ending Total number of shares purchased Average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (1)
October 1, 2018 October 31, 2018 565,061
 $11.67
 565,061
 $93,345,524
November 1, 2018 November 30, 2018 3,739,659
 $11.61
 3,739,659
 $49,940,971
December 1, 2018 December 31, 2018 2,478,919
 $10.09
 2,478,919
 $24,940,973
    6,783,639
 $11.06
 6,783,639
  
Share repurchases
Period Beginning Period Ending Total number of shares purchased Average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (1)
October 1, 2019 October 31, 2019 
 $
 
 $130,815,385
November 1, 2019 November 30, 2019 
 $
 
 $130,815,385
December 1, 2019 December 31, 2019 1,400,976
 $14.26
 1,400,976
 $110,815,326
    1,400,976
 $14.26
 1,400,976
  


(1) 
On April 26, 2018,In addition to the approximately $111 million remaining on our share repurchase authorization from 2019, on January 28, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $200an additional $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2019.2021. Repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market (including through 10b5-1 plans) or through privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program may be suspended for periods or discontinued at any time.







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Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Summary of operations
 As of and for the Years Ended December 31, As of and for the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Revenues:                    
Net premiums written $992,262
 $997,955
 $975,091
 $1,020,277
 $881,962
 $1,001,308
 $992,262
 $997,955
 $975,091
 $1,020,277
Net premiums earned 975,162
 934,747
 925,226
 896,222
 844,371
 1,030,988
 975,162
 934,747
 925,226
 896,222
Investment income, net 141,331
 120,871
 110,666
 103,741
 87,647
 167,045
 141,331
 120,871
 110,666
 103,741
Realized investment (losses) gains, net including net impairment losses (1,353) 231
 8,921
 28,361
 1,357
 5,306
 (1,353) 231
 8,921
 28,361
Other revenue 8,708
 10,205
 17,670
 12,964
 9,259
 10,638
 8,708
 10,205
 17,670
 12,964
Total revenues 1,123,848
 1,066,054
 1,062,483
 1,041,288
 942,634
 1,213,977
 1,123,848
 1,066,054
 1,062,483
 1,041,288
                    
Losses and expenses:    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
Losses incurred, net 36,562
 53,709
 240,157
 343,547
 496,077
 118,575
 36,562
 53,709
 240,157
 343,547
Change in premium deficiency reserve 
 ���
 
 (23,751) (24,710) 
 
 
 
 (23,751)
Underwriting and other expenses 190,143
 170,749
 160,409
 164,366
 146,059
 194,769
 190,143
 170,749
 160,409
 164,366
Interest expense 52,993
 57,035
 56,672
 68,932
 69,648
 52,656
 52,993
 57,035
 56,672
 68,932
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 65
 90,531
 507
 837
 
 
 65
 90,531
 507
Total losses and expenses 279,698
 281,558
 547,769
 553,601
 687,911
 366,000
 279,698
 281,558
 547,769
 553,601
Income before tax 844,150
 784,496
 514,714
 487,687
 254,723
 847,977
 844,150
 784,496
 514,714
 487,687
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (1)
 174,053
 428,735
 172,197
 (684,313) 2,774
 174,214
 174,053
 428,735
 172,197
 (684,313)
Net income $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
 $1,172,000
 $251,949
 $673,763
 $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
 $1,172,000
                    
Weighted average common shares outstanding 386,078
 394,766
 431,992
 468,039
 413,547
 373,924
 386,078
 394,766
 431,992
 468,039
                    
Diluted income per share $1.78
 $0.95
 $0.86
 $2.60
 $0.64
 $1.85
 $1.78
 $0.95
 $0.86
 $2.60
                    
Balance sheet data
Total investments $5,159,019
 $4,990,561
 $4,692,350
 $4,663,206
 $4,612,669
 $5,758,320
 $5,159,019
 $4,990,561
 $4,692,350
 $4,663,206
Cash and cash equivalents 151,892
 99,851
 155,410
 181,120
 197,882
 161,847
 151,892
 99,851
 155,410
 181,120
Total assets 5,677,802
 5,619,499
 5,734,529
 5,868,343
 5,251,414
 6,229,571
 5,677,802
 5,619,499
 5,734,529
 5,868,343
Loss reserves 674,019
 985,635
 1,438,813
 1,893,402
 2,396,807
 555,334
 674,019
 985,635
 1,438,813
 1,893,402
Premium deficiency reserve 
 
 
 
 23,751
Short- and long-term debt 574,713
 573,560
 572,406
 
 61,883
 575,867
 574,713
 573,560
 572,406
 
Convertible senior notes 
 
 349,461
 822,301
 830,015
 
 
 
 349,461
 822,301
Convertible junior subordinated debentures 256,872
 256,872
 256,872
 389,522
 389,522
 256,872
 256,872
 256,872
 256,872
 389,522
Shareholders' equity 3,581,891
 3,154,526
 2,548,842
 2,236,140
 1,036,903
 4,309,234
 3,581,891
 3,154,526
 2,548,842
 2,236,140
Book value per share 10.08
 8.51
 7.48
 6.58
 3.06
 12.41
 10.08
 8.51
 7.48
 6.58
(1) 
In 2017, we remeasured our net deferred tax assets at the lower enacted corporate income tax rate under the Tax Act. In 2015 we reversed the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. See Note 12 – "Income Taxes" to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a discussion of tax matters and their impact on our consolidated financial statements.






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Other data
                    
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
New primary insurance written ($ millions)
 $50,526
 $49,123
 $47,875
 $43,031
 $33,439
 $63,421
 $50,526
 $49,123
 $47,875
 $43,031
New primary risk written ($ millions)
 $12,657
 $12,217
 $11,831
 $10,824
 $8,530
 $15,811
 $12,657
 $12,217
 $11,831
 $10,824
                    
IIF (at year-end) ($ millions)
      
  
  
      
  
  
Direct primary IIF $209,707
 $194,941
 $182,040
 $174,514
 $164,919
 $222,295
 $209,707
 $194,941
 $182,040
 $174,514
RIF (at year-end) ($ millions)
                    
Direct primary RIF $54,063
 $50,319
 $47,195
 $45,462
 $42,946
 $57,213
 $54,063
 $50,319
 $47,195
 $45,462
Direct pool RIF      
  
  
      
  
  
With aggregate loss limits 228
 236
 244
 271
 303
 213
 228
 236
 244
 271
Without aggregate loss limits 191
 235
 303
 388
 505
 163
 191
 235
 303
 388
                    
Primary loans in default ratios      
  
  
        
  
Policies in force 1,058,292
 1,023,951
 998,294
 992,188
 968,748
 1,079,578
 1,058,292
 1,023,951
 998,294
 992,188
Loans in default 32,898
 46,556
 50,282
 62,633
 79,901
 30,028
 32,898
 46,556
 50,282
 62,633
Percentage of loans in default 3.11% 4.55% 5.04% 6.31% 8.25% 2.78% 3.11% 4.55% 5.04% 6.31%
                    
Insurance operating ratios (GAAP)                    
Loss ratio 3.7% 5.7% 26.0% 38.3% 58.8% 11.5% 3.7% 5.7% 26.0% 38.3%
Underwriting Expense ratio 18.2% 16.0% 15.3% 14.9% 14.7% 18.4% 18.2% 16.0% 15.3% 14.9%
                    
Risk-to-capital ratio (statutory)        
  
          
Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation 9.0:1
 9.5:1
 10.7:1
 12.1:1
 14.6:1
 9.7:1
 9.0:1
 9.5:1
 10.7:1
 12.1:1
Combined insurance companies 9.8:1
 10.5:1
 12.0:1
 13.6:1
 16.4:1
 9.6:1
 9.8:1
 10.5:1
 12.0:1
 13.6:1






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 4345

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries






Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


INTRODUCTION
As used below, “we” and “our” refer to MGIC Investment Corporation’s consolidated operations or to MGIC Investment Corporation, as a separate entity, as the context requires. References to "we" and "our" in the context of debt obligations refer to MGIC Investment Corporation. See the "Glossary of terms and acronyms" for definitions and descriptions of terms used throughout this annual report. The Risk Factors contained in Item 1A discuss trends and uncertainties affecting us and are an integral part of the MD&A.


Forward Looking and Other Statements
As discussed under “Forward Looking Statements and Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part 1 of this Report, actual results may differ materially from the results contemplated by forward looking statements. We are not undertaking any obligation to update any forward looking statements or other statements we may make in the following discussion or elsewhere in this document even though these statements may be affected by events or circumstances occurring after the forward looking statements or other statements were made. Therefore, no reader of this document should rely on these statements being current as of any time other than the time at which this document was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


 
OVERVIEW
This Overview of the MD&A highlights selected information and may not contain all of the information that is important to readers of this Annual Report. Hence, this Overview is qualified by the information that appears elsewhere in this Annual Report, including the other portions of the MD&A.


Through our subsidiary, MGIC, we are a leading provider of PMI in the United States, as measured by $209.7$222.3 billion of primary IIF on a consolidated basis at December 31, 2018.2019.
Summary of financial results of MGIC Investment Corporation
            
 Year Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions, except per share data) 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Selected statement of operations data            
Total revenues $1,123.8
 $1,066.1
 5 % $1,214.0
 $1,123.8
 8 %
Losses incurred, net 36.6
 53.7
 (32)% 118.6
 36.6
 224 %
Other operating and underwriting expenses, net 178.2
 159.6
 12 % 182.8
 178.2
 3 %
Income before tax 844.2
 784.5
 8 % 848.0
 844.2
  %
Provision for income taxes 174.1
 428.7
 (59)% 174.2
 174.1
  %
Net income 670.1
 355.8
 88 % 673.8
 670.1
 1 %
Diluted income per share $1.78
 $0.95
 87 % $1.85
 $1.78
 4 %
            
Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1)
            
Adjusted pre-tax operating income $845.5
 $784.3
 8 % $842.9
 $845.5
  %
Adjusted net operating income 668.7
 517.7
 29 % 669.7
 668.7
  %
Adjusted net operating income per diluted share $1.78
 $1.36
 31 % $1.84
 $1.78
 3 %
(1) 



MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 46

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis


SUMMARY OF 20182019 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Net income of $670.1$673.8 million for 20182019 increased by $314.3$3.7 million when compared to the prior year, and diluted income per share of $1.78$1.85 increased by 87%4% when compared to the prior year. These increases primarily reflect decreasesan increase in our provision for income taxesrevenues and losses incurred associated with delinquency notices received in the current year,fewer weighted average diluted shares outstanding, which was partially offset by a decreasean increase in favorable loss reserve development associated with delinquency notices received in prior


MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 44

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

years.losses incurred. Adjusted net operating income of $668.7$669.7 million for 2018 (2017: $517.72019 (2018: $668.7 million) and adjusted net operating income per diluted share of $1.78 (2017: $1.36)$1.84 (2018: $1.78) each increased from the prior year primarily for the same reasons.

The decrease in our tax provision reflects the lower corporate income tax rate in 2018 under the Tax Act, the 2017 remeasurement of our deferred tax assets and an additional tax provision recorded in 2017 for the settlement of our IRS litigation, partially offset by the tax associated with a 2018 increase in income before tax.


Losses incurred, net were $118.6 million, compared to $36.6 million down 32%the prior year. The increase was due to lower favorable loss reserve development on previously received delinquency notices when compared to the prior year. The decrease was drivenyear, partially offset by a 20% declinedecrease in newlosses incurred on delinquency notices compared toreceived in the prior year, along with a lowercurrent year. The estimated claim rate on new notices (approximately 9%, down from approximately 10% in the prior year). The decline in new delinquency notices reflected, in part, that 2017 notices included an elevated level of notices associated with major hurricanes. The estimated claim rate on 2017 notices, excluding those associated with hurricanes, was 10.5%. The decrease in our estimated claim rate on new notices reflects improved cure activity due to the current economic environment. Favorable loss reserve development associated with delinquency notices received in prior years2019 was $167 million and $231 million, in 2018 and 2017, respectively, due to a lower estimated claim rate in each year8% compared to the prior year-end.9% in 2018.

During 2018, MGIC paid $220 million in dividends to our holding company. During 2018, we repurchased approximately 16.0 million shares of our common stock for approximately $175 million.


BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Economic conditions
Current U.S. economic conditions continue to support favorable housing fundamentals, such as low unemployment, strong consumer confidence, increasing household formations, and appreciating home values. We benefit from favorable housing fundamentals that increase home purchase activity and provide borrowers reliable, or increasing, financial resources.


As a result of the current and expected economic conditions, mortgage interest rates have been higherlower on average in 20182019 compared to 2017.2018. The increase inlower mortgage interest rates materially increased refinancing activity but did not materiallyhave a material impact on home purchasing activity in 2018. Despite the impact of rising rates on housing affordability, the2019. The homeownership rate increased slightly in 2019. The continued to edge up in 2018. In particular,favorable housing fundamentals and the homeownership rate of those 35 and younger (which likely includes many first time homebuyers that require mortgage insurance) is indicated to be at levels last seen in 2013. The increase in purchase mortgage originations, and first-time homebuyer activity,refinancing transactions resulted
in a modestan increase in our NIW in 20182019 when compared to 2017.2018.


The level of unemployment, interest rates, and home prices may change in the future. For the possible effects of such changes, see our risk factors titled "If the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations declines, the amount of insurance that we write could decline,” “Downturns in the domestic economy or declines in the value of borrowers’ homes from their value at the time their loans closed may result in more homeowners defaulting and our losses increasing, with a corresponding decrease in our returns,” and “Changes in interest rates, house prices or mortgage insurance cancellation requirements may change the length of time that our policies remain in force."



Mortgage lending
These recentThe past several years of favorable housing fundamentals and in our view, favorable risk characteristics of our recently insured loans has provided a favorable credit backdrop for the business we have written in recent years. In that regard, we have experienced acontributed to our declining delinquent inventory, and lower losses incurred and claims paid. Our most recent book years continue to experience a low level of losses.


Although we generally view the risk characteristics ofAfter easing somewhat in 2018, insured loans to be favorable, lending standards did easebecame tighter again in 2018.2019. The percentage of our NIW with DTI ratios over 45% increased significantly in 2018 compared to recent years. The increaseyears but declined in 2019. Change in both years was primarily driven by adjustments to GSE underwriting guidelines for loans with DTI ratios over 45%. The rising cost of homeownership and a decreaseincrease in the percentage of our NIW from refinance transactions in 2019 due to the low interest rate environment also resulted in an increasinga lower percentage of our NIW with LTV ratios over 95%. in 2019 compared with 2018.


Refer to "Mortgage Insurance Portfolio" for additional discussion of changes in our NIW mix during 2018 and our efforts to mitigate our risk from the increase in NIW with DTI ratios over 45%.2019.


Competition
PMI. The private mortgage insurance industry is highly competitive and is expected to remain so. We believe that we currently compete with other private mortgage insurers based on premium rates, underwriting requirements, financial strength (including based on credit or financial strength ratings), customer relationships, name recognition, reputation, the strength of our management teamteams and field organization,organizations, the ancillary products and services provided to lenders and the effective use of technology and innovation in the delivery and servicing of our mortgage insurance products.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 45

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

Pricing practices
Much of the competition in the industry in the last few years has centered on pricing practices which have included: (i) reductions in standard filed rates for borrower-paid mortgage insurance policies ("BPMI");rates; (ii) use by competitorsof customized rate plans (typically lower than standard rates) that are made available to lenders that meet certain criteria; and (iii) use of a spectrum of filed rates to allow for formulaic, risk-based pricing that may be quickly adjusted more frequently within certain parameters (referred to as "loan level"risk-based pricing systems"); and (iii) use of customized rates (discounted from standard rates) that are made available to lenders that meet certain criteria.

In response to industry competition, and changing customer preferences, the delivery of. We expect premium rates has continued to migrate from standard rate cards, to use of loan level pricing systems; and use of customized rates (discounted from standard rates) that are made available to lenders that meet certain criteria. Loan level pricing systems incorporate more loan attributes than standard rate cards. They are considered more dynamic pricing models that can react faster to changing market conditions, including those conditions that increase or decrease risk, and they assist in managing risk and shaping the insured portfolio. We expect the adoption of mortgage insurers' loan level pricing systems by lenders to continue to increase.decline.


Our pricing approach continues to evolve with the industry. In the first quarter of 2019, we introduced MiQ™,MiQ, our loan levelrisk-based pricing system. We expect adoption of MiQ™ to increase during 2019 and the pace of adoption will be driven primarily by customer demand.system that establishes our premium rates based on more risk attributes than were considered in 2018.


GSE Risk Share Transactions
In 2018, the GSEs initiated secondary mortgage market programs with loan level mortgage default coverage provided by various (re)insurers that are not mortgage insurers governed by PMIERs, and that are not selected by the lenders. Due to differences in policy terms, these


MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 47

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

programs may offer premium rates that are generally below prevalent single premium LPMI rates. While we view these programs as competing with traditional private mortgage insurance, we have participated in them and may participate in future GSE or other programs.
The GSEs (and other investors) have also used other forms of credit enhancement that did not involve traditional private mortgage insurance, such as engaging in credit-linked note transactions executed in the capital markets, or using other forms of debt issuances or securitizations that transfer credit risk directly to other investors, including competitors and an affiliate of MGIC; using other risk mitigation techniques in conjunction with reduced levels of private mortgage insurance coverage; or accepting credit risk without credit enhancement.


Government programs. PMI also competes against government mortgage insurance programs such as the FHA, VA, and USDA, primarily for lower FICO score business. TheWhile the combined market share of primary mortgage insurance written by government programs continued to exceed that written by PMI in 2018, however2019, PMI recaptured some share from those programs dueprograms. The strong refinance markets increased PMI's share of refinances in part to a reduction in refinance originations in 2018. Generally, PMI industry share is 3-4 times higher for purchase originations than refinance originations. The increase in the percentage of originations from purchase transactions along with the2019, and PMI premium rate reductions, have contributed to a PMI market share at its highest level since the financial crisis.


Refer to "Mortgage Insurance Portfolio" for additional discussion of the 20182019 business environment and the impact it had on operating measures including NIW, IIF and RIF.


PMIERs
Since December 31, 2015 we have operated under the requirements of the PMIERs of the GSEs in order to insure loans delivered to or purchased by them. The PMIERs include financial requirements thatas well as business, quality control and certain transactional approval requirements. The financial requirements of the PMIERs require a mortgage insurer’s "Available Assets" (generally only the most liquid assets of an approved mortgage insurerinsurer) to have Available Assets that meetequal or exceed its Minimum"Minimum Required Assets.Assets" (which are based on an insurer's book of insurance in force, calculated from tables of factors with several risk dimensions, reduced for credit given for risk ceded under reinsurance transactions, and subject to a floor amount). Based on our application of the more restrictive PMIERs, MGIC's Available Assets under PMIERs totaled $4.8$4.6 billion, an excess of $1.4$1.2 billion over its Minimum Required Assets at December 31, 2018.2019.

Revised PMIERs were published in September 2018 and will become effective March 31, 2019. See "Revised PMIERs" below for additional information on the changes made to the PMIERs and their impact on MGIC's excess of Available Assets over its Minimum Required Assets.


BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR 20192020
Our outlook for 20192020 should be viewed against the backdrop of the business environment discussed above.


NIW
We expect our 2019
NIW to be relatively flat with 2018.
Our NIW is affected by total mortgage originations, the percentage of total mortgage originations utilizingusing private mortgage insurance (the "PMI penetration rate"), and our market share within the PMI industry. As of late January 2019,2020, the total mortgage origination forecasts indicate relatively flat origination volumemortgage originations of $2 trillion in 2020. The purchase originations are expected to increase in 2020, compared to 2019. Our NIW from refinance originations is expected to be lower in 2020 compared to a strong 2019. In 2019, the majority of the refinances were from recent books that experienced only a modest level of price appreciation. Therefore, many of the refinanced loans in 2019 compared to 2018, withrequired mortgage insurance. As a slight increase in purchase originations offsetting a decline in refinance originations. Weresult, we expect the PMI penetration rate to remain strongdecline somewhat in part because the PMI industry's share of purchase originations has historically been 3-4 times greater than its share of refinance originations.2020.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 46

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

The widespread use of loan level pricing systems by the PMI industry will makemakes it more difficult to compare our rates to those offered by our competitors. We may not be aware of industry rate changes until we observe that our volume of NIW has changed andchanged. In addition, business under customized rate plans is awarded by certain customers for only limited periods of time. As a result, our volumeNIW may fluctuate more as a result.than it had in the past.


IIF and RIF
Our IIF increased 7.6%6.0% in 20182019 and we expect our IIF to increasegrow in 2019. 2020. Our book of IIF is the mainan important driver of our future revenues, and earnings, and its growth is driven by our ability to generate NIW and retain existing policies in force, as measured by our persistency. Interest rates influence both our NIW and persistency. In a rising rate environment, total mortgage originations may decline, however, we would also expect policy cancellation rates to decline, and in turn increase persistency, although the impact generally lags the change in interest rates.


Results of operations
Premiums. We believe thatDespite an increase in 2019, growth inIIF, we expect our 2020 earned premiums (on a direct basis) will continue to be slowerlower than the growth of our IIF.they were in 2019. Overall, our premium rates have been trending down in recent years, including in 2018,2019, and the affected books of business written at lower rates represent an increasing percentage of our total IIF.


Our 20192020 direct premiums written and net premiums earned are expected to be comparable to 2018.lower than 2019. Our net premiums earned will be impacted by the decrease in premium rates noted above and by the amount of premiums we cede under our quota share and excess of loss reinsurance transactions. The amount of profit commission we receive, which reduces the amount of premiums we cede, is variable year-to-year and is dependent on the amount of losses ceded. Our profit commission in recent years has benefited from favorable loss reserve development associated with delinquency notices received in prior years. Further, 2019 will include a full year of premiums ceded under our excess of loss reinsurance transaction that went into effect in the fourth quarter of 2018. The actual amount of premiums we cede in 20192020 will also be affected


MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 48

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

by any changes in the structure of our reinsurance coverage, such as terminationthe addition of existing quota share reinsurance or additionalnew excess of loss coverage.


Factors that affect the amount of premiums we earn from our IIF are further discussed in our "Consolidated Results of Operations - Premium yield."


Investment income. Net investment income is a material contributor to our results of operations. We expect an increase in our net investment income in 2019 compared2020 to 2018 primarily duebe comparable to an increase in2019. We expect our invested assets.assets will remain relatively flat as we return capital to our shareholders (see "Capital" below). The amount of investment income will also be impacted by the change in the yield we can earn on investments.


Losses. We expect 20192020 losses incurred with respect to delinquency notices received in 20192020 to be lower than the comparable amount for 20182019 as we expect to receive fewer new delinquency notices in 2019. Overall, however, 2019 losses incurred, net are expected to increase compared to 2018 if we experience no favorable loss reserve development associated with delinquency notices received in prior years.2020.


Income taxes. We expect our 20192020 effective tax rate to be approximately 21%.


Revised PMIERsCAPITAL
The primary change includedMGIC dividend payments to our holding company
In 2019 and 2018, MGIC paid a total of $280 million and $220 million, respectively, in dividends to our holding company. We have received the appropriate approvals for MGIC to pay to our holding company, in the financial requirementsfirst quarter of 2020, a special dividend of $320 million and a quarterly dividend of $70 million. We expect to use most of the revised PMIERs published in September 2018 and effective March 31, 2019, is the elimination of any credit for future premiums that had previously been allowed for certain insurance policies. As a result, upon their effectiveness, MGIC's excess of Available Assets over its Minimum Required Assets will decrease. See "GSEs" below for the expected impactproceeds of the revised PMIERs.special dividend to repurchase our common stock as discussed below. We expect MGIC to pay quarterly dividends totaling at least $280 million per year, subject to approval by MGIC’s Board of Directors. We ask the OCI not to object before MGIC pays dividends.

CAPITAL
Share repurchase programprograms
On April 26,In 2019 and 2018, we repurchased approximately 8.7 million and 16.0 million shares of our boardcommon stock, respectively, using approximately $114 million and $175 million, respectively, of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we mayholding company resources. We received approval to repurchase up to $200an additional $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2019. 2021. The following table shows details of our share repurchase programs.
Repurchase ProgramExpiration DateRepurchased (in millions)
Authorization Remaining
(in millions)

2018 AuthorizationDecember 31, 2019200
 
2019 AuthorizationDecember 31, 202089
111
2020 AuthorizationDecember 31, 2021 300
From January 1, 2020, through February 19, 2020, we repurchased approximately 2.5 million shares of our common stock for approximately $35 million.

Repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market (including through 10b5-1 plans) or through privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase programprograms may be suspended for periods or discontinued at any time. During 2018,As of December 31, 2019, we utilizedhad approximately $175347 million (of which $12 million settledshares of common stock outstanding.

Dividends to shareholders
In 2019, MGIC paid dividends of $0.06 per common share to its shareholders in the third and fourth quarters totaling $42 million. On January 2019)27, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash atdividend of $0.06 per common share to shareholders of record on February 11, 2020, payable on February 28, 2020.

For additional information about how the payment of dividends by our holding company will result in an adjustment to repurchase approximately 16.0 millionthe conversion rate and price of our convertible securities, see our risk factor titled “Your ownership in our company may be diluted by additional capital that we raise or if the holders of our outstanding convertible debt convert that debt into shares of our common stock.stock” in Item 1A.


GSEs
We must comply with thea GSE's PMIERs to be eligible to insure loans delivered to or purchased by the GSEs.that GSE. The PMIERs include financial requirements, as well as business, quality control and certain transaction approval requirements. The financial requirements of the PMIERs require a mortgage insurer’s “Available Assets” (generally only the most liquid assets of an insurer) to equal or exceed its “Minimum Required Assets” (which are based on an insurer’s book of insurance in force and are calculated from tables of factors with several risk dimensions, reduced for credit given for risk ceded under reinsurance transactions, and are subject to a floor amount).


Based on our interpretation of the PMIERs, as of December 31, 2018, MGIC’s Available Assets totaled $4.8 billion, or $1.4 billion in excess of its Minimum Required Assets. If the revised PMIERs discussed above had been effective as of December 31, 2018, we estimate that MGIC’s pro forma excess of Available Assets over Minimum Required Assets would have been approximately $1 billion.


MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 47

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

If MGIC ceases to be eligible to insure loans purchased by one or both of the GSEs, it would significantly reduce the volume of our new business writings. Factors that may negatively impact MGIC’s ability to continue to comply with the financial requirements of the PMIERs include the following:


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MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

è

The GSEs may amend the PMIERs at any time and may make the PMIERs more onerous in the future. The PMIERs provide that the factors that determine Minimum Required Assets will be updated periodically, or as needed if there is a significant change in macroeconomic conditions or loan performance. We do not anticipate that the regular periodic updates will occur more frequently than once every two years. The PMIERs state that the GSEs will provide notice 180 days prior to the effective date of updates to the factors; however, the GSEs may amend any portion of the PMIERs at any time.
è

There may be future implications for PMIERs based upon forthcoming regulatory capital requirements for the GSEs. In June 2018, the FHFA issued a proposed rule on regulatory capital requirementsrule for the GSEs, ("Enterprise Capital Requirements"), which included a framework for determining the capital relief allowed to the GSEs for loans with PMI.private mortgage insurance. The GSEs haveFHFA recently indicated that there may be potentialit plans to re-propose a capital rule as early as the first quarter of 2020, although the timing and content of the proposal is uncertain. Further, any changes to the GSEs' capital and liquidity requirements resulting from the Treasury Housing Reform Plan could have future implications for PMIERs based upon feedback the FHFA receives on its proposed rule on Enterprise Capital Requirements (public comments were due by November 16, 2018). In addition, the PMIERs provide that the factors that determine Minimum Required Assets will be updated every two years and may be updated more frequently to reflect changes in macroeconomic conditions or loan performance. The GSEs have indicated that they will generally provide notice 180 days prior to the effective date of such updates.PMIERs.
èOur future operating results may be negatively impacted by the matters discussed in our risk factors. Such matters could decrease our revenues, increase our losses or require the use of assets, thereby creating a shortfall in Available Assets.
èShould capital be needed by MGIC in the future, capital contributions from our holding company may not be available due to competing demands on holding company resources, including for repayment of debt.

While
Our reinsurance transactions enable us to earn higher returns on an overall basis, the amount ofour business than we would without them because fewer Available Assets MGIC must hold in orderare required to continuebe held under PMIERs. However, reinsurance may not always be available to insure GSE loans is greaterus; or available on similar terms, and our quota share reinsurance subjects us to counterparty credit risk. The total credit under the PMIERs than what state regulation currently requires,PMIERS for risk ceded under our reinsurance transactions mitigateis subject to a modest reduction. Our existing reinsurance transactions are subject to periodic review by the negative effectGSEs and there is a risk we will not receive our current level of credit in future periods for the PMIERs on our returns.risk ceded under them. In addition, we may not receive the same level of credit under future transactions that we receive under existing transactions.


State Regulations
The insurance laws of 16 jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, our domiciliary state, require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to its RIF (or a similar measure) in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write new business. We refer to these requirements as the “State Capital Requirements.” While they vary among jurisdictions, the most common State Capital Requirements allow for a maximum risk-to-capital ratio of 25 to 1. A risk-to-capital ratio will increase if (i) the percentage decrease in capital exceeds the percentage decrease in insured risk, or (ii) the percentage increase in capital is less than the percentage increase in insured risk. Wisconsin does not regulate capital by using a risk-to-capital measure but instead requires an MPP. The "policyholder position" of a mortgage insurer is its net
 
worth or surplus, contingency reserve, and a portion of the reserve for unearned premiums.
At December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s risk-to-capital ratio was 9.09.7 to 1, below the maximum allowed by the jurisdictions with State Capital Requirements, and its policyholder position was $2.6$3.0 billion above the required MPP of $1.3$1.7 billion. OurThe calculation of our risk-to-capital ratio and MPP reflect full credit for the risk ceded under our quota share reinsurance transactions with unaffiliated reinsurers.QSR Transactions and Home Re Transactions. It is possible that under the revised State Capital Requirements discussed below, MGIC will not be allowed full credit for the risk ceded to the reinsurers. If MGIC is not allowed an agreed level of credit under either the State Capital Requirements or the PMIERs, MGIC may terminate the reinsurance transactions, without penalty. At this time, we expect MGIC to continue to comply with the current State Capital Requirements; however, you should readrefer to our risk factorsfactor titled “State capital requirements may prevent us from continuing to write new insurance on an uninterrupted basis” in Item 1A for more information about matters that could negatively affect such compliance.
At December 31, 2018,2019, the risk-to-capital ratio of our combined insurance operations (which includes a reinsurance affiliate) was 9.89.6 to 1. Reinsurance transactions with our affiliate permit MGIC to write insurance with a higher coverage percentage than it could on its own under certain state-specific requirements.
The NAIC has previously announced plans to revise the minimum capital and surplus requirements for mortgage insurers that are provided for in its Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act. AIn December 2019, a working group of state regulators has been considering since 2016released an exposure draft of a revised Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act and a risk-based capital framework to establish capital requirements for mortgage insurers, although no date has been established by which the NAIC must propose revisions to the capital requirements and certain items have not yet been completely addressed by the framework, including the treatment of ceded risk and minimum capital floors, and action level triggers.floors. Currently we believe that the PMIERs contain the more restrictive capital requirements than the draft Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act in most circumstances.


GSE REFORM
The FHFA has been the conservator of the GSEs since 2008 and has the authority to control and direct their operations. The increased role that the federal government has assumed in the residential housing finance system through the GSE conservatorship may increase the likelihood that the business practices of the GSEs change, including through administrative action, in ways that have a material adverse effect on us and that the charters of the GSEs are changed by new federal legislation.

In September 2019, at the past, membersdirection of Congress have introduced several bills intended to changePresident Trump, the business practices ofU.S. Treasury Department ("Treasury") released the GSEs and the FHA; however, no legislation has been enacted.“Treasury Housing Reform Plan” (the "Plan"). The Plan




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Management's Discussion and Analysis


The Administration issued a June 2018 report indicating thatrecommends administrative and legislative reforms for the conservatorshiphousing finance system, with such reforms intended to achieve the goals of ending the conservatorships of the GSEs; increasing competition and participation by the private sector in the mortgage market including by authorizing the FHFA to approve additional guarantors of conventional mortgages in the secondary market, simplifying the qualified mortgage ("QM") rule of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), transferring risk to the private sector, and eliminating the "GSE Patch" (discussed below); establishing regulation of the GSEs that safeguards their safety and soundness and minimizes the risks they pose to the financial stability of the United States; and providing that the federal government is properly compensated for any explicit or implicit support it provides to the GSEs or the secondary housing finance market. Also in September 2019, the Treasury and FHFA entered into a letter agreement that will allow the GSEs to remit less of their earnings to the government, which will help them rebuild their capital.

The impact of the Plan on private mortgage insurance is unclear. The Plan does not refer to mortgage insurance explicitly; however, it refers to a requirement for credit enhancement on high LTV ratio loans, which is a requirement of the current GSE charters. The Plan also indicates that the FHFA should endcontinue to support efforts to expand credit risk transfer ("CRT") programs and should encourage the GSEs to continue to engage in a diverse mix of economically sensible CRT programs, including by increasing reliance on institution-level capital (presumably, as distinguished from capital obtained in the capital markets). For more information about CRT programs, see our risk factor titled "The amount of insurance we write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to private mortgage insurance."

The current GSE Patch expands the definition of QM under the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) ("TILA") to include mortgages eligible to be purchased by the GSEs, even if the mortgages do not meet the debt-to-income ("DTI") ratio limit of 43% that is included in the standard QM definition. Originating a QM may provide a lender with legal protection from lawsuits that claim the lender failed to verify a borrower’s ability to repay. The GSE Patch is scheduled to expire no later than January 2021. Approximately 27% and 22% of our NIW in the first and second halves of 2019, respectively, was on loans with DTI ratios greater than 43%. However, it is possible that expiration of the GSE Patch will be delayed and that not all future loans with DTI ratios greater than 43% will be affected by such expiration. In this regard, we note that the GSEs should transitionCFPB recently indicated that it expects to fully private entities, competing onissue for comment, no later than May 2020, a level playing field with private issuersproposed new "ability-to-repay" ("ATR") rule that would replace the use of MBS (such issuers, collectively with the GSEs, referred toDTI ratio in the reportdefinition of QM with an alternative measure, such as the "guarantors").a pricing threshold. The report further indicated that a federal entity should regulate the guarantors, including their capital adequacy, and that guarantors should have access to an explicit federal guarantee on the MBS that is exposed only after substantial losses are incurred by the private market, including the guarantors. The reportCFPB also indicated that a fee onit would extend the outstanding volumeexpiration of MBS wouldthe GSE Patch until the earlier of the effective date of the
proposed alternative or until one of the GSEs exits conservatorship.

We insure loans that do not qualify as QMs; however, we are unsure the extent to which lenders will make non-QM loans because they will not be transferredentitled to the presumptions about compliance with the ATR rule that the law allows with respect to QM loans. We are also unsure the extent to which lenders will purchase private mortgage insurance for loans that cannot be sold to the GSEs.
The QM definition for loans insured by the FHA, which was issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (of which(“HUD”), is less restrictive than the FHACFPB’s definition in certain respects, including that (i) it has no DTI ratio limit, and (ii) it allows lenders certain presumptions about compliance with the ATR rule on higher priced loans. It is a part)possible that, in the future, lenders will prefer FHA-insured loans to be used for affordable housing purposes. Asloans insured by private mortgage insurance as a result of the matters referredFHA’s less restrictive QM definition. However, in September 2019, HUD released its Housing Reform Plan and indicated that the FHA should refocus on its mission of providing housing finance support to above, it is uncertain what rolelow- and moderate-income families that cannot be fulfilled through traditional underwriting. In addition, Treasury's Plan indicated that the FHFA and HUD should develop and implement a specific understanding as to the appropriate roles and overlap between the GSEs and FHA, including with respect to the GSEs’ acquisitions of high LTV ratio and private capital, including private mortgage insurance, will play in the residential housing finance system in the future. The timing and impact on our business of any resulting changes is uncertain. Most meaningful changes would require Congressional action to implement and it is difficult to estimate when Congressional action would be final and how long any associated phase-in period may last.high DTI ratio loans.


For additional information about the business practices of the GSEs, see our risk factor titled “Changes in the business practices of the GSEs, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses” in Item 1A.


LOAN MODIFICATIONS AND OTHER SIMILAR PROGRAMS
The federal government, including through the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the GSEs, and several lenders have modification and refinance programs to make outstanding loans more affordable to borrowers with the goal of reducing the number of foreclosures. These programs included HAMP, which expired at the end of 2016, and HARP, which expired at the end of 2018. The GSEs have introduced other loan modifications programs to replace HAMP and HARP.

From 2008 through 2012, we were notified of modifications that cured delinquencies that, had they become paid claims, would have resulted in a material increase in our incurred losses. Nearly all of the reported loan modifications were for loans insured in 2009 and prior.


We cannot determine the total benefit we may derive from loan modification programs, particularly given the uncertainty around the re-default rates for defaulted loans that have been modified. Our loss reserves do not account for potential re-defaults of current loans.




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Management's Discussion and Analysis

The following table shows the percentage of our primary RIF that has been modified as of December 31, 2018.2019.
Modifications
  
Policy Year 
HARP (1)
Modifications
 HAMP & Other Modifications 
HARP (1)
Modifications
 HAMP & Other Modifications
2003 and Prior 10.5% 45.1% 9.9% 49.9%
2004 18.1% 48.3% 16.4% 53.6%
2005 25.6% 46.5% 24.0% 50.9%
2006 28.7% 43.3% 28.0% 47.6%
2007 40.5% 33.3% 40.6% 36.3%
2008 56.7% 20.5% 57.8% 22.6%
2009 42.5% 7.6% 51.9% 11.7%
2010 - 2018 —% 0.5%
2010 - 2019 —% 0.5%
  
Total 6.2% 6.4% 4.6% 5.5%
(1) 
Includes proprietary programs that are substantially the same as HARP.


Approximately 12.6%10.1% of our total primary RIF has been modified as of December 31, 2018.2019. Based on loan count at December 31, 2018,2019, the loans associated with 97.6% of all HARP modifications and 79.6%79.5% of HAMP and other modifications were current.


FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS
Our results of operations are affected by:


Premiums written and earned
Premiums written and earned in a year are influenced by:
NIW, which increases IIF. Many factors affect NIW, including the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations and competition to provide credit enhancement on those mortgages from the FHA, the VA, other mortgage insurers, and other alternatives to mortgage insurance, including GSE programs that may reduce or eliminate the demand for mortgage insurance and other alternatives to mortgage insurance. NIW does not include loans previously insured by us that are modified, such as loans modified under HARP.


Cancellations, which reduce IIF. Cancellations due to refinancingsrefinancing are affected by the level of current mortgage interest rates compared to the mortgage coupon rates throughout the in force book, current home values compared to values when the loans in the in force book were insured and the terms on which mortgage credit is available. Home price appreciation can give homeowners the right to cancel mortgage insurance on their loans if sufficient home equity is achieved. Cancellations also result from policy rescissions, which require us to return any premiums received on the rescinded policies, and claim payments, which require us to return any premium received on the related policies from the date of default on the insured loans.


 MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 49

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

Cancellations of single premium policies, which are generally non-refundable, result in immediate recognition of any remaining unearned premium.


Premium rates, which are affected by product type, competitive pressures, the risk characteristics of the insured loans, and the percentage of coverage on the insured loans.loans, and PMIERs capital requirements. The substantial majority of our monthly and annual mortgage insurance premiums are under premium plans for which, for the first ten years of the policy, the amount of premium is determined by multiplying the initial premium rate by the original loan balance; thereafter, the premium rate resets to a lower rate used for the remaining life of the policy. However, for loans that have utilized HARP, the initial ten-year period resets as of the date of the HARP transaction. The remainder of our monthly and annual premiums are under premium plans for which premiums are determined by a fixed percentage of the loan’s amortizing balance over the life of the policy.


Premiums ceded, net of a profit commission, under our quota share reinsurance transactions,QSR Transactions, and premiums ceded under our excess of loss reinsurance transaction.Home Re Transactions. See Note 9 – “Reinsurance” to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our reinsurance transactions.


Premiums earned are generated by the insurance that is in force during all or a portion of the period. A change in the average IIF in the current period compared to an earlier period is a factor that will increase (when the average in force is higher) or reduce (when it is lower) premiums written and earned in the current period, although this effect may be enhanced (or mitigated) by differences in the average premium ratesrate between the two periods, as well as by premiums that are returned or expected to be returned in connection with claim payments and rescissions, and premiums ceded under reinsurance transactions. Also, NIW and cancellations during a period will generally have a greater effect on premiums earned in subsequent periods than in the period in which these events occur.


Investment income
Our investment portfolio is composed principally of investment grade fixed income securities. The principal factors that influence investment income are the size of the portfolio and its yield. As measured by amortized cost (which excludes changes in fair value, such as from changes in interest rates), the size of the investment portfolio is mainly a function of cash generated from (or used in) operations, such as NPW, investment income, net claim payments and expenses, and cash provided by (or used for) non-operating activities, such as debt or stock issuances or repurchases.


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MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis


Losses incurred
Losses incurred are the current expense that reflects estimated payments that will ultimately be made as a result of delinquencies on insured loans. As explained under “Critical Accounting Policies” below, we recognize an estimate of this expense only for delinquent loans.loans through case reserves. The level of new delinquencies has historically followed a seasonal pattern, with new delinquencies in the first part of the year lower than new delinquencies in the latter part of the year, though this pattern can be affected by the state of the economy and local housing markets. Losses incurred are generally affected by:


The state of the economy, including unemployment and housing values, each of which affects the likelihood that loans will become delinquent and whether loans that are delinquent cure their delinquency.


The product mix of the in force book, with loans having higher risk characteristics generally resulting in higher delinquencies and claims.


The size of loans insured, with higher average loan amounts tending to increase losses incurred.


The percentage of coverage on insured loans, with deeper average coverage tending to increase incurred losses.


The rate at which we rescind policies or curtail claims. Our estimated case loss reserves incorporate our estimates of future rescissions of policies and curtailments of claims, and reversals of rescissions and curtailments. We collectively refer to such rescissions and denials as “rescissions” and variations of this term. We call reductions to claims "curtailments."


The distribution of claims over the life of a book. Historically, the first few years after loans are originated are a period of relatively low claims, with claims increasing substantially for several years subsequent and then declining, although persistency, the condition of the economy, including unemployment and housing prices, and other factors can affect this pattern. For example, a weak economy or housing value declines can lead to claims from older books increasing, continuing at stable levels or experiencing a lower rate of decline. See further information under “Mortgage insurance earnings and cash flow cycle” below.


Losses ceded under reinsurance agreements. See Note 9 – “Reinsurance” to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our reinsurance agreements.




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MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

Underwriting and other expenses
Underwriting and other expenses includes items such as employee compensation, fees for professional services, depreciation and maintenance expense, and premium taxes, and are reported net of ceding commissions associated with our reinsurance agreements. Employee compensation expenses are variable due to share-based compensation, changes in benefits, and headcount (which can fluctuate due to volume).See . See Note 9 – “Reinsurance” to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of ceding commission on our reinsurance agreements.


Interest expense
Interest expense reflects the interest associated with our outstanding debt obligations and former credit facility discussed in Note 7 – “Debt” to our consolidated financial statements and under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.


Other
Certain activities that we do not consider being part of our fundamental operating activities may also impact our results of operations and are described below.


Net realized investment gains (losses)
Fixed income securities. Realized investment gains and losses are a function of the difference between the amount received on the sale of a fixed income security and the fixed income security’s cost basis, as well as any “other than temporary” impairments (“OTTI”) recognized in earnings. The amount received on the sale of fixed income securities is affected by the coupon rate of the security compared to the yield of comparable securities at the time of sale.


Equity securities. Effective January 1, 2018, realized investment gains and losses are accounted for as a function of the periodic change in fair value. For 2017, and 2016, realized investment gains and losses were accounted for as a function of the difference between the amount received on the sale of an equity security and the equity security’s cost basis, as well as any OTTI recognized in earnings.


Loss on debt extinguishment
At times, we may undertake activities to enhance our capital position, improve our debt profile and/or reduce potential dilution from our outstanding convertible debt. Extinguishing our outstanding debt obligations early through these discretionary activities may result in losses primarily driven by the payment of consideration in excess of our carrying value.


Refer to “Explanation and reconciliation of our use of Non-GAAP financial measuresbelow to understand how these items impact our evaluation of our core financial performance.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 53

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

MORTGAGE INSURANCE EARNINGS AND CASH FLOW CYCLE
In general, the majority of any underwriting profit that a book generates occurs in the early years of the book, with the largest portion of any underwriting profit realized in the first year following the year the book was written. Subsequent years of a book may result in either underwriting profit or underwriting losses. This pattern of results typically occurs because relatively few of the claimsincurred losses on delinquencies that a book will ultimately experience typically occur in the first few years of the book, when premium revenue is highest, while subsequent years are affected by declining premium revenues, as the number of insured loans decreases (primarily due to loan prepayments) and increasing losses. The typical pattern is also a function of premium rates generally resetting to lower levels after ten years.




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MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis


EXPLANATION AND RECONCILIATION OF OUR USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We believe that use of the Non-GAAP measures of adjusted pre-tax operating income (loss), adjusted net operating income (loss) and adjusted net operating income (loss) per diluted share facilitate the evaluation of the company's core financial performance thereby providing relevant information to investors. These measures are not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP measures of performance. Other companies may calculate these measures differently. Therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by us.


Adjusted pre-tax operating income (loss)is defined as GAAP income (loss) before tax, excluding the effects of net realized investment gains (losses), gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, net impairment losses recognized in income (loss) and infrequent or unusual non-operating items, where applicable.
    
Adjusted net operating income (loss)is defined as GAAP net income (loss) excluding the after-tax effects of net realized investment gains (losses), gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, net impairment losses recognized in income (loss), and infrequent or unusual non-operating items, where applicable, which include the effects of changes in our deferred tax valuation allowance. The amounts of adjustments to components of pre-tax operating income (loss) are tax effected using a federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for 2019 and 2018 and 35% for 2017 and 2016.2017.
    
Adjusted net operating income (loss) per diluted shareis calculated in a manner consistent with the accounting standard regarding earnings per share, by dividing (i) adjusted net operating income (loss) after making adjustments for interest expense on convertible debt, whenever the impact is dilutive, by (ii) diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, which reflects share dilution from unvested restricted stock units and from convertible debt when dilutive under the "if-converted" method.


 
Although adjusted pre-tax operating income (loss) and adjusted net operating income (loss) exclude certain items that have occurred in the past and are expected to occur in the future, the excluded items represent items that are: (1) not viewed as part of the operating performance of our primary activities; or (2) impacted by both discretionary and other economic or regulatory factors and are not necessarily indicative of operating trends, or both. These excluded items,adjustments, along with the reasons for their treatment, are described below. Trends in the profitability of our fundamental operating activities can be more clearly identified without the fluctuations of these excluded items. Other companies may calculate these measures differently. Therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by us.


(1)
Net realized investment gains (losses). The recognition of net realized investment gains or losses can vary significantly across periods as the timing of individual securities sales is highly discretionary and is influenced by such factors as market opportunities, our tax and capital profile, and overall market cycles.
(2)
Gains and losses on debt extinguishment. Gains and losses on debt extinguishment result from discretionary activities that are undertaken to enhance our capital position, improve our debt profile, and/or reduce potential dilution from our outstanding convertible debt.
(3)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings. The recognition of net impairment losses on investments can vary significantly in both size and timing, depending on market credit cycles, individual issuer performance, and general economic conditions.
(4)
Infrequent or unusual non-operating items. Our income tax expense for 2017 reflects the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets to reflect the lower corporate income tax rate under the Tax Act. Our 2018 2017 and 20162017 income tax expense also includes amounts related to our IRS dispute and is related to past transactions which are non-recurring in nature and are not part of our primary operating activities.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 5255

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis


Non-GAAP reconciliations Reconciliation of Income before tax / Net income to Adjusted pre-tax operating income / Adjusted net operating income:
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
(in thousands) Pre-tax Tax Effect 
Net
(after-tax)
 Pre-tax Tax Effect Net
(after-tax)
 Pre-tax Tax Effect Net
(after-tax)
 Pre-tax Tax Effect 
Net
(after-tax)
 Pre-tax Tax Effect Net
(after-tax)
 Pre-tax Tax Effect Net
(after-tax)
Income before tax / Net income $844,150
 $174,053
 $670,097
 784,496
 428,735
 355,761
 514,714
 172,197
 342,517
 $847,977
 $174,214
 $673,763
 844,150
 174,053
 670,097
 784,496
 428,735
 355,761
Adjustments:                                    
Additional income tax (provision) related to the rate decrease included in the Tax Act 
 
 
 
 (132,999) 132,999
 
 
 
Additional income tax provision related to the rate decrease included in the Tax Act 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (132,999) 132,999
Additional income tax benefit (provision) related to IRS litigation 
 2,462
 (2,462) 
 (29,039) 29,039
 
 (731) 731
 
 
 
 
 2,462
 (2,462) 
 (29,039) 29,039
Net realized investment losses (gains) 1,353
 284
 1,069
 (231) (81) (150) (8,921) (3,122) (5,799)
Net realized investment (gains) losses (5,108) (1,073) (4,035) 1,353
 284
 1,069
 (231) (81) (150)
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 
 
 65
 23
 42
 90,531
 31,686
 58,845
 
 
 
 
 
 
 65
 23
 42
Adjusted pre-tax operating income / Adjusted net operating income $845,503
 $176,799
 $668,704
 $784,330
 $266,639
 $517,691
 $596,324
 $200,030
 $396,294
 $842,869
 $173,141
 $669,728
 $845,503
 $176,799
 $668,704
 $784,330
 $266,639
 $517,691
                                    
Reconciliation of Net income per diluted share to Adjusted net operating income per diluted share:
                                    
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     386,078
     394,766
     431,992
     373,924
     386,078
     394,766
Net income per diluted share     $1.78
     $0.95
     $0.86
     $1.85
     $1.78
     $0.95
Additional income tax (provision) related to the rate decrease included in the Tax Act     
     0.34
     
Additional income tax provision related to the rate decrease included in the Tax Act     
     
     0.34
Additional income tax (benefit) provision related to IRS litigation     (0.01)     0.07
     
     
     (0.01)     0.07
Net realized investment losses (gains)     
     
     (0.01)
Net realized investment (gains) losses     (0.01)     
     
Loss on debt extinguishment     
     
     0.14
     
     
     
Adjusted net operating income per diluted share (1)
     $1.78
     $1.36
     $0.99
     $1.84
     $1.78
     $1.36


(1) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2018, the Reconciliation of Net income per diluted share to Adjusted net operating income per diluted share does not foot due to rounding of the adjustments.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 5356

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis


MORTGAGE INSURANCE PORTFOLIO


MORTGAGE ORIGINATIONS
The primary mortgage insurance market is affected by total mortgage originations and PMI's market share. Total originations are estimated to have declinedincreased in 2019 compared with 2018, due to lowerhigher refinance originations, offset only in part byas well as higher purchase originations. Refinance originations fellincreased as a result of higherlower mortgage interest rates on average; while continued solid housing fundamentals, such as household formations, low unemployment, and attractive mortgage rates supported the increase in purchase originations. Total mortgage originations in 20192020 are forecast to be similardown modestly compared to 20182019 estimated levels, with a continued declineprimarily due to an expected decrease in refinance originationsrefinancing transactions partially offset by an increase in purchase originations. We expect PMI's market share to remaindecline slightly as 2019 was a particularly strong in part because the PMI industry'syear for PMI's market share of purchase originations has historically been 3-4 times higher than its share of refinance originations. Competitionand competition from government mortgage insurance programs and GSE alternative risk share transactions will also continue to impact the PMI's market share. In consideration of these factors, and our market share within the PMI industry, our 20192020 NIW is expected to be relatively flat with that of 2018.decrease from 2019.
mtg-mortgageoriginations.jpgchart-64dcc19602415b6a848.jpg
E - Estimated, F- Forecast
Source: GSEs and MBA estimates/forecasts as of December 2019 and January 2019.2020. Amounts represent the average of all sources.
Estimated total of PMI, FHA, USDA, and VA primary mortgage insurance
  
(in billions) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Primary mortgage insurance $675 $701 $748 $859 $662 $701
Source: Inside Mortgage Finance - February 15, 201921, 2020 or SEC filings. Includes HARP NIW.


 
MORTGAGE INSURANCE INDUSTRY
We compete against five other private mortgage insurers, as well as government mortgage insurance programs, including those offered by the FHA, VA, and USDA. Refer to "Overview - Business Environment - Competition" for a discussion of our competitive position.


The PMI industry increased its share of the primary mortgage insurance market in 20182019 and 2017,2018, each when compared to the respective prior year. PMI's share increased primarily due to a higher percentage of purchase originations;refinances; PMI premium rate reductions in recent periods, which increases PMI's competitiveness compared to government programs; and an increase in 97% LTV loan offerings from lenders that sell loans to the GSEs, which provided an alternative to similar FHA loan programs for qualified borrowers; and PMI premium rate reductions in recent periods, which increases PMI's competitiveness compared to government programs.borrowers.
Estimated primary MI market share
  
(% of total primary MI volume)201820172016201920182017
PMI43.2%38.6%36.1%44.7%44.1%38.6%
FHA29.9%33.9%34.2%28.2%30.5%33.9%
VA24.4%24.7%27.2%25.2%22.9%24.7%
USDA2.5%2.8%2.5%1.9%2.5%2.8%
Source: Inside Mortgage Finance - February 15, 2019.21, 2020. Includes HARP NIW.


Our estimated market share within the PMI industry declined in 20182019 when compared to 2017,2018, due to the competitive dynamics in the industry, including, but not limited to, the migration to a more dynamic pricing approach across the industry. For additional discussion of the competitive landscape of the industry refer to "Overview - Business Environment - Competition."
Estimated MGIC market share
  
(% of total primary private MI volume)201820172016201920182017
MGIC17.4%18.3%17.9%16.5%17.4%18.3%
Source: Inside Mortgage Finance - February 15, 201921, 2020 or SEC filings. Excludes HARP NIW.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 5457

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


NEW INSURANCE WRITTEN
NIW for 20182019 continued to have what we believe are favorable risk characteristics. The following tables provide information about characteristics of our NIW.
Primary NIW by FICO score
            
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(% of primary NIW) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
760 and greater 42.2% 41.8% 43.0% 44.9% 42.2% 41.8%
740 - 759 17.1% 16.8% 16.1% 18.7% 17.1% 16.8%
720 - 739 14.5% 14.1% 14.1% 13.9% 14.5% 14.1%
700 - 719 11.9% 11.9% 11.4% 10.8% 11.9% 11.9%
680 - 699 7.2% 8.1% 8.4% 7.0% 7.2% 8.1%
660 - 679 3.8% 4.0% 3.9% 2.7% 3.8% 4.0%
640 - 659 2.3% 2.3% 2.2% 1.4% 2.3% 2.3%
639 and less 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 0.6% 1.0% 1.0%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Primary NIW by loan-to-value
            
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(% of primary NIW) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
95.01% and above 16.0% 10.7% 5.8% 12.9% 16.0% 10.7%
90.01% to 95.00% 43.3% 46.5% 47.8% 43.5% 43.3% 46.5%
85.01% to 90.00% 28.7% 29.5% 31.7% 29.5% 28.7% 29.5%
80.01% to 85% 12.0% 13.3% 14.7% 14.1% 12.0% 13.3%


An increase in the percentage of purchase originations,refinances, discussed above and home price appreciation, partially offset by an increase in 97% LTV programs offered by lenders, and home price appreciation, have increaseddecreased the percentage of our NIW with LTV ratios greater than 95% in 20182019 compared to 2017.2018.
Primary NIW by debt-to-income ratio
            
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(% of primary NIW) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 (1) 2017
45.01% and above 19.6% 10.4% 4.9% 13.5% 19.6% 10.4%
38.01% to 45.00% 33.1% 35.8% 35.3% 32.9% 33.1% 35.8%
38.00% and below 47.3% 53.8% 59.8% 53.6% 47.3% 53.8%


(1)
In 2018, we started considering DTI ratios when setting our premium rates, and we changed our methodology for calculating DTI ratios for pricing and eligibility purposes to exclude the impact of mortgage insurance premiums. As a result of this change, loan originators may have changed the information they provide to us. Although we have changed our operational procedures to account for this, we cannot be sure that the DTI ratio we report for each loan beginning in late 2018 includes the related mortgage insurance premiums in the calculation.

In 2018,2019, the percentage of our NIW on loans with DTI ratios over 45% was 20%14%, updown significantly from 10%20% in 2017. The increase2018. We believe the decline in 2019 was primarily due
to changes in GSE underwriting guidelines, but was also due in part to our underwriting guideline and pricing changes associated with such loans.The higher percentage in 2018 was primarily driven by adjustments to GSE underwriting guidelines for loans with DTI ratios over 45%. Under our 2018 QSR Transaction, we may cede risk for loans insured with DTI ratios below 50%; however, the amount of risk we may cede for loans insured with DTI ratios over 45% in any quarter is limited to a percentage of all risk written that is materially below the percentage of our risk written in 2018 associated with loans with DTI ratios over 45%.


To mitigate our risk from the increase in NIW written on loans with DTI ratios over 45%, effective in March 2018 we changed our underwriting guidelines to generally require such loans to have a FICO score of at least 700. Further, effective in July 2018, we added risk-based adjustments to our premium rates for loans with DTI ratios greater than 45%. We are continuing to monitor our exposure to such loans and may take further action.
Primary NIW by policy payment type
            
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(% of primary NIW) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Monthly premiums 83.0% 80.8% 80.6% 84.4% 83.0% 80.8%
Single premiums 16.8% 19.0% 19.1% 15.5% 16.8% 19.0%
Annual Premiums 0.2% 0.2% 0.3% 0.1% 0.2% 0.2%
Primary NIW by type of mortgage
            
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(% of primary NIW) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Purchases 93.2% 88.6% 80.4% 80.9% 93.2% 88.6%
Refinances 6.8% 11.4% 19.6% 19.1% 6.8% 11.4%


IIF AND RIF
Our IIF grew 6.0% in 2019, and 7.6% in 2018, compared to growth of 7.1% in 2017, as NIW more than offset policy cancellations. Cancellations areCancellation activity is primarily due to refinances,refinancing activity, but is also result fromimpacted by rescissions, cancellations due to claim payments,payment, and policy cancellationspolicies cancelled when borrowers achieve the required amount of home equity. Refinancing activity has historically been affected by the level of mortgage interest rates and the level of home price appreciation. Cancellations generally move inversely to the change in the direction of interest rates, although they generally lag a change in direction.


Persistency.Our persistency at December 31, 20182019 was 81.7%75.8% compared to 80.1%81.7% at December 31, 2017.2018. Since 2000, our year-end persistency ranged from a high of 84.7% at December 31, 2009 to a low of 47.1% at December 31, 2003.
Insurance in force and risk in force
        
  Years Ended December 31,
($ in billions) 2019 2018 2017
NIW $63.4
 $50.5
 $49.1
Cancellations (50.8) (35.7) (36.2)
Increase in primary IIF $12.6
 $14.8
 $12.9
       
Direct primary IIF as of December 31, $222.3
 $209.7
 $194.9
       
Direct primary RIF as of December 31, $57.2
 $54.1
 $50.3
Insurance in force and risk in force
        
  Years Ended December 31,
($ in billions) 2018 2017 2016
NIW $50.5
 $49.1
 $47.9
Cancellations (35.7) (36.2) (40.4)
Increase in primary IIF $14.8
 $12.9
 $7.5
       
Direct primary IIF as of December 31, $209.7
 $194.9
 $182.0
       
Direct primary RIF as of December 31, $54.1
 $50.3
 $47.2







MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 5558

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


CREDIT PROFILE OF OUR PRIMARY RIF
The proportion of our total primary RIF written after 2008 has been steadily increasing in proportion to our total primary RIF. Our 2009 and later books possess significantly improved risk characteristics when compared to our 2005-2008 origination years.books. The credit profile of our pre-2009 RIF has benefited from modification and refinance programs such as HARP.making outstanding loans more affordable to borrowers with the goal of reducing the number of foreclosures. These programs included HAMP and HARP, which expired at the end of 2016 and 2018, respectively, but have been replaced by other GSE modification programs. HARP allowed borrowers who were not delinquent, but who may not otherwise have been able to refinance their loans under the current GSE underwriting standards due to, for example, the current LTV exceeding 100%, to refinance and lower their note rate. Loans associated with 97.6% of all our HARP modifications were current as of December 31, 2018.2019. The aggregate of our 2009-20182009 and later books and our HARP modifications accounted for approximately 89%92% of our total primary RIF at December 31, 2018.2019.


The composition of our primary RIF as of December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 is shown below.
Primary risk in force
                  
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
($ in millions)($ in millions) RIF% of RIF RIF% of RIF RIF% of RIF($ in millions) RIF% of RIF RIF% of RIF RIF% of RIF
2009+2009+ $45,083
83% $39,248
78% $33,368
71%2009+ $50,044
88% $45,083
83% $39,248
78%
2005 - 2008 (HARP)2005 - 2008 (HARP) 3,109
5% 3,773
7% 4,489
9%2005 - 2008 (HARP) 2,485
4% 3,109
5% 3,773
7%
Other years (HARP)Other years (HARP) 229
1% 308
1% 396
1%Other years (HARP) 165
% 229
1% 308
1%
SubtotalSubtotal 48,421
89% 43,329
86% 38,253
81%Subtotal 52,694
92% 48,421
89% 43,329
86%
2005-2008 (Non-HARP)2005-2008 (Non-HARP) 4,796
9% 5,894
12% 7,467
16%2005-2008 (Non-HARP) 3,868
7% 4,796
9% 5,894
12%
Other years (Non-HARP)Other years (Non-HARP) 846
2% 1,095
2% 1,475
3%Other years (Non-HARP) 651
1% 846
2% 1,095
2%
SubtotalSubtotal 5,642
11% 6,989
14% 8,942
19%Subtotal 4,519
8% 5,642
11% 6,989
14%
Total Primary RIFTotal Primary RIF $54,063
100% $50,318
100% $47,195
100%Total Primary RIF $57,213
100% $54,063
100% $50,318
100%


POOL AND OTHER INSURANCE
MGIC has written no new pool insurance since 2008, however, for a variety of reasons, including responding to capital market alternatives to private mortgage insurance and customer demands, MGIC may write pool risk in the future. Our direct pool RIF was $376 million ($213 million on pool policies with aggregate loss limits and $163 million on pool policies without aggregate loss limits) at December 31, 2019 compared to $419 million ($228 million on pool policies with aggregate loss limits and $191 million on pool policies without aggregate loss limits) at December 31, 2018 compared to $471 million ($236 million on pool policies with aggregate loss limits and $235 million on pool policies without aggregate loss limits) at December 31, 2017.2018. If claim payments associated with a specific pool reach the aggregate loss limit, the remaining IIF within the pool would be cancelled and any remaining defaults under the pool would be removed from our default inventory.


In connection with the GSEs' credit risk transfer programs, an insurance subsidiary of MGIC provides insurance and reinsurance covering portions of the credit risk related to certain reference pools of mortgages acquired by the GSEs. Our RIF, as reported to us, related to these programs was approximately $182 million and $53 million as of December 31, 2018.2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 5659

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following section of the MD&A provides a comparative discussion of our Consolidated Results of Operations for the three-year period ended December 31, 2018.2019. For a discussion of the Critical Accounting Policies used by us that affect the Consolidated Results of Operations, see "Critical Accounting Policies" below.


Revenues
Revenues
            
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Net premiums written $992.3
 $998.0
 $975.1
 $1,001.3
 $992.3
 $998.0
            
Net premiums earned $975.2
 $934.7
 $925.2
 $1,031.0
 $975.2
 $934.7
Investment income, net of expenses 141.3
 120.9
 110.7
 167.0
 141.3
 120.9
Net realized investment (losses) gains (1.4) 0.2
 8.9
 5.3
 (1.4) 0.2
Other revenue 8.7
 10.2
 17.7
 10.6
 8.7
 10.2
Total revenues $1,123.8
 $1,066.0
 $1,062.5
 $1,213.9
 $1,123.8
 $1,066.0


NET PREMIUMS WRITTEN AND EARNED
2019 compared to 2018. NPW and NPE increased 1% and 6%, respectively, compared to the prior year, primarily due to an increase in premiums from a higher average insurance in force and an increase in premiums from single premium policy cancellations, partially offset by lower premium rates on our IIF and higher ceded premiums when compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in ceded premiums was primarily due to premiums ceded under our Home Re Transactions.
2018 compared to 2017.2017.While NPW was relatively flat compared to the prior year.year, NPE increased 4% compared to the prior year primarily due to lower ceded premiums, net, as the increase in profit commission more than offset the increase in gross ceded premiums. The profit commission increased due to a decrease in ceded losses. The increase in NPE also reflects an increase in our IIF compared to the prior year, however this impact is beingwas offset in part by a lower premium yield.


2017 compared to 2016.NPW increased 2% from the prior year, due to an increase in our average IIF, a decline in premium refunds and lower ceded premiums, net as the increase in profit commission more than offset the increase in gross ceded premiums. Premium refunds declined due to lower claim activity and our profit commission increased due a decrease in ceded losses. NPE increased slightly from the prior year due to the decline in premium refunds and lower ceded premiums, net, which offset lower earned premiums from our IIF during the year as our premium yield decreased.



Premium yield
Premium yield is NPE divided by average IIF during the year and is influenced by a number of key drivers, which have a varying impact from period to period. The following table reconciles the change inprovides information related to our premium yield for the years ended2019, 2018, and 20172017.

Premium Yield
   
  Year Ended December 31,
(in basis points) 201920182017
In force portfolio yield(1)51.4
53.1
56.0
Premium refunds (0.5)(0.7)(1.3)
Accelerated earnings on single premium policies 2.6
1.2
1.5
Total direct premium yield 53.5
53.6
56.2
Ceded premiums earned, net of profit commission and assumed premiums(2)(5.8)(5.4)(6.6)
Net premium yield 47.7
48.2
49.6

(1) Total direct premiums earned, excluding premium refunds and accelerated premiums from single premium policy cancellations divided by average primary insurance in force.
(2) Ceded premiums earned, net of profit commissions and assumed premiums. Assumed premiums include those from our participation in GSE CRT programs, of which the respective prior years.impact on the net premium yield was 0.2 bps in 2019, 0.1 bps in 2018, and 0 bps in 2017.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 60

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms
Premium yield
     
(In basis points) 2018 2017
Premium yield - prior year 49.6
 51.9
Reconciliation:    
Change in premium rates (2.8) (3.8)
Change in premium refunds and accruals 0.6
 1.3
Single premium policy persistency (0.4) (0.6)
Reinsurance 1.2
 0.8
Premium yield - end of year 48.2
 49.6


The declines
Changes in our premium yield in each of 2018 and 2017yields when compared to the respective prior years reflect:year periods reflect the following:
Negative drivers:In force Portfolio Yield
è

A larger percentage of our IIF from book years with lower premium rates due to a decline in premium rates in recent years resulting from pricing competition, insuring mortgages with lower risk characteristics, and pricing competition, and certain policies undergoing premium rate resets on their ten-year anniversaries, and the availability of reinsurance.
Premium Refunds
è

lowerPremium refunds adversely impact our premium yield and are primarily driven by claim activity and our estimate of refundable premiums on our delinquent inventory.
Accelerated earnings on single premium policies
è

Greater amounts of accelerated earned premium from cancellations oncancellation of single premium policies prior to their estimated policy life, primarily due to lessincreased refinancing activity.
Ceded premiums earned, net of profit commission and assumed premiums
Positive drivers:
è

lessMore of an adverse impact fromas the 2019 periods included ceded premiums under our excess of loss reinsurance due to lower ceded losses,transactions (Home Re Transactions), which resultedwere not in a higher profit commission, and
èlesseffect for all of an adverse impact from premium refunds primarily due to lower claim activity.2018.


As discussed in our Risk Factor titled "Competition or changes in our relationships with our customers could reduce our revenues, reduce our premium yields and/or increase our losses," the private mortgage insurance industry is highly competitive and premium rates have declined over the past several years. We expect that will continue and that our inforce portfolio yield will continue to decline as older insurance policies with higher premium yieldrates run off or have their premium rates reset, and new insurance policies with lower premium rates are written. While our increased use of reinsurance over the past several years has helped to further decline in 2019, primarily due to lower averagemitigate the negative effect of declining premium rates on our IIF.returns, refer to our risk factor titled "Reinsurance may not always be available or affordable" for a discussion of the risks associated with the availability of reinsurance.


See "Overview – Factors Affecting Our Results" above for additional factors that also influence the amount of net premiums written and earned in a year. Our reinsurance affects premiums, underwriting expenses and losses incurred and should be analyzed by reviewing its total effect on our statements of operations, as discussed below under “Reinsurance agreements.”





MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 57

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS
Quota share reinsurance
Our quota share reinsurance affects various lines of our statements of operations and therefore we believe it should be analyzed by reviewing its effect on our pre-tax net income, as described below.
èWe cede a fixed percentage of premiums earned and received on insurance covered by the transactions.
èWe receive the benefit of a profit commission through a reduction in the premiums we cede. The profit commission varies directly and inversely with the level of losses on a "dollar for dollar" basis and iscan be eliminated at loss levels of losses thatsignificantly higher than we do not expect to occur. This means thatare currently experiencing. As a result, lower levels of losses result in a higher profit commission and less benefit from ceded losses; higher levels of losses result in more benefit from ceded losses and a lower profit commission (or for levels of losses we do not expect, its elimination).
èWe receive the benefit of a ceding commission through a reduction in underwriting expenses equal to 20% of premiums ceded (before the effect of the profit commission).
èWe cede a fixed percentage of losses incurred on insurance covered by the transactions.


The blended pre-tax cost of reinsurance underfollowing table provides information related to our different quota share transactions is less than 6% (but will decrease if losses are materially higher than we expect). This blended pre-tax cost is derived by dividing the reduction in our pre-tax net income on loans covered by reinsurance by our direct (that is, without reinsurance) premiums from such loans. Although the pre-tax cost of the reinsurance under each transaction is generally constant, the effect of the quota share reinsurance on the various components of pre-tax income discussed above will vary from period to period, depending on the level of ceded losses.agreements for 2019, 2018, and 2017.


Quota share reinsurance
       
  As of and For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Statements of operations:
Ceded premiums written and earned, net of profit commission $111,550
 $108,337
 $120,974
% of direct premiums written 11% 10% 11%
% of direct premiums earned 11% 10% 11%
Profit commission $139,179
 $147,667
 $125,629
Ceding commissions$48,793
 $51,201
 $49,321
Ceded losses incurred $11,395
 $6,543
 $22,336
       
Mortgage insurance portfolio:
Ceded RIF (in millions) $11,360
 $12,839
 $11,849

Covered Risk
The amount of our NIW (and, consequently, our NIW) subject to our QSR transactionsTransactions as shown in the following table will vary from period to period in part due to coverage limits that may be triggered depending on the mix of our risk written during the period.



MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 61

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

Quota share reinsurance
       
  As of and For the Years Ended December 31,
  2019 2018 2017
NIW subject to QSR Transactions 81.5% 75.1% 84.0%
IIF subject to QSR Transactions 78.5% 77.5% 78.0%
       

We terminated a portion of our 2015 QSR Transaction effective June 30, 2019, paid a termination fee of $6.8 million, and entered into an amended quota share reinsurance agreement that effectively reduces the quota share cede rate from 30% to 15% on the remaining eligible insurance. The lower cede rate reduced our ceded RIF but does not impact our determination of the amount of IIF subject to quota share reinsurance agreements.

The percentage of our2019 NIW covered by QSR Transactions increased when compared to 2018. The percentage of 2018 NIW covered by our 2018 QSR TransactionTransactions decreased when compared to the percentage of 2017, and 2016 NIW covered by our 2017 QSR Transaction and 2015 QSR Transaction, respectively, primarily due to the following factors.factors:
2019 compared to 2018:
èThe 2019 QSR Transaction increased thresholds for risk written on loans with LTV ratios of 95% or greater and loans with DTI ratios greater than 45%, each when compared to our 2018 QSR Transaction. In 2018, risk written on loans with LTV ratios greater than 95% and DTI greater than 45% exceeded the thresholds on the 2018 QSR Transaction.

2018 compared to 2017:
è

The 2018 transaction excluded loans with LTV ratios of 85% and below.
è

Despite the 2018 transaction's increased coverage limit for risk written on loans with (1) LTV ratios of 95% and greater, and (2) DTI ratios greater than 45%, the risk written in 2018 exceeded these coverage limits.


2017 compared to 2016:
èThe 2017 transaction excluded loans with amortization terms equal to or less than 20 years.
èDespite the 2017 transaction allowing some risk written on loans with DTI ratios greater than 45%; the percentage of such risk written in 2017 exceeded the coverage limit.

20192020 and 2021 QSR Transaction. The transaction covering our 2019 NIW will include increased coverage limits We have agreed to terms with a group of unaffiliated reinsurers for risk written on loansreinsurance transactions with LTV ratios of 95% or greater and loans with DTI ratios greater than 45%, each when comparedsimilar structures to our 2018existing QSR Transaction.transactions that will cover most of our NIW in 2020 (with a 30% quota share) and 2021 (with a 17.5% quota share).

The following table provides information related to our quota share reinsurance agreements for 2018, 2017, and 2016.
Quota share reinsurance
       
  As of and For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016
NIW subject to QSR Transactions 75.1% 84.0% 89.2%
IIF subject to QSR Transactions 77.5% 78.0% 76.3%
       
Statements of operations:
Ceded premiums written and earned, net of profit commission $108,337
 $120,974
 $125,460
% of direct premiums written 10% 11% 11%
% of direct premiums earned 10% 11% 12%
Profit commission $147,667
 $125,629
 $112,685
Ceding commissions$51,201
 $49,321
 $47,629
Ceded losses incurred $6,543
 $22,336
 $30,201
       
Mortgage insurance portfolio:
Ceded RIF (in millions)
 $12,839
 $11,849
 $10,764


Excess of loss reinsurance
Our excess of lossexcess-of-loss reinsurance transaction entered into October 30, 2018, which covers losses beginning August 1, 2018, provides up to $318.6agreements provide $532.0 million of loss coverage on an existing portfolio of in forceinforce policies having an in forceinforce date on or after July 1, 2016 and before January 1, 2018. The initialMarch 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate exposed principal balance wasbalances under the Home Re 2018-1 and 2019-1 transactions were approximately $7.5$5.9 billion and $6.0 billion, respectively, which takestake into account the unpaid principal balance, mortgage insurance
coverage percentage, net retained risk after quota share percentage,reinsurance, and the reinsurance inclusion percentage.percentage of the unpaid principal balance. Total ceded premiums for 2019 and 2018 were $17.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively.


We expect that we may enter into similar excess-of-loss reinsurance transactions if capital market conditions remain favorable.

The premiums ceded to the reinsurer, Home Re, are composed of coverage premiums, initial expense and supplemental premiums. The coverage premiums are


MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 58

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

generally calculated asexcess-of-loss reinsurance agreements determine premium, in part, by the difference between the amount of interest payable by Home Re on the reinsurers' notes which reference LIBOR and earnings from a pool of securities receiving interest that may reference LIBOR. As discussed in our risk factor titled "The Company may be adversely impacted by the transition from LIBOR as a reference rate," it issuedis uncertain whether LIBOR will continue to raise funds to collateralize its reinsurance obligations to us, and the investment income collected on the collateral assets. Total ceded premiums for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $2.8 million. The amount of coverage premium due will vary each month due to changes in interest rates and the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount.be quoted after 2021.

Captive reinsurance
The following table provides information related to our captive reinsurance agreements for 2018, 2017, and 2016.
Captive reinsurance
       
  As of and For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2016
IIF subject to captive reinsurance agreements % 1% 2%
       
Statements of operations:
Ceded premiums written $125
 $4,467
 $7,987
% of direct premiums written % 0.4% 0.7%
Ceded premiums earned $174
 $4,476
 $8,090
% of direct premiums earned % 0.4% 0.8%
Ceded losses incurred $286
 $(1,135) $3,994


INVESTMENT INCOME, NET
2019 compared to 2018.Net investment income increased 18% to $167 million in 2019 compared to $141 million in 2018. The increase in investment income was due to a higher average investment portfolio balance.

2018 compared to 2017.Net investment income increased 17% to $141 million in 2018 compared to $121 million in 2017. The increase in investment income was due to higher average investment yields, as well as a higher average investment portfolio balance.


2017 compared to 2016. Net investment income increased 9% to $121 million in 2017 compared to $111 million in 2016. The increase in investment income was due to higher average investment yields, as well as a higher average investment portfolio balance.

See "Balance Sheet Review" in this MD&A for further discussion regarding our investment portfolio.


NET REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)
Net realized investment lossesgains (losses) in 2019, 2018, and gains in 2017 and 2016 were $1$5 million, $(1) million and $231 thousand, and $9 million, respectively.


OTHER REVENUE
2019 compared to 2018.Other revenue increased to $11 million in 2019 from $9 million in 2018, primarily due to higher contract underwriting revenues.

2018 compared to 2017.Other revenue decreased to $9 million in 2018 from $10 million in 2017, primarily due to lower contract underwriting revenues.



2017 compared to 2016.Other revenue decreased to $10 million in 2017 from $18 million in 2016, due to lower contract underwriting revenues
MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 62

MGIC Investment Corporation and a non-recurring gain in 2016Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of approximately $4 million related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates upon our substantial liquidationContents | Glossary of our Australian operations.terms and acronyms


Losses and expenses
Losses and expenses
            
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Losses incurred, net $36.6
 $53.7
 $240.2
 $118.6
 $36.6
 $53.7
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 11.9
 11.1
 9.6
 12.0
 11.9
 11.1
Other underwriting and operating expenses, net 178.2
 159.6
 150.8
 182.8
 178.2
 159.6
Interest expense 53.0
 57.0
 56.7
 52.7
 53.0
 57.0
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 0.1
 90.5
 
 
 0.1
Total losses and expensesTotal losses and expenses$279.7
 $281.6
 $547.8
Total losses and expenses$366.0
 $279.7
 $281.6


LOSSES INCURRED, NET
As discussed in “Critical Accounting Policies” below and consistent with industry practices, we establish case loss reserves for future claims only for loans that are currently delinquent. The terms “delinquent” and “default” are used interchangeably by us. We consider a loan to be delinquent when it is two or more payments past due. LossCase loss reserves are established based on estimating the number of loans in our defaultdelinquent inventory that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity.


Estimation of losses is inherently judgmental. The conditions that affect the claim rate and claim severity include the current and future state of the domestic economy, including unemployment and the current and future strength of local housing markets. The actual amount of the claim payments may be substantially different than our loss reserve estimates. Our estimates could be adversely affected by several factors, including a deterioration of regional or national economic conditions, including unemployment, leading to a reduction in borrower income and thus their ability to make mortgage payments, and a drop in housing values that could result in, among other things, greater losses on loans, and may affect borrower willingness to continue to make mortgage payments when the value of the home is below the mortgage balance. Historically, losses incurred have followed a seasonal trend in which the second half of the year has weaker credit performance than the first half, with higher new notice activity and a lower cure rate. Our estimates are also affected by any agreements we enter into regarding our claims paying practices, such as the settlement agreements discussed in Note 17 – “Litigation and Contingencies”


MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 59

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements. Changes to our estimates could result in a material impact to our consolidated results of operations and financial position, even in a stable economic environment.


2019 compared to 2018. Losses incurred, net increased 224% to $119 million compared to $37 million in 2018. The increase was due to a lower amount of favorable loss reserve development on previously received delinquency notices of $71 million in 2019 compared with $167 million in 2018. Current year losses incurred decreased in 2019 from 2018, primarily due to a lower claim rate on new delinquency notices when compared to the prior year.

2018 compared to 2017.Losses incurred, net decreased 32% to $37 million compared to $54 million in 2017. The decrease was due to a decrease in losses and LAE incurred in respect to delinquencies reported in 2018, offset in part by a decrease in favorable loss reserve development on prior year delinquencies. New delinquency notices declined 20% when compared to 2017, in part due to elevated 2017 delinquency notice activity associated with 2017 hurricanes, and the estimated claim rate on new delinquency notices also declined. Favorable development on prior year delinquencies occurred in 2018 due to a lower estimated claim rate on previously reported delinquencies, partially offset by increases in our expected severity assumption on previously reported delinquencies. During 2018, cure activity on loans that were delinquent twelve months or more was significantly higher than our previous estimates.

2017 compared to 2016. Losses incurred, net decreased 78% to $54 million compared to $240 million in 2016. The decrease was due to both a decrease in losses and LAE incurred in respect to delinquencies reported in 2017 and favorable development on prior year delinquencies. Losses incurred with respect to delinquencies reported in 2017 declined as we estimated a lower claim rate on new notices in 2017, which offset the slight increase in new notices received. The increase in new notices was caused by hurricane activity in the third quarter of 2017. Favorable development on prior year delinquencies occurred in 2017 and 2016 due to a lower estimated claim rate on previously reported delinquencies, partially offset by increases in our expected severity assumption on previously reported delinquencies. During 2017, cure activity on loans that were delinquent twelve months or more was significantly higher than our previous estimates.

See "New notice claim rate" and "Claims severity" below for additional factors and trends that impact these loss reserve assumptions.
Composition of losses incurred
       
  Year Ended December 31,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2016
Current year / New notices $204
 $285
 $388
Prior year reserve development (167) (231) (148)
Losses incurred, net $37
 $54
 $240
Composition of losses incurred
       
  Year Ended December 31,
(In millions) 2019 2018 2017
Current year / New notices $190
 $204
 $285
Prior year reserve development (71) (167) (231)
Losses incurred, net $119
 $37
 $54



MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 63

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

Loss ratio
The loss ratio is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the sum of incurred losses and LAE, net to net premiums earned. The declineincrease in the loss ratio in 2019 when compared to 2018, reflects a higher level of losses incurred, partially offset by an increase in earned premiums. The decrease in the loss ratio in 2018 when compared to 2017, and in 2017 compared to 2016, reflects the lower level of losses incurred, net and an increase in earned premiums.
  Year Ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Loss ratio 3.7% 5.7% 26.0%
  Year Ended December 31,
  2019 2018 2017
Loss ratio 11.5% 3.7% 5.7%


New notice claim rate
New notice activity continues to be primarily driven by loans insured in 2008 and prior, which continue to experience a cycle whereby many loans default, cure, and re-default. This cycle, along with the duration that defaults may ultimately remain in our notice inventory, results in significant judgment in establishing the estimated claim rate.
New notice claim rate - total
       
  Year Ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
New notices 54,448
 68,268
 67,434
Claim rate (1)
 9% 10% 12%

(1)
Claim rate is the respective full year weighted average rate and is rounded to the nearest whole percent.
New notices - loans insured 2008 and prior
       
  Year Ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
New notices 38,897
 52,313
 59,004
Previously delinquent 93% 90% 90%
New notice claim rate     
  2019 2018 2017
New notices - 2008 and prior 34,252
 63% 38,897
 71% 52,313
 77%
New notices - 2009 and later 19,987
 37% 15,551
 29% 15,955
 23%
Total 54,239
 100% 54,448
 100% 68,268
 100%
Claim rate (1) 8.0%   9.0%   10.0%  
Previously delinquent % 94.0%   93.0%   90.0%  

(1)Claim rate is the respective full year weighted average rate and is rounded to the nearest whole percent.

New notices declined in 2019 compared to 2018 and 2018 compared to 2017 due to favorable economic conditions and an improving risk profile of our RIF; however,RIF. However, 2017 new notice activity also includesincluded the impact of hurricane activity. The increase in new notices in 2017 compared to 2016 was driven by the 2017 hurricane activity.


Our estimated claim rate on new notices declined in 2019 compared to 2018 and 2018 compared to 2017, and in 2017 compared to 2016, in each case reflecting the economic environment and our expectation of cure activity on the new notices received. We also estimated a materially lower new notice claim rate for those notices received in the fourth quarter of 2017 that we estimated to have been caused by hurricane activity that occurred in the third quarter of 2017. When excluding our estimate of new notices caused by hurricanes, our 2017 new notice claim rate approximated 10.5%, marginally higher than the actual full-year rate.

New notice activity continues to be primarily driven by loans insured in 2008 and prior, which continue to experience a cycle whereby many loans become delinquent, cure, and become delinquent again. As a result of this cycle significant judgment is required in establishing the estimated claim rate.





MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 60

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


Claims severity
Factors that impact claim severity include:
èexposure on the loan, which is the unpaid principal balance of the loan times our insurance coverage percentage,
èlength of time between delinquency and claim filing (which impacts the amount of interest and expenses, with a longer period between default and claim filing generally increasing severity), and
ècurtailments.


As discussed in Note 8 - "Loss Reserves," the average time for servicers to process foreclosures has recently shortened. Therefore, we expect the average number of missed payments at the time a claim is received to be approximately 18 to 24 for new notices we have recently received, and expect to receive in 2019,2020, compared to an average of 4035 missed payments for claims received in 2018.2019. Our loss reserves estimates take into consideration trends over time, because the development of the delinquencies may vary from period to period without establishing a meaningful trend.


The majority of loans from 2005 through 2008 (which represent 60%54% of the loans in the delinquent inventory) are covered by master policy terms that, except under certain circumstances, do not limit the number of years that an insured can include interest when filing a claim. Under our current master policy terms, an insured can include accumulated interest when filing a claim only for the first three years the loan is delinquent. In each case, the insured must comply with its obligations under the terms of the applicable master policy.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 64

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

The quarterly trend in claims severity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019 is shown in the following table.
Claims severity trend
                
Period Average exposure on claim paid Average claim paid % Paid to exposure Average number of missed payments at claim received date Average exposure on claim paid Average claim paid % Paid to exposure Average number of missed payments at claim received date
Q4 2019 $46,076
 $46,302
 100.5% 34
Q3 2019 42,821
 44,388
 103.7% 35
Q2 2019 46,950
 46,883
 99.9% 34
Q1 2019 42,277
 43,930
 103.9% 35
Q4 2018 $45,366
 $47,980
 105.8% 41
 45,366
 47,980
 105.8% 35
Q3 2018 43,290
 47,230
 109.1% 42
 43,290
 47,230
 109.1% 35
Q2 2018 44,522
 50,175
 112.7% 39
 44,522
 50,175
 112.7% 38
Q1 2018 45,597
 51,069
 112.0% 38
 45,597
 51,069
 112.0% 38
Q4 2017 44,437
 49,177
 110.7% 36
 44,437
 49,177
 110.7% 36
Q3 2017 43,313
 46,389
 107.1% 35
 43,313
 46,389
 107.1% 35
Q2 2017 44,747
 49,105
 109.7% 35
 44,747
 49,105
 109.7% 35
Q1 2017 44,238
 49,110
 111.0% 35
 44,238
 49,110
 111.0% 35
Q4 2016 43,200
 48,297
 111.8% 35
Q3 2016 43,747
 48,050
 109.8% 34
Q2 2016 43,709
 47,953
 109.7% 35
Q1 2016 44,094
 49,281
 111.8% 34
                
Note: Table excludes material settlements. Settlements include amounts paid in settlement of disputes for claims paying practices and NPL commutations.
Note: Table excludes material settlements. Settlements include amounts paid in settlement of disputes for claims paying practices and/or commutations of policies.Note: Table excludes material settlements. Settlements include amounts paid in settlement of disputes for claims paying practices and/or commutations of policies.


OurIn considering the potential sensitivity of the factors underlying our estimate of loss reserves, is sensitive to the underlying factors; it is possible that even a relatively small change in our estimated claim rate or severity could have a material impact on loss reserves and, correspondingly, on our consolidated results of operations even in a stable economic environment. For example, as of December 31, 2018,2019, assuming all other factors remain constant, a $1,000 increase/decrease in the average severity reserve factor would change the loss reserve amount by approximately +/- $12$10 million. A 1one percentage point increase/decrease in the average claim rate reserve factor would change the loss reserve amount by approximately +/- $19$17 million.


See Note 8 – “Loss Reserves” to our consolidated financial statements and “Critical Accounting Policies” below for a discussion of our losses incurred and claims paying practices (including curtailments).





MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6165

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms



The length of time a loan is in the delinquent inventory can differ from the number of payments that the borrower has not made or is considered delinquent. These differences typically result from a borrower making monthly payments that do not result in the loan becoming fully current. The number of payments that a borrower is delinquent is shown in the following table.
Primary delinquent inventory - number of payments delinquent
        
  December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
3 payments or less 15,519
 21,678
 18,419
4 - 11 payments 8,842
 12,446
 12,892
12 payments or more (1)
 8,537
 12,432
 18,971
Total 32,898
 46,556
 50,282
       
3 payments or less 47% 46% 36%
4 - 11 payments 27% 27% 26%
12 payments or more 26% 27% 38%
Total 100% 100% 100%
Primary delinquent inventory - number of payments delinquent
        
  December 31,
  2019 2018 2017
3 payments or less 14,895
 15,519
 21,678
4 - 11 payments 8,519
 8,842
 12,446
12 payments or more (1)
 6,614
 8,537
 12,432
Total 30,028
 32,898
 46,556
       
3 payments or less 50% 47% 46%
4 - 11 payments 28% 27% 27%
12 payments or more 22% 26% 27%
Total 100% 100% 100%
(1) 
Approximately 38%33%, 43%38%, and 46%43% of the primary delinquent inventory with 12 payments or more delinquent has at least 36 payments delinquent as of December 31, 20182019, 20172018 and 20162017, respectively.


NET LOSSES AND LAE PAID
This section provides information on our claim payment trends and exposure on our outstanding RIF for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018.2019. The following table below presents our net losses and LAE paid for each of those years.
Net losses and LAE paid
            
(in millions) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Total primary (excluding settlements) $282
 $446
 $599
 $193
 $282
 $446
Claims paying practices and NPL settlements (1)
 50
 54
 53
 30
 50
 54
Pool (2)
 6
 10
 56
 4
 6
 10
Other 
 
 (1) 
 
 
Direct losses paid 338
 510
 707
 227
 338
 510
Reinsurance (19) (23) (23) (8) (19) (23)
Net losses paid 319
 487
 684
 219
 319
 487
LAE 16
 18
 20
 21
 16
 18
Net losses and LAE paid before terminations 335
 505
 704
 240
 335
 505
Reinsurance terminations (2) 
 (3) (14) (2) 
Net losses and LAE paid $333
 $505
 $701
 $226
 $333
 $505
(1) 
See Note 8 - "Loss Reserves" for additional information on our settlements of disputes for claims paying practices andand/or commutations of NPLs.policies
(2)

2016 included $42 million paid under the terms of our settlement with Freddie Mac as discussed in Note 8 - "Loss Reserves" to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Net losses and LAE paid decreased 32% in 2019 compared to 2018 and decreased 34% in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to lower claim activity on our primary business. Net losses and LAE paid decreased 28% in 2017 compared to 2016 due to lower claim activity on our primary business and the completion of our settlement payments to Freddie Mac in 2016 related to our pool business. During each of 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016,2017, losses paid included settlement payments under commutations of coverage on pools of NPLspolicies and/or related to disputes concerning our claims paying practices. We believe losses and LAE paid will be lower in 20192020 compared to 2018.2019.


Primary losses paid for the top 15 jurisdictions (based on 20182019 losses paid, excluding settlement amounts) and all other jurisdictions for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019 appears in the table below.
Primary paid losses by jurisdiction
            
(In millions) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
New Jersey* $42
 $61
 $60
New York* 32
 37
 35
Florida* 29
 49
 85
Illinois* 19
 28
 43
Florida * $28
 $29
 $49
New York * 25
 32
 37
New Jersey * 20
 42
 61
Illinois * 13
 19
 28
Puerto Rico * 12
 9
 18
Maryland 18
 23
 29
 9
 18
 23
Pennsylvania* 12
 22
 26
Pennsylvania * 8
 12
 22
Ohio * 7
 8
 16
Connecticut * 6
 7
 11
California 11
 17
 27
 5
 11
 17
Puerto Rico* 9
 18
 17
Ohio* 8
 16
 21
Massachusetts 8
 13
 14
Connecticut* 7
 11
 14
Texas 4
 5
 8
Michigan 4
 4
 7
Virginia 6
 10
 15
 4
 6
 10
Georgia 5
 10
 13
 3
 5
 10
Texas 5
 8
 10
Michigan 4
 7
 14
Wisconsin 3
 4
 7
All other jurisdictions 67
 116
 176
 42
 71
 122
Total primary (excluding settlements) $282
 $446
 $599
 $193
 $282
 $446
Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.

Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.

Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.







MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6266

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


The primary average claim paid for the top 5 jurisdictions (based on 20182019 losses paid, excluding settlement amounts) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019 appears in table below.
Primary average claim paid
      
 2019 2018 2017
Florida *$65,576
 $59,320
 $62,751
New York *102,819
 98,026
 81,043
New Jersey *81,811
 89,504
 87,333
Illinois *42,833
 44,379
 46,089
Puerto Rico *44,393
 45,910
 43,630
All other jurisdictions34,375
 39,597
 40,551
All jurisdictions45,324
 49,218
 48,476
 
Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.

The primary average claim paid can vary materially from period to period based upon a variety of factors, including the local market conditions, average loan amount, average coverage percentage, the amount of time between defaultdelinquency and claim paymentfiling, and our loss mitigation efforts on loans for which claims are paid.
Primary average claim paid
      
 2018 2017 2016
New Jersey*$89,504
 $87,333
 $81,955
New York*98,026
 81,043
 70,869
Florida*59,320
 62,751
 60,737
Illinois*44,379
 46,089
 50,047
Maryland72,966
 73,569
 72,396
All other jurisdictions37,743
 39,146
 40,828
All jurisdictions49,218
 48,476
 48,416
 
Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.


The primary average RIF on delinquent loans as of December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 and for the top 5 jurisdictions (based on 20182019 losses paid, excluding settlement amounts) appears in the following table.
Primary average exposure - delinquent loans
          
2018 2017 20162019 2018 2017
Florida$52,566
 $53,371
 $54,847
New York72,188
 71,795
 71,170
New Jersey$65,521
 $65,684
 $65,196
64,444
 65,521
 65,659
New York71,795
 71,260
 68,729
Florida53,371
 54,872
 54,018
Illinois39,753
 40,794
 41,765
38,740
 39,753
 40,767
Maryland65,421
 66,266
 66,005
Puerto Rico33,920
 35,420
 36,644
All other jurisdictions40,136
 39,848
 39,287
42,347
 41,331
 41,134
All jurisdictions44,584
 45,153
 44,520
45,028
 44,584
 45,131


The primary average RIF on all loans was $52,995, $51,085, and $49,142 at December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 
LOSS RESERVES
Our primary default rate at December 31, 20182019 was 2.78% (2018: 3.11% (2017: 4.55%, 2016: 5.04%2017: 4.55%). Our primary delinquent inventory was 32,89830,028 loans at December 31, 2018,2019, representing a decrease of 29%9% from 20172018 and 35%36% from 2016.2017. The reduction in our primary delinquent inventory is the result of the total number of delinquent loans: (1) that have cured; (2) for which claim payments have been made; or (3) that have resulted in rescission, claim denial, or removal from inventory due to settlements of claims paying disputes or commutations of coverage of pools of NPLs,policies, collectively, exceeding the total number of new delinquencies notices received on insured loans. In recent periods, we have experienced improved cure rates and the number of delinquencies in the inventory with twelve or more missed payments has been declining. Generally, the fewer missed payments associated with a delinquent loan, the lower the likelihood it will result in a claim. Our commutations of coverage on pools of NPLs have each been completed with amounts paid approximating the loss reserves previously established on the delinquent loans. We expect our delinquent inventory to decline in 20192020 from 20182019 levels.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6367

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


The primary and pool loss reserves as of December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 appear in the table below.
Gross reserves
Gross loss reservesGross loss reserves
            
 December 31, December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Primary:                  
Direct loss reserves (In millions)
 $610
  $913
  $1,334
 
Case reserves (In millions)
 $490
  $610
  $913
 
IBNR and LAE 50
  58
  79
  56
  50
  58
 
Total primary loss reserves 660
  971
  1,413
 
Total primary direct loss reserves 546
  660
  971
 
Ending delinquent inventory  32,898
  46,556
  50,282
  30,028
  32,898
  46,556
Percentage of loans delinquent (default rate)  3.11%  4.55%  5.04%  2.78%  3.11%  4.55%
Average direct reserve per default  $20,077
  $20,851
  $28,104
  $18,171
  $20,077
  $20,851
Primary claims received inventory included in ending delinquent inventory  809
  954
  1,385
  538
  809
  954
Pool (1):
                  
Direct loss reserves (In millions):
                  
With aggregate loss limits 10
  10
  18
  7
  10
  10
 
Without aggregate loss limits 3
  4
  7
  2
  3
  4
 
Total pool direct loss reserves 13
  14
 
25
  9
  13
 
14
 
Ending delinquent inventory:                  
With aggregate loss limits  595
  952
  1,382
  430
  595
  952
Without aggregate loss limits  264
  357
  501
  223
  264
  357
Total pool ending delinquent inventory 

859
 

1,309
 

1,883
 

653
 

859
 

1,309
Pool claims received inventory included in ending delinquent inventory  24
  42
  72
  11
  24
  42
Other gross reserves (In millions)
 1
  1
  1
 
Other gross loss reserves (In millions)
 
  1
  1
 
(1) 
Since a number of our pool policies include aggregate loss limits and/or deductibles, we do not disclose an average direct reserve per default for our pool business.


The average direct reserve per default as of December 31, 2017 included the impact of delinquencies we estimated to be caused by hurricane activity that remained in our ending delinquent inventory at December 31, 2017, which had a materially lower new delinquency notice claim rate than other new delinquency notices received. When excluding the estimated hurricane delinquencies, the average direct reserve per default was $24,000. The average direct reserve per default as of December 31, 20182019 declined when compared to the average as of December 31, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 because the estimated claim rates on loans that remain in our delinquent inventory were lower as of December 31, 2018.2019.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6468

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


The primary default inventory for the top 15 jurisdictions (based on 20182019 losses paid, excluding settlement amounts) at December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 appears in table the below.
Primary delinquent inventory by jurisdiction
          
2018 2017 20162019 2018 2017
New Jersey*1,151
 1,749
 2,586
New York*1,855
 2,387
 3,171
Florida*2,853
 6,501
 4,150
Illinois*1,781
 2,136
 2,649
Florida *2,504
 2,853
 6,501
New York *1,634
 1,855
 2,387
New Jersey *992
 1,151
 1,749
Illinois *1,749
 1,781
 2,136
Puerto Rico *1,122
 1,503
 3,761
Maryland842
 1,026
 1,312
796
 842
 1,026
Pennsylvania*1,929
 2,403
 2,984
Pennsylvania *1,755
 1,929
 2,403
Ohio *1,498
 1,627
 2,025
Connecticut *506
 480
 574
California1,260
 1,402
 1,590
1,213
 1,260
 1,402
Puerto Rico*1,503
 3,761
 1,844
Ohio*1,627
 2,025
 2,614
Massachusetts596
 759
 1,108
Connecticut*480
 574
 690
Texas2,251
 2,369
 3,975
Michigan921
 1,041
 1,260
Virginia588
 731
 885
580
 588
 731
Georgia1,220
 1,550
 1,853
1,128
 1,220
 1,550
Texas2,369
 3,975
 3,201
Michigan1,041
 1,260
 1,482
Wisconsin694
 726
 913
All other jurisdictions11,803
 14,317
 18,163
10,685
 11,673
 14,163
Total32,898
 46,556
 50,282
30,028
 32,898
 46,556
Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.
Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.
Note: Asterisk denotes jurisdictions in the table above that predominately use a judicial foreclosure process, which generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be completed.


Florida, Puerto Rico, and Texas each experienced an increase in their delinquent inventory as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.2017. The increases were driven by hurricanes in the third quarter of 2017, which resulted in significant new delinquency notice activity in the fourth quarter of 2017. Primarily due to 2018 cure activity on hurricane-related notices, each of those jurisdictions had significant reductions in their delinquent inventory in 2018.


 

The primary default inventory by policy year at December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 appears in the table below.
Primary delinquent inventory by policy year
          
2018 2017 20162019 2018 2017
2004 and prior6,061
 8,739
 11,116
4,686
 6,061
 8,739
2004 and prior %:18% 19% 22%16% 18% 19%
20053,340
 4,916
 5,826
2,799
 3,340
 4,916
20065,299
 7,719
 9,267
4,582
 5,299
 7,719
20078,702
 12,807
 15,816
7,096
 8,702
 12,807
20082,369
 3,455
 4,140
1,798
 2,369
 3,455
2005 - 2008 %60% 62% 70%54% 60% 62%
2009172
 315
 421
148
 172
 315
2010121
 199
 222
115
 121
 199
2011159
 266
 246
143
 159
 266
2012312
 549
 364
231
 312
 549
2013592
 957
 686
521
 592
 957
20141,264
 1,757
 1,142
1,101
 1,264
 1,757
20151,418
 1,992
 814
1,388
 1,418
 1,992
20161,459
 1,930
 222
1,578
 1,459
 1,930
20171,282
 955
 
1,989
 1,282
 955
2018348
 
 
1,521
 348
 
2019332
 
 
2009 and later %:22% 19% 8%30% 22% 19%
          
Total32,898
 46,556
 50,282
30,028
 32,898
 46,556


The delinquent inventory as of December 31, 2017 for most policy years included new delinquency notices from hurricane impacted areas that had not cured. As a result, delinquencies, including in the most recent policy years, were greater than they otherwise would have been as of December 31, 2017. The majority of the notices received in the hurricane impacted areas cured during 2018.


The losses we have incurred on our 2005 through 2008 books have exceeded our premiums from those books. Although uncertainty remains with respect to the ultimate losses we willmay experience on thesethose books, of business, as we continue to write new insurance, on high-quality loans, those books arehave become a decliningsmaller percentage of our total mortgage insurance portfolio. Our 2005 through 2008 books of business represented approximately 15%11% and 19%15% of our total primary RIF at December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. Approximately 39% of the remaining primary RIF on our 2005 through 2008 books of business benefited from HARP as of both December 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6569

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


On our primary business, the highest claim frequency years have typically been the third and fourth year after the year of loan origination. However, the pattern of claimsclaim frequency can be affected by many factors, including persistency and deteriorating economic conditions. Low persistency can accelerate the period in the life of a book during which the highest claim frequency occurs. Deteriorating economic conditions can result in increasing claims following a period of declining claims. As of December 31, 2018, 59%2019, 58% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2016, 70% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2015, 70%and 79% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2014, and 76% of our primary RIF was written subsequent to December 31, 2013.2014.
 
UNDERWRITING AND OTHER EXPENSES, NET
Underwriting and other expenses includes items such as employee compensation costs, fees for professional services, depreciation and maintenance expense, and premium taxes, and are reported net of ceding commissions.

2019 compared to 2018.Underwriting and other expenses for 2019 increased when compared to 2018 primarily due to an increase in benefit expenses and a reduction in ceding commissions.

2018 compared to 2017.2017. Underwriting and other expenses for 2018 increased when compared to 2017, primarily due to higher compensation expenses.compensation.


2017 compared to 2016. Underwriting and other expenses for 2017 increased when compared to 2016, primarily due to higher compensation, professional services, and depreciation expenses.

Underwriting expense ratio
The underwriting expense ratio is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the underwriting and operating expenses, net and amortization of DAC of our combined insurance operations (which excludes underwriting and operating expenses of our non-insurance operations) to NPW, and is presented in the table below for the past three years.
  Year Ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Underwriting expense ratio 18.2% 16.0% 15.3%
  Year Ended December 31,
  2019 2018 2017
Underwriting expense ratio 18.4% 18.2% 16.0%


The underwriting expense ratio increased in 2019 compared with 2018 due to an increase in underwriting expenses partially offset by slightly higher NPW. The increase in the underwriting expense ratio in 2018 when compared to 2017 was due to an increase in expenses and a decrease in our NPW. The increase in the underwriting expense ratio in 2017 when compared to 2016 was due to an increase in expenses, offset in part by an increase in our NPW.


INTEREST EXPENSE
2019 compared to 2018. Interest expense for 2019 was $53 million, unchanged from 2018.

2018 compared to 2017.Interest expense for 2018 decreased 7% to $53 million compared to $57 million in 2017 as our previously outstanding 5% Notes matured and our 2% Notes were extinguished, each during 2017.

2017 compared to 2016.Interest expense for 2017 was relatively flat with 2016 as a full-year of interest on our 5.75% Notes issued in August 2016 offset lower interest due to the maturity of our 5% Notes and extinguishment of our 2% Notes.

LOSS ON DEBT EXTINGUISHMENT
Loss on debt extinguishment in 2016 reflects the repurchases of a portion of our outstanding 2% and 5% Notes at amounts above our carrying values. The loss on debt extinguishment from MGIC's purchase of a portion of our 9% Debentures represents the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the liability component on the purchase date.


INCOME TAX EXPENSE AND EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
Income tax provision and effective tax rate
            
(In millions, except rate) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Income before tax $844,150
 $784,496
 $514,714
 $848
 $844
 $784
Provision for income taxes 174,053
 428,735
 172,197
 174
 174
 429
Effective tax rate 20.6% 54.7% 33.5% 20.5% 20.6% 54.7%


2019 compared to 2018. The income tax expense for 2019 was flat compared to the income tax expense for 2018. Our effective tax rate for 2019 and 2018 was below the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the benefits of tax-preferenced securities.
2018 compared to 2017.The decrease in income tax expense for 2018 compared to 2017 reflects the lower 2018 federal statutory income tax rate under the Tax Act, the remeasurement of our deferred tax assets in 2017, as well as an additional tax provision recorded in 2017 for the settlement of our IRS litigation, partially offset by a 2018 increase in income before tax. Our 2018 effective tax rate was below the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the benefits of tax-preferenced securities.


2017 compared to 2016.The increase in income tax expense in 2017 compared to 2016 was due to the 2017 remeasurement of net deferred tax assets at the lower corporate income tax rate under the Tax Act, the 2017 increase in income before tax, and an additional tax provision recorded for the expected settlement of our IRS litigation. The difference between the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and our effective tax provision rate of 54.7% in 2017 was primarily due to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets at the lower corporate tax rate and the additional tax provision recorded for the settlement of our IRS litigation. The difference between the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and our effective tax provision rate of 33.5% in 2016 was primarily due to the benefits of tax‑ preferenced securities.

See Note 12 – “Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our tax position.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6670

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


BALANCE SHEET REVIEW


Shareholders' equity
Shareholders' equity
 As of December 31,   As of December 31,  
(In millions) 2018 2017 $ Change 2019 2018 $ Change
Shareholders' equity            
Common stock $371
 $371
 $
 $371
 $371
 $
Paid-in capital 1,863
 1,851
 12
 1,870
 1,863
 7
Treasury stock (175) 
 (175) (283) (175) (108)
AOCL, net of tax (124) (44) (80)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax 73
 (124) 197
Retained earnings 1,647
 977
 670
 2,278
 1,647
 631
Total $3,582
 $3,155
 $427
 $4,309
 $3,582
 $727


The increase in shareholders' equity was due to net income during 2018, offset in part by a decrease2019 and an increase in the fair value of our investment portfolio, andoffset in part by the repurchase of shares of our common stock.stock and dividends paid to shareholders.


Total assets and total liabilities
As of December 31, 2018,2019, total assets were $5.7$6.2 billion and total liabilities were $2.1$1.9 billion. Compared to year-end 2017,2018, total assets increased by $58.3$551.8 million and total liabilities decreased by $369.1$175.6 million.


The following sections focus on the assets and liabilities experiencing major developments in 2018.2019.


INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
The investment portfolio increased 3%12%, to $5.2$5.8 billion as of December 31, 2018 (2017: $5.02019 (2018: $5.2 billion), as net cash from operations was used in part for additional investment.


The return we generate on our investment portfolio is an important component of our consolidated financial results. Our investment portfolio primarily consists of a diverse mix of highly rated fixed income securities.

The investment portfolio is designed to achieve the following objectives:
Operating Companies (1)
 Holding Company
èPreserve PMIERs assets èProvide liquidity with minimized realized loss
èMaximize total return with emphasis on yield, subject to our other objectives èMaintain highly liquid, low volatility assets
èLimit portfolio volatility èMaintain high credit quality
èDuration 3.5 to 5.5 years èDuration maximum of 2.5 years
(1) 
Primarily MGIC
 

To achieve our portfolio objectives, our asset allocation considers the risk and return parameters of the various asset classes in which we invest. This asset allocation is informed by, and based on the following factors:
èeconomic and market outlooks;
èdiversification effects;
èsecurity duration;
èliquidity;
ècapital considerations; and
èincome tax rates.


The average duration and embedded investment yield of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 is shown in the following table.
Portfolio duration and embedded investment yield
  
 December 31,  December 31,
 2018 2017 2016  2019 2018 2017
Duration (in years)Duration (in years) 4.1 4.3 4.6Duration (in years) 3.9 4.1 4.3
Pre-tax yield (1) (2)
 3.1% 2.7% 2.6%
After-tax yield (1) (2)
 2.6% 2.0% 1.9%
Pre-tax yield (1)
Pre-tax yield (1)
 3.1% 3.1% 2.7%
After-tax yield (1)
After-tax yield (1)
 2.5% 2.6% 2.0%
(1) 
Embedded investment yield is calculated on a yield-to-worst basis.


The credit risk of a security is evaluated through analysis of the security's underlying fundamentals, including the issuer's sector, scale, profitability, debt coverage, and ratings. The investment policy guidelines limit the amount of our credit exposure to any one issue, issuer and type of instrument. The following table shows the security ratings of our fixed income investments as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018.
Fixed income security ratings% of fixed income securities at fair value
 
Security Ratings (1)
 
Security Ratings (1)
PeriodPeriod AAA AA A BBBPeriod AAA AA A BBB
December 31, 2019December 31, 2019 21% 20% 34% 24%
December 31, 2018December 31, 2018 19% 23% 33% 25%December 31, 2018 19% 23% 33% 25%
December 31, 2017 21% 26% 36% 17%
(1) 
Ratings are provided by one or more of: Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings. If three ratings are available, the middle rating is utilized;shown; otherwise the lowest rating is utilized.shown.


Our investment portfolio as ofmix was comparable for the years ended December 31, 2018 had a greater proportion of its invested value in corporate2019 and loan-backed fixed income securities when compared to December 31, 2017. This shift in2018. See Note 5 – “Investments” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosure on our investment mix through new investments during 2018 resulted in a higher investment yield, but also increased theportfolio.





MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6771

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


percentage of “BBB” rated securities when compared to the prior year.

See Note 5 – “Investments” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosure on our investment portfolio.


Investments outlook
The U.S. economy continued to grow in 20182019 and is expected to continue to grow at a slower rate in 2019.2020. Against this positive macroeconomic backdrop, which includes very low unemployment, the FOMC has increasedFederal Open Market Committee left its benchmark interest rate toat a range of 2.25-2.50150 to 175 basis points as of December 31, 2018, up 100 basis points from the prior year end. Continued economic growth may result2019 and has signaled that it does not expect increases in additional increases to the FOMC benchmark interest rate in 2019.2020. Our investment portfolio of fixed income securities is subject to interest rate risk and its fair value is likely to decline in a rising interest rate environment. We seek to manage our exposure to interest rate risk and volatility by maintaining a diverse mix of high quality securities with an intermediate duration profile. While higher interest rates may adversely impact the fair values of our fixed income securities, they present an opportunity to reinvest investment income and proceeds from security maturities into higher yielding securities. In light of the corporate income tax rate reduction in the fourth quarter of 2017, we reduced the percentage of our investments in tax-exempt securities during 2018 and increased our corporate and CLO concentrations. We will continue to evaluate the relative value of tax-exempt versus taxable fixed income securities during 2019,2020, and our investment allocations may shift over time.


As of December 31, 2019, approximately 6% of the fair value of our investment portfolio consisted of securities referencing LIBOR. As discussed in our risk factor titled "The Company may be adversely impacted by the transition from LIBOR as a reference rate", it is uncertain whether LIBOR will continue to be quoted after 2021.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents increased 52%7%, to $152$162 million as of December 31, 2018 (2017: $1002019 (2018: $152 million), as net cash generated from operating activities was only partly offset by net cash used in investing and financing activities.


DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes, net decreased 70%92%, to $69$6 million as of December 31, 2018 (2017: $2342019 (2018: $69 million), primarily throughdue to the continued usetax effect of our net operating loss carryforwards to offset taxable income. We had no remaining net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2018.unrealized gains generated by the investment portfolio.


 
LOSS RESERVES
LossOur loss reserves which represent our estimated liability forinclude estimates of losses and settlement expenses underon (1) reported delinquencies known as case reserves (2) IBNR reserves, and (3) LAE reserves. Our gross reserves are reduced by reinsurance recoverable on our mortgage guaranty insurance policies,estimated losses and settlement expenses to calculate a net of related reinsurance balances recoverable,reserve balance. Loss reserves decreased 32%by 18% to $641$555 million as of December 31, 20182019, from $937$674 million of December 31, 2018. Reinsurance recoverables on our estimated losses and settlement expenses were $22 million and $33 million as of December 31, 2017.2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. This decrease was driven by the payment of claims during 2018 and favorable development on previously received delinquencies, offset in part by losses incurred on new delinquency notices received in 20182019 that remain in inventory.


OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities decreased 30%16% to $180$152 million as of December 31, 2018 (2017: $2562019 (2018: $180 million), primarily due to a decreasedecreases in our income taxes payable, due to payments associated with the settlement of our IRS litigationaccounts payable, pension-related liabilities and a decline in our premium refund accrual due to lower estimated claim rates.rates, and the settlement of 2018 share repurchases in the first quarter of 2019, partially offset by an increase in accrued salaries and benefits.


Off-balance sheet arrangements
Home Re is a2018-1 Ltd. and Home Re 2019-1 Ltd. are special purpose VIEvariable interest entities that isare not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements because we do not have the unilateral power to direct those activities that are significant to itstheir economic performance. See Note 9 - "Reinsurance," to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6872

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS
We have three primary types of cash flows: (1) operating cash flows, which consist mainly of cash generated by our insurance operations and income earned on our investment portfolio, less amounts paid for claims, interest expense and operating expenses, (2) investing cash flows related to the purchase, sale and maturity of investments and purchases of property and equipment and (3) financing cash flows generally from activities that impact our capital structure, such as changes in debt and shares outstanding.outstanding and dividend payouts. The following table summarizes these three cash flows on a consolidated basis for the last three years.
Summary of consolidated cash flows
            
 Years ended December 31, Years ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Total cash provided by (used in):            
Operating activities $544,517
 $406,657
 $224,760
 $609,532
 $544,517
 $406,657
Investing activities (317,780) (303,641) (93,392) (422,108) (317,780) (303,641)
Financing activities (171,550) (158,575) (157,078) (173,406) (171,550) (158,575)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $55,187
 $(55,559) $(25,710)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents $14,018
 $55,187
 $(55,559)


Operating activities
The following list highlights the major sources and uses of cash flow from operating activities:
Sources
+Premiums received
+Loss payments from reinsurers
+Investment income
  
Uses
-Claim payments
-Premium ceded to reinsurers
-Interest expense
-Operating expenses
-IRS litigation settlement payments
Our largest source of cash is from premiums received from our insurance policies, which we receive on a monthly installment basis for most policies. Premiums are received at the beginning of the coverage period for single premium and annual premium policies. Our largest cash outflow is for claims that arise when a delinquency results in an insured loss. We invest our claims paying resources from premiums and other sources in various investment securities that earn
interest. We also use cash to pay for our ongoing expenses such as salaries, debt interest, and rent.
In connection with the reinsurance we use to manage the risk associated with our insurance policies, we cede, or pay out, part of the premiums we receive to our reinsurers and collect cash back when claims subject to our reinsurance coverage are paid.


Net cash provided by operating activities in 2019 increased compared to 2018 primarily due to a lower level of losses paid, net, an increase in net premium written, and an increase in investment income.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2018 increased compared to 2017 primarily due to a lower level of losses paid, net and an increase in investment income, offset in part by payments made in connection with our IRS litigation settlement.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2017 increased compared to 2016 primarily due to a lower level of losses paid and an increase in net premiums written, offset in part by increases in payments for interest and other expenses.


Investing activities
The following list highlights the major sources and uses of cash flow from investing activities:
Sources
+Proceeds from sales of investments
+Proceeds from maturity of fixed income securities
  
Uses
-Purchases of investments
-Purchases of property and equipment


We maintain an investment portfolio that is primarily invested in a diverse mix of fixed income securities. As of December 31, 2018,2019, our portfolio had a fair value of $5.2$5.8 billion, an increase of $168.5$599.3 million, or 3.4%11.6% from December 31, 2017. In addition to investment portfolio activities, our investing activities included additions to property and equipment. Beginning in 2016, we began an initiative to update our corporate headquarters building, which is substantially complete, and continued our investment in our technology infrastructure to enhance our ability to conduct business and execute our strategies.

2018. Net cash flows used in investing activities in 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 primarily reflect purchasing fixed income securities in an amount that exceeded our proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed income securities during the year as cash from operations was available for additional investment. In addition cashto investment portfolio activities, our investing activities included investment in our technology infrastructure to enhance our ability to conduct business and execute our strategies, as well as an initiative to update our corporate headquarters building which was usedsubstantially complete in each of 2018, 2017, and 2016 to make additions to property and equipment.2018.







MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 6973

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


Financing activities
The following list highlights the major sources and uses of cash flow from financing activities:
Sources
+Proceeds from debt and/or common stock issuances
  
Uses
-Repayment/repurchase of debt
-Repurchase of common stock
-Payment of dividends to shareholders
-Repayment/repurchase of debt issuance costs
-Payment of withholding taxes related to share-based compensation net share settlement


Net cash flows used in financing activities in 2019 reflect repurchases of our common stock, payment of dividends to shareholders and the payment of withholding taxes related to share-based compensation net share settlement. Net cash flows used in financing activities in 2018 also reflect repurchases of our common stock and the payment of withholding taxes related to share-based compensation net share settlement.


Net cash flows used in financing activities for 2017 included the repayment at maturity of our 5% Notes, redemption of a portion of our 2% Notes, expenses paid to establish our revolving credit facility and payment of withholding taxes related to share-based compensation net share settlement.

Cash flows used in financing activities for 2016 included the repurchase of a portion of the outstanding principal on our 5% Notes and 2% Notes, the purchase by MGIC of a portion of the outstanding principal on our 9% Debentures, and payment of withholding taxes related to share-based compensation net share settlement. MGIC's ownership of our 9% Debentures is eliminated in consolidation. These transactions were offset in part by cash inflows from the issuance of long-term debt, including an FHLB borrowing and our 5.75% Notes, net of related issuance fees.


* * *


For a further discussion of matters affecting our cash flows, see "Balance Sheet Review" and "Debt at our Holding Company and Holding Company Liquidity" below.


 
CAPITALIZATION
Capital Risk
Capital risk is the risk of adverse impact on our ability to comply with capital requirements (regulatory and GSE) and to maintain the level, structure and composition of capital required for meeting financial performance objectives.


A strong capital position is essential to our business strategy and is important to maintain a competitive position in our industry. Our capital strategy focuses on long-term stability, which enables us to build and invest in our business, even in a stressed environment.


Our capital management objectives are to:
èinfluence and ensure compliance with capital requirements,
èmanage relationships to fostermaintain access to capital and reinsurance markets,
èsizemanage our capital to balance competitive needs, handle contingenciessupport our business strategies and create shareholder value,the competing priorities of relevant stakeholders
èassess appropriate uses for capital that cannot be deployed in support of our business strategies, including analyzing the size and form of capital return to shareholders
èposition our mix of debt, equity and/or reinsurance to support our business strategy while considering the competing needs of credit ratings agencies, regulators and shareholders,efficiently using company resources, and
èsupport business opportunities by enabling capital flexibility and efficiently using company resources, aligning legal structure and enabling capital flexibility.resources.


These objectives are achieved through ongoing monitoring and management of our capital position, mortgage insurance portfolio stress modeling, and a capital governance framework. Capital management is intended to be flexible in order to react to a range of potential events. The focus we place on any individual objective may change over time due to factors that include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, changes at the GSEs, competition, and alternative transactions to transfer mortgage risk.










MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 7074

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


Capital Structure
The following table summarizes our capital structure as of December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.2017.
            
            
(In thousands, except ratio) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Common stock, paid-in capital, retained earnings, less treasury stock $3,706,105
 $3,198,309
 $2,623,942
 $4,236,526
 $3,706,105
 $3,198,309
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (124,214) (43,783) (75,100) 72,708
 (124,214) (43,783)
Total shareholders' equity 3,581,891
 3,154,526
 2,548,842
 4,309,234
 3,581,891
 3,154,526
Long-term debt, par value 836,872
 836,872
 1,189,472
 836,872
 836,872
 836,872
Total capital resources $4,418,763
 $3,991,398
 $3,738,314
 $5,146,106
 $4,418,763
 $3,991,398
            
Ratio of long-term debt to shareholders' equity 23.4% 26.5% 46.7% 19.4% 23.4% 26.5%


The increase in total shareholders' equity in 20182019 from 20172018 was primarily due to net income during 2018,2019, offset by our repurchases of our common stock and the increase in gross unrealized investment losses. The increase in shareholders' equity in 2017 from 2016 was primarily due to net income in 2017 and conversion of substantially all of our then-remaining 2% Notes into shares of common stock. See Note 13 - "Shareholders' Equity" for further information on the 2% Note conversion..


DEBT AT OUR HOLDING COMPANY AND HOLDING COMPANY LIQUIDITY

Debt obligations - holding company
The 5.75% Notes and 9% Debentures are obligations of our holding company, MGIC Investment Corporation, and not of its subsidiaries. We have no debt obligations due within the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2018,2019, our 5.75% Note had $425 million of outstanding principal, due in August 2023, and our 9% Debentures had $389.5 million of outstanding principal, due in April 2063. MGIC's ownership of $132.7 million of our holding company's 9% Debentures is eliminated in consolidation, but they remain outstanding obligations owed by our holding company to MGIC. The 9% Debentures are a convertible debt issuance. Subject to certain limitations and restrictions, holders of the 9% Debenturesmay convert their notes into shares of our common stock at their option prior to certain dates prescribed under the terms of their issuance, in which case our corresponding obligation will be eliminated prior to the scheduled maturity.


See Note 7 - "Debt" for further information on our outstanding debt obligations and transactions impacting our consolidated financial statements in 20182019 and 2017.2018.


Liquidity analysis - holding company
As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, we had approximately $325 million and $248 million, respectively, in cash and investments at our holding company. These resources are maintained primarily to service our debt interest expense, pay debt maturities, repurchase shares, pay dividends to shareholders, and to settle intercompany obligations. While these assets are held, we generate investment income that serves to offset a
portion of our interest expense. Investment income and the payment of dividends from our
insurance subsidiaries are the principal sources of holding company cash inflow. MGIC is the principal source of dividends, and their payment is restricted by insurance regulation. See Note 14 - "Statutory Information"“Statutory Information” to our consolidated financial statementsstatement for additional information about MGIC'sMGIC’s dividend restrictions. The payment of dividends from MGIC is also influenced by our view of the appropriate level of PMIERs Available Assets to maintain an excess ofover Minimum Required Assets. Other sources of holding company cash inflowliquidity include any unused capacity on our unsecured revolving credit facility and raising capital in the public markets. The ability to raise capital in the public markets is subject to prevailing market conditions, investor demand for the securities to be issued, and our deemed creditworthiness.


Over the next twelve months the principal demand on holding company resources will be interest payments on our 5.75% Notes and 9% Debentures approximating $60 million. We have received the appropriate approvals for MGIC to pay our holding company, in the first quarter or 2020, a special dividend of $320 million and a quarterly dividend of $70 million. We expect MGIC will continue to pay quarterly dividends oftotaling at least $60$280 million per quarter in 2019. Our unsecured revolving credit facility provides $175 million of borrowing capacity, of which no amount is currently drawn.year. We believe our holding company has sufficient sources of liquidity to meet its payment obligations for the foreseeable future.


During 2019 and 2018, we used approximately $114 million and $175 million (of which $12 million settled in January 2019), respectively, of available holding company cash to repurchase shares of our common stock. From January 1, 202, through February 19, 2020, we repurchased approximately 2.5 million shares of our common stock for approximately $35 million.
We may use additional holding company cash to repurchase additional shares or to repurchase our outstanding debt obligations. Such repurchases may be material, may be made for cash including with funds provided(funded by debt,debt) and/or exchanges for other securities, and may be made in open market purchases (including through 10b5-1 plans), privately negotiated acquisitions or other transactions. See "Overview-Capital" of this MD&A for a discussion of the shareapproval to repurchase program authorized on April 26, 2018.

up to an additional $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2021.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 7175

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms



In 2018,2019 we used $42 million to pay cash dividends to shareholders. On January 28, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per common share to shareholders of record on February 11, 2020, payable on February 28, 2020.

Our holding company cash and investments increased by $32$77 million in 2019, to $248$325 million as of December 31, 2018.2019. Cash inflows included $220$280 million of dividends received from MGIC and $35$25 million of other inflows, which included intercompany activity. Cash outflows included $163$126 million used to repurchase shares of our common stock, and $60 million of interest payments, of which approximately $12 million was paid to MGIC for the portion of our 9% Debentures owned by MGIC.MGIC, and $42 million in common stock dividends.


The net unrealized losses on our holding company investment portfolio were approximately $2.2$2.9 million at December 31, 20182019 and the portfolio had a modified duration of approximately 1.4 years.


Scheduled debt maturities beyond the next twelve months include $425 million of our 5.75% Notes in 2023 and $389.5 million of our 9% Debentures in 2063, of which MGIC owns $132.7 million. The principal amount of the 9% Debentures is currently convertible, at the holder’s option, at an initial conversion rate, which is subject to adjustment, of 74.074174.4718 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of debentures. This represents an initial conversion price of approximately $13.50$13.43 per share. We may redeem the 9% Debentures in whole or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 9% Debentures being redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if the closing sale price of our common stock exceeds $17.55$17.46 for at least 20 of the 30 trading days preceding notice of the redemption.
 
See Note 7 – “Debt” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about the conversion terms of our 9% Debentures and the terms of our indebtedness, including our option to defer interest. The description in Note 7 - “Debt" to our consolidated financial statements is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the notes and debentures. The terms of our 9% Debentures are contained in the Indenture dated as of March 28, 2008, between us and U.S. Bank National Association filed as an exhibit to our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 12, 2008. The terms of our 5.75% Notes are contained in a Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 5, 2016, between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, which is included as an exhibit to our 8-K filed with the SEC on August 5, 2016, and in the Indenture dated as of October 15, 2000 between us and the trustee.


Although not anticipated in the near term, we may also contribute funds to our insurance operations to comply
with the PMIERs or the State Capital Requirements. See “Overview – Capital” above for a discussion of these requirements. See the discussion of our non-insurance contract underwriting services in Note 17 – “Litigation and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements for other possible uses of holding company resources.

DEBT AT SUBSIDIARIES
MGIC is a member of the FHLB. Membership in the FHLB provides MGIC access to an additional source of liquidity via a secured lending facility. MGIC has outstanding a $155.0 million fixed rate advance from the FHLB. Interest on the advance is payable monthly at a fixed annual rate of 1.91%. The principal of the advance matures on February 10, 2023 but may be prepaid at any time. Such prepayment would be below par if interest rates have risen after the advance was originated, or above par if interest rates have declined. The advance is secured by eligible collateral in the form of pledged securities from the investment portfolio, whose market value must be maintained at a minimum of 102% of the principal balance of the advance.


Capital Adequacy
PMIERs
We operate under the PMIERseach of the GSEs that became effective December 31, 2015. Revised PMIERs were published in September 2018 and will become effective March 31, 2019.GSE's PMIERs. Refer to "Overview - Capital - GSEs" of this MD&A for further discussion of PMIERs.


As of December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s Available Assets under PMIERs totaled approximately $4.8$4.6 billion, an excess of approximately $1.4$1.2 billion over its Minimum Required Assets; and MGIC is in compliance with the requirements of the PMIERs and eligible to insure loans delivered to or purchased by the GSEs. If the revised PMIERs had been effective as of December 31, 2018, we estimate that MGIC's pro forma excess of Available Assets over Minimum Required Assets would have been approximately $1.0 billion. The decrease in the pro forma excess from the reported excess of $1.4 billion is primarily due to the elimination of any credit for future premiums that had previously been allowed for certain insurance policies.


Maintaining a sufficient level of excess Available Assets will allow MGIC to remain in compliance with the PMIERs financial requirements. Our reinsurance transactions provided an aggregate of approximately $1.2approximately$1.2 billion of PMIERs capital credit as of December 31, 2018.2019. Our 20192020 QSR transaction terms are expectedgenerally comparable to be no less favorable than our existing QSR transactions and will also provide PMIERs capital credit. Refer to Note 9 - "Reinsurance" to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our reinsurance transactions.
We plan to continuously comply with the PMIERs through our operational activities or through the contribution of funds from our holding company, subject to demands on the holding company's resources, as outlined above.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 72

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

RISK-TO-CAPITAL
We compute our risk-to-capital ratio on a separate company statutory basis, as well as on a combined


MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 76

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

insurance operations basis. The risk-to-capital ratio is our net RIF divided by our policyholders’ position. Our net RIF includes both primary and pool RIF and excludes risk on policies that are currently in default and for which case loss reserves have been established and the risk covered by quota share reinsurance. The risk amount includes pools of loans with contractual aggregate loss limits and without these limits. Policyholders’ position 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 and a portion of the reserves for unearned premiums. The statutory contingency reserve is reported as a liability on the statutory balance sheet. A mortgage insurance company is required to make annual additions to a contingency reserve of approximately 50% of net earned premiums. These contributions must generally be maintained for a period of ten years.  However, with regulatory approval a mortgage insurance company may make early withdrawals from the contingency reserve when incurred losses exceed 35% of net earned premiums in a calendar year.


The table below presents MGIC’s separate company risk-to-capital calculation. 
Risk-to-capital - MGIC separate company
        
 December 31, December 31,
(In millions, except ratio) 2018 2017 2019 2018
RIF - net (1)
 $34,502
 $31,144
 $44,338
 $34,502
Statutory policyholders' surplus $1,682
 $1,620
 $1,619
 $1,682
Statutory contingency reserve 2,138
 1,654
 2,963
 2,138
Statutory policyholders' position $3,820
 $3,274
 $4,582
 $3,820
Risk-to-capital 9.0:1
 9.5:1
 9.7:1
 9.0:1
(1) 
RIF – net, as shown in the table above, is net of quota share reinsurance and exposure on policies currently in defaultdelinquent and for which case loss reserves have been established.

The table below presents our combined insurance companies’ risk-to-capital calculation (which includes a reinsurance affiliate). Reinsurance transactions with our affiliate permit MGIC to write insurance with a higher coverage percentage than it could on its own under certain state-specific requirements.
Risk-to-capital - Combined insurance companies
��       
 December 31, December 31,
(In millions, except ratio) 2018 2017 2019 2018
RIF - net (1)
 $40,239
 $36,818
 $44,550
 $40,239
Statutory policyholders' surplus $1,683
 $1,622
 $1,619
 $1,683
Statutory contingency reserve 2,443
 1,897
 3,021
 2,443
Statutory policyholders' position $4,126
 $3,519
 $4,640

$4,126
Risk-to-capital 9.8:1
 10.5:1
 9.6:1
 9.8:1
(1) 
RIF – net, as shown in the table above, is net of quota share reinsurance and exposure on policies currently delinquent ($1.61.5 billion at December 31, 2019 and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2018 and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2017) and for which case loss reserves have been established.


The 20182019 increase in risk-to-capital of MGIC is due to an increase in net RIF, offset by an increase in statutory policyholders' position, primarily due to an increase in statutory contingency reserves. The reductions in the risk-to-capital of MGIC and our combined insurance companies were due to an increase in statutory policyholders' position, primarily due to an increase in statutory contingency reserves, partially offset by an increase in net RIF. Our RIF, net of reinsurance, increased in 2018,2019, due to an increase in our IIF.IIF and a reduction in our ceded RIF under our 2015 QSR Transaction. Our risk-to-capital ratio will decrease if the percentage increase in capital exceeds the percentage increase in insured risk. 


In the first quarter of 2020, we received the appropriate approvals for MGIC to pay our holding company a special dividend of $320 million. The $320 million special dividend will reduce the statutory policyholder's position of MGIC, which will result in an increase to the risk-to-capital.

For additional information regarding regulatory capital see Note 14 – “Statutory Information” to our consolidated financial statements as well as our risk factor titled “State capital requirements may prevent us from continuing to write new insurance on an uninterrupted basis” in Item IA


Financial Strength Ratings
MGIC financial strength ratings
   
Rating AgencyRatingOutlook
Moody's Investor ServicesBaa2Baa1Stable
Standard and Poor's Rating ServicesBBB+Stable
A.M. BestA-Stable


For further information about the importance of MGIC’s ratings, see our risk factor titled “Competition or changes in our relationships with our customers could reduce our revenues, reduce our premium yields and/or increase our losses” in Item 1A.
MAC financial strength ratings
   
Rating AgencyRatingOutlook
A.M. BestA-Stable




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 7377

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2018,2019, the approximate future payments under our contractual obligations and estimated claim payments on established loss reserves.
Contractual obligations
                    
 Payments due by period  Payments due by period
   Less than     More than    Less than     More than
(In millions)(In millions) Total 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years 5 years(In millions) Total 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years 5 years
Long-term debt obligationsLong-term debt obligations $2,001.1
 $51.3
 $101.3
 $678.4
 $1,170.1
Long-term debt obligations 1,949.7
 50.7
 101.1
 651.0
 1,146.9
Operating lease obligationsOperating lease obligations 3.0
 1.4
 1.4
 0.2
 
Operating lease obligations 2.3
 1.2
 1.0
 0.1
 
Purchase obligationsPurchase obligations 10.2
 7.4
 2.3
 0.5
 
Purchase obligations 9.1
 6.5
 2.6
 
 
Other long-term liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities 674.1
 252.8
 306.0
 115.3
 
Other long-term liabilities 555.3
 208.2
 252.1
 95.0
 
TotalTotal $2,688.4
 312.9
 $411.0
 $794.4
 $1,170.1
Total 2,516.4
 266.6
 356.8
 746.1
 1,146.9
Our long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 20182019 include their related interest and are discussed in Note 7 – “Debt” to our consolidated financial statements and under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above. Our operating lease obligations include operating leases on certain office space, data processing equipment and autos, as discussed in Note 16 – “Leases” to our consolidated financial statements. Purchase obligations consist primarily of agreements to purchase items related to our ongoing infrastructure projects and information technology investments in the normal course of business.


Our other long-term liabilities represent thecase and LAE loss reserves established to recognize the liability for losses and LAE related to existing defaultsdelinquencies on insured mortgage loans. The timing of the future claim payments associated with the established case loss reserves was determined primarily based on two key assumptions: the length of time it takes for a notice of delinquency to develop into a received claim and the length of time it takes for a received claim to be ultimately paid. The future claim payment periods are estimated based on historical experience, and could emerge differently than this estimate, in part, due to uncertainty regarding the effectimpact of certain factors, such as loss mitigation protocols established by servicers and changes in some state foreclosure laws that may include, for example, a requirement for additional review and/or mediation process. See Note 8 – “Loss Reserves” to our consolidated financial statements and “Critical Accounting Policies” below for additional information on our loss reserves. In accordance with GAAP for the mortgage insurance industry, we establish case loss reserves only for delinquent loans. Because our reserving method does not take account of the impact of future losses that could occur from loans that are not delinquent, our obligation for ultimate losses that we expect to occur under our policies in force at any period end is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements or in the table above.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 78

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms

Benefit Plans
We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all domestic employees, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan. Retirement benefits are based on compensation and years of service. We maintain plan assets to fund our defined benefit pension plan obligations. We dodid not have a minimum funding requirement for the defined benefit pension plan for 2019 or 2018 and do not anticipate having a minimum funding requirement in 2020. We have significant discretion in making contributions above those necessary to satisfy the minimum funding requirements. In 2018, 2017,2019 and 2016, there was no minimum funding requirement for the defined benefit pension plan. In 2018, 2017, and 2016, we voluntarily made contributions totaling $10.0 million, $9.1$7.1 million, and $8.7$10.0 million, respectively. We plan on makingto make a voluntary contribution of approximately $7$6.5 million to the defined benefit pension plan in 2019.2020. In determining future contributions, we will consider the performance of the plan's investment portfolio, the effects of interest rates on the projected benefit obligation of the plan and our other capital requirements. As of December 31, 2018,2019, we had accrued a liability of $7.4$3.1 million related to our defined benefit pension plan as the projected obligation was in excess of plan assets. The supplemental executive retirement plan benefits are accrued for and are paid from MGIC assets following employee retirements. We plan on payingto pay benefits of approximately $4$6 million under the supplemental executive retirement plan in 2019.2020.


Our projected benefit obligations under these plans are subject to numerous actuarial assumptions that may change in the future and as a result could substantially increase or decrease our obligations. Plan assets held to pay our defined benefit pension plan obligations are primarily invested in a portfolio of debt securities to preserve capital and to provide monthly cash flows aligned with the liability component of our obligations, with a lesser percentage invested in a mix of equity securities. If the performance of our invested plan assets differs from our expectations, the funded status of the benefit pension plan may decline, even with no significant change in the obligations. See Note 11 - "Benefit Plans" to our consolidated financial statements for a complete discussion of these plans and their effect on the consolidated financial statements.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 7479

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


The accounting policies described below require significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.


LOSS RESERVES
Loss reserves include case reserves, IBNR reserves, and LAE reserves.

Case Reserves
Case reserves are established for estimated insurance losses and LAE based on when notices of delinquency on insured mortgage loans are received. For reporting purposes, we consider a loan delinquent when it is two or more payments past due. Even though the accounting standard, ASC 944, regarding accounting and reporting by insurance entities specifically excluded mortgage insurance from its guidance relating to loss reserves, we establish loss reserves using the general principles contained in the insurance standard. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish loss reserves for future claims on insured loans which are not currently delinquent.


We establish reserves using estimated claim rates and claim severities in estimating the ultimate loss.


The estimated claim rates and claim severities are used to determine the amount we estimate will actually be paid on the delinquent loans as of the reserve date. If a policy is rescinded we do not expect that it will result in a claim payment and thus the rescission generally reduces the historical claim rate used in establishing reserves. In addition, if a loan cures its delinquency, including through a successful loan modification, the cure reduces the historical claim rate used in establishing reserves. Our methodology to estimate claim rates and claim severities is based on our review of recent trends in the delinquent inventory. To establish reserves, we utilize a reserving model that continually incorporates historical data into the estimated claim rate. The model also incorporates an estimate for the amount of the claim we will pay, or severity. The severity is estimated using the historical percentage of our claims paid compared to our loan exposures, as well as the RIF of the loans currently in default. We do not utilize an explicit rescission rate in our reserving methodology, but rather our reserving methodology incorporates the effects rescission activity has had on our historical claim rate and claim severities. We review recent trends in the claim rate, severity, levels of defaults by geography and average loan exposure. As a result, the process to determine reserves does not include quantitative ranges of outcomes that are reasonably likely to occur.


The claim rates and claim severities are affected by external events, including actual economic conditions such as changes in unemployment rates, interest rates or housing values; and natural disasters. Our estimation process does not include a correlation between claim
rates and claim severities to projected economic conditions such as changes in unemployment rates, interest rates or housing values. Our experience is that analysis of that nature would not produce reliable results as the change in one economic condition cannot be isolated to determine its specific effect on our ultimate paid losses because each economic condition is also influenced by other economic conditions. Additionally, the changes and interactions of these economic conditions are not likely homogeneous throughout the regions in which we conduct business. Each economic condition influences our ultimate paid losses differently, even if apparently similar in nature. Furthermore, changes in economic conditions may not necessarily be reflected in our loss development in the quarter or year in which the changes occur. Actual claim results often lag changes in economic conditions by at least nine to twelve months.


Our estimates are also affected by any agreements we enter into regarding our claims paying practices, such as the settlement agreements discussed in Note 17 – “Litigation and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements.


Our estimate of loss reserves is sensitive to changes in claim rate and claim severity; it is possible that even a relatively small change in our estimated claim rate or severity could have a material impact on reserves and, correspondingly, on our consolidated results of operations even in a stable economic environment.  For example, as of December 31, 2018,2019, assuming all other factors remain constant, a $1,000 increase/decrease in the average severity reserve factor would change the reserve amount by approximately +/- $12$10 million. A 1one percentage point increase/decrease in the average claim rate reserve factor would change the reserve amount by approximately +/- $19$17 million. Historically, it has not been uncommon for us to experience variability in the development of the loss reserves through the end of the following year at this level or higher, as shown by the historical development of our loss reserves in the table below:
Historical development of loss reserves
      
(In thousands) 
Losses incurred related to prior years (1)
 Reserve at end of prior year
2018 $(167,366) $985,635
2017 (231,204) 1,438,813
2016 (147,658) 1,893,402
2015 (110,302) 2,396,807
2014 (100,359) 3,061,401


MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 80

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

Historical development of loss reserves
      
(In thousands) 
Losses incurred related to prior years (1)
 Reserve at end of prior year
2019 (71,006) 674,019
2018 (167,366) 985,635
2017 (231,204) 1,438,813
2016 (147,658) 1,893,402
2015 (110,302) 2,396,807
(1) 
A negative number for a prior year indicates a redundancy of loss reserves.



MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 75

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

See Note 8 – “Loss Reserves” to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent loss development.


IBNR Reserves
Reserves are established for estimated IBNR, which results from delinquencies occurring prior to the close of an accounting period, but which have not been reported to us. Consistent with reserves for reported delinquencies, IBNR reserves are established using estimated claim rates and claim severities for the estimated number of delinquencies not reported. As of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, we had IBNR reserves of approximately $29$23 million and $35$29 million, respectively.


The actual amount of the claim payments may be substantially different than our loss reserve estimates. Our estimates could be adversely affected by several factors, including a deterioration of regional or national economic conditions, including unemployment, leading to a reduction in borrower income and thus their ability to make mortgage payments, and a drop in housing values, that could result in, among other things, greater losses on loans, and may affect borrower willingness to continue to make mortgage payments when the value of the home is below the mortgage balance.
 
LAE Reserves
ReservesLAE reserves are established for the estimated costs of settling claims, including legal and other expenses and general expenses of administering the claims settlement process.


REVENUE RECOGNITION
When a policy term ends, the primary mortgage insurance written by us is renewable at the insured’s option through continued payment of the premium in accordance with the schedule established at the inception of the policy life. We are generally obligated to renew the policies and have no ability to reunderwritere-underwrite or reprice these policies after issuance. Premiums written underon monthly premium policies havingare earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on single premium policies and annual premium paymentspolicies are initially deferred as unearned premium reserve and earned over the estimated policy life. Premiums written on policies
covering more than one year are amortized over the policy life based on historical experience, which includes the anticipated incurred loss pattern..pattern. Premiums written on annual premium policies are earned on a monthly pro rata basis. Premiums written on monthly policies are earned as the monthly coverage is provided.  When a policy is cancelled, all premium that is non-refundable is immediately earned. Any refundable premium is returned to the servicer or borrower. Policies may be cancelled by the insured, or due to rescissions or claim payments. When a policy is rescinded, all previously collected premium is returned to the servicer and when a claim is paid, all premium collected since the date of default is returned. The liability associated with our estimate of premium to be returned is accrued for separately and this liability is included in “Other
liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in these liabilities and the actual return of premium affect premiums written and earned.
 
Fee income of our non-insurance subsidiaries is earned and recognized as the services are provided and the customer is obligated to pay.


DEFERRED INSURANCE POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Costs directly associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage insurance business, consisting of employee compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred insurance policy acquisition costs ("DAC"). The deferred costs are net of any ceding commissions received associated with our reinsurance transactions. For each underwriting year of business, these costs are amortized to income in proportion to estimated gross profits over the estimated life of the policies. We utilize anticipated investment income in our calculation. This includes accruing interest on the unamortized balance of DAC. The estimates for each underwriting year are reviewed quarterly and updated when necessary to reflect actual experience and any changes to key variables such as persistency or loss development.


Because our insurance premiums are earned over time, changes in persistency result in DAC being amortized against revenue over a longer or shorter period of time. However, even a 10% change in persistency would not have a material effect on the amortization of DAC in the subsequent year.



MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 81

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Investment Portfolio
Fixed income securities.Our fixed income securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. The related unrealized investment gains or losses are, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Realized investment gains and losses on fixed income securities are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities sold, as well as any "other than temporary" impairments ("OTTI") recognized in earnings.


Equity securities.At December 31, 2017, equity securities were classified as available-for-sale and were reported at fair value, except for certain equity securities that were carried at cost, for which the amount reported approximated fair value. These equity securities carried at cost were reported as Other invested assets at December 31, 2018, as required under ASU 2016-01, discussed in "Recent Accounting and Reporting Developments" in Note 3 - "Significant Accounting Policies."2016-01. The updated guidance also requires, effective January 1, 2018, the periodic change in fair value of equity securities to be recognized as realized


MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 76

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

investment gains and losses. For periods prior, realized investment gains and losses on equity securities were a function of the difference between the amount received on the sale of an equity security and the equity security's cost basis, as well as any OTTI recognized in earnings.


Other invested assets.Other invested assets are carried at cost. These assets represent our investment in FHLB stock, which due to restrictions, is required to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value.

In accordance with fair value guidance, we applied the following fair value hierarchy in order to measure fair value for assets and liabilities:
èLevel 1Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access. Financial assets using Level 1 inputs primarily include U.S. Treasury securities, money market funds, and certain equity securities.
èLevel 2
Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets that we can access; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable in the marketplace for the instrument. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value of the instruments. Financial assets using Level 2 inputs primarily include obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and most municipal bonds.



The independent pricing sources used for our Level 2 investments vary by type of investment. See
Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for further information.
èLevel 3Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable or, from par values due to restrictions on certain securities that require them to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value. The inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3 securities reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. Financial assets using Level 3 inputs include obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions and certain equity securities (2017 only). Our non-financial assets that are classified as Level 3 securities consist of real estate acquired through claim settlement. The fair value of real estate acquired is the lower of our acquisition cost or a percentage of the appraised value. The percentage applied to the appraised value is based upon our historical sales experience adjusted for current trends.


To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent pricing sources have been utilized. One price is provided per security based on observable market data. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the
pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded. A variety of inputs are utilized; in approximate order of priority, they are: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and


MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 82

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

reference data including data published in market research publications.


Market indicators, industry and economic events are also considered. This information is evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model. This model combines all inputs to arrive at a value assigned to each security. Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, which include reviewing tolerance reports, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. In addition, on a quarterly basis, we perform quality controls over values received from the pricing sources which also include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources.


Unrealized losses and OTTI
Each quarter we perform reviews of our investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below amortized cost were considered other-than-temporary. In evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, we consider several factors including, but not limited to:
èour intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis;
èthe present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect compared to the amortized cost basis of the security;
èextent and duration of the decline;
èfailure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments;
èchange in rating below investment grade; and
èadverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.


Based on our evaluation, we will record an OTTI adjustment on a security if we intend to sell the impaired security, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect is less than the amortized costs basis of the security. If the fair value of a security is below its amortized cost at the time of our intent to sell, the security is classified as other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of


MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 77

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis

the impairment is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations. Otherwise, when a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the losses are separated into the portion of the loss that represents the credit loss; and the portion that is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations, while the loss due to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes. A credit loss is determined to exist if the present value of the
discounted cash flows, using the security’s original yield, expected to be collected from the security is less than the cost basis of the security.


Fair Value Option
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016,2017, we did not elect the fair value option for any financial instruments acquired, or issued, such as our outstanding debt obligations, for which the primary basis of accounting is not fair value.




MGIC Investment Corporation 2019 Form 10-K | 83


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our investment portfolio is essentially a fixed income portfolio and is exposed to market risk. Important drivers of the market risk are credit spread risk and interest rate risk.


Credit spread risk is the risk that we will incur a loss due to adverse changes in credit spreads. Credit spread is the additional yield on fixed income securities above the risk-free rate (typically referenced as the yield on U.S. Treasury securities) that market participants require to compensate them for assuming credit, liquidity and/or prepayment risks.


We manage credit risk via our investment policy guidelines which primarily place our investments in investment grade securities and limit the amount of our credit exposure to any one issue, issuer and type of instrument. Guideline and investment portfolio detail is available in "Business – Section C, Investment Portfolio" in Item 1.


Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur a loss due to adverse changes in interest rates relative to the characteristics of our interest bearing assets.


One of the measures used to quantify interest rate this exposure is modified duration. Modified duration measures the price sensitivity of the assets to the changes in spreads. At December 31, 2018,2019, the modified duration of our fixed income investment portfolio was 4.13.9 years, which means that an instantaneous parallel shift in the yield curve of 100 basis points would result in a change of 4.1%3.9% in the fair value of our fixed income portfolio. For an upward shift in the yield curve, the fair value of our portfolio would decrease and for a downward shift in the yield curve, the fair value would increase. A discussion of portfolio strategy appears in "Management's Discussion and Analysis – Balance Sheet Review– Investment Portfolio" in Item 7.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 7884



Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The following consolidated financial statements are filed pursuant to this Item 8:




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 7985



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 December 31, December 31,
(In thousands) Note 2018 2017 Note 2019 2018
Assets        
Investment portfolio: 
5 / 6
     
5 / 6
    
Fixed income, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost, 2018 - $5,196,784; 2017 - $4,946,278) $5,151,987
 $4,983,315
Equity securities, at fair value (cost, 2018 - $3,993; 2017 - $7,223) 3,932
 7,246
Fixed income, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost, 2019 - $5,562,550; 2018 - $5,196,784) $5,737,892
 $5,151,987
Equity securities, at fair value (cost, 2019 - $17,188; 2018 - $3,993) 17,328
 3,932
Other invested assets, at cost 3,100
 
 3,100
 3,100
Total investment portfolio 5,159,019
 4,990,561
 5,758,320
 5,159,019
        
Cash and cash equivalents 151,892
 99,851
 161,847
 151,892
Restricted cash and cash equivalents 3,146
 
 7,209
 3,146
Accrued investment income 48,001
 46,060
 49,705
 48,001
Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves  33,328
 48,474
  21,641
 33,328
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses  2,948
 3,872
  1,521
 2,948
Premiums receivable 55,090
 54,045
 55,587
 55,090
Home office and equipment, net 51,734
 44,936
 50,121
 51,734
Deferred insurance policy acquisition costs 17,888
 18,841
 18,531
 17,888
Deferred income taxes, net  69,184
 234,381
  5,742
 69,184
Other assets 85,572
 78,478
 99,347
 85,572
Total assets $5,677,802
 $5,619,499
 $6,229,571
 $5,677,802
        
Liabilities and shareholders' equity        
Liabilities:        
Loss reserves  $674,019
 $985,635
  $555,334
 $674,019
Unearned premiums 409,985
 392,934
 380,302
 409,985
FHLB Advance  155,000
 155,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Advance  155,000
 155,000
Senior notes  419,713
 418,560
  420,867
 419,713
Convertible junior subordinated debentures  256,872
 256,872
  256,872
 256,872
Other liabilities 180,322
 255,972
 151,962
 180,322
Total liabilities 2,095,911
 2,464,973
 1,920,337
 2,095,911
Contingencies  

 

  


 


Shareholders' equity:          
Common stock (one dollar par value, shares authorized 1,000,000; shares issued 2018 - 371,353; 2017 - 370,567; outstanding 2018 - 355,371; 2017 - 370,567) 371,353
 370,567
Common stock (one dollar par value, shares authorized 1,000,000; shares issued 2019 - 371,353; 2018 - 371,353; outstanding 2019 - 347,308; 2018 - 355,371) 371,353
 371,353
Paid-in capital 1,862,536
 1,850,582
 1,869,719
 1,862,536
Treasury stock (shares at cost 2018 - 15,982) (175,059) 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (124,214) (43,783)
Treasury stock (shares at cost 2019 - 24,045; 2018 - 15,982) (283,196) (175,059)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  72,708
 (124,214)
Retained earnings 1,647,275
 977,160
 2,278,650
 1,647,275
Total shareholders' equity 3,581,891
 3,154,526
 4,309,234
 3,581,891
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $5,677,802
 $5,619,499
 $6,229,571
 $5,677,802
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 8086



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) Note 2018 2017 2016 Note 2019 2018 2017
Revenues:            
Premiums written:            
Direct $1,103,332
 $1,121,776
 $1,107,923
 $1,124,196
 $1,103,332
 $1,121,776
Assumed 271
 1,905
 1,053
 6,446
 271
 1,905
Ceded  (111,341) (125,726) (133,885)  (129,334) (111,341) (125,726)
Net premiums written 992,262
 997,955
 975,091
 1,001,308
 992,262
 997,955
Increase in unearned premiums (17,100) (63,208) (49,865)
Decrease (increase) in unearned premiums 29,680
 (17,100) (63,208)
Net premiums earned  975,162
 934,747
 925,226
  1,030,988
 975,162
 934,747
            
Investment income, net of expenses  141,331
 120,871
 110,666
  167,045
 141,331
 120,871
Net realized investment (losses) gains  (1,353) 231
 8,921
Net realized investment gains (losses)  5,306
 (1,353) 231
Other revenue 8,708
 10,205
 17,670
 10,638
 8,708
 10,205
Total revenues 1,123,848
 1,066,054
 1,062,483
 1,213,977
 1,123,848
 1,066,054
            
Losses and expenses:  
  
  
  
  
  
Losses incurred, net 
8 / 9
 36,562
 53,709
 240,157
 
8 / 9
 118,575
 36,562
 53,709
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 11,932
 11,111
 9,646
 12,001
 11,932
 11,111
Other underwriting and operating expenses, net 178,211
 159,638
 150,763
 182,768
 178,211
 159,638
Interest expense  52,993
 57,035
 56,672
  52,656
 52,993
 57,035
Loss on debt extinguishment  
 65
 90,531
  
 
 65
Total losses and expenses 279,698
 281,558
 547,769
 366,000
 279,698
 281,558
Income before tax 844,150
 784,496
 514,714
 847,977
 844,150
 784,496
Provision for income taxes  174,053
 428,735
 172,197
  174,214
 174,053
 428,735
Net income $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
 $673,763
 $670,097
 $355,761
            
Earnings per share:   
  
  
   
  
  
Basic $1.83
 $0.98
 $1.00
 $1.91
 $1.83
 $0.98
Diluted $1.78
 $0.95
 $0.86
 $1.85
 $1.78
 $0.95
            
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic  365,406
 362,380
 342,890
  352,827
 365,406
 362,380
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted  386,078
 394,766
 431,992
  373,924
 386,078
 394,766
            
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 8187



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) Note 2018 2017 2016 Note 2019 2018 2017
Net income $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
 $673,763
 $670,097
 $355,761
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:       
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:       
Change in unrealized investment gains and losses  (64,646) 47,547
 (3,649) 5 173,910
 (64,646) 47,547
Benefit plans adjustment  (15,767) (5,839) (9,620)  23,012
 (15,767) (5,839)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 
 31
 (951) 
 
 31
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (80,413) 41,739
 (14,220)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 196,922
 (80,413) 41,739
Comprehensive income $589,684
 $397,500
 $328,297
 $870,685
 $589,684
 $397,500
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 8288



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) Note 2018 2017 2016 Note 2019 2018 2017
Common stock            
Balance, beginning of year $370,567
 $359,400
 $340,097
 $371,353
 $370,567
 $359,400
Issuance of common stock  
 10,386
 18,313
  
 
 10,386
Net common stock issued under share-based compensation plans 786
 781
 990
 
 786
 781
Balance, end of year 371,353
 370,567
 359,400
 371,353
 371,353
 370,567
            
Paid-in capital  
  
    
  
  
Balance, beginning of year 1,850,582
 1,782,337
 1,670,238
 1,862,536
 1,850,582
 1,782,337
Cumulative effect of share-based compensation accounting standard update  
 49
 
  
 
 49
Issuance of common stock  
 60,903
 113,146
  
 
 60,903
Net common stock issued under share-based compensation plans (8,917) (7,602) (6,020) 
 (8,917) (7,602)
Reissuance of treasury stock, net under share-based compensation plans 
 
 (130) (11,715) 
 
Tax benefit from share-based compensation 
 
 67
Equity compensation 20,871
 14,895
 11,373
 18,898
 20,871
 14,895
Reacquisition of convertible junior subordinated debentures-equity component  
 
 (6,337)
Balance, end of year 1,862,536
 1,850,582
 1,782,337
 1,869,719
 1,862,536
 1,850,582
            
Treasury stock  
  
    
  
  
Balance, beginning of year 
 (150,359) (3,362) (175,059) 
 (150,359)
Purchases of common stock  (175,059) 
 (147,127)  (114,126) (175,059) 
Reissuance of treasury stock, net 
 150,359
 
 
 
 150,359
Reissuance of treasury stock, net under share-based compensation plans 
 
 130
 5,989
 
 
Balance, end of year (175,059) 
 (150,359) (283,196) (175,059) 
            
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  
  
    
  
  
Balance, beginning of year (43,783) (75,100) (60,880) (124,214) (43,783) (75,100)
Cumulative effect of financial instruments accounting standard update  (18) 
 
  
 (18) 
Other comprehensive (loss) income  (80,413) 41,739
 (14,220)
Other comprehensive income (loss)  196,922
 (80,413) 41,739
Cumulative effect to reclassify certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 (10,422) 
 
 
 (10,422)
Balance, end of year (124,214) (43,783) (75,100) 72,708
 (124,214) (43,783)
            
Retained earnings  
  
    
  
  
Balance, beginning of year 977,160
 632,564
 290,047
 1,647,275
 977,160
 632,564
Cumulative effect of financial instruments accounting standard update  18
 
 
  
 18
 
Cumulative effect of share-based compensation accounting standard update 
 153
 
 
 
 153
Net income 670,097
 355,761
 342,517
 673,763
 670,097
 355,761
Cash dividends (42,388) 
 
Reissuance of treasury stock, net  
 (21,740) 
  
 
 (21,740)
Cumulative effect to reclassify certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss  
 10,422
 
  
 
 10,422
Balance, end of year 1,647,275
 977,160
 632,564
 2,278,650
 1,647,275
 977,160
            
Total shareholders' equity $3,581,891
 $3,154,526
 $2,548,842
 $4,309,234
 $3,581,891
 $3,154,526
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




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MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
            
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:            
Net income $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
 $673,763
 $670,097
 $355,761
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and other amortization 58,215
 64,430
 61,342
 48,784
 58,215
 64,430
Deferred tax expense 186,572
 355,044
 162,356
 11,096
 186,572
 355,044
Net realized investment losses (gains) 1,353
 (231) (8,921)
Net realized investment (gains) losses (5,306) 1,353
 (231)
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 65
 90,531
 
 
 65
Change in certain assets and liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Accrued investment income (1,941) (1,987) (3,849) (1,704) (1,941) (1,987)
Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves 15,146
 2,019
 (6,006) 11,687
 15,146
 2,019
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses 924
 1,092
 (1,645) 1,427
 924
 1,092
Premiums receivable (1,045) (1,653) (3,923) (497) (1,045) (1,653)
Deferred insurance policy acquisition costs 953
 (1,082) (2,518) (643) 953
 (1,082)
Profit commission receivable (5,479) (2,844) (747) 4,945
 (5,479) (2,844)
Loss reserves (311,616) (453,178) (454,589) (118,685) (311,616) (453,178)
Unearned premiums 17,051
 63,197
 49,764
 (29,683) 17,051
 63,197
Return premium accrual (22,900) (25,400) (18,800) (11,500) (22,900) (25,400)
Current income taxes (77,551) 51,296
 4,941
 1,057
 (77,551) 51,296
Other, net 14,738
 128
 14,307
 24,791
 14,738
 128
Net cash provided by operating activities 544,517
 406,657
 224,760
 609,532
 544,517
 406,657
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Purchases of investments (1,459,473) (1,293,695) (1,363,583) (1,394,126) (1,459,473) (1,293,695)
Proceeds from sales of investments 370,449
 246,908
 733,299
 229,796
 370,449
 246,908
Proceeds from maturity of fixed income securities 785,175
 759,212
 547,444
 748,165
 785,175
 759,212
Net increase in payables for securities 307
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in payables for securities (307) 307
 
Additions to property and equipment (14,238) (16,066) (10,552) (5,636) (14,238) (16,066)
Net cash used in investing activities (317,780) (303,641) (93,392) (422,108) (317,780) (303,641)
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 
 150,000
 
 
 
 150,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility 
 (150,000) 
 
 
 (150,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
 
 573,094
Purchase or repayment of convertible senior notes 
 (145,620) (363,778) 
 
 (145,620)
Payment of original issue discount - convertible senior notes 
 (4,504) (11,250) 
 
 (4,504)
Purchase of convertible junior subordinated debentures 
 
 (100,860)
Payment of original issue discount-convertible junior subordinated debentures 
 
 (41,540)
Cash portion of loss on debt extinguishment 
 
 (59,460)
Repurchase of common stock (163,419) 
 (147,127) (125,766) (163,419) 
Dividends paid (41,914) 
 
Payment of debt issuance costs 
 (1,630) (1,127) 
 
 (1,630)
Payment of withholding taxes related to share-based compensation net share settlement (8,131) (6,821) (5,030) (5,726) (8,131) (6,821)
Net cash used in financing activities (171,550) (158,575) (157,078) (173,406) (171,550) (158,575)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 55,187
 (55,559) (25,710) 14,018
 55,187
 (55,559)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 99,851
 155,410
 181,120
 155,038
 99,851
 155,410
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of year $155,038
 $99,851
 $155,410
 $169,056
 $155,038
 $99,851
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents






NOTE 1 Nature of Business
MGIC Investment Corporation is a holding company which, through Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation ("MGIC"), is principally engaged in the mortgage insurance business.  We provide mortgage insurance to lenders throughout the United States and to government sponsored entities to protect against loss from defaults on low down payment residential mortgage loans. Primary mortgage insurance provides mortgage default protection on individual loans and covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest and certain expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure or sale approved by us. Through certain non-insurance subsidiaries, we also provide various services for the mortgage finance industry, such as contract underwriting, analysis of loan originations and portfolios, and mortgage lead generation. MGIC Assurance Corporation ("MAC"), an insurance subsidiary of MGIC, provides insurance for certain mortgages under Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the "GSEs") credit risk transfer programs and is a participant in the Fannie Mae Enterprise-Paid Mortgage Insurance program.


At December 31, 2018,2019, our direct domestic primary insurance in force ("IIF") was $209.7$222.3 billion, which represents the principal balance in our records of all mortgage loans that we insure, and our direct domestic primary risk in force ("RIF") was $54.1$57.2 billion, which represents the IIF multiplied by the insurance coverage percentage.


Substantially all of our insurance written since 2008 has been for loans purchased by the GSEs. We operate under the Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility RequirementsThe current private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements ("PMIERs") of the GSEs that became effective December 31, 2015include financial requirements, as well as business, quality control and which have been amended from time to time.certain transactional approval requirements. The financial requirements of the PMIERs require a mortgage insurer’s "Available Assets" (generally only the most liquid assets of an insurer) to equal or exceed its "Minimum Required Assets" (which are based on an insurer's book of insurance in force, calculated from tables of factors with several risk dimensions, reduced for credit given for risk ceded under reinsurance transactions, and subject to a floor amount). Based on our interpretation of the more restrictive application of the PMIERs, as of December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s Available Assets are in excess of its Minimum Required Assets; and MGIC is in compliance with the financial requirements of the PMIERs and eligible to insure loans purchased by the GSEs.


NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America ("GAAP"), as codified in the Accounting
Standards Codification ("ASC"). Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MGIC Investment Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In accordance with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We have considered subsequent events through the date of this filing.


RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications to 20172018 and 20162017 amounts have been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to the 20182019 presentation. See Note 3 - "Significant Accounting Policies" for a discussion of our adoption of accounting guidance in 20182019 that resulted in other reclassifications.


NOTE 3 Significant Accounting Policies
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
We consider money market funds and investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.


RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Restricted cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and money market funds held in trusts for the benefit of contractual counterparties under reinsurance agreements.


FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We carry certain financial instruments at fair value and disclose the fair value of all financial instruments. Our financial instruments carried at fair value are predominantly measured on a recurring basis. Financial instruments measured on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).


The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received upon a sale of an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is based on quoted market prices or inputs, where available. If prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based on valuation models or other valuation techniques that consider relevant transaction characteristics (such as maturity) and use as inputs observable or unobservable market parameters including yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, equity or debt prices, foreign exchange rates and credit curves.




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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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or debt prices, foreign exchange rates and credit curves. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value, as described below.


Valuation process
We use independent pricing sources to determine the fair value of a substantial majority of our financial instruments, which primarily consist of assets in our investment portfolio, but also includes amounts included in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.cash and cash equivalents. A variety of inputs are used; in approximate order of priority, they are: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications.


Market indicators, industry and economic events are also considered. This information is evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model. This model combines all inputs to arrive at a value assigned to each security. Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, which include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves.


On a quarterly basis, we perform quality controls over values received from the pricing sources which also include reviewing tolerance reports, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources.


Valuation hierarchy
A three-level valuation hierarchy has been established under GAAP for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of a financial instrument as of the measurement date. To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent pricing sources, as described in "Valuation process," have been utilized. One price is provided per security based on observable market data. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded.


 
The three levels are defined as follows.follows:
èLevel 1Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access. Financial assets using Level 1 inputs primarily include U.S. Treasury securities, money market funds, and certain equity securities.
èLevel 2
Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets that we can access; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable in the marketplace for the instrument. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value of the instruments. Financial assets using Level 2 inputs primarily include obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and most municipal bonds.



The independent pricing sources used for our Level 2 investments vary by type of investment. See
Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for further information.
èLevel 3Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable or, from par values due to restrictions on certain securities that require them to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value. The inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3 securities reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. Financial assets using Level 3 inputs include obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions and certain equity securities (2017 only). Our non-financial assets that are classified as Level 3 securities consist of real estate acquired through claim settlement. The fair value of real estate acquired is the lower of our acquisition cost or a percentage of the appraised value. The percentage applied to the appraised value is based upon our historical sales experience adjusted for current trends.


INVESTMENTS
Fixed income securities.Our fixed income securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. The related unrealized investment gains or losses are, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Realized investment gains and losses on fixed income securities are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities sold.sold as well as any "other than temporary" impairments ("OTTI") recognized in earnings.


Equity securities.At December 31, 2017, equity Equity securities were classified as available-for-sale and wereare reported at fair value, except for certain equity securities that wereare carried at cost, for which the amount reported approximated fair value. These equitycost. Equity securities carried at cost are reported as Other invested assets atassets. Effective January 1, 2018, realized investment gains and losses, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, are accounted for as




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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




December 31, 2018, as required under ASU 2016-01, discussed in "Recent Accounting and Reporting Developments" below. The updated guidance also requires, effective January 1, 2018,a function of the periodic change in fair value of equity securities to be recognized as realized investment gains and losses.value. For periods prior,2017, realized investment gains and losses on equity securities were accounted for as a function of the difference between the amount received on the sale of an equity security and the equity security'ssecurity’s cost basis, as well as any OTTI recognized in earnings.


Other invested assets.Other invested assets are carried at cost. These assets represent our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("FHLB") stock, which due to restrictions, is required to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value.


Unrealized losses and OTTI
Each quarter we perform reviews of our investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below amortized cost were considered other-than-temporary. In evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, we consider several factors including, but not limited to:
èour intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis;
èthe present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect compared to the amortized cost basis of the security;
èextent and duration of the decline;
èfailure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments;
èchange in rating below investment grade; and
èadverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.


Based on our evaluation, we will record an OTTI adjustment on a security if we intend to sell the impaired security, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. If the fair value of a security is below its amortized cost at the time of our intent to sell, the security is classified as other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of the impairment is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations. Otherwise, when a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the losses are separated into the portion of the loss that represents the credit loss and the portion that is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations, while the loss due to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. A credit loss is determined to exist if the present value of the
discounted cash flows, using the security’s original yield, expected to be collected from the security is less than the cost basis of the security.


HOME OFFICE AND EQUIPMENT
Home office and equipment is carried at cost net of depreciation.  For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis for the home office and equipment over estimated lives ranging from 3 to 45 years. For income tax purposes, we use accelerated depreciation methods.


Home office and equipment is shown net of accumulated depreciation of $43.0 million, $38.1 million $33.9 million and $30.6$33.9 million as of December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, respectively. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 was $6.5 million, $6.0 million $5.4 million and $4.6$5.4 million, respectively.


DEFERRED INSURANCE POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Costs directly associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage insurance business, consisting of employee compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred insurance policy acquisition costs ("DAC"). The deferred costs are net of any ceding commissions received associated with our reinsurance agreements.  For each underwriting year of business, these costs are amortized to income in proportion to estimated gross profits over the estimated life of the policies.  We utilize anticipated investment income in our calculation. This includes accruing interest on the unamortized balance of DAC. The estimates for each underwriting year are reviewed quarterly and updated when necessary to reflect actual experience and any changes to key variables such as persistency or loss development. 


LOSS RESERVES
Reserves are established for insurance lossesCase reserves and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") reserves are established when we receive notices of delinquency on insured mortgage loans. We consider a loan in defaultdelinquent when it is two2 or more payments past due. Even though the accounting standard, ASC 944, regarding accounting and reporting by insurance entities specifically excludes mortgage insurance from its guidance relating to loss reserves, we establish loss reserves using the general principles contained in the insurance standard. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish losscase reserves for future claims on insured loans which are not currently delinquent. LossCase reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our inventory of delinquent loans that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity. Our losscase reserve estimates are established based upon historical experience, including with rescissions of policies, curtailments of claims, and loan modification activity. Adjustments to


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reserve estimates are reflected in the financial statements in the years in which the adjustments are made. The liability for reinsurance


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assumed is based on information provided by the ceding companies.


ReservesIncurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves are established for estimated losses from delinquencies occurring prior to the close of an accounting period on notices of delinquency not yet reported to us. These incurred but not reported ("IBNR")IBNR reserves are also established using estimated claim rates and claim severities.


ReservesLAE reserves are established for the estimated costs of settling claims, including legal and other expenses and general expenses of administering the claims settlement process. Reserves

Loss reserves are ceded to reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements. (See Note 8 – “Loss Reserves” and Note 9 – “Reinsurance.”)


PREMIUM DEFICIENCY RESERVE
After our loss reserves are initially established, we perform premium deficiency tests using our best estimate assumptions as of the testing date. Premium deficiency reserves are established, if necessary, when the present value of expected future losses and expenses exceeds the present value of expected future premium and already established reserves.  Products are grouped for premium deficiency testing purposes based on similarities in the way the products are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability.


REVENUE RECOGNITION
We write policies which are guaranteed renewable contracts at the insured's option on a monthly, single, or annual premium basis. We have no ability to reunderwritere-underwrite or reprice these contracts. Premiums written on monthly premium policies are earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on single premium policies and annual premium policies are initially deferred as unearned premium reserve and earned over the estimated policy life. Premiums written on policies covering more than one year are amortized over the estimated policy life based on historical experience, which includes the anticipated incurred loss pattern. Premiums written on annual premium policies are earned on a monthly pro rata basis. When a policy is cancelled for a reason other than rescission or claim payment, all premium that is non-refundable is immediately earned. Any refundable premium is returned to the servicer or borrower. When a policy is cancelled due to rescission, all previously collected premium is returned to the servicer and when a policy is cancelled because a claim is paid, premium collected since the date of delinquency is returned. The liability associated with our estimate of premium to be returned is accrued for separately and included in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in this liability, and the actual return of premiums for all periods, affects premiums written and earned.


 
Fee income of our non-insurance subsidiaries is earned and recognized as the services are provided and the customer is obligated to pay. Fee income consists primarily of contract underwriting and related fee-based services provided to lenders and is included in “Other revenue” on the consolidated statements of operations.


INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are provided under the liability method, which recognizes the future tax effects of temporary differences between amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of these items.  The estimated tax effects are computed at the enacted federal statutory income tax rate. Changes in tax laws, rates, regulations, and policies or the final determination of tax audits or examinations, could materially affect our estimates and can be significant to our operating results. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.


The recognition of a tax position is determined using a two-step approach,approach. The first step applies a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition, and a measurement attribute that isderecognition. The second step measures the tax position as the greatest amount of benefit that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely of beingto be realized. When evaluating a tax position for recognition and measurement, we presume that the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes.

Federal tax law permits mortgage guaranty insurance companies to deduct from taxable income, subject to certain limitations, the amounts added to contingency loss reserves that are recorded for regulatory purposes. The amounts we deduct must generally be included in taxable income in the tenth subsequent year. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that we purchase and hold U.S. government non-interest-bearing tax and loss bonds in an amount equal to the tax benefit attributable to the deduction. We account for these purchases as a payment of current federal income tax. (See "Note 12 - Income Taxes.")


BENEFIT PLANS
We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all domestic employees, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan. Retirement benefits are based on compensation and years of service.  We recognize these retirement benefit costs over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits. Our policy is to fund pension cost as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



We offer both medical and dental benefits for retired domestic employees, their eligible spouses and dependents until the retiree reaches the age of 65. Under the plan retirees pay a premium for these benefits. We accrue the estimated costs of retiree medical and dental benefits over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits. (See Note 11 – “Benefit Plans.”)




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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


REINSURANCE
Loss reserves and unearned premiums are reported before taking credit for amounts ceded under reinsurance agreements.  Ceded loss reserves are reflected as "Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves."  Ceded unearned and prepaid reinsurance premiums are included in “Other assets.” Amounts due from reinsurers on paid claims are reflected as “Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses.” Ceded premiums payable are included in “Other liabilities.” Any profit commissions are included with “Premiums written – Ceded” and any ceding commissions are included with “Other underwriting and operating expenses, net.” We remain liable for all insurance ceded.  (See Note 9 – “Reinsurance.”)


SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
We have certain share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period which generally corresponds to the vesting period.  Awards under our plans generally vest over periods ranging from one to three years.years .  (See Note 15 – “Share-based Compensation Plans.”)


EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The computation of basic EPS includes as "participating securities" an immaterial number of unvested share-based compensation awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, under the "two-class" method. Our participating securities are composed of vested restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") with non-forfeitable rights to dividends (of which none have been declared since the issuance of these participating securities).
dividends. Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents. We calculate diluted EPS using the treasury stock method and if-converted method. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our unvested restricted stock units result in the issuance of common stock. Under the if-converted method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our convertible debt instruments result in the issuance of common stock. The determination of potentially issuable shares does not consider the satisfaction of the conversion requirements and the shares are
included in the determination of diluted EPS as of the beginning of the period, if dilutive. In addition to our 9% Debentures, of which a portion remain outstanding, we previously had severalother convertible senior note debt issuancesnotes in 2017 that could have resulted in contingently issuable shares and we considered each potential issuance of shares separately to reflect the maximum potential dilution for the period the debt issuances were outstanding.
For purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS, vested restricted stock and RSUs are considered outstanding.


RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no0 related party transactions during 2019, 2018, 2017 or 2016.2017.


RECENT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS

Accounting standards effective in 2018,2019, or early adopted, and relevant to our financial statements


Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02 - Leases
In February 2016, the FASB amended the previous leasing standard and created ASC 842, Leases. ASC 842 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for substantially all leases. Effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we adopted the updated guidance for leases and also elected to apply all practical expedients applicable to us in the updated guidance for transition of leases in effect at adoption. The adoption of the updated guidance resulted in the recognition of an immaterial right-of-use asset as part of other assets and a lease liability as part of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

èAdoption impact: The adoption of the updated guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations or liquidity.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Table 3.1 shows the relevant new amendments to accounting standards, that have been implemented for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018; none had a material impact on our consolidated financial statementswhich are not yet effective or disclosures.adopted.

Standard / Interpretation
Table3.1
Effective date
Amended Standards
ASC 230Statement of Cash Flows
ASU 2016-18 - Restricted CashJanuary 1, 2018
ASC 718Compensation - Stock Compensation
ASU 2017-09 - Scope of Modification AccountingJanuary 1, 2018
ASC 310Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs
ASU 2017-08 - Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt SecuritiesJanuary 1, 2019
ASC 715Compensation - Retirement Benefits
ASU 2017-07 - Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit CostJanuary 1, 2018
ASC 825Financial Instruments - Overall
ASU 2016-01 - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesJanuary 1, 2018

Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash
In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated guidance related to the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods.


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èAdoption impact: The statements of cash flows presented for the three years ended December 31, 2018 are in accordance with the guidance of this updated standard.

Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting
In May 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance related to a change in the terms or conditions (modification) of a share-based award. The updated guidance provides that an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value and vesting conditions of the modified award and the classification of the award (equity or liability instrument) are the same as the original award immediately before the modification. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods.
èAdoption impact: The adoption of this guidance had no impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
In March 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance to amend the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening the amortization period to the earliest call date. This updated guidance aligns with how callable debt securities, in the United States, are generally quoted, priced, and traded, which incorporates consideration of calls (also referred to as “yield-to-worst” pricing). The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods, but allows for early adoption.
èAdoption impact: We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018 with no impact to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures as our accounting policy adhered to the updated guidance.

Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
In March 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to improve the reporting of net benefit cost in the financial statements. The updated guidance requires that an employer report the service cost component of pension and post-retirement benefit costs in the same financial statement caption as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. Previous guidance did not prescribe where the amount of net benefit cost should be presented in an employer’s statement of operations and did not require entities to disclose by line item the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the statement of operations. The updated guidance is effective for annual
periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods.
è
Adoption impact: The adoption of this guidance had no impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures as the service cost component is reported in the same financial statement caption as other compensation costs and we do not present a subtotal of income outside of income from operations. The service cost component of our benefit plans is disclosed in Note 11 - “Benefit Plans” to our consolidated financial statements.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance to address the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of certain financial instruments. The updated guidance requires equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, that have a readily determinable fair value to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values may be remeasured at fair value either upon the occurrence of an observable price change or upon identification of an impairment. A qualitative assessment for impairment is required for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The updated guidance also eliminates the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. Further, the updated guidance clarifies that entities should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entities’ other deferred tax assets. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods and requires recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment at adoption.
èAdoption impact: The adoption of this guidance resulted in an immaterial cumulative effect adjustment to our 2018 beginning accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and retained earnings to recognize unrealized gains on equity investments. At December 31, 2017, equity investments were classified as available-for-sale on the consolidated balance sheet. Upon adoption, the updated guidance eliminated the available-for-sale balance sheet classification for equity securities.

In February 2018, the FASB issued a separate update for technical corrections and improvements to clarify certain aspects of the guidance described above. This update clarifies the presentation of investments in, among other things, Federal Home Loan Bank stock and prohibits those investments from being shown with equity securities.
èAdoption impact: At December 31, 2018, the value of our investment in FHLB stock, which is carried at cost, is presented within “Other invested assets” on our consolidated balance sheet.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents


PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Table 3.2 shows the relevant new amendments to accounting standards, which are not yet effective or adopted.
Standard / Interpretation
Table3.2  
   Effective date
Amended Standards
ASC 326Financial Instruments - Credit Losses 
 ASU 2016-13 - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsJanuary 1, 2020
ASC 820Fair Value Measurement 
 ASU 2018-13 - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value MeasurementsJanuary 1, 2020
ASC 715Compensation - Retirement Benefits 
 ASU 2018-14 - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit PlansJanuary 1, 2021
ASC 740Income Taxes
ASU 2019-12 - Simplifying the Accounting for Income TaxesJanuary 1, 2021



Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that requires immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial instruments. We have concluded that our mortgage insurance policies are outside the scope of this ASU, however, the provisions of this guidance do apply to our reinsurance transactions, which are highly rated, as discussed in Note 9 – “Reinsurance” to our consolidated financial statements. Entities will beare required to utilize a current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology that incorporatesincorporate their forecast of future economic conditions into their loss estimate unless such forecast is not reasonable and supportable, in which case the entity will revert to historical loss experience. AnyThe allowance for CECLcurrent expected credit losses (“CECL”) generally reduces the amortized cost basis of the financial instrument to the amount an entity expects to collect. Creditcollect, however, credit losses relating to available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, rather than a write-down of the asset, with the amount of the allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is less than amortized cost. In addition, the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. The updated guidance is not prescriptive about certain aspects of estimating expected credit losses, including the specific methodology to use, and therefore will require significant judgment in application. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoptionIn May 2019, the
FASB amended this guidance to provide entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for eligible instruments in order to provide targeted transition relief that is permittedintended to increase comparability of financial statement information for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. some entities that otherwise would have measured similar financial instruments using different measurement methodologies. We are currently evaluatinghave evaluated the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but doand determined it will not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.impact.


Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The updated guidance removed the requirement to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The updated guidance clarifies that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurements as of the reporting date. Further, the updated guidance will requirerequires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period; and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption was permitted upon issuance of this update. An entity is permitted to early adopt any guidance that removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this update and to delay adoption of the additional disclosures until its effective date. We are currently evaluatinghave evaluated the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statement disclosures, but dostatements, and determined it will not expect it to have a material impact.


Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans
In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments to modify the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. The updated guidance removed the requirements to identify amounts that are expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in the coming year and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on service and interest cost and on the postretirement benefit obligation. The updated guidance added disclosuresdisclosure requirements for the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with interest crediting rates and explanations for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. An entity should apply the amendments on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statement disclosures, but do not expect it to have a material impact.

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). The ASU intends to reduce complexity through clarification and amendments of existing guidance. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted in any interim periods for which financial statements have not been issued. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect it to have a material impact.






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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




NOTE 4 Earnings Per Share
Table 4.1 reconciles basic and diluted EPS amounts:
Earnings per share
Table4.1      4.1      
 Years Ended December 31,  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)(In thousands, except per share data) 2018 2017 2016(In thousands, except per share data) 2019 2018 2017
Basic earnings per share:Basic earnings per share:      Basic earnings per share:      
Net incomeNet income $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
Net income $673,763
 $670,097
 $355,761
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basicWeighted average common shares outstanding - basic 365,406
 362,380
 342,890
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 352,827
 365,406
 362,380
Basic earnings per shareBasic earnings per share $1.83
 $0.98
 $1.00
Basic earnings per share $1.91
 $1.83
 $0.98
Diluted earnings per share:Diluted earnings per share:      Diluted earnings per share:      
Net incomeNet income $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
Net income $673,763
 $670,097
 $355,761
Interest expense, net of tax (1):
Interest expense, net of tax (1):
      
Interest expense, net of tax (1):
      
2% Notes2% Notes 
 907
 6,111
2% Notes 
 
 907
5% Notes5% Notes 
 1,709
 6,362
5% Notes 
 
 1,709
9% Debentures9% Debentures 18,264
 15,027
 15,893
9% Debentures 18,264
 18,264
 15,027
Diluted income available to common shareholdersDiluted income available to common shareholders $688,361
 $373,404
 $370,883
Diluted income available to common shareholders $692,027
 $688,361
 $373,404
Weighted-average shares - basicWeighted-average shares - basic 365,406
 362,380
 342,890
Weighted-average shares - basic 352,827
 365,406
 362,380
Effect of dilutive securities:Effect of dilutive securities:      Effect of dilutive securities:      
Unvested restricted stock unitsUnvested restricted stock units 1,644
 1,493
 1,470
Unvested restricted stock units 2,069
 1,644
 1,493
2% Notes2% Notes 
 8,317
 54,450
2% Notes 
 
 8,317
5% Notes5% Notes 
 3,548
 13,107
5% Notes 
 
 3,548
9% Debentures9% Debentures 19,028
 19,028
 20,075
9% Debentures 19,028
 19,028
 19,028
Weighted average common shares outstanding - dilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 386,078
 394,766
 431,992
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 373,924
 386,078
 394,766
Diluted income per shareDiluted income per share $1.78
 $0.95
 $0.86
Diluted income per share $1.85
 $1.78
 $0.95
(1) 
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 20182019, 20172018 and 20162017 has been tax effected at a rate of 21%, 35%21%, and 35%, respectively.


For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016,2017, all of our then outstanding Convertible Senior Notes and Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures are reflected in diluted earnings per share using the “if-converted” method. Under this method, if dilutive, the common stock related to the outstanding Convertible Senior Notes and/or Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures is assumed issued as of the beginning of the reporting period and the related interest expense, net of tax, is added back to earnings in calculating diluted EPS.






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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




NOTE 5 Investments
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of our fixed income securities as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 are shown below:
Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2018
Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2019Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2019
Table5.1a        5.1a        
(In thousands)(In thousands) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains 
Gross Unrealized Losses (1)
 Fair Value(In thousands) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains 
Gross Unrealized Losses (1)
 Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agenciesU.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $167,655
 $597
 $(1,076) $167,176
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $195,176
 $1,237
 $(210) $196,203
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisionsObligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 1,701,826
 29,259
 (10,985) 1,720,100
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 1,555,394
 99,328
 (857) 1,653,865
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities 2,439,173
 2,103
 (40,514) 2,400,762
Corporate debt securities 2,711,910
 76,220
 (3,008) 2,785,122
ABSABS 111,953
 226
 (146) 112,033
ABS 227,376
 2,466
 (178) 229,664
RMBSRMBS 189,238
 32
 (10,309) 178,961
RMBS 271,384
 429
 (3,227) 268,586
CMBSCMBS 276,352
 888
 (9,580) 267,660
CMBS 274,234
 5,531
 (779) 278,986
CLOsCLOs 310,587
 2
 (5,294) 305,295
CLOs 327,076
 33
 (1,643) 325,466
Total fixed income securitiesTotal fixed income securities $5,196,784
 $33,107
 $(77,904) $5,151,987
Total fixed income securities $5,562,550
 $185,244
 $(9,902) $5,737,892
Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2017
Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2018Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2018
Table5.1b        5.1b        
(In thousands)(In thousands) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains 
Gross Unrealized Losses (1)
 Fair Value(In thousands) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains 
Gross Unrealized Losses (1)
 Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agenciesU.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $179,850
 $274
 $(1,278) $178,846
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $167,655
 $597
 $(1,076) $167,176
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisionsObligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 2,105,063
 56,210
 (8,749) 2,152,524
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 1,701,826
 29,259
 (10,985) 1,720,100
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities 2,065,475
 10,532
 (9,169) 2,066,838
Corporate debt securities 2,439,173
 2,103
 (40,514) 2,400,762
ABSABS 4,925
 
 (2) 4,923
ABS 111,953
 226
 (146) 112,033
RMBSRMBS 189,153
 60
 (7,364) 181,849
RMBS 189,238
 32
 (10,309) 178,961
CMBSCMBS 301,014
 1,204
 (4,906) 297,312
CMBS 276,352
 888
 (9,580) 267,660
CLOsCLOs 100,798
 304
 (79) 101,023
CLOs 310,587
 2
 (5,294) 305,295
Total fixed income securitiesTotal fixed income securities $4,946,278
 $68,584
 $(31,547) $4,983,315
Total fixed income securities $5,196,784
 $33,107
 $(77,904) $5,151,987
(1) 
There were no OTTI losses recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018.
The increase in gross unrealized gains and the decrease in gross unrealized losses in our fixed income securities from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2019 were primarily caused by declines in interest rates during that period.
We had $13.5$13.9 million and $13.6$13.5 million of investments at fair value on deposit with various states as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, due to regulatory requirements of those statestates' insurance departments. In connection with our insurance and reinsurance activities, we are required to maintain assets in trusts for the benefit of contractual counterparties. The fair value of the investments on deposit in these trusts was $26.3$89.9 million and $7.7$26.3 million at December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.






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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Table 5.2 compares the amortized cost and fair values of fixed income securities, by contractual maturity, as of December 31, 2018. The analysis is based upon contractual maturity.2019. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Because most mortgage and asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives, they are listed separately in the table.
Fixed income securities maturity schedule
Table5.2    
  December 31, 2019
(In thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $425,739
 $427,616
Due after one year through five years 1,911,433
 1,952,278
Due after five years through ten years 1,031,056
 1,088,012
Due after ten years 1,094,252
 1,167,284
  4,462,480
 4,635,190
     
ABS 227,376
 229,664
RMBS 271,384
 268,586
CMBS 274,234
 278,986
CLOs 327,076
 325,466
Total as of December 31, 2019 $5,562,550
 $5,737,892

Fixed income securities maturity schedule
Table5.2    
  December 31, 2018
(In thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $484,485
 $482,919
Due after one year through five years 1,652,638
 1,632,494
Due after five years through ten years 1,011,237
 996,335
Due after ten years 1,160,294
 1,176,290
  4,308,654
 4,288,038
     
ABS 111,953
 112,033
RMBS 189,238
 178,961
CMBS 276,352
 267,660
CLOs 310,587
 305,295
Total as of December 31, 2018 $5,196,784
 $5,151,987


Proceeds from the sale of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale were $228.1 million, $365.6 million, $246.9 million, and $728.0$246.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016,2017, respectively. Gross gains of $7.1 million, $0.7 million, $1.6 million, and $11.9$1.6 million and gross losses of $3.5 million, $3.8 million $1.4 million and $3.0$1.4 million were realized on those sales during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016,2017, respectively.


For the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we recorded $0.1 million and $1.8 million of OTTI losses in earnings, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded $1.8 million of OTTI losses in earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016, there were no OTTI losses in earnings.


EQUITY SECURITIES
The cost and fair value of investments in equity securities as of December 31, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 are showingshown in tables 5.3a and 5.3b below. As described in Note 3 - "Significant Accounting Pronouncements," underUnder updated guidance regarding the "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" which became effective on January 1, 2018, the amount of our FHLB stock investment has been reclassified and presented in "Other invested assets" on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.sheet.
Details of equity investment securities as of December 31, 2018
Details of equity investment securities as of December 31, 2019Details of equity investment securities as of December 31, 2019
Table5.3a        5.3a        
(In thousands)(In thousands) Cost Gross gains Gross losses Fair Value(In thousands) Cost Gross gains Gross losses Fair Value
Equity securitiesEquity securities 3,993
 11
 (72) 3,932
Equity securities 17,188
 154
 (14) 17,328
Details of equity investment securities as of December 31, 2018
Table5.3b        
(In thousands) Cost Gross gains Gross losses Fair Value
Equity securities 3,993
 11
 (72) 3,932

Details of equity investment securities as of December 31, 2017
Table5.3b        
(In thousands) Cost Gross gains Gross losses Fair Value
Equity securities 7,223
 39
 (16) 7,246


Proceeds from the sale of equity securities were $1.7 million and $4.9 million during the yearyears ended December 31, 2018.2019 and 2018, respectively. Gross gains of $1.6 million and $3.7 million were realized on those sales during the year ended December 31, 2018.2019 and 2018, respectively. There were no sales of equity securities in 2017 or 2016.2017. For the year ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we recognized $201 thousand and $84 thousand of net losses on equity securities still held as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, which are reported in Net realized investment (losses) gains on our consolidated statements of operations.





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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets include an investment in FHLBFederal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock that is carried at cost, which due to its nature approximates fair value. Ownership of FHLB stock provides access to a secured lending facility, and our current FHLB Advance amount is secured by eligible collateral whose fair value is maintained at a minimum of 102% of the outstanding principal balance of the FHLB Advance. As of December 31, 2018,2019, that collateral consisted of fixed income securities included in our total investment portfolio, and cash and cash equivalents, with a total fair value of $168.9$165.7 million.


UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES
Tables 5.4a and 5.4b below summarize, for all available-for-sale investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized losses by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. Gross unrealized losses on our available-for-sale investments amounted to $78$10 million and $32$78 million as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The fair value amounts reported in tables 5.4a and 5.4b below are estimated using the process described in Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" to these consolidated financial statements.
Unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time as of December 31, 2018
Unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time as of December 31, 2019Unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time as of December 31, 2019
Table5.4a            5.4a            
 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total  Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
(In thousands)(In thousands) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses(In thousands) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agenciesU.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $23,710
 $(15) $69,146
 $(1,061) $92,856
 $(1,076)U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $57,301
 $(200) $5,806
 $(10) $63,107
 $(210)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisionsObligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 316,655
 (3,875) 358,086
 (7,110) 674,741
 (10,985)Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 74,859
 (847) 6,957
 (10) 81,816
 (857)
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities 1,272,279
 (18,130) 785,627
 (22,384) 2,057,906
 (40,514)Corporate debt securities 221,357
 (2,847) 43,505
 (161) 264,862
 (3,008)
ABSABS 51,324
 (146) 
 
 51,324
 (146)ABS 21,542
 (118) 3,851
 (60) 25,393
 (178)
RMBSRMBS 24
 
 178,573
 (10,309) 178,597
 (10,309)RMBS 105,443
 (461) 110,452
 (2,766) 215,895
 (3,227)
CMBSCMBS 65,704
 (1,060) 163,272
 (8,520) 228,976
 (9,580)CMBS 62,388
 (728) 11,852
 (51) 74,240
 (779)
CLOsCLOs 296,497
 (5,294) 
 
 296,497
 (5,294)CLOs 81,444
 (225) 196,988
 (1,418) 278,432
 (1,643)
TotalTotal $2,026,193
 $(28,520) $1,554,704
 $(49,384) $3,580,897
 $(77,904)Total $624,334
 $(5,426) $379,411
 $(4,476) $1,003,745
 $(9,902)
Unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time as of December 31, 2018
Table5.4b            
  Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
(In thousands) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $23,710
 $(15) $69,146
 $(1,061) $92,856
 $(1,076)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 316,655
 (3,875) 358,086
 (7,110) 674,741
 (10,985)
Corporate debt securities 1,272,279
 (18,130) 785,627
 (22,384) 2,057,906
 (40,514)
ABS 51,324
 (146) 
 
 51,324
 (146)
RMBS 24
 
 178,573
 (10,309) 178,597
 (10,309)
CMBS 65,704
 (1,060) 163,272
 (8,520) 228,976
 (9,580)
CLOs 296,497
 (5,294) 
 
 296,497
 (5,294)
Total $2,026,193
 $(28,520) $1,554,704
 $(49,384) $3,580,897
 $(77,904)
Unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time as of December 31, 2017
Table5.4b            
  Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
(In thousands) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $144,042
 $(796) $31,196
 $(482) $175,238
 $(1,278)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 505,311
 (3,624) 211,684
 (5,125) 716,995
 (8,749)
Corporate debt securities 932,350
 (4,288) 200,716
 (4,881) 1,133,066
 (9,169)
ABS 4,923
 (2) 
 
 4,923
 (2)
RMBS 14,979
 (280) 166,329
 (7,084) 181,308
 (7,364)
CMBS 51,096
 (358) 138,769
 (4,548) 189,865
 (4,906)
CLOs 14,243
 (7) 3,568
 (72) 17,811
 (79)
Equity securities 226
 (2) 431
 (14) 657
 (16)
Total $1,667,170
 $(9,357) $752,693
 $(22,206) $2,419,863
 $(31,563)

For those securities in an unrealized loss position, the length of time the securities were in such a position, is measured by their month-end fair values. The unrealized losses in all categories of our investments as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 were primarily caused by changes in interest rates between the time of purchase and the respective year end. There were 721217 and 586721 securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2018,2019, the fair value as a percent of amortized cost of the securities in an unrealized loss position was 98%99% and approximately 8%28% of the securities in an unrealized loss position were backed by the U.S. Government.





MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 95101

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents





The source of net investment income is shown in table 5.5 below.
Net investment income
Table5.5      
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Fixed income securities $165,523
 $140,539
 $122,105
Equity securities 406
 228
 206
Cash equivalents 4,444
 3,423
 1,447
Other 974
 816
 620
Investment income 171,347
 145,006
 124,378
Investment expenses (4,302) (3,675) (3,507)
Net investment income $167,045
 $141,331
 $120,871
Net investment income
Table5.5      
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Fixed income securities $140,539
 $122,105
 $112,513
Equity securities 228
 206
 182
Cash equivalents 3,423
 1,447
 754
Other 816
 620
 433
Investment income 145,006
 124,378
 113,882
Investment expenses (3,675) (3,507) (3,216)
Net investment income $141,331
 $120,871
 $110,666



The change in unrealized gains (losses) of investments is shown in table 5.6 below.
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Table5.6      
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Fixed income securities $220,139
 $(81,834) $69,026
Equity securities 
 
 39
Other 
 
 (13)
Change in unrealized gains/losses $220,139
 $(81,834) $69,052

Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Table5.6      
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Fixed income securities $(81,834) $69,026
 $(5,403)
Equity securities 
 39
 (36)
Other 
 (13) 14
Change in unrealized gains/losses $(81,834) $69,052
 $(5,425)


NOTE 6 Fair Value Measurements
The following table describes the valuation methodologies generally used by the independent pricing sources, or by us, to measure financial instruments at fair value, including the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.


Level 1 measurements
Fixed income securities: Consist of primarily U.S. Treasury securities with valuations derived from quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access.
Equity securities: Consist of actively traded, exchange-listed equity securities with valuations derived from quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that we can access.
Other: Consists of money market funds with valuations derived from quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that we can access.


Level 2 measurements
Fixed income securities:
Corporate Debt & U.S. Government and Agency Bonds are valued by surveying the dealer community, obtaining relevant trade data, benchmark quotes and spreads and incorporating this information into the valuation process.
Obligations of U.S. States & Political Subdivisionsare valued by tracking, capturing, and analyzing quotes for active issues and trades reported via the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board records. Daily briefings and reviews of current economic conditions, trading levels, spread relationships, and the slope of the yield curve provide further data for evaluation.
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities ("RMBS") are valued by monitoring interest rate movements, and other pertinent data daily. Incoming market data is enriched to derive spread, yield and/or price data as appropriate, enabling known data points to be extrapolated for valuation application across a range of related securities.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBS") are valued using techniques that reflect market participants’ assumptions and maximize the use of relevant observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets, benchmark yield curves and market corroborated inputs. Evaluation uses regular reviews of the inputs for




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 96102

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




securities covered, including executed trades, broker quotes, credit information, collateral attributes and/or cash flow waterfall as applicable.
Asset-Backed Securities ("ABS") are valued using spreads and other information solicited from market buy-and-sell-side sources, including primary and secondary dealers, portfolio managers, and research analysts. Cash flows are generated for each tranche, benchmark yields are determined, and deal collateral performance and tranche level attributes including trade activity, bids, and offers are applied, resulting in tranche specific prices.
Collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") Collateralized Loan Obligations are valued by evaluating manager rating, seniority in the capital structure, assumptions about prepayment, default and recovery and their impact on cash flow generation. Loan level net asset values are determined and aggregated for tranches and as a final step prices are checked against available recent trade activity.


Level 3 measurements
Equity securities (2017): FHLB stockReal estate acquired are valued at par value due to restrictions that require it to be redeemedthe lower of our acquisition cost or sold onlya percentage of the appraised value. The percentage applied to the security issuer at par value.appraised value is based upon our historical sales experience adjusted for current trends.


RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets carried at fair value included those listed, by hierarchy level, in the following tables as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
Assets carried at fair value by hierarchy level as of December 31, 2019
Table6.1a        
(In thousands) Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $196,203
 $34,240
 $161,963
 $
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 1,653,865
 
 1,653,865
 
Corporate debt securities 2,785,122
 
 2,785,122
 
ABS 229,664
 
 229,664
 
RMBS 268,586
 
 268,586
 
CMBS 278,986
 
 278,986
 
CLOs 325,466
 
 325,466
 
Total fixed income securities 5,737,892
 34,240
 5,703,652
 
Equity securities 17,328
 17,328
 
 
Other (1)
 164,693
 164,693
 
 
Real estate acquired (2)
 7,252
 
 
 7,252
Total $5,927,165
 $216,261
 $5,703,652
 $7,252

Assets carried at fair value by hierarchy level as of December 31, 2018
Table6.1a        
(In thousands) Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $167,176
 $42,264
 $124,912
 $
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 1,720,100
 
 1,720,087
 13
Corporate debt securities 2,400,762
 
 2,400,762
 
ABS 112,033
 
 112,033
 
RMBS 178,961
 
 178,961
 
CMBS 267,660
 
 267,660
 
CLOs 305,295
 
 305,295
 
Total fixed income securities 5,151,987
 42,264
 5,109,710
 13
Equity securities 3,932
 3,932
 
 
Other (1)
 96,403
 96,403
 
 
Real estate acquired (2)
 14,535
 
 
 14,535
Total $5,266,857
 $142,599
 $5,109,710
 $14,548




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 97103

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




Assets carried at fair value by hierarchy level as of December 31, 2018
Table6.1b        
(In thousands) Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $167,176
 $42,264
 $124,912
 $
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 1,720,100
 
 1,720,087
 13
Corporate debt securities 2,400,762
 
 2,400,762
 
ABS 112,033
 
 112,033
 
RMBS 178,961
 
 178,961
 
CMBS 267,660
 
 267,660
 
CLOs 305,295
 
 305,295
 
Total fixed income securities 5,151,987
 42,264
 5,109,710
 13
Equity securities (3)
 3,932
 3,932
 
 
Other (1)
 96,403
 96,403
 
 
Real estate acquired (2)
 14,535
 
 
 14,535
Total $5,266,857
 $142,599
 $5,109,710
 $14,548
Assets carried at fair value by hierarchy level as of December 31, 2017
Table6.1b        
(In thousands) Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $178,846
 $81,598
 $97,248
 $
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 2,152,524
 
 2,152,253
 271
Corporate debt securities 2,066,838
 
 2,066,838
 
ABS 4,923
 
 4,923
 
RMBS 181,849
 
 181,849
 
CMBS 297,312
 
 297,312
 
CLOs 101,023
 
 101,023
 
Total fixed income securities 4,983,315
 81,598
 4,901,446
 271
Equity securities (3)
 7,246
 2,978
 
 4,268
Real estate acquired (2)
 12,713
 
 
 12,713
Total $5,003,274
 $84,576
 $4,901,446
 $17,252

(1) 
Consists of money market funds included in "Cash and Cash Equivalents" and "Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents" on the consolidated balance sheet.
(2) 
Real estate acquired through claim settlement, which is held for sale, is reported in "Other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.
(3) 
Equity securities in Level 3 are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. See "Reconciliation of Level 3 assets" below for information regarding a change in presentation of amounts previously included in Level 3 Equity securities.


Certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts, are excluded from fair value disclosure requirements. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents (Level 1) and accrued investment income (Level 2) approximated their fair values.


RECONCILIATIONS OF LEVEL 3 ASSETS
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 is shown in tables 6.2a, 6.2b and 6.2c below. As described in Note 3 - "Significant Accounting Policies," underUnder updated guidance regarding the "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" which became effective on January 1, 2018, our investment in FHLB stock is no longer presented with equity securities. Prior to the updated guidance, the FHLB stock was included in our Level 3 equity securities. As shown in table 6.2a6.2b below, for the year ended December 31, 2018, we have transferred the FHLB stock out of Level 3 assets, and it is carried at cost, which approximates fair value, on our consolidated balance sheet in "Other invested assets" as of December 31, 2018. There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 for the years ending December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2017. There were no losses included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 attributable to the change in unrealized losses on assets still held at the end of each applicable year.


Fair value roll-forward for financial instruments classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2019
Table6.2a        
(In thousands) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Investments Real Estate Acquired
Balance at December 31, 2018 $13
 $
 $13
 $14,535
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):        
Included in earnings and reported as losses incurred, net 
 
 
 (476)
Acquisitions 
 
 
 24,204
Sales (13) 
 (13) (31,011)
Balance at December 31, 2019 $
 $
 $
 $7,252


MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 98104

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




Fair value roll-forward for financial instruments classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2018
Table6.2a        6.2b        
(In thousands)(In thousands) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Investments Real Estate Acquired(In thousands) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Investments Real Estate Acquired
Balance at December 31, 2017Balance at December 31, 2017 $271
 $4,268
 $4,539
 $12,713
Balance at December 31, 2017 $271
 $4,268
 $4,539
 $12,713
Transfers out of Level 3 
 (3,100) (3,100) 
Reclassification for adoption of new accounting standardReclassification for adoption of new accounting standard 
 (3,100) (3,100)  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):        Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):  
  
  
  
Included in earnings and reported as net realized investment gainsIncluded in earnings and reported as net realized investment gains 
 3,663
 3,663
 
Included in earnings and reported as net realized investment gains 
 3,663
 3,663
  
Included in earnings and reported as losses incurred, netIncluded in earnings and reported as losses incurred, net 
 
 
 (1,995)Included in earnings and reported as losses incurred, net 
 
 
 (1,995)
Purchases 
 
 
 33,912
AcquisitionsAcquisitions 
 
 
 33,912
SalesSales (258) (4,831) (5,089) (30,095)Sales (258) (4,831) (5,089) (30,095)
Balance at December 31, 2018Balance at December 31, 2018 $13
 $
 $13
 $14,535
Balance at December 31, 2018 $13
 $
 $13
 $14,535
Fair value roll-forward for financial instruments classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2017
Table6.2c        
(In thousands) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Investments Real Estate Acquired
Balance at December 31, 2016 $691
 $4,268
 $4,959
 $11,748
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):        
Included in earnings and reported as losses incurred, net 
 
 
 (1,315)
Acquisitions 
 
 
 34,749
Sales (420) 
 (420) (32,469)
Balance at December 31, 2017 $271
 $4,268
 $4,539
 $12,713

Fair value roll-forward for financial instruments classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2017
Table6.2b        
(In thousands) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Investments Real Estate Acquired
Balance at December 31, 2016 $691
 $4,268
 $4,959
 $11,748
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):  
  
  
  
Included in earnings and reported as losses incurred, net 
 
 
 (1,315)
Purchases 
 
 
 34,749
Sales (420) 
 (420) (32,469)
Balance at December 31, 2017 $271
 $4,268
 $4,539
 $12,713
Fair value roll-forward for financial instruments classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2016
Table6.2c        
(In thousands) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Investments Real Estate Acquired
Balance at December 31, 2015 $1,228
 $2,855
 $4,083
 $12,149
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):        
Included in earnings and reported as net realized investment gains 
 3,579
 3,579
 
Included in earnings and reported as losses incurred, net 
 
 
 (1,142)
Purchases 
 4,258
 4,258
 36,859
Sales (537) (6,424) (6,961) (36,118)
Balance at December 31, 2016 $691
 $4,268
 $4,959
 $11,748
Additional fair value disclosures related to our investment portfolio are included in Note 5 – “Investments.



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MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents



FINANCIAL LIABILITIES NOT CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE
Financial liabilities are incurredOther invested assets include an investment in FHLB stock that is carried at cost, which due to restrictions that require it to be redeemed or sold only to the normal course of our business. Table 6.3 compares the carryingsecurity issuer at par value, andapproximates fair value. The fair value of other invested assets is categorized as Level 2.

Financial liabilities include our financial liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.outstanding debt obligations. The fair values of our 5.75% Notes and 9% Debentures were based on observable market prices. The fair value of the FHLB Advance was estimated using cash flows discounted at current incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements, and in all cases they are categorized as Level 2. See Note 7 - "Debt" for a description of the financial liabilities in table 6.3.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents

Financial liabilities not carried at fair value
Table6.3        
  December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Liabilities        
FHLB Advance $155,000
 $150,551
 $155,000
 $152,124
5.75% Notes 419,713
 425,791
 418,560
 465,473
9% Debentures 256,872
 338,069
 256,872
 353,507
Total financial liabilities $831,585
 $914,411
 $830,432
 $971,104


Table 6.3 compares the carrying value and fair value of our financial liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Financial liabilities not carried at fair value
Table6.3        
  December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Financial assets        
Other invested assets $3,100
 $3,100
 $3,100
 $3,100
Financial liabilities        
FHLB Advance $155,000
 $156,422
 $155,000
 $150,551
5.75% Notes 420,867
 471,827
 419,713
 425,791
9% Debentures 256,872
 346,289
 256,872
 338,069
Total financial liabilities $832,739
 $974,538
 $831,585
 $914,411


The 5.75% Notes and 9% Debentures are obligations of our holding company, MGIC Investment Corporation, and not of its subsidiaries.






MGIC Investment Corporation 2018 Form 10-K | 100

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents


NOTE 7 Debt

DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Table 7.1 shows the carrying value of our long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018.
Long-term debt obligations
Table7.1    
  December 31,
(In millions) 2019 2018
FHLB Advance - 1.91%, due February 2023 $155.0
 $155.0
5.75% Notes, due August 2023 (par value: $425 million) 420.9
 419.7
9% Debentures, due April 2063 256.9
 256.9
Long-term debt, carrying value $832.7
 $831.6

Long-term debt obligations
Table7.1    
  December 31,
(In millions) 2018 2017
FHLB Advance - 1.91%, due February 2023 $155.0
 $155.0
5.75% Notes, due August 2023 (par value: $425 million) 419.7
 418.5
9% Debentures, due April 2063 256.9
 256.9
Long-term debt, carrying value $831.6
 $830.4


FHLB Advance
MGIC borrowed $155.0 million in the form of a fixed rate advance from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("Advance"). Interest on the Advance is payable monthly at an annual rate, fixed for the term of the Advance, of 1.91%. The principal of the Advance matures on February 10, 2023. MGIC may prepay the Advance at any time. Such prepayment would be below par if interest rates have risen after the Advance was originated, or above par if interest rates have declined. The Advance is secured by eligible collateral whose market value must be maintained at 102% of the principal balance of the Advance. MGIC provided eligible collateral from its investment portfolio.


5.75% Notes
Interest on the 5.75% Notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing on February 15, 2017.year. We have the option to redeem these notes, in whole or in part, at any
time or from time to time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i)100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the make-whole amount, which is the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted at the treasury rate defined in the notes plus 50 basis points plus, in each case,and accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.interest.


The 5.75% Notes have covenants customary for securities of this nature, including customary events of default, and further provide that the trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 5.75% Notes may declare them immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of certain events of default after the expiration of the applicable grace period. In addition, in the case of an event of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries, the 5.75% Notes will become due and payable immediately. This
description is not intended to be complete in all respects and is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the 5.75% Notes, including their covenants and events of default. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2018.2019.


9% Debentures
The 9% Debentures are currently convertible, at the holder's option, at an initial conversion rate, which is subject to adjustment, of 74.074174.4718 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of the 9% Debentures at any time prior to the maturity date. This represents an initial conversion price of approximately $13.50$13.43 per share. If a holder elects to convert their 9% Debentures, deferred


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents


interest, if any, owed on the 9% Debentures being converted is also converted into shares of our common stock. The conversion rate for any deferred interest is based on the average price that our shares traded at during a 5-day period immediately prior to the election to convert. We have 19.019.1 million authorized shares reserved for conversion under our 9% debentures.


The 9% Debentures include a conversion feature that allows us, at our option, to make a cash payment to converting holders in lieu of issuing shares of common stock upon conversion of the 9% Debentures. We may redeem the 9% Debentures in whole or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 9% Debentures being redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if the closing sale price of our common stock exceeds $17.55$17.46 for at least 20 of the 30 trading days preceding notice of the redemption.


Interest on the 9% Debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year. As long as no event of default with respect to the debentures has occurred and is continuing, we may defer interest, under an optional deferral provision, for one1 or more consecutive interest periods up to 10 years without giving rise to an event of default. Deferred interest will accrue additional interest at the rate then applicable to the debentures. During an optional deferral period we may not pay or declare dividends on our common stock.


When interest on the 9% Debentures is deferred, we are required, not later than a specified time, to use reasonable commercial efforts to begin selling qualifying securities to persons who are not our affiliates. The specified time is one business day after we pay interest on the 9% Debentures that was not deferred, or if earlier, the fifth anniversary of the scheduled interest payment date on which the deferral started. Qualifying securities are common stock, certain warrants and certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. The requirement to use such efforts to sell such securities is called the Alternative Payment Mechanism.


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The net proceeds of Alternative Payment Mechanism sales are to be applied to the payment of deferred interest, including the compound portion. We cannot pay deferred interest other than from the net proceeds of Alternative Payment Mechanism sales, except at the final maturity of the debentures or at the tenth anniversary of the start of the interest deferral. The Alternative Payment Mechanism does not require us to sell common stock or warrants before the fifth anniversary of the interest payment date on which that deferral started if the net proceeds (counting any net proceeds of those securities previously sold under the Alternative Payment Mechanism) would exceed the 2% cap. The 2% cap is 2% of the average closing price of our common stock times the number of our outstanding shares of common stock. The average price is determined over a specified period ending before the issuance of the common stock or warrants being sold,
and the number of outstanding shares is determined as of the date of our most recent publicly released financial statements.


We are not required to issue under the Alternative Payment Mechanism a total of more than 10 million shares of common stock, including shares underlying qualifying warrants. In addition, we may not issue under the Alternative Payment Mechanism qualifying preferred stock if the total net proceeds of all issuances would exceed 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the debentures.


The Alternative Payment Mechanism does not apply during any period between scheduled interest payment dates if there is a “market disruption event” that occurs over a specified portion of such period. Market disruption events include any material adverse change in domestic or international economic or financial conditions.


The provisions of the 9% Debentures are complex. The description above is not intended to be complete in all respects. Moreover, that description is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the 9% Debentures, including their covenants and events of default. We were in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2018.2019. The 9% Debentures rank junior to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness.


CREDIT FACILITY
AsIn May 2019, we terminated our $175 million unsecured revolving credit facility. At the time of December 31, 2018 and 2017,termination there were no amounts drawn on our unsecured revolvingthe credit facility. The Credit Agreement with various lenders provides for a $175 million unsecuredunused portion of our revolving credit facility maturing on March 21, 2020. We are required under the Credit Agreementwas subject to payrecurring commitment fees, on the average daily amount of the unused revolving commitments of the lenders, and an annual administrative fee to the administrative agent. Commitment feeswhich are recognized asreflected in interest expense.payments.


INTEREST PAYMENTS
Interest payments were $50.8 million during 2019, $51.3 million during 2018, and $57.8 million during 2017, and $49.5 million during 2016.2017.


NOTE 8 Loss Reserves
As described in Note 3 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Loss Reserves,” we establish Case reserves to recognize the estimated liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") related to defaultsreserves are established when we receive notices of delinquency on insured mortgage loans. LossWe consider a loan delinquent when it is 2 or more payments past due. Case reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our inventory of delinquent loans that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity.


IBNR reserves are established for estimated losses from delinquencies occurring prior to the close of an accounting period on notices of delinquency not yet


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reported to us. IBNR reserves are also established using estimated claim rates and claim severities

Estimation of losses is inherently judgmental. The conditions that affect the claim rate and claim severity include the current and future state of the domestic economy, including unemployment and the current and future strength of local housing markets; exposure on insured loans; the amount of time between defaultdelinquency and claim filing; and curtailments and rescissions. The actual amount of the claim payments may be substantially different than our loss reserve estimates. Our estimates could be adversely affected by several factors, including a deterioration of regional or national economic conditions, including unemployment, leading to a reduction in borrowers’ income and thus their ability to make mortgage payments, and a drop in housing values which may affect borrower willingness to continue to make mortgage payments when the value of the home is below the mortgage balance. Changes to our estimates could result in a material impact to our consolidated results of operations and financial position, even in a stable economic environment.


LOSSES INCURRED
The “Losses incurred” section of table 8.1 below shows losses incurred on delinquencies that occurred in the current year and in prior years. The amount of losses incurred relating to delinquencies that occurred in the current year represents the estimated amount to be ultimately paid on such delinquencies.  The amount of losses incurred relating to delinquencies that occurred in prior years represents the difference between the actual claim rate and severity associated with those delinquencies resolved in the current year compared to the estimated claim rate and severity at the prior year-end, as well as a re-estimation of amounts to be ultimately paid on delinquencies continuing from the end of the prior year. This re-estimation of the claim rate and severity is the result of our review of current trends
in the delinquent inventory, such as percentages of delinquencies that have resulted in a claim, the amount of the claims relative to the average loan exposure, changes in the relative level of delinquencies by geography and changes in average loan exposure.


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Losses incurred on delinquencies that occurred in the current year decreased in 2019 compared to 2018 and in 2018 compared to 2017, and in 2017 compared to 2016, in each case, primarily due to a decrease in the number of new delinquencies, net of cures, as well as a decrease in the estimated claim rate on recently reported delinquencies.


LOSSES PAID
The “Losses paid” section of table 8.1 below shows the amount of losses paid on delinquencies that occurred in the current year and losses paid on delinquencies that occurred in prior years. For several years, the average time it took to receive a claim associated with a delinquency had increased significantly from our historical experience of approximately twelve months. This was, in part, due to new loss mitigation protocols established by servicers and to changes in some state
foreclosure laws that may include, for example, a requirement for additional review and/or mediation processes. In recent quarters, we have experienced a decline in the average time it takes servicers are utilizing to process foreclosures, which has reduced the average time to receive a claim associated with new delinquent notices that do not cure. All else being equal, the longer the period between delinquency and claim filing, the greater the severity.


Premium refunds
Our estimate of premiums to be refunded on expected claim payments is accrued for separately in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets and approximated $40$30 million and $61$40 million at December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.





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Table 8.1 provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending loss reserves for each of the past three years:
Development of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Development of loss reservesDevelopment of loss reserves
Table8.1      8.1      
(In thousands)(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Reserve at beginning of yearReserve at beginning of year $985,635
 $1,438,813
 $1,893,402
Reserve at beginning of year $674,019
 $985,635
 $1,438,813
Less reinsurance recoverableLess reinsurance recoverable 48,474
 50,493
 44,487
Less reinsurance recoverable 33,328
 48,474
 50,493
Net reserve at beginning of yearNet reserve at beginning of year 937,161
 1,388,320
 1,848,915
Net reserve at beginning of year 640,691
 937,161
 1,388,320
             
Losses incurred:Losses incurred:      Losses incurred:      
Losses and LAE incurred in respect of delinquent notices received in:Losses and LAE incurred in respect of delinquent notices received in:      Losses and LAE incurred in respect of delinquent notices received in:      
Current yearCurrent year 203,928
 284,913
 387,815
Current year 189,581
 203,928
 284,913
Prior years (1)
Prior years (1)
 (167,366) (231,204) (147,658)
Prior years (1)
 (71,006) (167,366) (231,204)
Total losses incurredTotal losses incurred 36,562
 53,709
 240,157
Total losses incurred 118,575
 36,562
 53,709
             
Losses paid:Losses paid:      Losses paid:      
Losses and LAE paid in respect of delinquent notices received in:Losses and LAE paid in respect of delinquent notices received in:      Losses and LAE paid in respect of delinquent notices received in:      
Current yearCurrent year 7,298
 11,267
 14,823
Current year 4,018
 7,298
 11,267
Prior yearsPrior years 327,743
 493,300
 689,258
Prior years 235,551
 327,743
 493,300
Reinsurance terminationsReinsurance terminations (2,009) 301
 (3,329)Reinsurance terminations (13,996) (2,009) 301
Total losses paidTotal losses paid 333,032
 504,868
 700,752
Total losses paid 225,573
 333,032
 504,868
Net reserve at end of yearNet reserve at end of year 640,691
 937,161
 1,388,320
Net reserve at end of year 533,693
 640,691
 937,161
Plus reinsurance recoverablesPlus reinsurance recoverables 33,328
 48,474
 50,493
Plus reinsurance recoverables 21,641
 33,328
 48,474
Reserve at end of yearReserve at end of year $674,019
 $985,635
 $1,438,813
Reserve at end of year $555,334
 $674,019
 $985,635
(1) 
A negative number for prior year losses incurred indicates a redundancy of prior year loss reserves. See table 8.2 below for more information about prior year loss development.


Table 8.2 below shows the development of reserves in 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 for previously received delinquencies.
Reserve development on previously received delinquencies
Table8.2      8.2      
(In millions)(In millions) 2018 2017 2016(In millions) 2019 2018 2017
Decrease in estimated claim rate on primary delinquenciesDecrease in estimated claim rate on primary delinquencies $(213) $(248) $(148)Decrease in estimated claim rate on primary delinquencies $(112) $(213) $(248)
Increase in estimated severity on primary delinquencies 29
 9
 9
(Decrease) increase in estimated severity on primary delinquencies(Decrease) increase in estimated severity on primary delinquencies (1) 29
 9
Change in estimates related to pool reserves, LAE reserves, reinsurance and otherChange in estimates related to pool reserves, LAE reserves, reinsurance and other 17
 8
 (9)Change in estimates related to pool reserves, LAE reserves, reinsurance and other 42
 17
 8
Total prior year loss development (1)
Total prior year loss development (1)
 $(167) $(231) $(148)
Total prior year loss development (1)
 $(71) $(167) $(231)
(1) 
A negative number for prior year loss development indicates a redundancy of prior year loss reserves.




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For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, we experienced favorable development on previously received delinquencies. This development was, in part, due to the resolution of approximately 73%69%, 67%73% and 63%67% for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, respectively, of the prior year delinquent inventory, with improved cure rates. During 2019, 2018, and 2017, cure activity on loans that were delinquent twelve months or more was significantly higher than our previous estimates. During 2019, the favorable development was offset by adjustments to LAE reserves and amounts paid in settlement of disputes for claim paying practices. See Note 17 – “Litigation and Contingencies.”The favorable development for the years ended 2018 2017, and 20162017 was offset, in part, by an increase in the estimated severity on previously reported delinquencies remaining in the delinquent inventory.




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DELINQUENT INVENTORY
A roll-forward of our primary delinquent inventory for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 appears in table 8.3 below. The information concerning new notices and cures is compiled from monthly reports received from loan servicers. The level of new notice and cure activity reported in a particular month can be influenced by, among other things, the date on which a servicer generates its report, the number of business days in a month and transfers of servicing between loan servicers.
Primary delinquent inventory roll-forward
Table8.3      
  2019 2018 2017
Beginning delinquent inventory 32,898
 46,556
 50,282
New Notices 54,239
 54,448
 68,268
Cures (52,035) (60,511) (61,094)
Paid claims (4,267) (5,750) (9,206)
Rescissions and denials (168) (267) (357)
Other items removed from inventory (639) (1,578) (1,337)
Ending delinquent inventory 30,028
 32,898
 46,556

Primary delinquent inventory roll-forward
Table8.3      
  2018 2017 2016
Beginning delinquent inventory 46,556
 50,282
 62,633
New Notices 54,448
 68,268
 67,434
Cures (60,511) (61,094) (65,516)
Paid claims (5,750) (9,206) (12,367)
Rescissions and denials (267) (357) (629)
Other items removed from inventory (1,578) (1,337) (1,273)
Ending delinquent inventory 32,898
 46,556
 50,282


Hurricane activity
New delinquent notice activity increased in 2017 compared to 2016 (particularly in the fourth quarter) because of hurricane activity that primarily impacted Puerto Rico, Texas, and Florida in the third quarter of 2017. In response to the hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Individual Assistance Disaster Areas ("IADA") which we used to identify new notices of delinquency for reserving and loss mitigation purposes. We received 9,294 new notices of delinquency on loans in the IADAs in the fourth quarter of 2017, which compares to 1,968 new notices in the same areas in the fourth quarter of 2016.2017. Loans in our ending delinquent inventory within the IADAs were 12,446 and 7,162 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.2017. The majority of notices of delinquency received from the IADAs due to the hurricane activity cured during 2018.


Other items removed from inventory
During 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 our losses paid included amounts paid upon commutation of coverage on pools of non-performing loans ("NPLs"), and in 2016 our losses paid also included amounts paid in connection
with settlements for disputes concerning our claims paying practices.policies . The impacts of the commutations of coverage on NPLspolicies and/or settlements in each of the past three years were as follows:
2019 - 639 notices removed from delinquent inventory with an amount paid of $30 million,
2018 - 1,578 notices removed from delinquent inventory with an amount paid of $50 million,
2017 - 1,337 notices removed from delinquent inventory with an amount paid of $54 million.
2018 - 1,578 notices removed from delinquent inventory with an amount paid of $50 million,
2017 - 1,337 notices removed from delinquent inventory with an amount
In 2019 our losses paid of $54included $23.5 million,
2016 - 1,273 notices removed from delinquent inventory with an amount paid of $53 million. In addition, we made a final payment of $42 million in connection with a 2012 settlement agreement with Freddie Mac regarding the aggregate loss limit under certain pool insurance policies.
settlements of disputes concerning our claims paying practices.


Aging of delinquent inventory
Historically as a delinquency ages it becomes more likely to result in a claim. The new notice activity from hurricane impacted areas in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased the percentage of our delinquent inventory that hashad been delinquent for three months or less (table 8.4) as of December 31, 2017 when compared to December 31, 2016.2017.


The number of consecutive months that a borrower has been delinquent is shown in the table 8.4 below.
Primary delinquent inventory - consecutive months delinquent
Table8.4      8.4      
 December 31,  December 31,
 2018 2017 2016  2019 2018 2017
3 months or less3 months or less 9,829
 17,119
 12,194
3 months or less 9,447
 9,829
 17,119
4 - 11 months4 - 11 months 9,655
 12,050
 13,450
4 - 11 months 9,664
 9,655
 12,050
12 months or more (1)
12 months or more (1)
 13,414
 17,387
 24,638
12 months or more (1)
 10,917
 13,414
 17,387
TotalTotal 32,898
 46,556
 50,282
Total 30,028
 32,898
 46,556
             
3 months or less3 months or less 30% 37% 24%3 months or less 32% 30% 37%
4 - 11 months4 - 11 months 29% 26% 27%4 - 11 months 32% 29% 26%
12 months or more12 months or more 41% 37% 49%12 months or more 36% 41% 37%
TotalTotal 100% 100% 100%Total 100% 100% 100%
             
Primary claims received inventory included in ending delinquent inventoryPrimary claims received inventory included in ending delinquent inventory 809
 954
 1,385
Primary claims received inventory included in ending delinquent inventory 538
 809
 954
(1) 
Approximately 38%36%, 45%38%, and 47%45% of the primary delinquent inventory delinquent for 12 consecutive months or more has been delinquent for at least 36 consecutive months as of December 31, 20182019, 20172018 and 20162017, respectively.



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POOL INSURANCE DEFAULT INVENTORY
Pool insurance default inventory decreased to 653 at December 31, 2019 from 859 at December 31, 2018 fromand 1,309 at December 31, 2017 and 1,883 at December 31, 2016.2017.


CLAIMS PAYING PRACTICES
Our loss reserving methodology incorporates our estimates of future rescissions. A variance between ultimate actual rescission rates and our estimates, as a result of the outcome of litigation, settlements or other factors, could materially affect our losses. Our estimate of premiums to be refunded on expected future rescissions is accrued for separately and is included in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets.


For information about discussions and legal proceedings with customers with respect to our claims paying practices, including settlements that we believe are probable, as defined in ASC 450-20, see Note 17 – “Litigation and Contingencies.”




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NOTE 9 Reinsurance
Our consolidated financial statements reflect the effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Assumed reinsurance refers to the acceptance of certain insurance risks that other insurance companies have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance involves transferring certain insurance risks (along with the related earned premiums) we have underwritten to other insurance companies who agree to share these risks. The purpose of ceded reinsurance is to protect us, at a cost, against losses arising from our mortgage guaranty policies covered by the agreement and to manage our capital requirements under PMIERs. Reinsurance is currently placed on a quota-sharequota share and excess of loss basis, but we also have immaterial captive reinsurance agreements that remain in effect.


Table 9.1 below shows the effect of all reinsurance agreements on premiums earned and losses incurred as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
Reinsurance
Table9.1      
  Years ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Premiums earned:      
Direct $1,155,240
 $1,084,748
 $1,059,973
Assumed 5,085
 1,805
 509
Ceded (129,337) (111,391) (125,735)
Net premiums earned $1,030,988
 $975,162
 $934,747
       
Losses incurred:      
Direct $130,100
 $43,060
 $74,727
Assumed (125) 331
 183
Ceded (11,400) (6,829) (21,201)
Net losses incurred $118,575
 $36,562
 $53,709

Reinsurance
Table9.1      
  Years ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums earned:      
Direct $1,084,748
 $1,059,973
 $1,058,545
Assumed 1,805
 509
 662
Ceded (111,391) (125,735) (133,981)
Net premiums earned $975,162
 $934,747
 $925,226
       
Losses incurred:      
Direct $43,060
 $74,727
 $273,207
Assumed 331
 183
 1,138
Ceded (6,829) (21,201) (34,188)
Net losses incurred $36,562
 $53,709
 $240,157


QUOTA SHARE REINSURANCE
Each of the reinsurers under our quota share reinsurance agreements described below has an insurer financial strength rating of A- or better (or a comparable rating) by Standard and Poor's Rating Services, A.M. Best, Moody's, or both.

2018 QSR Transaction. Our 2018 quota share reinsurance agreement ("2018 QSR Transaction") provides coverage on eligible new business written in 2018. Under the 2018 QSR Transaction, we cede losses incurred and premiums on or after the effective date through December 31, 2029, at which time the agreement expires. Early terminationa combination of the agreement can be elected by us effective December 31, 2021, and annually thereafter, for a fee, or under specified scenarios for no fee upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.three.


The structure of the 2018 QSR Transaction is a 30% quota share for all policies covered, with a 20% ceding commission as well as a profit commission. Generally, under the 2018 QSR Transaction, we will receive a profit commission provided that the loss ratio on the loans covered under the agreement remains below 62%.



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2017 QSR Transaction. Our 2017 quota share reinsurance agreement ("2017 QSR Transaction") provides coverage on eligible new business written in 2017. Under our 2017 QSR Transaction we cede losses incurred and premiums on or after the effective date through December 31, 2028, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the agreement can be elected by us effective December 31, 2021 for a fee, or under specified scenarios for no fee upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.

2015 QSR Transaction. Our 2015 quota share reinsurance agreement ("2015 QSR Transaction") provides coverage on eligible business written before 2017. Under the 2015 QSR Transaction we cede losses incurred and premiums through December 31, 2024, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the agreement can be elected by us for a fee on a bi-annual basis, or under specified scenarios for no fee upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs for the risk ceded in any required calculation period. Our next early termination option is at June 30, 2019 and requires 90 days' prior written notice.

The structure of both the 2017 QSR Transaction and 2015 QSR Transactions is a 30% quota share for all policies covered, with a 20% ceding commission as well as a profit commission. Generally, under the 2017 and 2015 QSR Transactions, we will receive a profit commission provided that the loss ratio on the loans covered under the agreement remains below 60%.

Table 9.2 provides a summary of our quota share reinsurance agreements, excluding captive agreements, for 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Quota share reinsurance
Table9.2      
  Years ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Ceded premiums written and earned, net of profit commission (1)
 $108,337
 $120,974
 $125,460
Ceded losses incurred 6,543
 22,336
 30,201
Ceding commissions (2)
51,201
 49,321
 47,629
Profit commission 147,667
 125,629
 112,685
(1)
Under our QSR Transactions, premiums are ceded on an earned and received basis as defined in our agreements.
(2)
Ceding commissions are reported within Other underwriting and operating expenses, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

Under the terms of our QSR Transactions currently in effect, reinsurance premiums, ceding commission and profit commission are settled net on a quarterly basis. The reinsurance premium due after deducting the related ceding commission and profit commission is reported within "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.
The reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves was $33.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and $39.3 million as of December 31, 2017. The reinsurance recoverable balance is secured by funds on deposit from the reinsurers which are based on the funding requirements of PMIERs that address ceded risk.

2019 QSR Transaction. We have agreed to terms onentered into a QSR Transactiontransaction with a group of unaffiliated reinsurers with an effective date of January 1, 2019 ("(“2019 QSR Transaction"Transaction”), which provides coverage on eligible new business writtenNIW in 2019. Under the 2019 QSR Transaction, we will cede losses incurred and premiums on or after the effective date through December 31, 2030, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the agreement can be elected by us effective December 31, 2021 andor bi-annually thereafter, for a fee, or under specified scenarios for no0 fee upon prior written notice, including
if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs, full financial statement credit or full credit under applicable regulatory capital requirements for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.


The structure of the 2019 QSR Transaction is a 30% quota share, with a one-time option, elected by us, to reduce the cede rate to either 25% or 20% effective July 1, 2020, or bi-annually thereafter, for a fee, for all policies covered, with a 20% ceding commission as well as a profit commission. Generally, under the 2019 QSR Transaction, we will receive aan annual profit commission provided that the annual loss ratio on the loans covered under the agreementtransactions remains below 62%.


EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE
On October 30, 2018 MGIC entered into a fully collateralizedQSR Transaction. Our 2018 quota share reinsurance agreement with Home Re 2018-1 Ltd. (“Home Re”("2018 QSR Transaction"), an unaffiliated special purpose insurer domiciled provides coverage on eligible NIW in Bermuda, that provides for up to $318.6 million of aggregate excess-of-loss reinsurance coverage as of August 1,2018. Under the 2018 on a portfolio of mortgage insurance policies having an insurance coverage in force dateQSR Transaction, we cede losses incurred and premiums on or after July 1, 2016the effective date through December 31, 2029, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the agreement can be elected by us effective December 31, 2021, and before January 1, 2018. Forannually thereafter, for a fee, or under specified scenarios for 0 fee upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% of the reinsurance coverage period, MGICfull credit amount under the PMIERs, full financial statement credit or full credit under applicable regulatory capital requirements for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.

The structure of the 2018 QSR Transaction is a 30% quota share for all policies covered, with a 20% ceding commission as well as a profit commission. Generally, under the 2018 QSR Transaction, we will retainreceive an annual profit commission provided the first layer of $168.7 million of aggregate losses, and Home Re will then provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. The premiums ceded to the reinsurer, Home Re, are composed of coverage premiums, initial expense and supplemental premiums. The coverage premiums are generally calculated as the difference between the amount of interest payable by Home Reannual loss ratio on the notes it issued to raise funds toloans covered under the transactions remains below 62%.

2017 QSR Transaction. Our 2017 quota share reinsurance agreement ("2017 QSR Transaction") provides coverage on eligible NIW in 2017. Under our 2017 QSR Transaction, we cede losses incurred and premiums on or after the effective date through December 31, 2028, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the agreement can be elected by us effective December 31, 2021 for a fee, or under specified scenarios for 0 fee upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs, full financial statement credit or full credit under applicable regulatory capital requirements for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.

The structure of the 2017 QSR Transaction is a 30% quota share for all policies covered, with a 20% ceding commission as well as a profit commission. Generally, under the 2017 QSR Transaction, we will receive an annual profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on the loans covered under the transactions remains below 60%.




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collateralize its
2015 QSR Transaction. We terminated a portion of our 2015 QSR Transaction effective June 30, 2019 and entered into an amended quota share reinsurance obligationsagreement with certain participants from the existing reinsurance panel that effectively reduces the quota share cede rate from 30% to us, and the investment income collected15% on the collateral assets.remaining eligible insurance. During the second quarter of 2019, we incurred a termination fee of $6.8 million, which was paid to participants of the reinsurance panel that are not participating in the amended 2015 QSR Transaction. Under the amended 2015 QSR Transaction we cede losses and premiums on eligible insurance written before 2017 through December 31, 2031, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the amended agreement can be elected by us on or after June 30, 2021, bi-annually thereafter for 0 fee, or under specified scenarios, including if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs, full financial statement credit or full credit under applicable regulatory capital requirements for the risk ceded in any required calculation period. Generally, under our amended 2015 QSR Transaction, we will receive an annual profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on the loans covered under the transactions remains below 68%.


Table 9.2 provides a summary of our quota share reinsurance agreements, excluding captive agreements, for 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Quota share reinsurance
Table9.2      
  Years ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Ceded premiums written and earned, net of profit commission (1)
 $111,550
 $108,337
 $120,974
Ceded losses incurred 11,395
 6,543
 22,336
Ceding commissions (2)
48,793
 51,201
 49,321
Profit commission 139,179
 147,667
 125,629
(1)
Under our QSR Transactions, premiums are ceded on an earned and received basis as defined in our agreements.
(2)
Ceding commissions are reported within Other underwriting and operating expenses, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

Under the terms of our QSR Transactions currently in effect, reinsurance premiums, ceding commission and profit commission are settled net on a quarterly basis. The reinsurance premium due after deducting the related ceding commission and profit commission is reported within "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.
The reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves was $21.6 million as of December 31, 2019 and $33.2 million as of December 31, 2018.The reinsurance recoverable balance is secured by funds on deposit from the
reinsurers, the amount of which is based on the funding requirements of PMIERs.


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2020 QSR Transaction.We have agreed to terms on a QSR Transaction with a group of unaffiliated reinsurers with an effective date of January 1, 2020 ("2020 QSR Transaction"), which provides coverage on eligible NIW in 2020

Under the 2020 QSR Transaction, we cede losses incurred and premiums on or after the effective date through December 31, 2031, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the agreement can be elected by us effective December 31, 2022, and bi-annually thereafter, for a fee, or under specified scenarios for 0 fee upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.

The structure of the 2020 QSR Transaction is a 30% quota share on 2020 NIW, with an option to reduce the cede rate to either 25.0% or 20% effective July 1, 2021 or semiannually thereafter. Generally, under the 2020 QSR Transaction, we will receive an annual profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on the loans covered under the transactions remains below 62%.

2021 QSR Transaction. In addition, we have agreed to terms on a QSR Transaction with a group of unaffiliated reinsurers with an effective date of January 1, 2021 ("2021 QSR Transaction"), which provides coverage on eligible NIW in 2021.

Under the 2021 QSR Transaction, we cede losses incurred and premiums on or after the effective date through December 31, 2032 for 2021 NIW, at which time the agreement expires. Early termination of the agreement can be elected by us effective December 31, 2023, and bi-annually thereafter, for a fee, or under specified scenarios for 0 fee upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% of the full credit amount under the PMIERs for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.

The structure of the 2021 QSR Transaction is a 17.5% quota share on 2021 NIW, with an option to reduce the cede rate to either 14.5% or 12% effective July 1, 2022 or semiannually thereafter. Generally, under the 2021 QSR Transaction, we will receive an annual profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on the loans covered under the transactions remains below 62%.



EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE
We have aggregate excess of loss reinsurance agreements (“Home Re Transactions”) with unaffiliated special purpose insurers domiciled in Bermuda (“Home Re Entities”). For the reinsurance coverage periods, we retain the first layer of the respective aggregate losses, and a Home Re special purpose entity will then provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. We retain losses in excess of the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage decreases over a ten-year period, subject to certain conditions, as the underlying covered mortgages amortize principal is prepaid,or are repaid, or mortgage insurance losses are paid. MGIC has rights to terminate the reinsurance agreement, which includes an option to terminate on or after October 25, 2025.Home Re
Transactions under certain circumstances. The Home Re entities financed the coveragecoverages by issuing mortgage insurance-linked notes (“ILNs”) to unaffiliated investors in an aggregate amount of $318.6 millionequal to unaffiliated investors.the initial reinsurance coverage amounts. The notesILNs each have ten-year legal maturities and are non-recourse to any assets of MGIC or its affiliates. The proceeds of the notesILNs, which were deposited into a reinsurance trusttrusts for the benefit of MGIC, that will be the source of reinsurance claim payments to MGIC and principal repayments on the mortgage insurance-linked notes.ILNs.


Table 9.3 provides a summary of our excess of loss reinsurance agreements as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents


Excess of Loss Reinsurance   
Table 9.3           
(In thousands)     As of December 31, 2019As of December 31, 2018
Home Re Entity (Issue Date) Policy Inforce Dates Termination Option Date (1) Remaining First Layer Retention Remaining Excess of Loss Reinsurance CoveragesRemaining First Layer Retention Remaining Excess of Loss Reinsurance Coverages
Home Re 2018-1 Ltd. (Oct. - 2018) July 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017 October 25, 2025 $167,779
 $260,957
$168,691
 $318,636
Home Re 2019-1 Ltd. (May - 2019) January 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 May 25, 2026 185,636
 271,021

 
Total     $353,415
 $531,978
$168,691
 $318,636

(1)
We have the right to terminate the excess-of-loss reinsurance agreements under certain circumstances and on any payment date on or after the respective termination option date.

The reinsurance premiums ceded to each Home Re Entity are composed of coverage, initial expense and supplemental premiums. The coverage premiums are generally calculated as the difference between the amount of interest payable by the Home Re Entity on the unpaid portion of the ILNs it issued to raise funds to collateralize its reinsurance obligations to us, and the investment income collected on the collateral assets. The amount of monthly reinsurance coverage premium ceded will fluctuate due to changechanges in one-month LIBOR, (or the fallback reference rate, as applicable) and changes in money market rates that affect investment income collected on the assets in the reinsurance trust. As the reinsurance premium will vary based on changes in these rates,a result, we concluded that theeach reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative that will beis accounted for separately as a freestanding derivative. The fair valuevalues of the derivativederivatives at December 31, 2018, and the change in fair value from inception of the reinsurance agreement to December 31, 2018, was2019, were not material to our consolidated balance sheet, and consolidated statement of operations, respectively. Total ceded premiums were $2.8 million forthe change in fair values during the year ended December 31, 2018.2019 were not material to our consolidated statements of operations. Total ceded premiums were $17.6 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


In connection with entering intoAt the reinsurance agreement withtime the Home Re Transactions were entered into, we concluded that the risk transfer requirements for reinsurance accounting were met aseach Home Re Entity is assuming significant insurance risk and a reasonable possibility of significant loss. In addition, we assessed whether Home Re was a variable interest entity (“VIE”). A VIE is a legal entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or is structured such that equity investors lack the ability to make sufficient decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights or do not substantively participate in gains and losses of the entity. We concluded that Home Re is a VIE. However, givenGiven that MGIC (1) does not have the unilateral power to direct the activities that most significantly affect each Home Re’sRe Entity’s economic performance and (2) does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of each Home Re Entity, consolidation of neither Home Re Entity is not required.


We are required to disclose our maximum exposure to loss, which we consider to be an amount that we could
be required to record in our statementstatements of operations, as a result of our involvement with this VIE.the VIEs under our Home Re Transactions. As of
December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, we did not have material exposure to the VIEVIEs as we have no investment in the VIEVIEs and had no reinsurance claim payments due from theeither VIE under our reinsurance agreement.agreements. We are unable to determine the timing or extent of claims from losses that may beare ceded under the reinsurance agreement.agreements. The VIE assets are deposited in a reinsurance trusttrusts for the benefit of MGIC that will be the source of reinsurance claim payments to MGIC. The purpose of the reinsurance trusttrusts is to provide security to MGIC for the obligations of the VIEVIEs under the reinsurance agreement.agreements. The trustee of the reinsurance trust,trusts, a recognized provider of corporate trust services, has established a segregated accountaccounts within the reinsurance trusttrusts for the benefit of MGIC, pursuant to the trust agreement.agreements. The trust agreement isagreements are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. If the trustee of the reinsurance trusttrusts failed to distribute claim payments to us as provided in the reinsurance trust,trusts, we would incur a loss related to our losses ceded under the reinsurance agreementagreements and deemed unrecoverable. We are also unable to determine the impact such possible failure by the trustee to perform pursuant to the reinsurance trust agreementagreements may have on our consolidated financial statements. As a result, we are unable to quantify our maximum exposure to loss related to our involvement with the VIE.VIEs. MGIC has certain termination rights under the reinsurance agreementagreements should its claims not be paid. We consider our exposure to loss from our reinsurance agreementagreements with the VIEVIEs to be remote.


The following

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents


Table 9.4 presents the total assets of Home Re Entities as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Home Re Entities total assets
Table9.4  
   
(In thousands)  
Home Re Entity Total VIE Assets
December 31, 2019  
Home Re 2018-01 Ltd. $269,451
Home Re 2019-01 Ltd. $283,150
December 31, 2018  
Home Re 2018-1 Ltd. $318,636

Home Re total assets
Table9.3  
    
(In thousands) Total VIE Assets
Home Re 2018-1 Ltd. $318,636


The reinsurance trust agreement providesagreements provide that the trust assets may generally only be invested in certain money market funds that (i) invest at least 99.5% of their total assets in cash or direct U.S. federal government obligations, such as U.S. Treasury bills, as well as other short-term securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. federal government or issued by an agency of the U.S. federal government, (ii) have a principal stability fund rating of “AAAm” by S&P or a money market fund rating of “Aaa-mf” by Moody’s as of the Closing Date and thereafter maintain any rating with either S&P or Moody’s, and (iii) are permitted investments under the applicable credit for reinsurance laws and applicable PMIERs credit for reinsurance requirements.


The assets of the Home Re Entities provide capital credit under the PMIERs financial requirements (see Note 1 - "Nature of Business"). A decline in the assets available to pay claims would reduce the capital credit available to MGIC.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 107115

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




NOTE 10 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The pretax components of our other comprehensive income (loss) and related income tax (expense) benefit for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 are included in table 10.1 below.
Components of other comprehensive income (loss)
Table10.1      
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year $220,139
 $(81,834) $69,052
Income tax (expense) benefit (46,229) 17,188
 (21,505)
Net of taxes 173,910
 (64,646) 47,547
       
Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations 29,129
 (19,958) (8,983)
Income tax (expense) benefit (6,117) 4,191
 3,144
Net of taxes 23,012
 (15,767) (5,839)
       
Net changes in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment 
 
 45
Income tax benefit (expense) 
 
 (14)
Net of taxes 
 
 31
       
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 249,268
 (101,792) 60,114
Total income tax (expense) benefit, net (52,346) 21,379
 (18,375)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $196,922
 $(80,413) $41,739
Components of other comprehensive income (loss)
Table10.1      
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains arising during the year $(81,834) $69,052
 $(5,425)
Income tax benefit (expense) 17,188
 (21,505) 1,776
Net of taxes (64,646) 47,547
 (3,649)
       
Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations (19,958) (8,983) (14,799)
Income tax benefit 4,191
 3,144
 5,179
Net of taxes (15,767) (5,839) (9,620)
       
Net changes in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment 
 45
 (1,463)
Income tax (expense) benefit 
 (14) 512
Net of taxes 
 31
 (951)
       
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (101,792) 60,114
 (21,687)
Total income tax benefit (expense), net 21,379
 (18,375) 7,467
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax $(80,413) $41,739
 $(14,220)



The pretax and related income tax benefit (expense) components of the amounts reclassified from our accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"income (loss) ( "AOCI", "AOCL") to our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 20162017 are included in table 10.2 below.
Reclassifications from AOCL
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Table10.2      10.2      
(In thousands)(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Reclassification adjustment for net realized (losses) gains included in net income (1)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized (losses) gains included in net income (1)
 $(7,037) $(2,580) $6,207
Reclassification adjustment for net realized (losses) gains included in net income (1)
 $3,637
 $(7,037) $(2,580)
Income tax benefit (expense) 1,477
 903
 (2,050)
Income tax (expense) benefitIncome tax (expense) benefit (763) 1,477
 903
Net of taxesNet of taxes (5,560) (1,677) 4,157
Net of taxes 2,874
 (5,560) (1,677)
             
Reclassification adjustment related to benefit plan assets and obligations (2)
Reclassification adjustment related to benefit plan assets and obligations (2)
(2,232) 906
 1,480
Reclassification adjustment related to benefit plan assets and obligations (2)
(8,097) (2,232) 906
Income tax benefit (expense)Income tax benefit (expense) 469
 (317) (518)Income tax benefit (expense) 1,701
 469
 (317)
Net of taxesNet of taxes (1,763) 589
 962
Net of taxes (6,396) (1,763) 589
             
Reclassification adjustment related to foreign currency (3)
 
 
 1,467
Income tax (expense) 
 
 (513)
Net of taxes 
 
 954
      
Total reclassificationsTotal reclassifications (9,269) (1,674) 9,154
Total reclassifications (4,460) (9,269) (1,674)
Total income tax benefit (expense), net 1,946
 586
 (3,081)
Total income tax benefit, netTotal income tax benefit, net 938
 1,946
 586
Total reclassifications, net of taxTotal reclassifications, net of tax $(7,323) $(1,088) $6,073
Total reclassifications, net of tax $(3,522) $(7,323) $(1,088)
(1) 
(Decreases) increases Net realized investment gains on the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) 
Decreases (increases) Other underwriting and operating expenses, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
(3)
Increases (decreases) Other revenue on the consolidated statements of operations.









MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 108116

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




A roll-forward of AOCLAOCI (AOCL) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016,2017, including amounts reclassified from AOCL,AOCI (AOCL), is included in table 10.3 below.
Roll-forward of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Table10.3        
(In thousands) Net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities Net benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in shareholders' equity Net unrealized foreign currency translation Total AOCL
Balance, December 31, 2016, net of tax $(20,797) $(54,272) $(31) $(75,100)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 45,870
 (5,250) 31
 40,651
Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCL (1,677) 589
 
 (1,088)
Less: Amounts reclassified for lower enacted corporate tax rate (2,525) 12,947
 
 10,422
Balance, December 31, 2017, net of tax 29,275
 (73,058) 
 (43,783)
Cumulative effect of adopting the accounting standard update for financial instruments (18) 
 
 (18)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (70,206) (17,530) 
 (87,736)
Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCL (5,560) (1,763) 
 (7,323)
Balance, December 31, 2018, net of tax (35,389) (88,825) 
 (124,214)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 176,784
 16,616
 
 193,400
Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCL 2,874
 (6,396) 
 (3,522)
Balance, December 31, 2019, net of tax $138,521
 $(65,813) $
 72,708

Roll-forward of AOCL
Table10.3        
(In thousands) Net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities Net benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in shareholders' equity Net unrealized foreign currency translation Total AOCL
Balance, December 31, 2015, net of tax $(17,148) $(44,652) $920
 $(60,880)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 508
 (8,658) 3
 (8,147)
Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCL 4,157
 962
 954
 6,073
Balance, December 31, 2016, net of tax (20,797) (54,272) (31) (75,100)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 45,870
 (5,250) 31
 40,651
Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCL (1,677) 589
 
 (1,088)
Less: Amounts reclassified for lower enacted corporate tax rate (2,525) 12,947
 
 10,422
Balance, December 31, 2017, net of tax 29,275
 (73,058) 
 (43,783)
Cumulative effect of adopting the accounting standard update for financial instruments (18) 
 
 (18)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (70,206) (17,530) 
 (87,736)
Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCL (5,560) (1,763) 
 (7,323)
Balance, December 31, 2018, net of tax $(35,389) $(88,825) $
 (124,214)






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 109117

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




NOTE 11 Benefit Plans
We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all domestic employees, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan. We also offer both medical and dental benefits for retired domestic employees, their eligible spouses and dependents under a postretirement benefit plan. The following tables 11.1, 11.2, and 11.3 provide the components of aggregate annual net periodic benefit cost for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 20162017 and changes in the benefit obligation and the funded status of the pension, supplemental executive retirement and other postretirement benefit plans as recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018.
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Table11.1            
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2017
1. Company Service Cost $8,345
 $10,530
 $9,556
 $1,345
 $1,160
 $813
2. Interest Cost 15,705
 15,095
 15,475
 1,130
 834
 706
3. Expected Return on Assets (19,466) (22,250) (20,099) (5,785) (6,359) (5,248)
4. Other Adjustments 
 
 
 
 
 
Subtotal 4,584
 3,375
 4,932
 (3,310) (4,365) (3,729)
5. Amortization of:  
  
  
  
  
  
a. Net Transition Obligation/(Asset) ���
 
 
 
 
 
b. Net Prior Service Cost/(Credit) (281) (351) (426) (34) (4,104) (6,649)
c. Net Losses/(Gains) 8,412
 6,937
 6,169
 
 (250) 
Total Amortization 8,131
 6,586
 5,743
 (34) (4,354) (6,649)
6. Net Periodic Benefit Cost 12,715
 9,961
 10,675
 (3,344) (8,719) (10,378)
7. Cost of settlements 1,933
 
 
 
 
 
8. Total Expense for Year $14,648
 $9,961
 $10,675
 $(3,344) $(8,719) $(10,378)

Components of net periodic benefit cost
Table11.1            
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2016 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2016
1. Company Service Cost $10,530
 $9,556
 $9,130
 $1,160
 $813
 $751
2. Interest Cost 15,095
 15,475
 15,906
 834
 706
 704
3. Expected Return on Assets (22,250) (20,099) (19,508) (6,359) (5,248) (4,886)
4. Other Adjustments 
 
 
 
 
 
Subtotal 3,375
 4,932
 5,528
 (4,365) (3,729) (3,431)
5. Amortization of:  
  
  
  
  
  
a. Net Transition Obligation/(Asset) 
 
 
 
 
 
b. Net Prior Service Cost/(Credit) (351) (426) (687) (4,104) (6,649) (6,649)
c. Net Losses/(Gains) 6,937
 6,169
 5,856
 (250) 
 
Total Amortization 6,586
 5,743
 5,169
 (4,354) (6,649) (6,649)
6. Net Periodic Benefit Cost 9,961
 10,675
 10,697
 (8,719) (10,378) (10,080)
7. Cost of settlements 
 
 1,277
 
 
 
8. Total Expense for Year $9,961
 $10,675
 $11,974
 $(8,719) $(10,378) $(10,080)
Development of funded status
Table11.2        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2018
Actuarial Value of Benefit Obligations        
1. Measurement Date 12/31/2019
 12/31/2018
 12/31/2019
 12/31/2018
2. Accumulated Benefit Obligation $412,939
 $375,562
 $27,496
 $28,085
         
Funded Status/Asset (Liability) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet        
1. Projected Benefit Obligation $(413,350) $(376,153) $(27,496) $(28,085)
2. Plan Assets at Fair Value 402,691
 359,719
 99,590
 77,762
3. Funded Status - Overfunded/Asset N/A
 N/A
 $72,094
 $49,677
4. Funded Status - Underfunded/Liability (10,659) (16,434) N/A
 N/A



Development of funded status
Table11.2        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2017
Actuarial Value of Benefit Obligations        
1. Measurement Date 12/31/2018
 12/31/2017
 12/31/2018
 12/31/2017
2. Accumulated Benefit Obligation $375,562
 $411,996
 $28,085
 $24,716
         
Funded Status/Asset (Liability) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet        
1. Projected Benefit Obligation $(376,153) $(417,770) $(28,085) $(24,716)
2. Plan Assets at Fair Value 359,719
 401,142
 77,762
 85,303
3. Funded Status - Overfunded/Asset N/A
 N/A
 $49,677
 $60,587
4. Funded Status - Underfunded/Liability (16,434) (16,628) N/A
 N/A



MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 110118

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss
Table11.3        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2018
1. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss $99,826
 $110,321
 $(18,005) $939
2. Net Prior Service Cost/(Credit) (1,237) (1,513) 2,724
 2,690
3. Net Transition Obligation/(Asset) 
 
 
 
4. Total at Year End $98,589
 $108,808
 $(15,281) $3,629

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Table11.3        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2017
1. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss $110,321
 $109,904
 $939
 $(10,234)
2. Net Prior Service Cost/(Credit) (1,513) (1,850) 2,690
 (5,342)
3. Net Transition Obligation/(Asset) 
 
 
 
4. Total at Year End $108,808
 $108,054
 $3,629
 $(15,576)


The amortization of gains and losses resulting from actual experience different from assumed experience or changes in assumptions including discount rates is included as a component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost/(Income) for the year. The gain or loss in excess of a 10% corridor is amortized by the average remaining service period of participating employees expected to receive benefits under the plan.


Table 11.4 shows the changes in the projected benefit obligation for 20182019 and 2017.2018.
Change in projected benefit / accumulated benefit
Table11.4        11.4        
 Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2017(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2018
1. Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year1. Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year $417,770
 $369,808
 $24,716
 $17,378
1. Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year $376,153
 $417,770
 $28,085
 $24,716
2. Company Service Cost2. Company Service Cost 10,530
 9,556
 1,160
 813
2. Company Service Cost 8,345
 10,530
 1,345
 1,160
3. Interest Cost3. Interest Cost 15,095
 15,475
 834
 706
3. Interest Cost 15,705
 15,095
 1,130
 834
4. Plan Participants' Contributions4. Plan Participants' Contributions 
 
 475
 395
4. Plan Participants' Contributions 
 
 382
 475
5. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss due to Assumption Changes5. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss due to Assumption Changes (36,132) 38,496
 (1,209) 5,981
5. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss due to Assumption Changes 43,302
 (36,132) (1,215) (1,209)
6. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss due to Plan Experience6. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss due to Plan Experience 2,487
 2,338
 (692) 924
6. Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss due to Plan Experience 3,811
 2,487
 (860) (692)
7. Benefit Payments from Fund (1)
7. Benefit Payments from Fund (1)
 (32,674) (17,578) (1,077) (1,404)
7. Benefit Payments from Fund (1)
 (30,829) (32,674) (826) (1,077)
8. Benefit Payments Directly by Company8. Benefit Payments Directly by Company (908) (335) 
 
8. Benefit Payments Directly by Company (3,105) (908) 
 
9. Plan Amendments9. Plan Amendments (15) 10
 3,928
 
9. Plan Amendments (5) (15) 
 3,928
10. Other Adjustment10. Other Adjustment 
 
 (50) (77)10. Other Adjustment 
 
 (545) (50)
11. Settlement (Gain)/Loss11. Settlement (Gain)/Loss (27) 
 
 
11. Benefit Obligation at End of Year11. Benefit Obligation at End of Year $376,153
 $417,770
 $28,085
 $24,716
11. Benefit Obligation at End of Year $413,350
 $376,153
 $27,496
 $28,085
(1) 
Includes lump sum payments of $18.5 million and $20.9 million in 2019 and $6.3 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, from our pension plan to eligible participants, which were former employees with vested benefits.


The decreaseincrease in our pension and supplemental executive retirement plans obligation in 20182019 compared to 20172018 was primarily due to an increasea decrease in the discount rate used to calculate the obligation and a higher amount ofpartially offset by benefits paid from the fund. The increase in our other postretirement plan obligation was primarily due to a plan amendment, offset by an increase in the discount rate used to calculate the obligation. Table 11.8 below includes the actuarial assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligations of our plans for 20182019 and 2017.2018.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 111119

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




Tables 11.5 and 11.6 shows the changes in the fair value of the net assets available for plan benefits, and changes in other comprehensive income (loss) during 20182019 and 2017.2018.
Change in plan assets
Table11.5        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2018
1. Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year $359,719
 $401,142
 $77,762
 $85,303
2. Company Contributions 10,205
 10,908
 
 
3. Plan Participants' Contributions 
 
 382
 475
4. Benefit Payments from Fund (30,829) (32,674) (826) (1,077)
5. Benefit Payments paid directly by Company (3,105) (908) 
 
6. Actual Return on Assets 70,262
 (19,583) 22,654
 (6,464)
7. Other Adjustment (3,561) 834
 (382) (475)
8. Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year $402,691
 $359,719
 $99,590
 $77,762
Change in plan assets
Table11.5        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2017
1. Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year $401,142
 $360,900
 $85,303
 $70,408
2. Company Contributions 10,908
 9,435
 
 
3. Plan Participants' Contributions 
 
 475
 395
4. Benefit Payments from Fund (32,674) (17,578) (1,077) (1,404)
5. Benefit Payments paid directly by Company (908) (335) 
 
6. Actual Return on Assets (19,583) 48,720
 (6,464) 16,299
7. Other Adjustment 834
 
 (475) (395)
8. Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year $359,719
 $401,142
 $77,762
 $85,303

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI")
Table11.6        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2018
1. AOCI in Prior Year $108,808
 $108,054
 $3,629
 $(15,576)
2. Increase/(Decrease) in AOCI  
  
  
  
a. Recognized during year - Prior Service (Cost)/Credit 281
 351
 34
 4,104
b. Recognized during year - Net Actuarial (Losses)/Gains (8,412) (6,937) 
 250
c. Occurring during year - Prior Service Cost (5) (15) 
 3,928
d. Occurring during year - Net Actuarial Losses/(Gains) (150) 7,355
 (18,944) 10,923
e. Occurring during year - Net Settlement Losses/(Gains) (1,933) 
 
 
3. AOCI in Current Year $98,589
 $108,808
 $(15,281) $3,629

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI")
Table11.6        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2017
1. AOCI in Prior Year $108,054
 $101,575
 $(15,576) $(18,079)
2. Increase/(Decrease) in AOCI  
  
  
  
a. Recognized during year - Prior Service (Cost)/Credit 351
 426
 4,104
 6,649
b. Recognized during year - Net Actuarial (Losses)/Gains (6,937) (6,169) 250
 
c. Occurring during year - Prior Service Cost (15) 10
 3,928
 
d. Occurring during year - Net Actuarial Losses/(Gains) 7,355
 12,212
 10,923
 (4,146)
3. AOCI in Current Year $108,808
 $108,054
 $3,629
 $(15,576)


Table 11.7 shows the amount of amortization on components of net periodic benefit costs expected to be recognized during the year ending December 31, 2019.2020.
Amortization expected to be recognized during fiscal year ending
Table11.7    
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2019
1. Amortization of Net Transition Obligation/(Asset) $
 $
2. Amortization of Prior Service Cost/(Credit) (248) 51
3. Amortization of Net Losses/(Gains) 6,534
 (761)

Amortization expected to be recognized during fiscal year ending
Table11.7    
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2018
1. Amortization of Net Transition Obligation/(Asset) $
 $
2. Amortization of Prior Service Cost/(Credit) (280) (34)
3. Amortization of Net Losses/(Gains) 8,271
 






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 112120

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




The projected benefit obligations, net periodic benefit costs and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the plans were determined using the following weighted average assumptions.
Actuarial assumptions
Table11.8        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
  12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2018
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine        
Benefit Obligations at year end        
1. Discount Rate 3.45% 4.40% 3.20% 4.25%
2. Rate of Compensation Increase 3.00% 3.00% N/A
 N/A
         
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine  
  
  
  
Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Year  
  
  
  
1. Discount Rate 4.40% 3.75% 4.25% 3.55%
2. Expected Long-term Return on Plan Assets 5.75% 5.75% 7.50% 7.50%
3. Rate of Compensation Increase 3.00% 3.00% N/A
 N/A
         
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates at year end  
  
  
  
1. Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Year N/A
 N/A
 6.00% 6.25%
2. Rate to Which the Cost Trend Rate is Assumed to Decline (Ultimate Trend Rate) N/A
 N/A
 5.00% 5.00%
3. Year That the Rate Reaches the Ultimate Trend Rate N/A
 N/A
 2024
 2024

Actuarial assumptions
Table11.8        
  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
  12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2017
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine        
Benefit Obligations at year end        
1. Discount Rate 4.40% 3.75% 4.25% 3.55%
2. Rate of Compensation Increase 3.00% 3.00% N/A
 N/A
         
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine  
  
  
  
Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Year  
  
  
  
1. Discount Rate 3.75% 4.30% 3.55% 3.95%
2. Expected Long-term Return on Plan Assets 5.75% 5.75% 7.50% 7.50%
3. Rate of Compensation Increase 3.00% 3.00% N/A
 N/A
         
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates at year end  
  
  
  
1. Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Year N/A
 N/A
 6.25% 6.50%
2. Rate to Which the Cost Trend Rate is Assumed to Decline (Ultimate Trend Rate) N/A
 N/A
 5.00% 5.00%
3. Year That the Rate Reaches the Ultimate Trend Rate N/A
 N/A
 2024
 2024


In selecting a discount rate, we performed a hypothetical cash flow bond matching exercise, matching our expected pension plan and postretirement medical plan cash flows, respectively, against a selected portfolio of high quality corporate bonds. The modeling was performed using a bond portfolio of noncallable bonds with at least $50 million outstanding. The average yield of these hypothetical bond portfolios was used as the benchmark for determining the discount rate. In selecting the expected long-term rate of return on assets, we considered the average rate of earnings expected on the classes of funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits of these plans. This included considering the trusts' targeted asset allocation for the year and the expected returns likely to be earned over the next 20 years.


The year-end asset allocations of the plans are shown in table 11.9 below.
Plan assets
Table11.9        
   Pension Plan Other Postretirement Benefits
  12/31/2019 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2018
1. Equity Securities 23% 23% 100% 100%
2. Debt Securities 77% 77% % %
3. Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

Plan assets
Table11.9        
   Pension Plan Other Postretirement Benefits
  12/31/2018 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2017
1. Equity Securities 23% 21% 100% 100%
2. Debt Securities 77% 79% % %
3. Total 100% 100% 100% 100%


In accordance with fair value guidance, we applied the following fair value hierarchy in order to measure fair value of our benefit plan assets:
èLevel 1Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access. Financial assets using Level 1 inputs include equity securities, mutual funds, money market funds, certain U.S. Treasury securities and exchange traded funds ("ETFs").
èLevel 2Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable in the marketplace for the instrument. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value of the instruments. Financial assets using Level 2 inputs include certain municipal, corporate and foreign bonds, obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, and pooled equity accounts.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 113121

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




To determine the fair value of securities in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent pricing sources have been used. One price is provided per security based on observable market data. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded. A variety of inputs are used by the independent pricing sources including benchmark yields, reported trades, non-binding broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Inputs may be weighted differently for any security, and not all inputs are used for each security evaluation. Market indicators, industry and economic events are also considered. This information is evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model. In addition, on a quarterly basis, we perform quality controls over values received from the pricing source (the “Trustee”) which include comparing values to other independent pricing sources. In addition, we review annually the Trustee’s auditor’s report on internal controls in order to determine that their controls around valuing securities are operating effectively. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from the independent sources.


Tables 11.10a and 11.10b set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plan assets and related accrued investment income at fair value as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018. There were no securities that used Level 3 inputs.
Pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2018
Pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2019Pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2019
Table11.10a      11.10a      
(In thousands)(In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Total(In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Total
Domestic Mutual FundsDomestic Mutual Funds $13,744
 $
 $13,744
Domestic Mutual Funds $7,325
 $
 $7,325
Corporate BondsCorporate Bonds 
 181,363
 181,363
Corporate Bonds 
 203,684
 203,684
U.S. Government SecuritiesU.S. Government Securities 19,904
 1,324
 21,228
U.S. Government Securities 32,166
 2,511
 34,677
Municipal BondsMunicipal Bonds 
 43,424
 43,424
Municipal Bonds 
 38,998
 38,998
Foreign BondsForeign Bonds 
 30,113
 30,113
Foreign Bonds 
 34,024
 34,024
ETFsETFs 5,241
 
 5,241
ETFs 
 
 
Pooled Equity AccountsPooled Equity Accounts 
 64,606
 64,606
Pooled Equity Accounts 
 83,983
 83,983
Total Assets at fair valueTotal Assets at fair value $38,889
 $320,830
 $359,719
Total Assets at fair value $39,491
 $363,200
 $402,691
Pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2018
Table11.10b      
(In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Total
Domestic Mutual Funds $13,744
 $
 $13,744
Corporate Bonds 
 181,363
 181,363
U.S. Government Securities 19,904
 1,324
 21,228
Municipal Bonds 
 43,424
 43,424
Foreign Bonds 
 30,113
 30,113
ETFs 5,241
 
 5,241
Pooled Equity Accounts 
 64,606
 64,606
Total Assets at fair value $38,889
 $320,830
 $359,719

Pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2017
Table11.10b      
(In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Total
Domestic Mutual Funds $1,006
 $
 $1,006
Corporate Bonds 
 202,840
 202,840
U.S. Government Securities 17,996
 1,400
 19,396
Municipal Bonds 
 62,293
 62,293
Foreign Bonds 
 32,949
 32,949
ETFs 5,734
 
 5,734
Pooled Equity Accounts 
 76,924
 76,924
Total Assets at fair value $24,736
 $376,406
 $401,142


The pension plan has implemented a strategy to reduce risk through the use of a targeted funded ratio. The liability driven component is key to the asset allocation. The liability driven component seeks to align the duration of the fixed income asset allocation with the expected duration of the plan liabilities or benefit payments. Overall asset allocation is dynamic and specifies target allocation weights and ranges based on the funded status.


An improvement in funded status results in the de-risking of the portfolio, allocating more funds to fixed income and less to equity. A decline in funded status would result in a higher allocation to equity. The maximum equity allocation is 40%.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 114122

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




The equity investments use combinations of mutual funds, ETFs, and pooled equity account structures focused on the following strategies:
Strategy Objective Investment types
Return seeking growth Funded ratio improvement over the long term Global quality growth
  Global low volatility
Return seeking bridge Downside protection in the event of a declining equity market Enduring asset
  Durable company



The fixed income objective is to preserve capital and to provide monthly cash flows for the payment of plan liabilities. Fixed income investments can include government, government agency, corporate, mortgage-backed, asset-backed, and municipal securities, and other classes of bonds. The duration of the fixed income portfolio has an objective of being within one year of the duration of the accumulated benefit obligation.  The fixed income investments have an objective of a weighted average credit of A3/A-/A- by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch, respectively.


Tables 11.11a and 11.11b set forth the other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018. All are Level 1 assets.
Other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2018
Other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2019Other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2019
Table11.11a    11.11a    
(In thousands)(In thousands) Level 1 Total(In thousands) Level 1 Total
Domestic Mutual FundsDomestic Mutual Funds $60,405
 $60,405
Domestic Mutual Funds $77,640
 $77,640
International Mutual FundsInternational Mutual Funds 17,357
 17,357
International Mutual Funds 21,950
 21,950
Total Assets at fair valueTotal Assets at fair value $77,762
 $77,762
Total Assets at fair value $99,590
 $99,590
Other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2018
Table11.11b    
(In thousands) Level 1 Total
Domestic Mutual Funds $60,405
 $60,405
International Mutual Funds 17,357
 17,357
Total Assets at fair value $77,762
 $77,762

Other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2017
Table11.11b    
(In thousands) Level 1 Total
Domestic Mutual Funds $64,489
 $64,489
International Mutual Funds 20,814
 20,814
Total Assets at fair value $85,303
 $85,303


Our postretirement plan portfolio is designed to achieve the following objectives over each market cycle and for at least 5 years:
è Total return should exceed growth in the Consumer Price Index by 5.75% annually
èAchieve competitive investment results


 
The primary focus in developing asset allocation ranges for the portfolio is the assessment of the portfolio's investment objectives and the level of risk that is acceptable to obtain those objectives. To achieve these objectives the minimum and maximum allocation ranges for fixed income securities and equity securities are:
 Minimum Maximum
Equities (long only)70% 100%
Real estate0% 15%
Commodities0% 10%
Fixed income/Cash0% 10%
 Minimum Maximum
Equities (long only)70% 100%
Real estate0% 15%
Commodities0% 10%
Fixed income/Cash0% 10%

Given the long term nature of this portfolio and the lack of any immediate need for significant cash flow, it is anticipated that the equity investments will consist of growth stocks and will typically be at the higher end of the allocation ranges above.


Investment in international mutual funds is limited to a maximum of 30% of the equity range. The allocation as of December 31, 20182019 included 3% that was primarily invested in equity securities of emerging market countries and another 19% was invested in securities of companies primarily based in Europe and the Pacific Basin.


Tables 11.12 and 11.13 show the current and estimated future contributions and benefit payments.
Company contributions
Table11.12    11.12    
 Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2018(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2019
Company Contributions for the Year Ending:Company Contributions for the Year Ending:    Company Contributions for the Year Ending:    
1. Current1. Current $10,908
 $
1. Current $10,205
 $
2. Current + 12. Current + 1 10,650
 
2. Current + 1 12,350
 






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 115123

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




Benefits payments - total
Table11.13    11.13    
 Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits  Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Other Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)(In thousands) 12/31/2018 12/31/2018(In thousands) 12/31/2019 12/31/2019
Actual Benefit Payments for the Year Ending:Actual Benefit Payments for the Year Ending:    Actual Benefit Payments for the Year Ending:    
1. Current1. Current $33,582
 $652
1. Current $33,934
 $989
Expected Benefit Payments for the Year Ending:Expected Benefit Payments for the Year Ending:  
  
Expected Benefit Payments for the Year Ending:  
  
2. Current + 12. Current + 1 33,258
 1,352
2. Current + 1 34,943
 1,600
3. Current + 23. Current + 2 28,688
 1,650
3. Current + 2 31,008
 1,847
4. Current + 34. Current + 3 30,574
 1,916
4. Current + 3 30,981
 2,087
5. Current + 45. Current + 4 30,490
 2,386
5. Current + 4 31,175
 2,254
6. Current + 56. Current + 5 30,510
 2,613
6. Current + 5 30,547
 2,367
7. Current + 6 - 107. Current + 6 - 10 143,389
 14,065
7. Current + 6 - 10 141,768
 11,874



HEALTH CARE SENSITIVITIES
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the other postretirement benefits plan. A 1one percentage point change in the health care trend rate assumption would have the following effects on other postretirement benefits:
Health care trend rate assumption
Table11.14    
(In thousands) 
1-Percentage
Point Increase
 
1-Percentage
Point Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components $380
 $(328)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation 2,528
 (2,239)

Health care trend rate assumption
Table11.14    
(In thousands) 
1-Percentage
Point Increase
 
1-Percentage
Point Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components $327
 $(282)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation 3,221
 (2,866)


PROFIT SHARING AND 401(K)
We have a profit sharing and 401(k) savings plan for employees. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, we may make a contribution to the plan of up to 5% of each participant's eligible compensation. We provide a matching 401(k) savings contribution for employees on their before-tax contributions at a rate of 80% of the first $1,000 contributed and 40% of the next $2,000 contributed. For employees hired after January 1, 2014, the match is 100% up to the first 4% contributed. We recognized expenses related to these plans of $6.0$7.4 million, $6.0 million and $5.9$6.0 million in 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, respectively.


 
NOTE 12 Income Taxes
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 are as follows:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Table12.1    
(In thousands) 2019 2018
Total deferred tax assets $63,533
 $83,082
Total deferred tax liabilities (57,791) (13,898)
Net deferred tax asset $5,742
 $69,184
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Table12.1    
(In thousands) 2018 2017
Total deferred tax assets $83,082
 $258,663
Total deferred tax liabilities (13,898) (24,282)
Net deferred tax asset $69,184
 $234,381

 
Table 12.2 includes the components of the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018.
Deferred tax components
Table12.2    
(In thousands) 2019 2018
Unearned premium reserves $30,487
 $31,808
Benefit plans (10,790) (5,047)
Loss reserves 2,175
 3,113
Unrealized (appreciation) depreciation in investments (36,822) 9,407
Mortgage investments 8,359
 8,307
Deferred compensation 9,270
 8,662
AMT credit carryforward 8,303
 17,521
Other, net (5,240) (4,587)
Net deferred tax asset $5,742
 $69,184

Deferred tax components
Table12.2    
(In thousands) 2018 2017
Unearned premium reserves $31,808
 $29,196
Benefit plans (5,047) (7,162)
Federal net operating loss 
 155,839
Loss reserves 3,113
 4,994
Unrealized depreciation (appreciation) in investments 9,407
 (7,782)
Mortgage investments 8,307
 8,963
Deferred compensation 8,662
 7,265
AMT credit carryforward 17,521
 37,017
Other, net (4,587) 6,051
Net deferred tax asset $69,184
 $234,381


We used the remaining balance of our Federal net operating loss carryforward to offset taxable income during 2018. We believe that all gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2018 and 2019 are fully realizable and no valuation allowance has been established.


Table 12.3 summarizes the components of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes:
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Table12.3      
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Current Federal $162,911
 $(16,272) $73,348
Deferred Federal 11,860
 185,598
 351,677
Other (557) 4,727
 3,710
Provision for income taxes $174,214
 $174,053
 $428,735

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Table12.3      
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Current Federal $(16,272) $73,348
 $9,470
Deferred Federal 185,598
 351,677
 160,657
Other 4,727
 3,710
 2,070
Provision for income taxes $174,053
 $428,735
 $172,197


Our income tax expense for 2017 reflects the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets to reflect the lower corporate tax rate of 21% under the Tax Act. As a result of the lower tax rate, we recorded a decrease to our net deferred tax assets of $133 million with a corresponding increase to our deferred income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 116124

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents





Current federal income tax payments were $158.3 million, $12.2 million, and $22.0 million in 2019, 2018 and $4.52017, respectively. At December 31, 2019 we owned $176.0 million in 2018, 2017of tax and 2016, respectively.loss bonds.


Table 12.6 reconciles the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax provision rate.
Effective tax rate reconciliation
Table12.6     
 2019 2018 2017
Federal statutory income tax rate21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 %
Additional income tax provision (benefit) related to the rate decrease included in the Tax Act %  % 17.0 %
Additional income tax provision (benefit) related to IRS litigation % (0.3)% 3.7 %
Tax exempt municipal bond interest(0.6)% (0.7)% (1.4)%
Other, net0.1 % 0.6 % 0.4 %
Effective tax rate20.5 % 20.6 % 54.7 %

Effective tax rate reconciliation
Table12.6     
 2018 2017 2016
Federal statutory income tax rate21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Additional income tax provision related to the rate decrease included in the Tax Act % 17.0 %  %
Additional income tax provision related to IRS litigation(0.3)% 3.7 % 0.1 %
Tax exempt municipal bond interest(0.7)% (1.4)% (1.9)%
Other, net0.6 % 0.4 % 0.3 %
Effective tax rate20.6 % 54.7 % 33.5 %


As previously disclosed, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") completed examinations of our federal income tax returns for the years 2000 through 2007 and issued proposed assessments for taxes, interest and penalties related to our treatment of the flow-through income and loss from an investment in a portfolio of residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits ("REMICs").


In 2014, we received Notices of Deficiency (commonly referred to as "90 day letters") from the IRS. We filed a petition with the U.S. Tax Court contesting most of the IRS' proposed adjustments reflected in the Notices of Deficiency. In July 2018, we finalized an agreement with the IRS to settle all issues in the examinations and related U.S. Tax Court case; the settlement was approved by the U.S. Tax Court on July 26, 2018.case. As a result of our settlement, we made federal tax and interest payments of $14.8 million during 2018. We also made state tax and interest payments of $36.8 million during 2018. The impact of the agreed upon settlement was previously reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.


 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is shown in table 12.7.
Unrecognized tax benefits reconciliation
Table12.7     
(In thousands)  2018 2017
Balance at beginning of year  $142,821
 $108,245
Additions for tax positions of prior years  
 35,003
Reductions for tax positions of prior years  (3,070) (427)
Settlements  (139,751) 
Balance at end of year  $
 $142,821

Unrecognized tax benefits reconciliation
Table12.7      
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Balance at beginning of year $142,821
 $108,245
 $107,120
Additions for tax positions of prior years 
 35,003
 1,125
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (3,070) (427) 
Settlements (139,751) 
 
Balance at end of year $
 $142,821
 $108,245


With the approval of our settlement by the U.S. Tax Court, weWe have no0 unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2018.2018 and December 31, 2019. We have not recorded any uncertain tax positions during 2019. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. During 2018, we recognized an interest benefit of $3.1 million. As of December 31, 2017, we had $52.0 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions. The statute of limitations related to the consolidated federal income tax return is closed for all years prior to 2015.


NOTE 13 Shareholders' Equity
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
As of January 1, 2018, the updated guidance of "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" became effective. The application of this guidance resulted in an immaterial cumulative effect adjustment to our 2018 beginning accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and retained earnings to recognize unrealized gains on equity securities.


As of January 1, 2017, we adopted the updated guidance of "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Compensation Accounting."The adoption of this guidance resulted in an immaterial cumulative effect adjustment to our 2017 beginning retained earnings. For the year ending December 31, 2017, we adopted the updated guidance of "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income."The adoption of this guidance resulted in a $10.4$10.4 million reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings in the fourth quarter of 2017.






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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents




SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
On April 26, 2018,During 2019 we repurchased approximately 8.7 million shares of our common stock at a weighted average cost per share of $13.13, which included commissions. We may repurchase an additional $111 million of our common stock through the end of 2020 under share repurchase programs approved by our Board of Directors authorized a sharein 2019. We received authorization in the first quarter of 2020 to repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $200an additional $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2019. Repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program may be suspended for periods or discontinued at any time.2021.


During 2018, we repurchased approximately 16.0 million shares of our common stock at a weighted average cost per share of $10.95, which included commissions. As of December 31, 2018, the authorized share repurchase program had approximately $25 million remaining.


Repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market (including through 10b5-1 plans) or through privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program may be suspended for periods or discontinued at any time.

Cash dividends
In September 2019 and November 2019, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share to shareholders which totaled $42 million. On January 28, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend to holders of the company's common stock of $0.06 per share payable on February 28, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 11, 2020.

2017 CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
2% Notes
In April 2017, holders of approximately $202.5 million of the outstanding principal amount of our 2% Notes exercised their rights to convert their notes into shares of our common stock resulting in the delivery of approximately 29.1 million shares of our common stock to the holders. The transactions included the delivery of approximately 18.7 million from our treasury stock and an additional 10.4 million of newly issued shares. Shareholders' equity was increased by the carrying value of the notes at the time of conversion.

2016 CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
5% Notes
In 2016, we repurchased $188.5 million in aggregate principal of our 5% Notes at a purchase price of $195.5 million, plus accrued interest using funds held at our holding company. The excess of the purchase price over carrying value was reflected as a loss on debt extinguishment of $7.9 million on our consolidated statement of operations.

2% Notes
In 2016, we entered into privately negotiated agreements to repurchase $292.4 million in aggregate principal of our outstanding 2% Notes at a purchase price of $362.1 million, plus accrued interest. We funded the purchases with $230.7 million of cash, using proceeds from the issuance of our 5.75% Notes, and by issuing to certain sellers approximately 18.3 million shares of our common stock. The excess of the purchase price over carrying value is reflected as a loss of debt extinguishment of $74.3 million on our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had repurchased all of the shares issued as partial consideration for our 2% Notes repurchases. The weighted average cost per share was $8.03, which included commissions, and the aggregate purchase amount was $147.1 million.

9% Debentures
In 2016, MGIC purchased $132.7 million in aggregate principal of our outstanding 9% Debentures at a purchase price of $150.7 million, plus accrued interest. The 9% Debentures include a conversion feature that allows us, at our option, to make a cash payment to converting holders in lieu of issuing shares of common stock upon conversion of the 9% Debentures. The accounting standards applicable to extinguishment of debt with a cash conversion feature require the consideration paid to be allocated between the extinguishment of the liability component and reacquisition of the equity component. The purchase of the 9% Debentures resulted in an $8.3 million loss on debt extinguishment on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, which represents the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the liability component on the purchase date. In addition, our shareholders' equity was separately reduced by $6.3 million as of December 31, 2016. This reduction represents the allocated portion of the consideration paid to reacquire the equity component of the 9% Debentures, net of tax.


NOTE 14 Statutory Information
STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The statutory financial statements of our insurance companies are presented on the basis of accounting principles prescribed, or practices permitted, by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (the "OCI"), which has adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") Statements of Statutory Accounting Principles ("SSAP") as the basis of its statutory accounting principles. In converting from statutory to GAAP, typical adjustments
include deferral of policy acquisition costs, the inclusion of net unrealized holding gains or losses in shareholders' equity relating to fixed income securities, and the inclusion of statutory non-admitted assets.


In addition to the typical adjustments from statutory to GAAP, mortgage insurance companies are required to maintain contingency loss reserves equal to 50% of premiums earned under SSAP and principles prescribed by the OCI, and such amounts cannot be withdrawn for a period of ten years except as permitted by insurance regulations. With regulatory approval, a mortgage guaranty insurance company may make early withdrawals from the contingency reserve when incurred losses exceed 35% of net premiums earned in a calendar year. For the year ended 2018,2019, MGIC's losses incurred were 4%12% of net premiums earned. Changes in contingency loss reserves impact the statutory statement of operations. Contingency loss reserves are not reflected as liabilities under GAAP and changes in contingency loss reserves do not impact the GAAP statements of operations.



As a mortgage guaranty insurer, we are eligible for a tax deduction, subject to certain limitations, under Section 832(e) of the IRC for amounts required by state law or regulation to be set aside in statutory contingency reserves. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that we purchase tax and loss bonds (“T&L Bonds”) in an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from deducting any portion of our statutory contingency reserves. Under statutory accounting practices, purchases of T&L Bonds are accounted for as investments. Under GAAP, purchases of T&L Bonds are accounted for as a payment of current taxes.


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The statutory net income loss, policyholders' surplus and contingency reserve liability of the insurance subsidiaries of our holding company are show in table 14.1 below. The surplus amounts included in the following table are the combined policyholders' surplus of our insurance operations as utilized in our risk-to-capital calculations.
Statutory financial information of holding company and insurance subsidiaries
Table14.1      
  As of and for the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Statutory net income $305,857
 $375,484
 $310,776
Statutory policyholders' surplus 1,619,069
 1,683,058
 1,622,115
Contingency reserve 3,021,055
 2,442,996
 1,896,701


Statutory financial information of holding company and insurance subsidiaries
Table14.1      
  As of and for the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Statutory net income $375,484
 $310,776
 $106,326
Statutory policyholders' surplus 1,683,058
 1,622,115
 1,506,475
Contingency reserve 2,442,996
 1,896,701
 1,360,088



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 there were no surplus contributions made to MGIC dividends paid by MGIC, andor distributions from other insurance subsidiaries to us,us. Dividends paid by MGIC are shown in table 14.2 below.
Surplus contributions and dividends of insurance subsidiaries
Table14.2      
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2017
Dividends paid by MGIC to the parent company $280,000
 220,000
 140,000

Surplus contributions and dividends of insurance subsidiaries
Table14.2      
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016
Additions to the surplus of MGIC from parent company funds $
 
 36,025
Dividends paid by MGIC to the parent company $220,000
 140,000
 64,000
Distributions from other insurance subsidiaries to the parent company $
 
 52,001


STATUTORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The insurance laws of 16 jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, our domiciliary state, require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to the RIF (or a similar measure) in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write new business. We refer to these requirements as the “State Capital Requirements” and, together with the GSE Financial Requirements, the “Financial Requirements.” While they vary among jurisdictions, the most common State Capital Requirements allow for a maximum risk-to-capital ratio of 25 to 1.1. A risk-to-capital ratio will increase if (i) the percentage decrease in capital exceeds the percentage decrease in insured risk, or (ii) the percentage increase in capital is less than the percentage increase in insured risk. Wisconsin does not regulate capital by using a risk-to-capital measure but instead requires a minimum policyholder position
("MPP"). The “policyholder position” of a mortgage insurer is its net worth or surplus, contingency reserve, and a portion of the reserves for unearned premiums.


At December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s risk-to-capital ratio was 9.09.7 to 1, below the maximum allowed by the jurisdictions with State Capital Requirements and its policyholder position was $2.6$3.0 billion above the required MPP of $1.3$1.7 billion. In calculatingThe calculation of our risk-to-capital ratio and MPP we are allowed fullreflect credit for the risk ceded under our quota share reinsurance transactionsQSR Transactions and Home Re Transactions with a group of unaffiliated reinsurers. It is possible that under the revised State Capital Requirements discussed below, MGIC will not be allowed full credit for the risk ceded to the reinsurers. If MGIC is not allowed an agreed level of credit under either the State Capital Requirements or the PMIERs, MGIC may terminate the reinsurance agreement,agreements, without penalty. At this time, we expect MGIC to continue to comply with the current State Capital Requirements; however, you should read the rest of these financial statement footnotes for information about matters that could negatively affect such compliance.


At December 31, 2018,2019, the risk-to-capital ratio of our combined insurance operations (which includes a reinsurance affiliate) was 9.89.6 to 1. Reinsurance transactions with1. In the first quarter of 2020, we received the appropriate approvals for MGIC to
pay our affiliate permitholding company a special dividend of $320 million. The $320 million special dividend will reduce the statutory policyholder's position of MGIC, which will result in an increase to write insurance with a higher coverage percentage than it could on its own under certain state-specific requirements.the risk-to-capital.
The NAIC has previously announced plans to revise the minimum capital and surplus requirements for mortgage insurers that are provided for in its Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act. In May 2016,December 2019, a working group of state regulators released an exposure draft of a revised Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act and a risk-based capital framework to establish capital requirements for mortgage insurers, although no date has been established by which the NAIC must propose revisions to the capital requirements and certain items have not yet been completely addressed by the framework, including the treatment of ceded risk and minimum capital floors, and action level triggers.floors. Currently we believe that the PMIERs contain the more restrictive capital requirements than the draft Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act in most circumstances.


While MGIC currently meets the State Capital Requirements of Wisconsin and all other jurisdictions, it could be prevented from writing new business in the future in all jurisdictions if it fails to meet the State Capital Requirements of Wisconsin, or it could be prevented from writing new business in a particular jurisdiction if it fails to meet the State Capital Requirements of that jurisdiction and in each case MGIC does not obtain a waiver of such requirements. It is possible that regulatory action by one or more jurisdictions, including those that do not have specific State Capital Requirements, may prevent MGIC from


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents


continuing to write new insurance in such jurisdictions. If we are unable to write business in all jurisdictions, lenders may be unwilling to procure insurance from us anywhere. In addition, a lender’s assessment of the future ability of our insurance operations to meet the State Capital Requirements or the PMIERs may affect its willingness to procure insurance from us. A possible future failure by MGIC to meet the State Capital Requirements or the PMIERs will not necessarily mean that MGIC lacks sufficient resources to pay claims on its insurance liabilities. While we believe MGIC has sufficient claims paying resources to meet its claim obligations on its IIF on a timely basis, you should read the rest of these financial statement footnotes for information about matters that could negatively affect MGIC’s claims paying resources.


DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
In 2018,2019, MGIC paid a total of $220$280 million in dividends to our holding company. We received the appropriate approvals for MGIC to pay our holding company, in the first quarter of 2020, a special dividend of $320 million and wea quarterly dividend of $70 million. We expect MGIC to continue to pay quarterly dividends. In 2016, distributionsdividends of $52at least $280 million were paidper year.



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MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to our holding company from other insurance subsidiaries. These distributions were completed in conjunction with the transferConsolidated Financial Statements
Table of risk and the final dissolution of those insurance entities during 2016. Our holding company subsequently contributed the majority of the funds to MGIC in relation to the transfer of risk.Contents



MGIC is subject to statutory regulations as to payment of dividends. The maximum amount of dividends that MGIC may pay in any twelve-month period without regulatory approval by the OCI is the lesser of adjusted statutory net income or 10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the preceding calendar year end. Adjusted statutory net income is defined for this purpose to be the greater of statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for the calendar year preceding the date of the dividend or statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for the three calendar years preceding the date of the dividend less dividends paid within the first two of the preceding three calendar years. Before making any dividend payments in 2020, we will notify the OCI to ensure it does not object.

The OCI recognizes only statutory accounting principles prescribed, or practices permitted, by the State of Wisconsin for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company. The OCI has adopted certain prescribed accounting practices that differ from those found in other states. Specifically, Wisconsin domiciled companies record changes in the contingency reserves through the income statement as a change in underwriting deduction. As a result, in periods in which MGIC is increasing contingency reserves, statutory net income is reduced. For the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC’s increase in contingency reserves was $484$556 million and statutory net income was $325$273 million. As of December 31, 2018,2019, MGIC's statutory policyholders' surplus was $1,682$1,619 million.


NOTE 15 Share-based Compensation Plans
We have certain share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period which generally corresponds to the vesting period.  Awards under our plans generally vest over periods ranging from one to three years.


We have an omnibus incentive plan that was adopted on April 23, 2015. The purpose of the 2015 plan is to motivate and incentincentive performance by, and to retain the services of, key employees and non-employee directors through receipt of equity-based and other incentive awards under the plan. The maximum number of shares of stock that can be awarded under the 2015 plan is 10.0 million. Awards issued under the plan that are subsequently forfeited will not count against the limit on the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the plan. The 2015 plan provides for the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, as well as cash incentive awards. No awards may be granted after April 23, 2025 under the 2015 plan. The vesting provisions of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units are determined at the time of grant. At December 31, 2018, 5.12019,
3.4 million shares were available for future grant under the 2015 plan.


The compensation cost that has been charged against income for share-based plans was $18.9 million, $20.9 million, $14.9 million, and $11.4$14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, respectively. The related income tax benefit recognized for share-based plans was $2.7 million, $3.0 million, $5.2 million, and $4.0$5.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016,2017, respectively.


Table 15.1 summarizes restricted stock or restricted stock unit (collectively called “restricted stock”) activity during 2018.2019.
Restricted stock
Table15.1   
 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Market Value Shares
Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2018$12.27
 3,583,506
Granted11.92
 2,002,500
Vested9.37
 (1,067,890)
Forfeited13.67
 (367,722)
Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2019$12.81
 4,150,394

Restricted stock
Table15.1   
 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Market Value Shares
Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2017$8.78
 3,300,609
Granted15.69
 1,685,264
Vested7.81
 (1,371,063)
Forfeited13.28
 (31,304)
Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2018$12.27
 3,583,506




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At December 31, 2018,2019, the 3.64.2 million shares of restricted stock outstanding consisted of 2.73.2 million shares that are subject to performance conditions (“performance shares”) and 0.91.0 million shares that are subject only to service conditions (“time vested shares”). The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock granted during 2018 and 2017 was $15.69 and 2016 was $10.41, and $5.66, respectively. The fair value of restricted stock granted is the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant or previous trading day if the Exchange is closed on the date of grant. The total fair value of restricted stock vested during 2019, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 was $13.7 million, $19.1 million, $15.3 million, and $12.2$15.3 million, respectively.


As of December 31, 2018,2019, there was $18.0$30.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation agreements granted under the plans. Of this total, $12.4$20.2 million of unrecognized compensation costs relate to performance shares and $5.6$10.5 million relates to time vested shares. A portion of the unrecognized costs associated with the performance shares may or may not be recognized in future periods, depending upon whether or not the performance and service conditions are met. The cost associated with the time vested shares is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.



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NOTE 16 Leases
We lease certain office space as well as data processing equipment and autos under operating leases that expire during the next four years. Generally, rental payments are fixed.


Table 16.1 shows minimum the future operating lease payments as of December 31, 2018.2019.
Minimum future operating lease payments
Table16.1  
(In thousands) Amount
2020 $1,204
2021 588
2022 380
2023 83
2024 and thereafter 
Total $2,255

Minimum future operating lease payments
Table16.1  
(In thousands) Amount
2019 $1,406
2020 1,069
2021 371
2022 161
2023 and thereafter 
Total $3,007


Table 16.2 shows minimum the future operating lease payments as of December 31, 2018.
Minimum future operating lease payments
Table16.2  
(In thousands) Amount
2019 $1,406
2020 1,069
2021 371
2022 161
2023 and thereafter 
Total $3,007


Total rentallease expense under operating leases was $2.1 million in 2019, $1.9 million in 2018, and $2.0 million in 2017, and $2.1 million in 2016.2017.




NOTE 17 Litigation and Contingencies
Before paying an insurance claim, we review the loan and servicing files to determine the appropriateness of the claim amount. When reviewing the files, we may determine that we have the right to rescind coverage on the loan. We refer to insurance rescissions and denials of claims collectively as “rescissions” and variations of that term. In addition, our insurance policies generally provide that we can reduce or deny a claim if the servicer did not comply with its obligations under our insurance policy. We call such reduction of claims “curtailments.” In recent quarters, an immaterial percentage of claims received in a quarter have been resolved by rescissions. In 20172019 and 2018 , curtailments
reduced our average claim paid by approximately 5.6%5.0% and 5.8%, respectively.


Our loss reserving methodology incorporates our estimates of future rescissions, curtailments, and reversals of rescissions and curtailments. A variance between ultimate actual rescission, curtailment, and reversal rates and our estimates, as a result of the outcome of litigation, settlements or other factors, could materially affect our losses.


When the insured disputes our right to rescind coverage or curtail claims, we generally engage in discussions in an attempt to settle the dispute. If we are unable to reach a settlement, the outcome of a dispute ultimately may be determined by legal proceedings.
 
Under ASC 450-20, until a liabilityloss associated with settlement discussions or legal proceedings becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated, we consider our claim payment or rescission resolved for financial reporting purposes and do not accrue an estimated loss. WhereWhen we have determineddetermine that a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we have recordedrecord our best estimate of our probable loss.
In addition to mattersthose cases, until settlement negotiations or legal proceedings are concluded (including the receipt of any necessary GSE approvals), it is reasonably possible that we will record an additional loss. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the agreement for which we havehad recorded a probable loss weof $23.5 million, received necessary GSE approvals. There was no additional loss recognized as a result of entering into the agreement, as the settlement amount was consistent with our original estimate of the probable loss. We are currently involved in other discussions and/or proceedings with insureds with respect to our claims paying practices. Although it is reasonably possible that when all of these matters are resolved we will not prevail in all cases, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate or range of estimates of the potential liability. We estimate the maximum exposure associated with matters where a loss is reasonably possible to be approximately $279$46 million. This estimate of maximum exposure is based upon currently available information andinformation; is subject to significant judgment, numerous assumptions and known and unknown uncertainties. Theuncertainties; will include an amount for matters underlying the estimate of maximum exposurefor which we have recorded a probable loss until such matters are concluded; will changeinclude different matters from time to time. This estimate of our maximum exposuretime; and does not include interest or consequential or exemplary damages.




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Mortgage insurers, including MGIC, have in the past been involved in litigation and regulatory actions related to alleged violations of the anti-referral fee provisions of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act which is commonly known as RESPA,("RESPA") and the notice provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act which is commonly known as FCRA.

("FCRA"). While these proceedings in the aggregate havedid not resultedresult in material liability for MGIC, there can be no assurance that the outcome of future proceedings, if any, under these laws would not have a material adverse


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effect on us. In addition, various regulators, includingTo the CFPB, state insurance commissioners and state attorneys general may bring other actions seeking various forms of reliefextent that we are construed to make independent credit decisions in connection with alleged violationsour contract underwriting activities, we also could be subject to increased regulatory requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“EOCA”), FCRA, and other laws. Under ECOA, examination may also be made of RESPA. The insurance law provisionswhether a mortgage insurer’s underwriting decisions have a disparate impact on persons belonging to a protected class in violation of many states prohibit paying for the referral of insurance business and provide various mechanisms to enforce this prohibition. While we believe our practices are in conformity with applicable laws and regulations, it is not possible to predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of any such reviews or investigations nor is it possible to predict their effect on us or the mortgage insurance industry.law.


Through a non-insurance subsidiary, we utilize our underwriting skills to provide an outsourced underwriting service to our customers known as contract underwriting. As part of the contract underwriting activities, that subsidiary is responsible for the quality of the underwriting decisions in accordance with the terms of the contract underwriting agreements with customers. That subsidiary may be required to provide certain remedies to its customers if certain standards relating to the quality of our underwriting work are not met, and we have an established reserve for such future obligations. Claims for remedies may be made a number of years after the underwriting work was performed. The related contract underwriting remedy expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016,2017, was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.


In addition to the matters described above, we are involved in other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, based on the facts known at this time, the ultimate resolution of these ordinary course legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or consolidated results of operations.










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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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NOTE 18 Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
Unaudited quarterly financial data - current year:
Table:18.1a          18.1a          
2018: Quarter Full
2019:2019: Quarter Full
(In thousands, except per share data)(In thousands, except per share data) First Second Third Fourth Year(In thousands, except per share data) First Second Third Fourth Year
Net premiums earnedNet premiums earned $232,107
 $246,964
 $250,426
 $245,665
 $975,162
Net premiums earned $249,762
 $247,102
 $267,857
 $266,267
 $1,030,988
Investment income, net of expensesInvestment income, net of expenses 32,121
 34,502
 36,380
 38,328
 141,331
Investment income, net of expenses 40,585
 42,423
 42,715
 41,322
 167,045
Realized (losses) gainsRealized (losses) gains (329) (1,897) 1,114
 (241) (1,353)Realized (losses) gains (526) 307
 4,205
 1,320
 5,306
Other revenueOther revenue 1,871
 2,431
 2,525
 1,881
 8,708
Other revenue 1,830
 2,485
 3,606
 2,717
 10,638
Loss incurred, netLoss incurred, net 23,850
 (13,455) (1,518) 27,685
 36,562
Loss incurred, net 39,064
 21,836
 33,985
 23,690
 118,575
Underwriting and other expenses, netUnderwriting and other expenses, net 61,895
 57,933
 60,069
 63,239
 243,136
Underwriting and other expenses, net 61,650
 59,270
 61,278
 65,227
 247,425
Provision for income taxProvision for income tax 36,388
 50,708
 49,994
 36,963
 174,053
Provision for income tax 38,996
 43,433
 46,186
 45,599
 174,214
Net incomeNet income 143,637
 186,814
 181,900
 157,746
 670,097
Net income 151,941
 167,778
 176,934
 177,110
 673,763
Income per share (a) (b):
Income per share (a) (b):
  
  
  
  
  
Income per share (a) (b):
  
  
  
  
  
BasicBasic 0.39
 0.51
 0.50
 0.44
 1.83
Basic 0.43
 0.47
 0.50
 0.51
 1.91
DilutedDiluted 0.38
 0.49
 0.49
 0.43
 1.78
Diluted 0.42
 0.46
 0.49
 0.49
 1.85
Unaudited quarterly financial statements - prior year:
Table:18.1b          18.1b          
2017: Quarter Full
2018:2018: Quarter Full
(In thousands, except per share data)(In thousands, except per share data) First Second Third Fourth Year(In thousands, except per share data) First Second Third Fourth Year
Net premiums earnedNet premiums earned $229,103
 $231,136
 $237,083
 $237,425
 $934,747
Net premiums earned $232,107
 $246,964
 $250,426
 $245,665
 $975,162
Investment income, net of expensesInvestment income, net of expenses 29,477
 29,716
 30,402
 31,276
 120,871
Investment income, net of expenses 32,121
 34,502
 36,380
 38,328
 141,331
Realized gains (losses)Realized gains (losses) (125) (52) (50) 458
 231
Realized gains (losses) (329) (1,897) 1,114
 (241) (1,353)
Other revenueOther revenue 2,425
 2,512
 2,925
 2,343
 10,205
Other revenue 1,871
 2,431
 2,525
 1,881
 8,708
Loss incurred, netLoss incurred, net 27,619
 27,339
 29,747
 (30,996) 53,709
Loss incurred, net 23,850
 (13,455) (1,518) 27,685
 36,562
Underwriting and other expenses, netUnderwriting and other expenses, net 59,304
 55,292
 56,146
 57,042
 227,784
Underwriting and other expenses, net 61,895
 57,933
 60,069
 63,239
 243,136
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 65
 
 
 65
Provision for income taxProvision for income tax 84,159
 61,994
 64,440
 218,142
 428,735
Provision for income tax 36,388
 50,708
 49,994
 36,963
 174,053
Net incomeNet income 89,798
 118,622
 120,027
 27,314
 355,761
Net income 143,637
 186,814
 181,900
 157,746
 670,097
Income per share (a) (b):
Income per share (a) (b):
  
  
  
  
  
Income per share (a) (b):
  
  
  
  
  
BasicBasic 0.26
 0.32
 0.32
 0.07
 0.98
Basic 0.39
 0.51
 0.50
 0.44
 1.83
DilutedDiluted 0.24
 0.31
 0.32
 0.07
 0.95
Diluted 0.38
 0.49
 0.49
 0.43
 1.78
(a) 
Due to the use of weighted average shares outstanding when calculating earnings per share, the sum of the quarterly per share data may not equal the per share data for the year.
(b) 
In periods where convertible debt instruments are dilutive to earnings per share the “if-converted” method of computing diluted EPS requires an interest expense adjustment, net of tax, to net income available to shareholders. See Note 4 – “Earnings Per Share” for further discussion on our calculation of diluted EPS.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 123131

pwclogoa03.jpg


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
MGIC Investment Corporation


Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MGIC Investment Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, shareholders’of shareholders' equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018,2019, including the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (a)15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20182019 and 2017, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report onOn Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our

especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of loss reserves
As described in Notes 3 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company establishes reserves to recognize the estimated liability for losses related to reported defaults on insured mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s recorded loss reserves were $555 million. A significant portion of total loss reserves relate to primary case reserves established for the Company’s primary insurance business. Case reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in the inventory of delinquent loans that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity. Our case reserve estimates are established based upon historical experience, including rescissions of policies, curtailments of claims, and loan modification activity. The conditions that affect the claim rate and claim severity include the current and future state of the domestic economy, including unemployment and the current and future strength of local housing markets; exposure on insured loans; the amount of time between default and claim filing; and curtailments and rescissions.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of loss reserves is a critical audit matter are (i) there was significant judgment by management when developing their estimate, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity in performing procedures relating to loss reserves; (ii) there was significant auditor effort and judgment in evaluating the audit evidence relating to the significant assumptions, including the claim rate and claim severity; and (iii) the audit effort included the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.









Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation of loss reserves, including controls over the development of significant assumptions, including the claim rate and claim severity. These procedures also included, among others, the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in developing an independent estimate of loss reserves using historical experience and comparing this independent estimate to management’s recorded loss reserves to evaluate the reasonableness of the recorded loss reserves. Developing the independent estimate involved testing the completeness, accuracy, and relevance of data provided by management and independently developing assumptions, including the claim rate and claim severity.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 22, 201921, 2020


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1985.  








MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries

Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.


Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
MANAGEMENT'S CONCLUSION REGARDING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that such controls and procedures were effective as of the end of such period.


MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, however, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.2019.


 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2019, as stated in their report which appears herein.


CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER
As of October 1, 2019, we implemented a new financial management system, by transitioning certain of our operations, including the general ledger, to the new system. We have modified our existing controls infrastructure, as well as added other processes and internal controls, to adapt to our new financial management system. There wasare no changeother changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2018ended December 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Item 9B. Other Information
None.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 125134

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries


Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms




PART III


Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
This information (other than on the executive officers) will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 20192020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is hereby incorporated by reference, provided such Proxy Statement is filed within 120 days after December 31, 2018.2019. If not so filed, such information will be included in an amended Form 10-K filed within such 120 day period. The information on the executive officers appears at the end of Part I of this Form 10-K.


Our Code of Business Conduct is available on our website (http://mtg.mgic.com) under the “Leadership & Governance; Documents” links. Written copies of our Code of Business Conduct are available to any shareholder who submits a written request to our Secretary, addressed to: MGIC Investment Corporation, Secretary, P.O. Box 488, Milwaukee, WI 53201. We intend to disclose on our website any waivers and amendments to our Code of Business Conduct that are required to be disclosed under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K.


Item 11. Executive Compensation
This information will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 20192020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is hereby incorporated by reference, provided such Proxy Statement is filed within 120 days after December 31, 2018.2019. If not so filed, such information will be included in an amended Form 10-K filed within such 120 day period.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
This information, other than information regarding equity compensation plans required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission which appears below, will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 20192020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is hereby incorporated by reference, provided such Proxy Statement is filed within 120 days after December 31, 2018.2019. If not so filed, such
 
information will be included in an amended Form 10-K filed within such 120 day period.


The table below sets forth certain information, as of December 31, 2018,2019, about the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. No options, warrants or rights were outstanding at that date under any compensation plan or individual compensation arrangement with us. We have no compensation plan under which our equity securities may be issued that has not been approved by shareholders. Share units or phantom shares, which have no voting power and can be settled only in cash, are not considered to be equity securities for this purpose.
    Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
(a) 
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (1)
 3,574,7334,141,661

(b) Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights 

(c) 
Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Row (a)) (2)
 5,074,7733,439,836



(1) 
Includes 3,548,9044,115,792 restricted stock units (RSUs) granted under our 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) for which shares will be issued if certain criteria are met. Of the RSUs granted under the 2015 Plan, 2,733,9803,143,457 are subject to performance conditions and the remaining RSUs are subject to service conditions. Also includes 25,869 vested RSUs granted under our 2002 Stock Incentive Plan for which shares will be issued in the future.


(2) 
Reflects shares available for granting.  All of these shares are available under our 2015 Plan.


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
To the extent applicable, this information will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 20192020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is hereby incorporated by reference, provided such Proxy Statement is filed within 120 days after December 31, 2018.2019. If not so filed, such information will be included in an amended Form 10-K filed within such 120 day period.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 126135



Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
This information will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 20192020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is hereby incorporated by reference, provided such Proxy Statement is filed within 120 days after December 31, 2018.2019. If not so filed, such information will be included in an amended Form 10-K filed within such 120 day period.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 127136

MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries


Table of Contents | Glossary of terms and acronyms




PART IV


Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules


(a)
1.Financial statements. The following financial statements are filed in Item 8 of this annual report:
 Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 20182019 and 20172018
 Consolidated statements of operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019
 Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019
 Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019
 Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019
 Notes to consolidated financial statements
 Report of independent registered public accounting firm


2.Financial statement schedules. The following financial statement schedules are filed as part of this Form 10-K and appear immediately following the signature page:
  Page
 Schedule I - Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties at December 31, 20182019
 Schedule II - Condensed financial information of Registrant 
 Condensed balance sheets at December 31, 20182019 and 20172018
 Condensed statements of operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019
 Condensed statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20182019
 Supplementary notes to parent company financial statements
 Schedule IV – Reinsurance for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019
 All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. 
3.Exhibits. The accompanying Index to Exhibits is incorporated by reference in answer to this portion of this Item and, except as otherwise indicated in the next sentence, the Exhibits listed in such Index are filed as part of this Form 10-K. Exhibit 32 is not filed as part of this Form 10-K but accompanies this Form 10-K.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 128137



INDEX TO EXHIBITS


The agreements included as exhibits to this report are included to provide information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about the Company or any of its subsidiaries or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements may contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:


should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements provide to be inaccurate;
have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;
may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to you or other investors; and
were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.


Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about the Company and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this report and the Company’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or on the Company's website. See Item 1 “Business – Website Address.”
   Incorporated by Reference   Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
 Description of Exhibit 
 
Form
 
 
Exhibit(s)
 
 
Filing Date
 Description of Exhibit 
 
Form
 
 
Exhibit(s)
 
 
Filing Date
3.1  10-Q 3.1 August 8, 2013  10-Q 3.1 August 8, 2013
3.2  8-K 3.2 July 28, 2017  8-K 3.2 July 28, 2017
4.1  10-Q 3.1 August 8, 2013  10-Q 3.1 August 8, 2013
4.2  8-K 3.2 July 28, 2017  8-K 3.2 July 28, 2017
 Description of Registrant's Securities † 
4.4  8-K 4.1 October 19, 2000  8-K 4.1 October 19, 2000
4.6  10-Q 4.6 May 12, 2008  10-Q 4.6 May 12, 2008
4.8  8-K 4.1 August 5, 2016  8-K 4.1 August 5, 2016
4.9  8-A12B/A 4.1 April 27, 2018  8-A12B/A 4.1 April 27, 2018
 [We are a party to various other agreements with respect to our long-term debt. These agreements are not being filed pursuant to Reg. S-K Item 601(b) (4) (iii) (A). We hereby agree to furnish a copy of such agreements to the Commission upon its request.]       [We are a party to various other agreements with respect to our long-term debt. These agreements are not being filed pursuant to Reg. S-K Item 601(b) (4) (iii) (A). We hereby agree to furnish a copy of such agreements to the Commission upon its request.]      
10.2.4  10-K 10.2.4 March 16, 2005  10-K 10.2.4 March 16, 2005
10.2.5  10-K 10.2.5 March 16, 2005  10-K 10.2.5 March 16, 2005
10.2.16  10-K 10.2.16 February 21, 2017
10.2.17  10-K 10.2.17 February 21, 2017
10.2.18  10-K 10.2.18 February 23, 2018  10-K 10.2.18 February 23, 2018
10.2.19  10-K 10.2.19 February 23, 2018  10-K 10.2.19 February 23, 2018




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 129138



   Incorporated by Reference   Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
 Description of Exhibit 
 
Form
 
 
Exhibit(s)
 
 
Filing Date
 Description of Exhibit 
 
Form
 
 
Exhibit(s)
 
 
Filing Date
10.2.20    10-K 10.2.20 February 22, 2019
10.2.21    10-K 10.2.21 February 22, 2019
  
  
10.3  10-K 10.7 March 29, 2000  10-K 10.7 March 29, 2000
10.3.1  10-K 10.3.1 March 1, 2011  10-K 10.3.1 March 1, 2011
10.3.3  DEF 14A App. A March 24, 2015  DEF 14A App. A March 24, 2015
10.5  10-K 10.10 March 29, 2000  10-K 10.10 March 29, 2000
10.6              
10.7  8-K 10.7 January 29, 2014  8-K 10.7 January 29, 2014
10.8  10-K 10.8 February 27, 2015  10-K 10.8 February 27, 2015
10.9 MGIC Investment Corporation 1993 Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. [File 001‑10816] * 10-K 10.24 March 25, 1994 MGIC Investment Corporation 1993 Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. [File 001‑10816] * 10-K 10.24 March 25, 1994
10.10 Two Forms of Award Agreement under MGIC Investment Corporation 1993 Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.* 10-Q 10.27 and 10.28 August 12, 1994 Two Forms of Award Agreement under MGIC Investment Corporation 1993 Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.* 10-Q 10.27 and 10.28 August 12, 1994
10.11.1  10-K 10.11.1 February 27, 2015  10-K 10.11.1 February 27, 2015
10.11.2  10-K 10.11.2 February 27, 2015  10-K 10.11.2 February 27, 2015
10.11.3    10-K 10.11.3 February 22, 2019
10.11.4    10-K 10.11.4 February 22, 2019
10.12    
10.17  10-Q 10.2 November 7, 2018
10.18  10-Q 10.18 August 5, 2019
21              
23              
31.1              
31.2              
32              
99.1  10-K 99.1 March 2, 2009  10-K 99.1 March 2, 2009
99.2  10-K 99.2 March 2, 2009  10-K 99.2 March 2, 2009
99.7  10-Q 99.7 May 10, 2012  10-Q 99.7 May 10, 2012
99.19  10-Q 99.19 November 7, 2014  10-Q 99.19 November 7, 2014
99.25  10-Q 99.3 May 7, 2015  10-Q 99.3 May 7, 2015
99.26  10-K 10.2.15 February 26, 2016
99.27  10-Q 99.27 May 5, 2017




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 130139



Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
Form
Exhibit(s)
Filing Date
101.INS
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE
    Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
 Description of Exhibit 
 
Form
 
 
Exhibit(s)
 
 
Filing Date
99.26  10-K 10.2.15 February 26, 2016
99.27  10-Q 99.27 May 5, 2017
101.INS XBRL Instance Document      
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document      
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document      
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document      
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document      
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document      
104 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

      
*Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan.
**Certain portions of this Exhibit are redacted and covered by a confidential treatment request that has been granted. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Filed herewith.
††Furnished herewith.
 


Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 131140



SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 22, 2019.21, 2020.


MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION
/s/ Patrick SinksTimothy J. Mattke 
Patrick SinksTimothy J. Mattke 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below as of the date set forth above by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
/s/ Patrick SinksTimothy J. Mattke

 /s/ Curt S. CulverJay C. Hartzell
Patrick SinksTimothy J. Mattke Curt S. Culver,Jay C. Hartzell, Director
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director  
   
  /s/ Timothy A. Holt
/s/ Timothy J. MattkeNathan H. Colson Timothy A. Holt, Director
Timothy J. MattkeNathan H. Colson  
Executive Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer /s/ Kenneth M. Jastrow, II
(Principal Financial Officer) Kenneth M. Jastrow, II, Director
   
   
/s/ Julie K. Sperber /s/ Jodeen A. Kozlak
Julie K. Sperber Jodeen A. Kozlak, Director
Vice President, Controller and  
Chief Accounting Officer  
(Principal Accounting Officer) /s/ Michael E. Lehman
  Michael E. Lehman, Director
   
/s/ Daniel A. Arrigoni  
Daniel A. Arrigoni, Director /s/ Melissa B. Lora
  Melissa B. Lora, Director
   
/s/ Cassandra C. Carr  
Cassandra C. Carr, Director /s/ Gary A. Poliner
  Gary A. Poliner, Director
   
/s/ C. Edward Chaplin  
C. Edward Chaplin, Director /s/ Sheryl L. Sculley
Sheryl L. Sculley, Director
/s/ Curt S. Culver
Curt S. Culver, Director/s/ Mark M. Zandi
  Mark M. Zandi, Director




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 132141



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION


SCHEDULE I — Summary of investments - Other than investments in related parties - December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

Type of Investment
 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amount at which shown in the balance sheet
Fixed income:      
Bonds:      
United States Government and government agencies and authorities $195,176
 $196,203
 $196,203
States, municipalities and political subdivisions 1,555,394
 1,653,865
 1,653,865
Public utilities 270,675
 278,991
 278,991
Asset-backed securities 227,376
 229,664
 229,664
Collateralized loan obligations 327,076
 325,466
 325,466
Mortgage-backed 545,618
 547,572
 547,572
All other corporate bonds 2,441,235
 2,506,131
 2,506,131
Total fixed income 5,562,550
 5,737,892
 5,737,892
       
Equity securities:  
  
  
Common stocks:  
  
  
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 17,188
 17,328
 17,328
Total equity securities 17,188
 17,328
 17,328
       
Total investments $5,579,738
 $5,755,220
 $5,755,220

SCHEDULE I — Summary of investments - Other than investments in related parties - December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

Type of Investment
 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amount at which shown in the balance sheet
Fixed income:      
Bonds:      
United States Government and government agencies and authorities $167,655
 $167,176
 $167,176
States, municipalities and political subdivisions 1,701,826
 1,720,100
 1,720,100
Public utilities 212,584
 208,381
 208,381
Asset-backed securities 111,953
 112,033
 112,033
Collateralized loan obligations 310,587
 305,295
 305,295
Mortgage-backed 465,590
 446,621
 446,621
All other corporate bonds 2,226,589
 2,192,381
 2,192,381
Total fixed income 5,196,784
 5,151,987
 5,151,987
       
Equity securities:  
  
  
Common stocks:  
  
  
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 3,993
 3,932
 3,932
Total equity securities 3,993
 3,932
 3,932
       
Total investments $5,200,777
 $5,155,919
 $5,155,919






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 133142



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION


SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Balance Sheets
Parent Company Only
SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Balance Sheets
Parent Company Only
SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Balance Sheets
Parent Company Only
 December 31, December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2019 2018
ASSETS        
Fixed income, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost, 2018 – $203,743; 2017 – $195,846) $201,507
 $194,061
Fixed income, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost, 2019 – $287,489; 2018 – $203,743) $288,362
 $201,507
Cash and cash equivalents 46,502
 22,247
 36,621
 46,502
Investment in subsidiaries, at equity in net assets 3,981,970
 3,567,034
 4,611,356
 3,981,970
Accounts receivable - affiliates 1,396
 1,414
 2,129
 1,396
Income taxes - current and deferred 186,561
 192,570
 196,978
 186,561
Accrued investment income 2,020
 1,941
 2,498
 2,020
Other assets 740
 1,275
 81
 740
Total assets $4,420,696
 $3,980,542
 $5,138,025
 $4,420,696
        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  
  
  
  
Liabilities:  
  
  
  
Senior notes $419,713
 $418,560
 $420,867
 $419,713
Convertible junior subordinated debentures 389,522
 389,522
 389,522
 389,522
Accrued interest 17,930
 17,934
 17,928
 17,930
Other liabilities 11,640
 
 474
 11,640
Total liabilities 838,805
 826,016
 828,791
 838,805
        
Shareholders’ equity:  
  
  
  
Common stock, (one dollar par value, shares authorized 1,000,000; shares issued 2018 – 371,353; 2017 – 370,567; outstanding 2018 – 355,371; 2017 – 370,567) 371,353
 370,567
Common stock, (one dollar par value, shares authorized 1,000,000; shares issued 2019 – 371,353; 2018 – 371,353; outstanding 2019 – 347,308; 2018 – 355,371) 371,353
 371,353
Paid-in capital 1,862,536
 1,850,582
 1,869,719
 1,862,536
Treasury stock (shares at cost 2018 – 15,982) (175,059) 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (124,214) (43,783)
Treasury stock (shares at cost 2019 – 24,045; 2018 – 15,982) (283,196) (175,059)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 72,708
 (124,214)
Retained earnings 1,647,275
 977,160
 2,278,650
 1,647,275
Total shareholders’ equity 3,581,891
 3,154,526
 4,309,234
 3,581,891
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $4,420,696
 $3,980,542
 $5,138,025
 $4,420,696
See accompanying supplementary notes to Parent Company condensed financial statements.




MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 134143



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION


SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Statements of Operations
Parent Company Only
SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Statements of Operations
Parent Company Only
SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Statements of Operations
Parent Company Only
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Revenues:            
Investment income, net of expenses $4,685
 $3,177
 $3,807
 $7,695
 $4,685
 $3,177
Net realized investment (losses) gains (532) (13) 646
 (311) (532) (13)
Total revenues 4,153
 3,164
 4,453
 7,384
 4,153
 3,164
            
Expenses:  
  
  
  
  
  
Operating expenses 637
 642
 1,409
 793
 637
 642
Interest expense 61,930
 65,972
 64,598
 61,593
 61,930
 65,972
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 65
 82,234
 
 
 65
Total expenses 62,567
 66,679
 148,241
 62,386
 62,567
 66,679
Loss before tax (58,414) (63,515) (143,788) (55,002) (58,414) (63,515)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes (13,517) 95,517
 (52,575) (12,263) (13,517) 95,517
Equity in net income of subsidiaries 714,994
 514,793
 433,730
 716,502
 714,994
 514,793
Net income 670,097
 355,761
 342,517
 673,763
 670,097
 355,761
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (80,413) 41,739
 (14,220)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 196,922
 (80,413) 41,739
Comprehensive income $589,684
 $397,500
 $328,297
 $870,685
 $589,684
 $397,500
See accompanying supplementary notes to Parent Company condensed financial statements.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 135144



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION


SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Parent Company Only
SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Parent Company Only
SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Parent Company Only
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 2019 2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:            
Net income $670,097
 $355,761
 $342,517
 $673,763
 $670,097
 $355,761
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Equity in net income of subsidiaries (714,994) (514,793) (433,730) (716,502) (714,994) (514,793)
Dividends received from subsidiaries 199,692
 110,145
 64,000
 154,413
 199,692
 110,145
Deferred tax (benefit) expense (11,756) 96,741
 (55,988) (10,416) (11,756) 96,741
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 65
 82,234
 
 
 65
Other 24,303
 18,716
 16,722
 21,104
 24,303
 18,716
Change in certain assets and liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Accounts receivable - affiliates 18
 (634) 158
 (735) 18
 (634)
Income taxes receivable 17,859
 297
 3,602
 1
 17,859
 297
Accrued investment income 112
 (192) 1,951
 (478) 112
 (192)
Accrued interest (4) (2,819) 6,811
 (2) (4) (2,819)
Net cash provided by operating activities 185,327
 63,287
 28,277
 121,148
 185,327
 63,287
Cash flows from investing activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Capital distributions from subsidiaries 
 
 51,987
Capital contributions to subsidiaries 
 
 (36,025)
Purchases of investments (83,003) (97,091) (194,751) (117,663) (83,003) (97,091)
Proceeds from sales of investments 93,481
 176,960
 330,142
 160,040
 93,481
 176,960
Net cash provided by investing activities 10,478
 79,869
 151,353
 42,377
 10,478
 79,869
Cash flows from financing activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 
 150,000
 
 
 
 150,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility 
 (150,000) 
 
 
 (150,000)
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
 
 418,094
Repurchase of convertible senior notes 
 (150,124) (426,191) 
 
 (150,124)
Repurchase of common stock (163,419) 
 (147,127) (125,766) (163,419) 
Dividends paid (41,914) 
 
Payment of debt issuance costs 
 (1,630) (1,127) 
 
 (1,630)
Payment of withholding taxes related to share-based compensation net share settlement (8,131) (6,821) (5,030) (5,726) (8,131) (6,821)
Net cash used in financing activities (171,550) (158,575) (161,381) (173,406) (171,550) (158,575)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 24,255
 (15,419) 18,249
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (9,881) 24,255
 (15,419)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 22,247
 37,666
 19,417
 46,502
 22,247
 37,666
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $46,502
 $22,247
 $37,666
 $36,621
 $46,502
 $22,247
See accompanying supplementary notes to Parent Company condensed financial statements.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 136145



SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES




Note A


The accompanying Parent Company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements appearing this annual report.


Note B


Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of policyholders’ surplus and payment of dividends. The maximum amount of dividends that the insurance subsidiaries may pay in any twelve-month period without regulatory approval by the OCI is the lesser of adjusted statutory net income or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding calendar year end. Adjusted statutory net income is defined for this purpose to be the greater of statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for the calendar year preceding the date of the dividend or statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for the three calendar years preceding the date of the dividend less dividends paid within the first two of the preceding three calendar years.


The payment of dividends from our insurance subsidiaries is the principal source of cash inflow for MGIC Investment Corporation, our holding company, other than investment income and raising capital in the public markets. The payment of dividends by our insurance subsidiaries is restricted by insurance regulation as discussed above. MGIC is the principal source of dividend-paying capacity and in 2018, it paid a total of $280 million, $220 million and $140 million in dividends in cash and fixed income securities to our holding company during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In January 2020, we received the appropriate approvals for MGIC to pay our holding company, in the first quarter of 2020, a special dividend of $320 million and a quarterly dividend of $70 million. We expect MGIC to continue to pay quarterly dividends. During 2017, MGIC paid a total of $140dividends totaling at least $280 million in dividends in cash and fixed income securities to our holding company. During 2016, MGIC paid a total of $64 million in dividends; and other insurance subsidiaries paid distributions of $52 million to our holding company. These distributions were completed in conjunction with the transfer of risk and the final dissolution of those insurance entities during 2016. Our holding company subsequently contributed the majority of the funds, approximately $36 million, to MGIC in relation to the transfer of risk. Noper year. NaN contributions were made to our insurance subsidiaries in 2019, 2018 or 2017.


 
Note C


The senior notes and convertible junior subordinated debentures ("9% Debentures"), discussed in Note 7 – “Debt” to our consolidated financial statements, are obligations of MGIC Investment Corporation, our holding company, and not of its subsidiaries. MGIC owns $132.7 million in aggregate principal of the 9% Debentures. The 9% Debentures owned by MGIC remain obligations of our holding company. For GAAP accounting purposes, the 9% Debentures owned by MGIC are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements.






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 137146



MGIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION


SCHEDULE IV — Reinsurance
Mortgage Insurance Premiums Earned
Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
           
(Dollars in thousands) Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Assumed From Other Companies Net Amount Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net
Years ended December 31,          
2019 $1,155,240
 $129,337
 $5,085
 $1,030,988
 0.5%
2018 1,084,748
 111,391
 1,805
 975,162
 0.2%
2017 1,059,973
 125,735
 509
 934,747
 0.1%

SCHEDULE IV — Reinsurance
Mortgage Insurance Premiums Earned
Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
           
(Dollars in thousands) Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Assumed From Other Companies Net Amount Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net
Years ended December 31,          
2018 $1,084,748
 $111,391
 $1,805
 $975,162
 0.2%
2017 1,059,973
 125,735
 509
 934,747
 0.1%
2016 1,058,545
 133,981
 662
 925,226
 0.1%






MGIC Investment Corporation 20182019 Form 10-K | 138147