Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the period ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021
 
      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from              to             
 
Commission file number 001-36157 
ESSENT GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda
Not Applicable
Bermuda
Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)
Clarendon House
2 Church Street
HamiltonHM11,, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(441(441) 297-9901
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $0.015 par valueESNTNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232-405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files.)  Yes   No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging 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 ☐  No 
The number of the registrant’s common shares outstanding as of AugustMay 3, 20202021 was 112,423,304.112,850,813.



Table of Contents
Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
 
Form 10-Q
 
Index
 
 


i


Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Essent,” and the “Company,” as used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, refer to Essent Group Ltd. and its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries, including our primary operating subsidiaries, Essent Guaranty, Inc. and Essent Reinsurance Ltd., as a combined entity, except where otherwise stated or where it is clear that the terms mean only Essent Group Ltd. exclusive of its subsidiaries.
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or Quarterly Report, includes forward-looking statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts or present facts or conditions, such as statements regarding our future financial condition or results of operations, our prospects and strategies for future growth, the introduction of new products and services, and the implementation of our marketing and branding strategies. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.
 
The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report reflect our views as of the date of this Quarterly Report about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause events or our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, levels of activity, performance or achievements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those factors described below, in Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report, and in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20192020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors include, without limitation, the following:
 
the duration, spread and severity of the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19"), which is currently ongoing and still evolving; the actions taken to contain the virus or treat its impact, including government and GSE actions to mitigate the economic impact of the outbreak; the nature and extent of the forbearance and modification options available to borrowers affected by the outbreak on mortgages we insure; reserve and other accounting estimates relating to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak; borrower behavior in response to the outbreak and its economic impact; how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume, including whether any future outbreaks interrupt economic recovery; how quickly and to what extent affected borrowers can recover from the negative economic impact of the outbreak; and whether and to what extent the outbreak and related economic conditions will exacerbate other risks and uncertainties facing our business, financial condition and business strategy;

changes in or to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which we refer to collectively as the GSEs, whether through Federal legislation, restructurings or a shift in business practices;

failure to continue to meet the mortgage insurer eligibility requirements of the GSEs;

competition for our customers or the loss of a significant customer;
 
lenders or investors seeking alternatives to private mortgage insurance;

increase in the number of loans insured through Federal government mortgage insurance programs, including those offered by the Federal Housing Administration;

decline in the volume of low down payment mortgage originations;

uncertainty of loss reserve estimates;

decrease in the length of time our insurance policies are in force;

deteriorating economic conditions;

recently enacted U.S. Federal tax reform and its impact on us, our shareholders and our operations;


ii

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the definition of “Qualified Mortgage” reducing the size of the mortgage origination market or creating incentives to use government mortgage insurance programs;

the definition of “Qualified Residential Mortgage” reducing the number of low down payment loans or lenders and investors seeking alternatives to private mortgage insurance;

the implementation of the Basel III Capital Accord, which may discourage the use of private mortgage insurance;

management of risk in our investment portfolio;

fluctuations in interest rates;

inadequacy of the premiums we charge to compensate for our losses incurred;

dependence on management team and qualified personnel;

disturbance to our information technology systems;

change in our customers’ capital requirements discouraging the use of mortgage insurance;

declines in the value of borrowers’ homes;

limited availability of capital or reinsurance;

unanticipated claims arise under and risks associated with our contract underwriting program;

industry practice that loss reserves are established only upon a loan default;

disruption in mortgage loan servicing, as a result of COVID-19 or otherwise;

risk of future legal proceedings;

customers’ technological demands;

our non-U.S. operations becoming subject to U.S. Federal income taxation;

becoming considered a passive foreign investment company for U.S. Federal income tax purposes; and

potential restrictions on the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends.
 
Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements we have included in this Quarterly Report are based on information available to us on the date of this Quarterly Report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
 


iii


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
 June 30, December 31, March 31,December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2020 2019(In thousands, except per share amounts)20212020
Assets  
  
Assets  
Investments  
  
Investments  
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020 — $3,078,843; 2019 — $2,967,225) $3,221,149
 $3,035,385
Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020 — $1,130,963; 2019 — $315,360) 1,130,954
 315,362
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2021 — $4,167,570;
2020 — $3,677,815)
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2021 — $4,167,570;
2020 — $3,677,815)
$4,252,144 $3,838,513 
Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2021 —
$449,328; 2020 — $726,875)
Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2021 —
$449,328; 2020 — $726,875)
449,332 726,860 
Total investments available for sale 4,352,103
 3,350,747
Total investments available for sale4,701,476 4,565,373 
Other invested assets 78,536
 78,873
Other invested assets100,393 88,904 
Total investments 4,430,639
 3,429,620
Total investments4,801,869 4,654,277 
Cash 72,787
 71,350
Cash81,022 102,830 
Accrued investment income 18,711
 18,535
Accrued investment income23,600 19,948 
Accounts receivable 39,750
 40,655
Accounts receivable45,618 50,140 
Deferred policy acquisition costs 15,856
 15,705
Deferred policy acquisition costs14,723 17,005 
Property and equipment (at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $59,374 in 2020 and $57,639 in 2019) 15,458
 17,308
Property and equipment (at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $61,830 in 2021 and
$60,967 in 2020)
Property and equipment (at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $61,830 in 2021 and
$60,967 in 2020)
14,258 15,095 
Prepaid federal income tax 279,136
 261,885
Prepaid federal income tax302,636 302,636 
Other assets 27,611
 18,367
Other assets48,120 40,793 
Total assets $4,899,948
 $3,873,425
Total assets$5,331,846 $5,202,724 
    
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  
  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  
Liabilities  
  
Liabilities  
Reserve for losses and LAE $250,890
 $69,362
Reserve for losses and LAE$411,123 $374,941 
Unearned premium reserve 258,567
 278,887
Unearned premium reserve235,730 250,436 
Net deferred tax liability 272,746
 249,620
Net deferred tax liability318,622 305,109 
Credit facility borrowings (at carrying value, less unamortized deferred costs of $477 in 2020 and $763 in 2019) 424,523
 224,237
Credit facility borrowings (at carrying value, less unamortized deferred costs of $2,982 in 2021 and $3,280 in 2020)Credit facility borrowings (at carrying value, less unamortized deferred costs of $2,982 in 2021 and $3,280 in 2020)322,018 321,720 
Other accrued liabilities 69,893
 66,474
Other accrued liabilities123,416 87,885 
Total liabilities 1,276,619
 888,580
Total liabilities1,410,909 1,340,091 
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7) 


 


Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)00
Stockholders’ Equity  
  
Stockholders’ Equity  
Common shares, $0.015 par value:  
  
Common shares, $0.015 par value:  
Authorized - 233,333; issued and outstanding - 112,423 shares in 2020 and 98,394 shares in 2019 1,686
 1,476
Authorized - 233,333; issued and outstanding - 112,847 shares in 2021 and 112,423
shares in 2020
Authorized - 233,333; issued and outstanding - 112,847 shares in 2021 and 112,423
shares in 2020
1,693 1,686 
Additional paid-in capital 1,561,737
 1,118,655
Additional paid-in capital1,571,134 1,571,163 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 120,398
 56,187
Accumulated other comprehensive income79,071 138,274 
Retained earnings 1,939,508
 1,808,527
Retained earnings2,269,039 2,151,510 
Total stockholders’ equity 3,623,329
 2,984,845
Total stockholders’ equity3,920,937 3,862,633 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $4,899,948
 $3,873,425
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$5,331,846 $5,202,724 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019(In thousands, except per share amounts)20212020
Revenues:      
  
Revenues:  
Net premiums written $205,904
 $188,404
 $397,647
 $366,048
Net premiums written$204,361 $191,743 
Decrease in unearned premiums 5,567
 86
 20,320
 233
Decrease in unearned premiums14,706 14,753 
Net premiums earned 211,471
 188,490
 417,967
 366,281
Net premiums earned219,067 206,496 
Net investment income 19,866
 20,581
 40,499
 40,461
Net investment income21,788 20,633 
Realized investment gains (losses), net (1,269) 583
 1,866
 1,243
Other income 6,009
 2,238
 4,585
 4,433
Realized investment gains, netRealized investment gains, net641 3,135 
Other income (loss)Other income (loss)3,301 (1,424)
Total revenues 236,077
 211,892
 464,917
 412,418
Total revenues244,797 228,840 
        
Losses and expenses:  
  
  
  
Losses and expenses:  
Provision for losses and LAE 175,877
 4,960
 183,940
 12,067
Provision for losses and LAE32,322 8,063 
Other underwriting and operating expenses 38,819
 41,520
 80,766
 82,550
Other underwriting and operating expenses42,239 41,947 
Interest expense 2,566
 2,679
 4,698
 5,349
Interest expense2,051 2,132 
Total losses and expenses 217,262
 49,159
 269,404
 99,966
Total losses and expenses76,612 52,142 
        
Income before income taxes 18,815
 162,733
 195,513
 312,452
Income before income taxes168,185 176,698 
Income tax expense 3,435
 26,328
 30,610
 48,327
Income tax expense32,537 27,175 
Net income $15,380
 $136,405
 $164,903
 $264,125
Net income$135,648 $149,523 
        
Earnings per share:  
  
  
  
Earnings per share:  
Basic $0.15
 $1.39
 $1.65
 $2.70
Basic$1.21 $1.53 
Diluted 0.15
 1.39
 1.64
 2.69
Diluted1.21 1.52 
        
Weighted average shares outstanding:  
  
  
  
Weighted average shares outstanding:  
Basic 102,500
 97,798
 100,224
 97,697
Basic112,016 97,949 
Diluted 102,605
 98,170
 100,466
 98,137
Diluted112,378 98,326 
        
Net income $15,380
 $136,405
 $164,903
 $264,125
Net income$135,648 $149,523 
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
  
  
  
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments, net of tax expense of $17,592 and $7,094 in the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and $10,613 and $15,045 in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 74,285
 35,987
 64,211
 74,353
Total other comprehensive income 74,285
 35,987
 64,211
 74,353
Change in unrealized depreciation of investments, net of tax benefit of $(10,201) and $(6,979) in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020Change in unrealized depreciation of investments, net of tax benefit of $(10,201) and $(6,979) in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020(59,203)(10,074)
Total other comprehensive lossTotal other comprehensive loss(59,203)(10,074)
Comprehensive income $89,665
 $172,392
 $229,114
 $338,478
Comprehensive income$76,445 $139,449 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Common Shares  
Balance, beginning of period$1,686 $1,476 
Issuance of management incentive shares
Cancellation of treasury stock(1)(2)
Balance, end of period1,693 1,479 
Additional Paid-In Capital
Balance, beginning of period1,571,163 1,118,655 
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared176 160 
Issuance of management incentive shares(8)(5)
Stock-based compensation expense5,179 4,780 
Cancellation of treasury stock(5,376)(6,304)
Balance, end of period1,571,134 1,117,286 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance, beginning of period138,274 56,187 
Other comprehensive loss(59,203)(10,074)
Balance, end of period79,071 46,113 
Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period2,151,510 1,808,527 
Net income135,648 149,523 
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared(18,119)(15,854)
Balance, end of period2,269,039 1,942,196 
Treasury Stock
Balance, beginning of period
Treasury stock acquired(5,377)(6,306)
Cancellation of treasury stock5,377 6,306 
Balance, end of period
Total Stockholders' Equity$3,920,937 $3,107,074 
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Common Shares      
  
Balance, beginning of period $1,479
 $1,475
 $1,476
 $1,472
Issuance of common shares 207
 
 207
 
Issuance of management incentive shares 
 1
 5
 7
Cancellation of treasury stock 
 
 (2) (3)
Balance, end of period 1,686
 1,476
 1,686
 1,476
         
Additional Paid-In Capital        
Balance, beginning of period 1,117,286
 1,106,797
 1,118,655
 1,110,800
Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs of $18,875 439,768
 
 439,768
 
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared 163
 
 323
 
Issuance of management incentive shares 
 (1) (5) (7)
Stock-based compensation expense 4,568
 4,222
 9,348
 8,322
Cancellation of treasury stock (48) (125) (6,352) (8,222)
Balance, end of period 1,561,737
 1,110,893
 1,561,737
 1,110,893
         
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
Balance, beginning of period 46,113
 9,373
 56,187
 (28,993)
Other comprehensive income 74,285
 35,987
 64,211
 74,353
Balance, end of period 120,398
 45,360
 120,398
 45,360
         
Retained Earnings        
Balance, beginning of period 1,942,196
 1,410,158
 1,808,527
 1,282,438
Net income 15,380
 136,405
 164,903
 264,125
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared (18,068) 
 (33,922) 
Balance, end of period 1,939,508
 1,546,563
 1,939,508
 1,546,563
         
Treasury Stock        
Balance, beginning of period 
 
 
 
Treasury stock acquired (48) (125) (6,354) (8,225)
Cancellation of treasury stock 48
 125
 6,354
 8,225
Balance, end of period 
 
 
 
         
Total Stockholders' Equity $3,623,329
 $2,704,292
 $3,623,329
 $2,704,292

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019(In thousands)20212020
Operating Activities  
  
Operating Activities  
Net income $164,903
 $264,125
Net income$135,648 $149,523 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Gain on the sale of investments, net (1,866) (1,243)Gain on the sale of investments, net(641)(3,135)
Equity in net loss (income) of other invested assets (228) 291
Equity in net (income) loss of other invested assetsEquity in net (income) loss of other invested assets(526)96 
Distribution of income from other invested assets 794
 
Distribution of income from other invested assets428 339 
Depreciation and amortization 1,735
 1,826
Depreciation and amortization863 878 
Stock-based compensation expense 9,348
 8,322
Stock-based compensation expense5,179 4,780 
Amortization of premium on investment securities 11,548
 7,455
Amortization of premium on investment securities6,468 5,840 
Deferred income tax provision 12,513
 28,973
Deferred income tax provision23,714 17,047 
Change in:  
  
Change in:  
Accrued investment income (176) (760)Accrued investment income(3,652)(37)
Accounts receivable 1,238
 (1,508)Accounts receivable3,867 805 
Deferred policy acquisition costs (151) 219
Deferred policy acquisition costs2,282 558 
Prepaid federal income tax (17,251) (28,000)
Other assets (7,622) (7,832)Other assets(6,874)(2,877)
Reserve for losses and LAE 181,528
 5,674
Reserve for losses and LAE36,182 3,979 
Unearned premium reserve (20,320) (233)Unearned premium reserve(14,706)(14,753)
Other accrued liabilities 9,792
 (11,825)Other accrued liabilities(461)88 
Net cash provided by operating activities 345,785
 265,484
Net cash provided by operating activities187,771 163,131 
    
Investing Activities  
  
Investing Activities  
Net change in short-term investments (815,592) (97,068)Net change in short-term investments277,528 (279,803)
Purchase of investments available for sale (541,193) (498,210)Purchase of investments available for sale(681,516)(294,746)
Proceeds from maturity of investments available for sale 113,217
 39,527
Proceeds from maturity of investments available for sale56,603 29,472 
Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale 299,149
 299,443
Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale166,390 159,127 
Purchase of other invested assets (6,618) (39,408)Purchase of other invested assets(11,150)(2,310)
Return of investment from other invested assets 7,078
 556
Return of investment from other invested assets6,460 7,300 
Purchase of property and equipment (934) (1,775)Purchase of property and equipment(574)(466)
Net cash used in investing activities (944,893) (296,935)Net cash used in investing activities(186,259)(381,426)
    
Financing Activities  
  
Financing Activities  
Issuance of common shares, net of costs 440,498
 
Credit facility borrowings 200,000
 
Credit facility borrowings200,000 
Treasury stock acquired (6,354) (8,225)Treasury stock acquired(5,377)(6,306)
Payment of issuance costs for credit facility 
 (15)
Dividends paid (33,599) 
Dividends paid(17,943)(15,694)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 600,545
 (8,240)
    
Net increase (decrease) in cash 1,437
 (39,691)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activitiesNet cash (used in) provided by financing activities(23,320)178,000 
Net decrease in cashNet decrease in cash(21,808)(40,295)
Cash at beginning of year 71,350
 64,946
Cash at beginning of year102,830 71,350 
Cash at end of period $72,787
 $25,255
Cash at end of period$81,022 $31,055 
    
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information    Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Income tax payments $(10,000) $(21,005)
Interest payments (4,283) (5,179)Interest payments(1,762)(1,641)
    
Noncash Transactions    
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets $
 $18
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
In these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements, “Essent”, “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to Essent Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
 
Note 1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
 
Essent Group Ltd. (“Essent Group”) is a Bermuda-based holding company, which, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, offers private mortgage insurance and reinsurance for mortgages secured by residential properties located in the United States. Mortgage insurance facilitates the sale of low down payment (generally less than 20%) mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage market, primarily to two government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The primary mortgage insurance operations are conducted through Essent Guaranty, Inc. (“Essent Guaranty”), a wholly-owned subsidiary approved as a qualified mortgage insurer by the GSEs and is licensed to write mortgage insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Essent Guaranty reinsures 25% of new insurance written ("NIW") to Essent Reinsurance Ltd. (“Essent Re”), an affiliated Bermuda domiciled Class 3A Insurer licensed pursuant to Section 4 of the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978 that provides insurance and reinsurance coverage of mortgage credit risk. In April 2021, Essent Guaranty and Essent Re agreed to increase the quota share reinsurance coverage of Essent Guaranty’s NIW provided by Essent Re to 35% effective January 1, 2021. The quota share reinsurance coverage provided by Essent Re for Essent Guaranty’s NIW prior to January 1, 2021 will continue to be 25%, the quota share percentage in effect at the time NIW was first ceded. Essent Re also provides insurance and reinsurance to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. In 2016, Essent Re formed Essent Agency (Bermuda) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, which provides underwriting consulting services to third-party reinsurers. In accordance with certain state law requirements then in effect, Essent Guaranty also reinsures that portion of the risk that is in excess of 25% of the mortgage balance with respect to loans insured prior to April 1, 2019, after consideration of other reinsurance, to Essent Guaranty of PA, Inc. (“Essent PA”), an affiliate.

In addition to offering mortgage insurance, we provide contract underwriting services on a limited basis through CUW Solutions, LLC ("CUW Solutions"), a Delaware limited liability company, that provides, among other things, mortgage contract underwriting services to lenders and mortgage insurance underwriting services to affiliates.

We have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the statements include all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) required for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, including Note 1 and Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, which discloses the principles of consolidation and a summary of significant accounting policies. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. We evaluated the need to recognize or disclose events that occurred subsequent to June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 prior to the issuance of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 2.2. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Adopted During 2020

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13,
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This update is intended to provide financial statement users with more information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of an allowance for credit losses. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance rather than as a write-down of the amortized cost of the securities. The accounting for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") are not within the scope of this ASU. The provisions of this update were effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and we adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated operating results or financial position.


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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The provisions of this update were effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for the removed disclosures. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In March 2020, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments in this update provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. It provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update are effective as ofThis standard may be elected and applied prospectively over time from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.2022 as reference rate reform activities occur. The Company is evaluatingadoption of, and future elections under, this ASU are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as the ASU will ease, if warranted, the requirements for accounting for the future effects of the rate reform. We continue to monitor the impact the adoptiondiscontinuance of this ASULIBOR or another reference rate will have on our consolidated operating resultscontracts and financial position.other transactions.

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Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Note 3.3. Investments
 
Investments available for sale consist of the following:
March 31, 2021 (In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
U.S. Treasury securities$257,401 $5,854 $(946)$262,309 
U.S. agency securities16,028 110 16,138 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,005,599 24,083 (6,691)1,022,991 
Municipal debt securities (1)543,742 30,021 (1,500)572,263 
Non-U.S. government securities77,440 3,818 (1,978)79,280 
Corporate debt securities (2)1,391,881 38,183 (15,126)1,414,938 
Residential and commercial mortgage securities439,583 12,379 (5,754)446,208 
Asset-backed securities471,677 3,000 (873)473,804 
Money market funds413,547 (2)413,545 
Total investments available for sale$4,616,898 $117,448 $(32,870)$4,701,476 
June 30, 2020 (In thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
December 31, 2020 (In thousands)December 31, 2020 (In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
U.S. Treasury securities $248,140
 $11,120
 $(1) $259,259
U.S. Treasury securities$259,378 $9,088 $(22)$268,444 
U.S. agency securities 14,435
 247
 
 14,682
U.S. agency securities17,930 155 18,085 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 791,142
 39,048
 (66) 830,124
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities963,670 33,205 (970)995,905 
Municipal debt securities (1) 436,386
 29,068
 (391) 465,063
Municipal debt securities (1)513,870 37,662 (15)551,517 
Non-U.S. government securities 50,710
 4,069
 (142) 54,637
Non-U.S. government securities56,045 5,562 61,607 
Corporate debt securities (2) 862,027
 50,939
 (829) 912,137
Corporate debt securities (2)1,070,027 56,864 (379)1,126,512 
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 300,021
 15,170
 (2,680) 312,511
Residential and commercial mortgage securities391,921 18,641 (1,280)409,282 
Asset-backed securities 388,732
 2,410
 (5,656) 385,486
Asset-backed securities452,527 3,246 (1,056)454,717 
Money market funds 1,118,213
 1
 (10) 1,118,204
Money market funds679,322 (18)679,304 
Total investments available for sale $4,209,806
 $152,072
 $(9,775) $4,352,103
Total investments available for sale$4,404,690 $164,423 $(3,740)$4,565,373 
December 31, 2019 (In thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
U.S. Treasury securities $239,087
 $3,526
 $(407) $242,206
U.S. agency securities 33,620
 36
 (51) 33,605
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 836,710
 13,956
 (2,332) 848,334
Municipal debt securities (1) 339,511
 22,245
 (118) 361,638
Non-U.S. government securities 52,230
 2,812
 (47) 54,995
Corporate debt securities (2) 856,638
 24,255
 (592) 880,301
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 282,840
 6,542
 (1,101) 288,281
Asset-backed securities 326,589
 857
 (1,421) 326,025
Money market funds 315,360
 2
 
 315,362
Total investments available for sale $3,282,585
 $74,231
 $(6,069) $3,350,747


 March 31,December 31,
(1) The following table summarizes municipal debt securities as of :20212020
Special revenue bonds76.9 %76.8 %
General obligation bonds20.3 20.3 
Certificate of participation bonds2.1 2.3 
Tax allocation bonds0.6 0.6 
Special tax bonds0.1 
Total100.0 %100.0 %
  June 30, December 31,
(1) The following table summarizes municipal debt securities as of : 2020 2019
Special revenue bonds 74.3% 74.5%
General obligation bonds 22.2
 21.3
Certificate of participation bonds 2.8
 3.4
Tax allocation bonds 0.7
 0.8
Total 100.0% 100.0%
6

  June 30, December 31,
(2) The following table summarizes corporate debt securities as of : 2020 2019
Financial 35.0% 34.4%
Consumer, non-cyclical 20.8
 20.1
Communications 10.9
 10.3
Energy 7.6
 8.3
Consumer, cyclical 7.2
 7.6
Utilities 6.2
 6.2
Technology 5.5
 4.8
Industrial 3.5
 4.2
Basic materials 3.3
 4.1
Total 100.0% 100.0%


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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 March 31,December 31,
(2) The following table summarizes corporate debt securities as of :20212020
Financial32.8 %34.9 %
Consumer, non-cyclical19.2 19.1 
Communications11.6 9.3 
Consumer, cyclical7.6 8.0 
Industrial7.3 5.3 
Energy6.6 8.2 
Utilities5.9 5.9 
Technology5.4 6.1 
Basic materials3.5 3.1 
Government0.1 0.1 
Total100.0 %100.0 %

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The amortized cost and fair value of investments available for sale at June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Because most U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, residential and commercial mortgage securities and asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives, they are listed below in separate categories.
 
(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
U.S. Treasury securities:  
Due in 1 year$51,984 $52,264 
Due after 1 but within 5 years155,396 158,188 
Due after 5 but within 10 years49,036 50,890 
Due after 10 years985 967 
Subtotal257,401 262,309 
U.S. agency securities:  
Due in 1 year12,530 12,638 
Due after 1 but within 5 years3,498 3,500 
Subtotal16,028 16,138 
Municipal debt securities:  
Due in 1 year7,495 7,519 
Due after 1 but within 5 years98,704 103,013 
Due after 5 but within 10 years229,338 243,858 
Due after 10 years208,205 217,873 
Subtotal543,742 572,263 
Non-U.S. government securities:
Due in 1 year4,360 4,473 
Due after 1 but within 5 years18,348 19,499 
Due after 5 but within 10 years26,603 29,045 
Due after 10 years28,129 26,263 
Subtotal77,440 79,280 
Corporate debt securities:  
Due in 1 year147,203 148,503 
Due after 1 but within 5 years648,697 667,465 
Due after 5 but within 10 years378,395 386,311 
Due after 10 years217,586 212,659 
Subtotal1,391,881 1,414,938 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,005,599 1,022,991 
Residential and commercial mortgage securities439,583 446,208 
Asset-backed securities471,677 473,804 
Money market funds413,547 413,545 
Total investments available for sale$4,616,898 $4,701,476 
(In thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
U.S. Treasury securities:  
  
Due in 1 year $83,842
 $84,360
Due after 1 but within 5 years 101,678
 106,198
Due after 5 but within 10 years 61,636
 67,516
Due after 10 years 984
 1,185
Subtotal 248,140
 259,259
U.S. agency securities:  
  
Due in 1 year 1,897
 1,914
Due after 1 but within 5 years 12,538
 12,768
Subtotal 14,435
 14,682
Municipal debt securities:  
  
Due in 1 year 212
 213
Due after 1 but within 5 years 39,539
 41,489
Due after 5 but within 10 years 228,199
 244,273
Due after 10 years 168,436
 179,088
Subtotal 436,386
 465,063
Non-U.S. government securities:    
Due in 1 year 
 
Due after 1 but within 5 years 22,258
 23,589
Due after 5 but within 10 years 24,235
 26,769
Due after 10 years 4,217
 4,279
Subtotal 50,710
 54,637
Corporate debt securities:  
  
Due in 1 year 119,423
 120,451
Due after 1 but within 5 years 456,301
 479,892
Due after 5 but within 10 years 260,406
 284,702
Due after 10 years 25,897
 27,092
Subtotal 862,027
 912,137
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 791,142
 830,124
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 300,021
 312,511
Asset-backed securities 388,732
 385,486
Money market funds 1,118,213
 1,118,204
Total investments available for sale $4,209,806
 $4,352,103


Gross gains and losses realized on the sale of investments available for sale were as follows:
 
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Realized gross gains $1,263
 $1,923
 $4,525
 $2,594
Realized gross losses 2,103
 1,225
 2,230
 1,236

 Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Realized gross gains$750 $3,262 
Realized gross losses109 127 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
The fair value of investments available for sale in an unrealized loss position and the related unrealized losses for which no allowance for credit loss has been recorded were as follows:
 
Less than 12 months12 months or moreTotal
March 31, 2021 (In thousands)March 31, 2021 (In thousands)Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securitiesU.S. Treasury securities$88,240 $(946)$$$88,240 $(946)
 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total
June 30, 2020 (In thousands) Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities $15,983
 $(1) $
 $
 $15,983
 $(1)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 5,057
 (30) 1,677
 (36) 6,734
 (66)U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities411,509 (6,667)1,044 (24)412,553 (6,691)
Municipal debt securities 32,488
 (391) 
 
 32,488
 (391)Municipal debt securities94,305 (1,500)94,305 (1,500)
Non-U.S. government securities 3,903
 (142) 
 
 3,903
 (142)Non-U.S. government securities28,820 (1,978)28,820 (1,978)
Corporate debt securities 14,953
 (829) 
 
 14,953
 (829)Corporate debt securities560,659 (15,112)235 (14)560,894 (15,126)
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 50,165
 (2,016) 10,535
 (664) 60,700
 (2,680)Residential and commercial mortgage securities191,043 (5,013)17,628 (741)208,671 (5,754)
Asset-backed securities 155,022
 (2,974) 74,305
 (2,682) 229,327
 (5,656)Asset-backed securities131,675 (630)39,360 (243)171,035 (873)
Money market funds 65,010
 (10) 
 
 65,010
 (10)Money market funds22,502 (2)22,502 (2)
Total $342,581
 $(6,393) $86,517
 $(3,382) $429,098
 $(9,775)Total$1,528,753 $(31,848)$58,267 $(1,022)$1,587,020 $(32,870)
 
  Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total
December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities $29,013
 $(331) $42,981
 $(76) $71,994
 $(407)
U.S. agency securities 
 
 25,605
 (51) 25,605
 (51)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 101,684
 (1,042) 113,866
 (1,290) 215,550
 (2,332)
Municipal debt securities 10,651
 (112) 624
 (6) 11,275
 (118)
Non-U.S. government securities 9,664
 (47) 
 
 9,664
 (47)
Corporate debt securities 83,013
 (576) 14,531
 (16) 97,544
 (592)
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 59,341
 (1,059) 3,442
 (42) 62,783
 (1,101)
Asset-backed securities 78,813
 (202) 109,536
 (1,219) 188,349
 (1,421)
Total $372,179
 $(3,369) $310,585
 $(2,700) $682,764
 $(6,069)

 Less than 12 months12 months or moreTotal
December 31, 2020 (In thousands)Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities$28,776 $(22)$$$28,776 $(22)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities152,671 (924)3,007 (46)155,678 (970)
Municipal debt securities3,838 (15)3,838 (15)
Corporate debt securities141,803 (379)141,803 (379)
Residential and commercial mortgage securities63,203 (777)9,516 (503)72,719 (1,280)
Asset-backed securities124,165 (483)65,897 (573)190,062 (1,056)
Money market funds99,995 (18)99,995 (18)
Total$614,451 $(2,618)$78,420 $(1,122)$692,871 $(3,740)
 
At June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019,2020, we held 274802 and 365363 individual investment securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position. We assess our intent to sell these securities and whether we will be required to sell these securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis when determining whether to record an impairment on the securities in an unrealized loss position. In assessing whether the decline in the fair value at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 of any of these securities resulted from a credit loss or other factors, we made inquiries of our investment managers to determine that each issuer was current on its scheduled interest and principal payments. We reviewed the credit rating of these securities noting that over 98% of the securities at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 had investment-grade ratings. We concluded that gross unrealized losses noted above are principally associated with the changes in credit spreadsinterest rates subsequent to purchase rather than due to credit impairment. We recordedThere were 0 impairments of $0.4 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and other-than-temporary impairments of $0.1 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 on securities in an unrealized loss position. The impairments resulted from our intent to sell the securities subsequent to the reporting date.March 31, 2021 or March 31, 2020.

The Company's other invested assets at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 20192020 totaled $78.5$100.4 million and $78.9$88.9 million, respectively. Other invested assets are comprised of limited partnership interests which are generally accounted for under the equity method of accounting with changes in value reported in other income. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag.

The fair value of investments deposited with insurance regulatory authorities to meet statutory requirements was $9.9$9.4 million at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and $9.4$9.7 million at December 31, 2019.2020. In connection with its insurance and reinsurance activities,

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Essent Re is required to maintain assets in trusts for the benefit of its contractual counterparties. The fair value of the investments on deposit in these trusts was $979.8 million$1.2 billion at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and $805.5 million$1.1 billion at December 31, 2019.2020. Essent Guaranty is required to maintain assets on deposit in connection with its fully collateralized reinsurance agreements (see
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 4)4). The fair value of the assets on deposit was $8.5 million at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and $6.4$8.5 million at December 31, 2019.2020. Essent Guaranty is also required to maintain assets on deposit for the benefit of the sponsor of a fixed income investment commitment. The fair value of the assets on deposit was $12.0 million at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and $6.4$12.0 million at December 31, 2019.2020.

Net investment income consists of: 
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Fixed maturities $20,569
 $20,180
 $41,183
 $39,923
Short-term investments 358
 1,310
 1,480
 2,368
Gross investment income 20,927
 21,490
 42,663
 42,291
Investment expenses (1,061) (909) (2,164) (1,830)
Net investment income $19,866
 $20,581
 $40,499
 $40,461

 Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Fixed maturities$23,024 $20,614 
Short-term investments81 1,122 
Gross investment income23,105 21,736 
Investment expenses(1,317)(1,103)
Net investment income$21,788 $20,633 
 
Note 4.4. Reinsurance
 
In the ordinary course of business, our insurance subsidiaries may use reinsurance to provide protection against adverse loss experience and to expand our capital sources. Reinsurance recoverables are recorded as assets and included in other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, predicated on a reinsurer's ability to meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. If the reinsurers are unable to satisfy their obligations under the agreements, our insurance subsidiaries would be liable for such defaulted amounts.

The effect of reinsurance on net premiums written and earned is as follows:

  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net premiums written:        
Direct $228,044
 $196,832
 $434,024
 $380,514
Ceded (1) (22,140) (8,428) (36,377) (14,466)
Net premiums written $205,904
 $188,404
 $397,647
 $366,048
         
Net premiums earned:        
Direct $233,611
 $196,918
 $454,344
 $380,747
Ceded (1) (22,140) (8,428) (36,377) (14,466)
Net premiums earned $211,471
 $188,490
 $417,967
 $366,281
Three Months Ended 
March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Net premiums written:
Direct$235,257 $205,980 
Ceded (1)(30,896)(14,237)
Net premiums written$204,361 $191,743 
Net premiums earned:
Direct$249,963 $220,733 
Ceded (1)(30,896)(14,237)
Net premiums earned$219,067 $206,496 
(1)Net of profit commission.
(1)Net of profit commission.

Quota Share Reinsurance

Effective September 1, 2019, Essent Guaranty entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with a panel of third-party reinsurers (the "QSR Agreement"). Each of the third-party reinsurers has an insurer financial strength rating of A or better by S&P Global Ratings, A.M. Best or both. Under the QSR Agreement, Essent Guaranty will cede premiums earned related to 40% of risk on eligible single premium policies and 20% of risk on all other eligible policies written September 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, in exchange for reimbursement of ceded claims and claims expenses on covered policies, a 20% ceding commission, and a profit commission of up to 60% that varies directly and inversely with ceded claims. The QSR Agreement is scheduled to terminate on December 31, 2030. Essent Guaranty has certain termination rights under the QSR Agreement, including the option to terminate the QSR Agreement with no termination fee on December 31, 2021, and the option, subject to

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


a termination fee, to terminate the QSR Agreement on December 31, 2022, or annually thereafter. Should Essent Guaranty not exercise its option to terminate the QSR Agreement on December 31, 2021, the maximum profit commission that Essent
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Guaranty could earn would increase to 63% in 2022 and thereafter. RIF ceded under the QSR Agreement was $3.3$5.8 billion as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.

Excess of Loss Reinsurance

Essent Guaranty has entered into fully collateralized reinsurance agreements ("Radnor Re Transactions") with unaffiliated special purpose insurers domiciled in Bermuda. For the reinsurance coverage periods, Essent Guaranty and its affiliates retain the first layer of the respective aggregate losses, and a Radnor Re special purpose insurer will then provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. Essent Guaranty and its affiliates retain losses in excess of the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. The reinsurance premium due to each Radnor Re special purpose insurer is calculated by multiplying the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount at the beginning of a period by a coupon rate, which is the sum of one-month LIBOR plus a risk margin, and then subtracting actual investment income collected on the assets in the related reinsurance trust during that period. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage decreases over a ten-year period as the underlying covered mortgages amortize. Essent Guaranty has rights to terminate the Radnor Re Transactions. The Radnor Re entities collateralized the coverage by issuing mortgage insurance-linked notes ("ILNs") in an aggregate amount equal to the initial coverage to unaffiliated investors. The notes have ten-year legal maturities and are non-recourse to any assets of Essent Guaranty or its affiliates. The proceeds of the notes were deposited into reinsurance trusts for the benefit of Essent Guaranty and will be the source of reinsurance claim payments to Essent Guaranty and principal repayments on the ILNs.

Essent Guaranty has also entered into reinsurance agreements with panels of reinsurers that provide aggregate excess of loss coverage immediately above or pari-passu to the coverage provided by the Radnor Re Transactions. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage decreases over a ten-year period as the underlying covered mortgages amortize. Essent Guaranty has rights to terminate these reinsurance agreements.
    
The following table summarizes Essent Guaranty's excess of loss reinsurance agreements as of June 30, 2020:March 31, 2021:

Vintage Year Reinsurer Effective Date Optional Termination Date
2015 & 2016 Radnor Re 2019-2 Ltd. June 20, 2019 June 25, 2024 
2017 Radnor Re 2018-1 Ltd. March 22, 2018 March 25, 2023(1)
2017 Panel of Reinsurers November 1, 2018 October 1, 2023(2)
2018 Radnor Re 2019-1 Ltd. February 28, 2019 February 25, 2026 
2018 Panel of Reinsurers February 28, 2019 February 25, 2026 
2019 Radnor Re 2020-1 Ltd. January 30, 2020 January 25, 2027 
2019 Panel of Reinsurers January 30, 2020 January 25, 2027 
Vintage YearReinsurerEffective DateOptional Termination Date
2015 & 2016Radnor Re 2019-2 Ltd.June 20, 2019June 25, 2024
2017Radnor Re 2018-1 Ltd.March 22, 2018March 25, 2023(1)
2017Panel of ReinsurersNovember 1, 2018October 1, 2023(2)
2018Radnor Re 2019-1 Ltd.February 28, 2019February 25, 2026
2018Panel of ReinsurersFebruary 28, 2019February 25, 2026
2019Radnor Re 2020-1 Ltd.January 30, 2020January 25, 2027
2019Panel of ReinsurersJanuary 30, 2020January 25, 2027
2019 & 2020Radnor Re 2020-2 Ltd.October 8, 2020October 25, 2027
(1)If the reinsurance agreement is not terminated at the optional termination date, the risk margin component of the reinsurance premium increases by 50%.
(2)If the reinsurance agreement is not terminated at the optional termination date, the reinsurance premium increases by 50%.

(1)If the reinsurance agreement is not terminated at the optional termination date, the risk margin component of the reinsurance premium increases by 50%.
(2)If the reinsurance agreement is not terminated at the optional termination date, the reinsurance premium increases by 50%.

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The following table summarizes Essent Guaranty's excess of loss reinsurance coverages and retentions as of June 30, 2020:March 31, 2021:

(In thousands)     
Remaining
Reinsurance in Force
  
Vintage Year 
Remaining
Insurance
in Force
 
Remaining
Risk
in Force
 ILN Other Reinsurance  Total Remaining
First Layer
Retention
2015 & 2016 $22,315,283
 $6,025,734
 $216,480
 $
  $216,480
 $207,849
2017 22,597,869
 5,742,641
 242,123
 165,167
(4) 407,290
 220,308
2018 26,393,162
 6,676,437
 325,537
 76,144
(5) 401,681
 252,392
2019 (3)
 30,475,038
 7,724,225
 495,889
 55,102
(6) 550,991
 215,605
Total $101,781,352
 $26,169,037
 $1,280,029
 $296,413
  $1,576,442
 $896,154
(In thousands)Remaining
Reinsurance in Force
Vintage YearRemaining
Insurance
in Force
Remaining
Risk
in Force
ILNOther ReinsuranceTotalRemaining
First Layer
Retention
2015 & 2016$13,987,747 $3,777,142 $216,480 $$216,480 $207,588 
201713,285,965 3,404,783 242,123 165,167 (5)407,290 218,262 
201815,328,438 3,897,423 325,537 76,144 (6)401,681 250,350 
2019 (3)
18,493,963 4,724,213 495,889 55,102 (7)550,991 215,481 
2019 & 2020 (4)
43,365,923 10,872,860 399,159 399,159 465,690 
Total$104,462,036 $26,676,421 $1,679,188 $296,413 $1,975,601 $1,357,371 
(3)Reinsurance coverage on new insurance written from January 1, 2019 through August 31, 2019.
(4)Coverage provided immediately above the coverage provided by Radnor Re 2018-1 Ltd.
(5)Coverage provided pari-passu to the coverage provided by Radnor Re 2019-1 Ltd.
(6)Coverage provided pari-passu to the coverage provided by Radnor Re 2020-1 Ltd.

(3)Reinsurance coverage on new insurance written from January 1, 2019 through August 31, 2019.
(4)Reinsurance coverage on new insurance written from September 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020.
(5)Coverage provided immediately above the coverage provided by Radnor Re 2018-1 Ltd.
(6)Coverage provided pari-passu to the coverage provided by Radnor Re 2019-1 Ltd.
(7)Coverage provided pari-passu to the coverage provided by Radnor Re 2020-1 Ltd.

Based on the level of delinquencies reported to us, the ILN transactions listed aboveentered into prior to March 31, 2020 became subject to a "trigger event" as of June 25, 2020. The amortization of principal of the notes issued by the unaffiliated special purpose insurers in connection with the ILNs is suspended and the aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage will not amortize during the continuation of a trigger event.

The amount of monthly reinsurance premium ceded to the Radnor Re entities will fluctuate due to changes in one-month LIBOR and changes in money market rates that affect investment income collected on the assets in the reinsurance trusts. As the reinsurance premium will vary based on changes in these rates, we concluded that the Radnor Re Transactions contain embedded derivatives that will be accounted for separately like freestanding derivatives.

In connection with the Radnor Re Transactions, we concluded that the risk transfer requirements for reinsurance accounting were met as each Radnor Re entity is assuming significant insurance risk and a reasonable possibility of a significant loss. In addition, we assessed whether each Radnor Re entity was a variable interest entity ("VIE") and the appropriate accounting for the Radnor Re entities if they were VIEs. 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 significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights or do not substantively participate in the gains and losses of the entity. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the entity’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. While also considering these factors, the consolidation conclusion depends on the breadth of the decision-making ability and ability to influence activities that significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE. We concluded that the Radnor Re entities are VIEs. However, given that Essent Guaranty (1) does not have the unilateral power to direct the activities that most significantly affect their economic performance and (2) does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to these entities, the Radnor Re entities are not consolidated in these financial statements.


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The following table presents total assets of each Radnor Re special purpose insurer as well as our maximum exposure to loss associated with each Radnor Re entity, representing the fair value of the embedded derivative, using observable inputs in active markets (Level 2), included in other assets (other accrued liabilities) on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and the estimated net present value of investment earnings on the assets in the reinsurance trust, each as of June 30, 2020:March 31, 2021:

Maximum Exposure to Loss
(In thousands)Total VIE AssetsOn - Balance SheetOff - Balance SheetTotal
Radnor Re 2018-1 Ltd.$242,123 $367 $40 $407 
Radnor Re 2019-1 Ltd.325,537 (2,183)67 (2,116)
Radnor Re 2019-2 Ltd.216,480 (1,603)31 (1,572)
Radnor Re 2020-1 Ltd.495,889 (1,202)126 (1,076)
Radnor Re 2020-2 Ltd.399,159 (330)93 (237)
Total$1,679,188 $(4,951)$357 $(4,594)
    Maximum Exposure to Loss
(In thousands) Total VIE Assets On - Balance Sheet Off - Balance Sheet Total
Radnor Re 2018-1 Ltd. $242,123
 $573
 $132
 $705
Radnor Re 2019-1 Ltd. 325,537
 (1,858) 307
 (1,551)
Radnor Re 2019-2 Ltd. 216,480
 (1,409) 172
 (1,237)
Radnor Re 2020-1 Ltd. 495,889
 (765) 503
 (262)
Total $1,280,029
 $(3,459) $1,114
 $(2,345)


Note 5.5. Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the sixthree months ended June 30:March 31:
 
($ in thousands) 2020 2019
Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period $69,362
 $49,464
Less: Reinsurance recoverables 71
 
Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period 69,291
 49,464
Add provision for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in:  
  
Current period 197,195
 23,182
Prior years (13,255) (11,115)
Net incurred losses and LAE during the current period 183,940
 12,067
Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in:  
  
Current period 289
 245
Prior years 9,813
 6,148
Net loss and LAE payments during the current period 10,102
 6,393
Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of period 243,129
 55,138
Plus: Reinsurance recoverables 7,761
 
Reserve for losses and LAE at end of period $250,890
 $55,138
     
Loans in default at end of period 38,068
 4,405

(In thousands)20212020
Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period$374,941 $69,362 
Less: Reinsurance recoverables19,061 71 
Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period355,880 69,291 
Add provision for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in:  
Current period47,989 15,419 
Prior years(15,667)(7,356)
Net incurred losses and LAE during the current period32,322 8,063 
Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in:  
Current period114 
Prior years1,872 4,110 
Net loss and LAE payments during the current period1,986 4,111 
Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of period386,216 73,243 
Plus: Reinsurance recoverables24,907 98 
Reserve for losses and LAE at end of period$411,123 $73,341 
 
For the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020, $9.8March 31, 2021, $1.9 million was paid for incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses attributable to insured events of prior years. There has been a $13.3$15.7 million favorable prior year development during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. Reserves remaining as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 for prior years are $46.2$338.3 million as a result of re-estimation of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. For the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019, $6.1March 31, 2020, $4.1 million was paid for incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses attributable to insured events of prior years. There was a $11.1$7.4 million favorable prior year development during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. Reserves remaining as of June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 for prior years were $32.2$57.8 million as a result of re-estimation of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. In both periods, the favorable prior years' loss development was the result of a re-estimation of amounts ultimately to be paid on prior year defaults in the default inventory, including the impact of previously identified defaults that cured. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims.

Due to business restrictions, stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions initially implemented in March 2020 as a result of COVID-19, unemployment in the United States has increased significantly.significantly in the second quarter of 2020 and remained elevated at March 31, 2021. As unemployment is one of the most common reasons for borrowers to default on their mortgage, the increase in unemployment has increased the number of delinquencies on

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the mortgages that we insure and has the potential to increase claim frequencies on defaults. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, insured loans in default totaled 38,06829,080 and included 34,352 26,874
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defaults classified as COVID-19 defaults. For borrowers that have the ability to begin to pay their mortgage at the end of the forbearance period, we expect that mortgage servicers will work with them to modify their loans at which time the mortgage will be removed from delinquency status. We believe that the forbearance process could have a favorable effect on the frequency of claims that we ultimately pay. Based on the forbearance programs in place and the credit characteristics of the COVID-19 defaulted loans, we expect the ultimate number of COVID-19-related defaults notices received in April 2020 through September 2020 ("Early COVID Defaults") that result in claims will be less than our historical default-to-claim experience. Accordingly, we recorded a reserve equal to approximately 7% of the risk in force for the COVID-19Early COVID Defaults. We have not adjusted the loss reserves associated with the Early COVID Defaults as we continue to believe that these reserves represent the best estimate of the ultimate loss. The credit characteristics of defaults reported in October 2020 through March 2021 have trended towards those of the pre-pandemic periods and we have observed the normalization of other default notices receivedpatterns during this period. In addition, beginning in the three months ended Junefourth quarter of 2020 we observed a normalization of the proportion of unemployment claims related to permanent layoffs as compared to a higher proportion of temporary layoffs during the second and third quarters of 2020. We believe that while defaults in October 2020 through March 2021 were impacted by the pandemic's effect on the economy, the underlying credit performance of these defaults may not be the same as the expected performance for the Early COVID Defaults that occurred following the onset of the pandemic and defaults after September 30, 2020 comparedare more likely to approximately a 9% reserve estimatetransition like pre-pandemic defaults. Accordingly, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2020, we resumed establishing reserves for defaults that had missed three payments or less as of December 31, 2019.reported after September 30, 2020 using our normal reserve methodology. The reserve for losses and LAE on COVID-19 defaults was $189.0$362.9 million at June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021 and includes $244.8 million of reserves for Early COVID Defaults. It is reasonably possible that our estimate of the losses for the COVID-19 defaults could change in the near term as a result of the continued impact of the pandemic on the economic environment, the results of existing and future governmental programs designed to assist individuals and businesses impacted by the virus and the performance of the COVID-19 defaults in the forbearance programs. A 100 basis point increase or decrease in the reserve rate applied to COVID-19 new default noticesEarly COVID Defaults would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in our reserve for losslosses and LAE of approximately $26$35 million as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. The impact on our reserves in future periods will be dependent upon the amount of delinquent notices received from loan servicers, the performance of COVID-19 defaults and our expectations for the amount of ultimate losses on these delinquencies.

Note 6.6. Debt Obligations
 
Credit Facility

Essent Group and its subsidiaries, Essent Irish Intermediate Holdings Limited and Essent US Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the "Borrowers"), are parties to a secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with committed capacity of $500$625 million. The Credit Facility provides for a $275$300 million revolving credit facility $225and $325 million of term loans and a $100 million uncommitted line that may be exercised atloans. The Credit Facility also provides an option to increase the Borrowers’ option so long as the Borrowers receive commitments from the lenders.capacity to $775 million. Borrowings under the Credit Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, capital contributions to Essent’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Borrowings accrue interest at a floating rate tied to a standard short-term borrowing index, selected at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin. A commitment fee is due quarterly on the average daily amount of the undrawn revolving commitment. The applicable margin and the commitment fee are based on the senior unsecured debt rating or long-term issuer rating of Essent Group to the extent available, or the insurer financial strength rating of Essent Guaranty. The annual commitment fee rate at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was 0.25%0.35%. The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by certain assets of the Borrowers, excluding the stock and assets of its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. The Credit Facility contains several covenants, including financial covenants relating to minimum net worth, capital and liquidity levels, maximum debt to capitalization level and Essent Guaranty's compliance with the PMIERs (see Note 15)14). The borrowings under the Credit Facility contractually mature on May 17, 2021.October 16, 2023. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with the covenants and $425$325 million had been borrowed under the Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.93%2.13%. As of December 31, 2019, $2252020, $325 million had been borrowed with a weighted average interest rate of 3.51%2.19%.


Note 7.7. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Obligations under Guarantees
 
Under the terms of CUW Solutions' contract underwriting agreements with lenders and subject to contractual limitations on liability, we agree to indemnify certain lenders against losses incurred in the event that we make an error in determining whether loans processed meet specified underwriting criteria, to the extent that such error materially restricts or impairs the salability of such loan, results in a material reduction in the value of such loan or results in the lender repurchasing the loan. The indemnification may be in the form of monetary or other remedies. We paid less than $0.1 million related to
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

remedies for each of the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 2019, respectively.2020. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, management believes any potential claims for indemnification related to contract underwriting services through June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 are not material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In addition to the indemnifications discussed above, in the normal course of business, we enter into agreements or other relationships with third parties pursuant to which we may be obligated under specified circumstances to indemnify the counterparties with respect to certain matters. Our contractual indemnification obligations typically arise in the context of

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agreements entered into by us to, among other things, purchase or sell services, finance our business and business transactions, lease real property and license intellectual property. The agreements we enter into in the normal course of business generally require us to pay certain amounts to the other party associated with claims or losses if they result from our breach of the agreement, including the inaccuracy of representations or warranties. The agreements we enter into may also contain other indemnification provisions that obligate us to pay amounts upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the negligence or willful misconduct of our employees, infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or claims that performance of the agreement constitutes a violation of law. Generally, payment by us under an indemnification provision is conditioned upon the other party making a claim, and typically we can challenge the other party’s claims. Further, our indemnification obligations may be limited in time and/or amount, and in some instances, we may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by us under an indemnification agreement or obligation. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, contingencies triggering material indemnification obligations or payments have not occurred historically and are not expected to occur. The nature of the indemnification provisions in the various types of agreements and relationships described above are believed to be low risk and pervasive, and we consider them to have a remote risk of loss or payment. We have not recorded any provisions on the condensed consolidated balance sheets related to indemnifications.

Commitments

We lease office space for use in our operations under leases accounted for as operating leases. These leases generally include options to extend them for periods of up to ten years. Our option to extend the term of our primary office locations at the greater of existing or prevailing market rates was not recognized in our right-of-use asset and lease liability. When establishing the value of our right-of-use asset and lease liability, we determine the discount rate for the underlying leases using the prevailing market interest rate for a borrowing of the same duration of the lease plus the risk premium inherent in the borrowings under our Credit Facility. Operating lease right-of-use assets of $9.0 million and $10.0 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are reported on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as property and equipment. Operating lease liabilities of $11.3 million and $12.6 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are reported on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as other accrued liabilities. Total rent expense was $0.6 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and $1.2 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.

The following table presents lease cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and other lease information at June 30, 2020 and 2019:

  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
($ in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Lease cost:        
Operating lease cost $601
 $606
 $1,301
 $1,197
Short-term lease cost 5
 39
 10
 81
Sublease income (33) (32) (66) (64)
Total lease cost $573
 $613
 $1,245
 $1,214
         
Other information:        
Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases     4.3 years
 5.3 years
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases     4.0% 4.1%



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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The following table presents a maturity analysis of our lease liabilities as follows at June 30, 2020:

(In thousands)  
2020 (July 1 through December 31) $1,490
2021 2,999
2022 3,003
2023 2,752
2024 1,334
2025 and thereafter 793
Total lease payments to be paid 12,371
Less: Future interest expense (1,055)
Present value of lease liabilities $11,316


Note 8. Capital Stock
 
Our authorized share capital consists of 233.3 million shares of a single class of common shares. The common shares have no pre-emptive rights or other rights to subscribe for additional shares, and no rights of redemption, conversion or exchange. Under certain circumstances and subject to the provisions of Bermuda law and our bye-laws, we may be required to make an offer to repurchase shares held by members. The common shares rank pari-passu with one another in all respects as to rights of payment and distribution. In general, holders of common shares will have 1 vote for each common share held by them and will be entitled to vote, on a non-cumulative basis, at all meetings of shareholders. In the event that a shareholder is considered a 9.5% Shareholder under our bye-laws, such shareholder's votes will be reduced by whatever amount is necessary so that after any such reduction the votes of such shareholder will not result in any other person being treated as a 9.5% Shareholder with respect to the vote on such matter. Under these provisions certain shareholders may have their voting rights limited to less than one vote per share, while other shareholders may have voting rights in excess of 1 vote per share.

In June 2020, Essent Group completed the sale of 13.8 million common shares in a public offering at a price of $33.25 per share. The total net proceeds from this offering were approximately $440.0 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses.

Dividends
 
The following table presents the amounts declared and paid per common share each quarter:

Quarter Ended2020
March 31$0.16 
June 300.16 
September 300.16 
December 310.16 
Total dividends per common share declared and paid$0.64 
Quarter Ended2021
March 31$0.16 
Total dividends per common share declared and paid$0.16 

In February 2020,May 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share which was paid on March 20, 2020. In May 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share which was paid on June 12, 2020. In August 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16$0.17 per common share payable on SeptemberJune 10, 2020,2021, to shareholders of record on August 31, 2020.June 1, 2021. In May 2021, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan that authorized the Company to repurchase $250 million of its common shares in the open market by the end of 2022.

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Note 9.9. Stock-Based Compensation
 
In connection with the IPO in 2013, Essent Group's Board of Directors adopted, and Essent Group's shareholders approved, the Essent Group Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2013 Plan"), which was effective upon completion of the initial public offering. The types of awards available under the 2013 Plan include nonvested shares, nonvested share units, non-qualified share options, incentive stock options, share appreciation rights, and other share-based or cash-based awards. Nonvested shares and nonvested share units granted under the 2013 Plan have rights to dividends, which entitle holders to the same dividend value per share as holders of common shares in the form of dividend equivalent units ("DEUs"). DEUs are subject to the same vesting and other terms and conditions as the corresponding nonvested shares and nonvested share units. DEUs vest when the underlying shares or share units vest and are forfeited if the underlying share or share units forfeit prior to vesting.

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The following table summarizes nonvested common share, nonvested common share unit and DEU activity for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020:March 31, 2021:
 
 Time and Performance-
Based Share Awards
Time-Based
Share Awards
Share UnitsDEUs
(Shares in thousands)Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number of
Share Units
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Dividend Equivalent UnitsWeighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of year363 $47.09 153 $46.34 492 $46.59 21 $37.66 
Granted281 15.64 93 43.67 87 43.65 43.50 
Vested(113)45.02 (77)45.36 (164)48.01 (8)38.14 
ForfeitedN/AN/A(6)50.43 36.11 
Outstanding at March 31, 2021531 $30.89 169 $45.31 409 $45.34 17 $38.85 
  
Time and Performance-
Based Share Awards
 
Time-Based
Share Awards
 Share Units DEUs
(Shares in thousands) 
Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Number of
Share Units
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Dividend Equivalent Units Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of year 394
 $42.02
 169
 $41.31
 351
 $39.78
 5
 $51.11
Granted 109
 51.52
 69
 51.52
 350
 48.75
 10
 31.38
Vested (140) 36.29
 (85) 40.47
 (192) 37.76
 (2) 49.79
Forfeited 
 N/A
 
 N/A
 (12) 49.70
 
 34.46
Outstanding at June 30, 2020 363
 $47.09
 153
 $46.34
 497
 $46.64
 13
 $35.83


In February 2020,2021, certain members of senior management were granted nonvested common shares under the Essent Group Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2013 Plan") that were subject to time-based and performance-based vesting. The time-based share awards granted in February 20202021 vest in three equal installments on March 1, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2023.2024. The performance-based share awards granted in February 20202021 vest based upon our compounded annual book value per share growth percentage and relative total shareholder return during a three-year performance period that commenced on January 1, 20202021 and vest on March 1, 2023.2024. Shares were issued at the maximum 200% of target. The portion of these nonvested performance-based share awards that will be earned based upon the achievement of compounded annual book value per share growth is as follows:
  
Performance level  Compounded Annual Book Value
Per Share Growth
 Nonvested Common
Shares Earned
   <13% 0%
Threshold  13% 10%
   14% 35%
   15% 60%
   16% 85%
Maximum  ≥17% 100%
      

Relative Total Shareholder Return
vs. S&P 1500 Financial Services Index
≤25th percentile50th percentile
"Target"
≥75th percentile
Three-Year Book
Value Per Share
CAGR
14% "Target"100 %150 %200 %
12%75 %125 %175 %
10%50 %100 %150 %
8%25 %75 %125 %
6%%50 %100 %
In the event that the compounded annual book value per share growth or the relative total shareholder return falls between the performance levels shown above, the nonvested common shares earned will be determined on a straight-line basis between the respective levels shown.
 
In January 2020, time-based share units were issued to all vice president and staff level employees and vest in three equal installments on January 2021, 2022 and 2023. In connection with our incentive program covering bonus awards for performance year 2019,2020, in February 2020,2021, time-based share units were issued to certain employees that vest in three equal installments on March 1, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
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Quoted market prices are used for the valuation of common shares granted that do not contain a market condition under ASC 718. The performance-based share awards granted in February 2021 contain a market condition and were valued based on analysis provided by a third-party valuation firm using a risk neutral simulation taking into effect the vesting conditions of the grant.

In February 2021, the performance-based share awards granted in 2019 and 2020 to certain members of senior management were amended to provide that such awards will no longer be subject to the achievement of the compounded annual book value per share growth metrics and will be subject to only service-based vesting. As a result, the unvested shares subject to the amended 2019 and 2020 awards will vest on March 1, 2022 and 2023. In May 2020, time-based share units were grantedMarch 1, 2023, respectively, subject to non-employee directors that vest one year from the datecontinued service requirements and other terms and conditions set forth in the applicable award agreements, without taking into consideration any performance metrics. Incremental compensation expense related to amending these awards of grant.$4.0 million will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

The total fair value on the vesting date of nonvested shares, share units or DEUs that vested was $18.5$16.0 million and $23.6$17.8 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, there was $33.6$35.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested shares or share units outstanding at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and we expect to recognize the expense over a weighted average period of 2.22.1 years.
 
Employees have the option to tender shares to Essent Group to pay the minimum employee statutory withholding taxes associated with shares upon vesting. Common shares tendered by employees to pay employee withholding taxes totaled 141,801122,033 in the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. The tendered shares were recorded at cost and included in treasury stock. All treasury stock has been cancelled as of June 30, 2020.

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March 31, 2021.
 
Compensation expense, net of forfeitures, and related tax effects recognized in connection with nonvested shares was as follows:

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Compensation expense $4,568
 $4,222
 $9,348
 $8,322
Income tax benefit 868
 790
 1,786
 1,555

Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Compensation expense$5,179 $4,780 
Income tax benefit986 918 
 
Note 10. Dividends Restrictions

Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain capital and dividend rules and regulations as prescribed by jurisdictions in which they are authorized to operate. Under the insurance laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Essent Guaranty and Essent PA may pay dividends during any 12-month period in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus or (ii) the preceding year's statutory net income. The Pennsylvania statute also specifies that dividends and other distributions can be paid out of positive unassigned surplus without prior approval. At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty had unassigned surplus of approximately $298.5$385.9 million. Essent Guaranty did not pay dividends to Essent Group or any intermediate holding companies in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 or 2019.2020. As a result of PMIERs guidance issued by the GSEs, effective June 30, 2020 through March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty is required to obtain GSE written approval before paying a dividend. Essent PA had unassigned surplus of approximately $14.4$16.0 million as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. Essent PA did not pay a dividend in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 or 2019.2020. On May 5, 2021, Essent Guaranty paid to its parent, Essent US Holdings, Inc., a $100 million dividend.

Essent Re is subject to certain dividend restrictions as prescribed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority and under certain agreements with counterparties. In connection with the quota share reinsurance agreement with Essent Guaranty, Essent Re has agreed to maintain a minimum total equity of $100 million. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Re had total equity of $1.0$1.1 billion.

At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, our insurance subsidiaries were in compliance with these rules, regulations and agreements.

Note 11. Income Taxes

As of June 30, 2020, the statutory income tax rates of the countries where the Company does business are 21% in the United States and 0.0% in Bermuda. The statutory income tax rate of each country is applied against the taxable income from each country to calculate the income tax expense. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, our provision for income taxes was not based on an estimated annual effective rate due to uncertainty regarding the potential impacts of COVID-19 on our results of operations. Due to that uncertainty, we were unable to make a reliable estimate of pretax income and the annual effective tax rate for the full year 2020. Accordingly, the provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 was based on the actual effective tax rate for the year to date period.

Income tax expense consists of the following components:

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Current $7,969
 $12,801
 $18,097
 $19,354
Deferred (4,534) 13,527
 12,513
 28,973
Total income tax expense $3,435
 $26,328
 $30,610
 $48,327


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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Income tax expense is different from that which would be obtained by applying the applicable statutory income tax rates to income before taxes by jurisdiction (i.e. U.S. 21%; Bermuda 0.0%). The reconciliation of the difference between income tax expense and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate was as follows:

  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2020 2019
($ in thousands) $ 
% of pretax
income
 $ 
% of pretax
income
Tax provision at weighted average statutory rates $2,750
 14.6 % $25,795
 15.9 %
Non-deductible expenses 707
 3.8
 439
 0.3
Tax exempt interest, net of proration (358) (1.9) (418) (0.3)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 21
 0.1
 (22) 0.0
Other 315
 1.7
 534
 0.3
Total income tax expense $3,435
 18.3 % $26,328
 16.2 %
         
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2020 2019
($ in thousands) $ 
% of pretax
income
 $ 
% of pretax
income
Tax provision at weighted average statutory rates $30,126
 15.4 % $49,733
 15.9 %
Non-deductible expenses 1,421
 0.7
 763
 0.3
Tax exempt interest, net of proration (700) (0.4) (861) (0.3)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (599) (0.3) (1,978) (0.6)
Other 362
 0.3
 670
 0.2
Total income tax expense $30,610
 15.7 % $48,327
 15.5 %


We provide deferred taxes to reflect the estimated future tax effects of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax laws. The net deferred tax liability was comprised of the following:

  June 30, December 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019
Deferred tax assets $28,124
 $29,392
Deferred tax liabilities (300,870) (279,012)
Net deferred tax liability $(272,746) $(249,620)


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The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows:

  June 30, December 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019
Contingency reserves $(273,077) $(261,855)
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments (23,828) (13,214)
Unearned premium reserve 15,233
 16,641
Accrued expenses 4,279
 3,391
Deferred policy acquisition costs (3,330) (3,298)
Unearned ceding commissions 3,021
 3,227
Loss reserves 1,493
 416
Start-up expenditures, net 1,274
 1,410
Fixed assets 1,260
 1,502
Nonvested shares 830
 2,426
Change in fair market value of derivatives 726
 370
Investments in limited partnerships (400) (400)
Prepaid expenses (131) (132)
Loss reserves - TCJA transition adjustment (104) (113)
Organizational expenditures 8
 9
Net deferred tax liability $(272,746) $(249,620)


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 non-interest-bearing United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds ("T&L Bonds") issued by the Treasury Department in an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from deducting any portion of our statutory contingency reserves. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we had purchases of T&L Bonds in the amount of $17.3 million and for the year ended December 31, 2019, we had net purchases of T&L Bonds in the amount of $59.5 million. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we held $279.1 million and $261.9 million of T&L Bonds, respectively.

In evaluating our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets, we consider the relevant impact of all available positive and negative evidence including our past operating results and our forecasts of future taxable income. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, after weighing all the evidence, management concluded that it was more likely than not that our deferred tax assets would be realized.

Note 12.11. Earnings per Share (EPS)
 
The following table reconciles the net income and the weighted average common shares outstanding used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
 
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net income $15,380
 $136,405
 $164,903
 $264,125
         
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 102,500
 97,798
 100,224
 97,697
Dilutive effect of nonvested shares 105
 372
 242
 440
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 102,605
 98,170
 100,466
 98,137
         
Basic earnings per share $0.15
 $1.39
 $1.65
 $2.70
Diluted earnings per share $0.15
 $1.39
 $1.64
 $2.69


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Three Months Ended 
March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)20212020
Net income$135,648 $149,523 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding112,016 97,949 
Dilutive effect of nonvested shares362 377 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding112,378 98,326 
Basic earnings per share$1.21 $1.53 
Diluted earnings per share$1.21 $1.52 
 
There were 578,659352,623 and 17,018353,230 antidilutive shares for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and 465,945 and 79,483 antidilutive shares for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
The nonvested performance-based share awards are considered contingently issuable for purposes of the EPS calculation. Based on the compounded annual book value per share growth and relative total shareholder return as of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the following percentages of the2021 performance-based share awards would be issuable at 100% of target under the terms of the arrangements if June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was the end of the contingency period:period, which is 50% of the shares issued.
2018 Performance-Based Grants100%
2019 Performance-Based Grants100%
2020 Performance-Based Grants%


Based on the compounded annual book value per share growth as of June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, 100% of all performance-based share awards would have been issuable under the terms of the arrangements if June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 was the end of the contingency period.


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Note 13.12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The following table presents the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 2019:2020: 
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2020 2019
(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Balance at beginning of period $52,348
 $(6,235) $46,113
 $13,041
 $(3,668) $9,373
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
  
  
  
  
  
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments:            
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period 90,608
 (17,344) 73,264
 43,664
 (7,211) 36,453
Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (1) 1,269
 (248) 1,021
 (583) 117
 (466)
Net unrealized gains on investments 91,877
 (17,592) 74,285
 43,081
 (7,094) 35,987
Other comprehensive income 91,877
 (17,592) 74,285
 43,081
 (7,094) 35,987
Balance at end of period $144,225
 $(23,827) $120,398
 $56,122
 $(10,762) $45,360
             
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2020 2019
(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Balance at beginning of year $69,401
 $(13,214) $56,187
 $(33,276) $4,283
 $(28,993)
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
  
  
  
  
  
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments:            
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period 76,690
 (10,941) 65,749
 90,641
 (15,282) 75,359
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) (1,866) 328
 (1,538) (1,243) 237
 (1,006)
Net unrealized gains on investments 74,824
 (10,613) 64,211
 89,398
 (15,045) 74,353
Other comprehensive income 74,824
 (10,613) 64,211
 89,398
 (15,045) 74,353
Balance at end of period $144,225
 $(23,827) $120,398
 $56,122
 $(10,762) $45,360
 Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
(In thousands)Before TaxTax EffectNet of TaxBefore TaxTax EffectNet of Tax
Balance at beginning of period$168,324 $(30,050)$138,274 $69,401 $(13,214)$56,187 
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments:
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period(68,763)10,201 (58,562)(13,918)6,403 (7,515)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1)(641)(641)(3,135)576 (2,559)
Net unrealized losses on investments(69,404)10,201 (59,203)(17,053)6,979 (10,074)
Other comprehensive loss(69,404)10,201 (59,203)(17,053)6,979 (10,074)
Balance at end of period$98,920 $(19,849)$79,071 $52,348 $(6,235)$46,113 
(1)Included in net realized investment gains (losses) on our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

(1)Included in net realized investment gains (losses) on our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

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Note 14.13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
We carry certain of our financial instruments at fair value. We define fair value as the current amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability, other than in a forced liquidation.
  
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
ASC No. 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. The level within the fair value hierarchy to measure the financial instrument shall be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets accessible at the measurement date.
 

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Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets. Inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 — Valuations derived from one or more significant inputs that are unobservable.
 
Determination of Fair Value
 
When available, we generally use quoted market prices to determine fair value and classify the financial instrument in Level 1. In cases where quoted market prices for similar financial instruments are available, we utilize these inputs for valuation techniques and classify the financial instrument in Level 2. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows, present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and estimates of future cash flows and we classify the financial instrument in Level 3. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
 
We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial instruments:

Investments available for sale — Investments available for sale are valued using quoted market prices in active markets, when available, and those investments are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 investments available for sale include investments such as U.S. Treasury securities and money market funds. Investments available for sale are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy if quoted market prices are not available and fair values are estimated using quoted prices of similar securities or recently executed transactions for the securities. U.S. agency securities, U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, municipal debt securities, non-U.S. government securities, corporate debt securities, residential and commercial mortgage securities and asset-backed securities are classified as Level 2 investments.
 
We use independent pricing sources to determine the fair value of securities available for sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We use one primary pricing service to provide individual security pricing based on observable market data and receive one quote per security. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing service 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. U.S. agency securities, U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, municipal debt securities, non-U.S. government securities and corporate debt securities are valued by our primary vendor using recently executed transactions and proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, yield curves and credit risk. Residential and commercial mortgage securities and asset-backed securities are valued by our primary vendor using proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, prepayment speeds and credit risk. As part of our evaluation of investment prices provided by our primary pricing service, we obtained and reviewed their pricing methodologies which include a description of how each security type is evaluated and priced. We review the
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

reasonableness of prices received from our primary pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from additional pricing sources. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from our primary pricing service.
 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
 
All assets measured at fair value are categorized in the table below based upon the lowest level of significant input to the valuations. All fair value measurements at the reporting date were on a recurring basis.
 
March 31, 2021 (In thousands)Quoted Prices
in Active 
Markets for
Identical
Instruments
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Recurring fair value measurements    
Financial Assets:    
U.S. Treasury securities$262,309 $$$262,309 
U.S. agency securities16,138 16,138 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,022,991 1,022,991 
Municipal debt securities572,263 572,263 
Non-U.S. government securities79,280 79,280 
Corporate debt securities1,414,938 1,414,938 
Residential and commercial mortgage securities446,208 446,208 
Asset-backed securities473,804 473,804 
Money market funds413,545 413,545 
Total assets at fair value (1)$675,854 $4,025,622 $$4,701,476 
June 30, 2020 (In thousands) 
Quoted Prices
in Active 
Markets for
Identical
Instruments
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Recurring fair value measurements  
  
  
  
Financial Assets:  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury securities $259,259
 $
 $
 $259,259
U.S. agency securities 
 14,682
 
 14,682
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 
 830,124
 
 830,124
Municipal debt securities 
 465,063
 
 465,063
Non-U.S. government securities 
 54,637
 
 54,637
Corporate debt securities 
 912,137
 
 912,137
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 
 312,511
 
 312,511
Asset-backed securities 
 385,486
 
 385,486
Money market funds 1,118,204
 
 
 1,118,204
Total assets at fair value (1) $1,377,463
 $2,974,640
 $
 $4,352,103

December 31, 2020 (In thousands)Quoted Prices
in Active 
Markets for
Identical
Instruments
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Recurring fair value measurements    
Financial Assets:    
U.S. Treasury securities$268,444 $$$268,444 
U.S. agency securities18,085 18,085 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities995,905 995,905 
Municipal debt securities551,517 551,517 
Non-U.S. government securities61,607 61,607 
Corporate debt securities1,126,512 1,126,512 
Residential and commercial mortgage securities409,282 409,282 
Asset-backed securities454,717 454,717 
Money market funds679,304 679,304 
Total assets at fair value (1)$947,748 $3,617,625 $$4,565,373 
(1)
(1)Does not include the fair value of embedded derivatives, which we have accounted for separately as freestanding derivatives and included in other assets or other accrued liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. See Note 4 for more information.

December 31, 2019 (In thousands) 
Quoted Prices
in Active 
Markets for
Identical
Instruments
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Recurring fair value measurements  
  
  
  
Financial Assets:  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury securities $242,206
 $
 $
 $242,206
U.S. agency securities 
 33,605
 
 33,605
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 
 848,334
 
 848,334
Municipal debt securities 
 361,638
 
 361,638
Non-U.S. government securities 
 54,995
 
 54,995
Corporate debt securities 
 880,301
 
 880,301
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 
 288,281
 
 288,281
Asset-backed securities 
 326,025
 
 326,025
Money market funds 315,362
 
 
 315,362
Total assets at fair value (1) $557,568
 $2,793,179
 $
 $3,350,747

20
(1)
Does not include the fair value of embedded derivatives, which we have accounted for separately as freestanding derivatives and included in other assets or other accrued liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. See Note 4 for more information.


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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Note 15.14. Statutory Accounting
 
Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries prepare statutory-basis financial statements in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by their respective state’s department of insurance, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than GAAP. We did not use any prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices (individually or in the aggregate) that resulted in reported statutory surplus or capital that was significantly different from the statutory surplus or capital that would have been reported had National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ statutory accounting practices been followed. The following table presents Essent Guaranty’s and Essent PA’s statutory net income, statutory surplus and contingency reserve liability as of and for the sixthree months ended June 30:March 31:
 
(In thousands) 2020 2019
Essent Guaranty  
  
Statutory net income $120,883
 $208,268
Statutory surplus 1,003,812
 940,290
Contingency reserve liability 1,345,263
 1,049,236
     
Essent PA  
  
Statutory net income $2,258
 $4,216
Statutory surplus 53,432
 51,151
Contingency reserve liability 54,685
 50,915

(In thousands)20212020
Essent Guaranty  
Statutory net income$112,401 $122,644 
Statutory surplus1,091,217 1,074,153 
Contingency reserve liability1,575,323 1,270,864 
Essent PA  
Statutory net income$1,129 $1,627 
Statutory surplus54,964 53,648 
Contingency reserve liability56,535 53,854 
 
Net income determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices differs from GAAP. In 20202021 and 2019,2020, the more significant differences between net income determined under statutory accounting practices and GAAP for Essent Guaranty and Essent PA relate to policy acquisition costs and income taxes. Under statutory accounting practices, policy acquisition costs are expensed as incurred while such costs are capitalized and amortized to expense over the life of the policy under GAAP. We are eligible for a tax deduction, subject to certain limitations for amounts required by state law or regulation to be set aside in statutory contingency reserves when we purchase non-interest-bearing United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds (“T&L Bonds”) issued by the Treasury Department. Under statutory accounting practices, this deduction reduces the tax provision recorded by Essent Guaranty and Essent PA and, as a result, increases statutory net income and surplus as compared to net income and equity determined in accordance with GAAP.

At June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, the statutory capital of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which is defined as the total of statutory surplus and contingency reserves, was in excess of the statutory capital necessary to satisfy their regulatory requirements.
 
Effective December 31, 2015, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, at the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, implemented new coordinated Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements, which we refer to as the "PMIERs." The PMIERs represent the standards by which private mortgage insurers are eligible to provide mortgage insurance on loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The PMIERs include financial strength requirements incorporating a risk-based framework that require approved insurers to have a sufficient level of liquid assets from which to pay claims. The PMIERs also include enhanced operational performance expectations and define remedial actions that apply should an approved insurer fail to comply with these requirements. In 2018, the GSEs released revised PMIERs framework ("PMIERs 2.0") which became effective on March 31, 2019. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty, our GSE-approved mortgage insurance company, was in compliance with PMIERs 2.0.
 
Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles No. 58, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance, requires mortgage insurers to establish a special contingency reserve for statutory accounting purposes included in total liabilities equal to 50% of earned premium for that year. During the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty increased its contingency reserve by $148.0$75.5 million and Essent PA increased its contingency reserve by $1.7$0.5 million. This reserve is required to be maintained for a period of 120 months to protect against the effects of adverse economic cycles. After 120 months, the reserve is released to unassigned funds. In the event an insurer’s loss ratio in any calendar year exceeds 35%, however, the insurer may, after regulatory approval, release from its contingency reserves an amount equal to the excess portion of such losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty and Essent PA released contingency reserves of $0.6 million and less
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Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

than $0.1 million, respectively, to unassigned funds upon completion of the 120 month holding period. Essent Guaranty and Essent PA did not release any amounts from their contingency reserves in the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020 or 2019.March 31, 2020.

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Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



Under The Insurance Act 1978, as amended, and related regulations of Bermuda (the "Insurance Act"), Essent Re is required to annually prepare statutory financial statements and a statutory financial return in accordance with the financial reporting provisions of the Insurance Act, which is a basis other than GAAP. The Insurance Act also requires that Essent Re maintain minimum share capital of $1 million and must ensure that the value of its general business assets exceeds the amount of its general business liabilities by an amount greater than the prescribed minimum solvency margins and enhanced capital requirement pertaining to its general business. At December 31, 2019,2020, all such requirements were met.

Essent Re's statutory capital and surplus was $1.0$1.1 billion as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and $939.2 million$1.1 billion as of December 31, 2019.2020. Essent Re's statutory net income was $59.0$48.4 million and $82.7$49.5 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 20192020 and statutory net income in the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices were not significantly different than the amounts determined under GAAP.


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Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion should be read together with the “Selected Financial Data” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 20192020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and referred to herein as the “Annual Report,” and our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which we refer to as the “Quarterly Report.” In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s expectations. Factors that could cause such differences are discussed in the sections entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Quarterly Report and Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report and Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report. 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.
 
Overview
 
We are an established and growing private mortgage insurance company. Essent Guaranty, Inc., our wholly-owned insurance subsidiary which we refer to as "Essent Guaranty," is licensed to write coverage in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The financial strength ratings of Essent Guaranty are A3 with a stable outlook by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody's”), BBB+ with a negative outlook by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) and A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best. On April 28, 2021, S&P revised its outlook of Essent Guaranty's financial strength rating was reaffirmed by A.M. Best on June 4, 2020 and by Moody's on July 21, 2020.Guaranty from negative to stable.
 
Our holding company is domiciled in Bermuda and our U.S. insurance business is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania. We operate additional underwriting and service centers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Irvine, California. We have a highly experienced, talented team with 389365 employees as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. We generated new insurance written, or NIW, of approximately $28.2$19.3 billion and $41.7$13.5 billion for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, compared to approximately $18.0 billion and $29.0 billion for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had approximately $174.6$197.1 billion of insurance in force.force, due to our NIW which was offset by cancellations as the persistency rate on our portfolio was 56.1% at March 31, 2021 compared to 60.1% at December 31, 2020.
 
We also offer mortgage-related insurance and reinsurance through our wholly-owned Bermuda-based subsidiary, Essent Reinsurance Ltd., which we refer to as "Essent Re." As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Re provided insurance or reinsurance relating to GSE risk share and other reinsurance transactions covering approximately $1.0$1.5 billion of risk. Essent Re also reinsures 25% of Essent Guaranty’s NIW under a quota share reinsurance agreement. In April 2021, Essent Guaranty and Essent Re agreed to increase the quota share reinsurance coverage of Essent Guaranty’s NIW provided by Essent Re to 35% effective January 1, 2021. The quota share reinsurance coverage provided by Essent Re for Essent Guaranty’s NIW prior to January 1, 2021 will continue to be 25%, the quota share percentage in effect at the time NIW was first ceded. The insurer financial strength rating of Essent Re is BBB+ with a negative outlook by S&P and A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best. On June 4, 2020 A.M. Best reaffirmed its rating of Essent Re.

COVID-19

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan China. On March 11, 2020 the outbreak had spread    Due to be declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (“WHO”). Within a week of the WHO's declaration, most major economies had announced significant and increasing restrictions on the movement and interaction of people. By the end of March 2020, it was estimated that a quarter of the world’s population was under some form of lockdown or stay-at-home order. Most state governments in the United States implemented some form of travel and/or business restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. Business restrictions, stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions have resulted inCOVID-19, we experienced a significant increase in unemploymentthe amount of new defaults reported, especially during the second and third quarters of 2020. We segmented these two quarters’ defaults as specifically COVID-19 related (“Early COVID Defaults”) and provided losses for these two cohorts differently as compared to our normal loss reserving methodology. Beginning in the United States, which has increasedfourth quarter of 2020, the numbercredit characteristics of delinquencies and has the potential to increase claim frequencies on the mortgages we insure.

In response to the impact of COVID-19, the federal government has implemented unprecedented measures to assist borrowers in avoiding foreclosures and allow families to remain in their homes. Most notably, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"), consumers with federally backed mortgages were granted two financial protections: (1) a temporary moratorium on foreclosures, and (2) mortgage forbearance, either in the form of a lower monthly payment or temporarily suspending payments. Under the new law, borrowers have the right to request forbearance for up to 360 days due to hardship caused by COVID-19. We believe that these measures will likely increase the overall durationdefaults trended towards those of the default resolution process and reducepre-pandemic periods. As a result, for new defaults reported after September 30, 2020, we have reverted to our normal loss reserving methodology. It is our belief that the numberdefault-to-claim transition patterns of defaults that result in claimsthe Early COVID Defaults will be different as compared to our historical defaults. We believe that the borrowers associated with the Early COVID Defaults will be able to take advantage of foreclosure moratoriums and mortgage forbearance programs instituted by Federal legislation along with actions taken by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively the “GSEs”) which may extend traditional default-to-claim experience. However,timelines. As a result of these programs, along with Federal stimulus, these borrowers associated with the increase inEarly COVID Defaults will have more resources and an extended time period to address the issues that triggered the default, resolution process may resultresulting in increases ina higher cure rate, and correspondingly lower claim severities for loans that proceed to claim.payments than historical defaults.


Over 95%90% of loans insured by Essent are federally backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. As a mortgage loan in forbearance is considered delinquent, we will provide loss reserves as loans in forbearance are reported to us as delinquent once the borrower has missed two consecutive payments. However, we believe providing borrowers time to recover from the adverse
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financial impact of the COVID-19 event may allow some families to be able to remain in their homes and avoid foreclosure. For borrowers that have the ability to begin to pay their mortgage at the end of the forbearance period, we expect that mortgage servicers will work with them to modify their loans at which time the mortgage will be removed from delinquency status.

Essent has had a Pandemic Plan in place as part of its comprehensive Business Continuity Program for a number of years and invoked the Pandemic Plan in light of the COVID-19 event. Our workforce has been working in "full remote" mode since March 16, 2020. Through the use of technology, our national and regional account managers and customer service team have been in contact with our policyholders and their servicers, and we have made several COVID-19-related announcements which have been posted on our mortgage insurance website.

As of March 31, 2020, COVID-19 had not had a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations. During    In the three months ended June 30, 2020, the number and percentage of mortgage loans we insure that wereMarch 31, 2021, new defaults remained elevated although at lower levels than those reported to have missed at least two consecutive payments of principal and interest had increased as a result of COVID-19, which has resulted in an increase in our provision for losses in the three and six months ended June 30,second through fourth quarters of 2020. The impact on our reserves in future periods will be dependent upon the amount of delinquent notices received from loan servicers and our expectations for the amount of ultimate losses on these delinquencies. As noted in “— Liquidity and Capital Resources,” Essent had substantial liquidity and had Available Assets in excess of Minimum Required Assets under PMIERs 2.0 as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. In order to maintain continuous MI coverage, mortgage servicers are required to advance MI premiums to us even if borrowers are in a forbearance plan. Future increases in defaults may result in an increase in our provisions for loss and loss adjustment expenses compared to prior periods, reduced profit commission under our quota share reinsurance agreement with a panel of third-party reinsurers ("the QSR Agreement") and an increase in our Minimum Required Assets.

Legislative and Regulatory Developments
 
Our results are significantly impacted by, and our future success may be affected by, legislative and regulatory developments affecting the housing finance industry. See Part I, Item 1 “Business—Regulation” and Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Legislative and Regulatory Developments” in our Annual Report for a discussion of the laws and regulations to which we are subject as well as legislative and regulatory developments affecting the housing finance industry.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service and Department of the Treasury issuedpublished both final and newly proposed regulations on July 10, 2019in January 2021 relating to the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). The proposedfinal regulations provide guidance on various PFIC rules, including changes resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. TheIn addition, the Company is evaluating the potential impact of thesethe newly proposed PFIC regulations to its shareholders and business operations. The newly proposed regulations, among other provisions, set a limit on the amount of assets that may be deemed “good assets” within the PFIC asset test of a foreign holding company.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
Premiums associated with our U.S. mortgage insurance business are based on insurance in force ("IIF") during all or a portion of a period. A change in the average IIF during a period causes premiums to increase or decrease as compared to prior periods. Average net premium rates in effect during a given period will also cause premiums to differ when compared to earlier periods. IIF at the end of a reporting period is a function of the IIF at the beginning of such reporting period plus NIW less policy cancellations (including claims paid) during the period. As a result, premiums are generally influenced by:
 
NIW, which is the aggregate principal amount of the new mortgages that are insured during a period. Many factors affect NIW, including, among others, the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations, the competition to provide credit enhancement on those mortgages, the number of customers who have approved us to provide mortgage insurance and changes in our NIW from certain customers;
 
Cancellations of our insurance policies, which are impacted by payments on mortgages, home price appreciation, or refinancings, which in turn are affected by mortgage interest rates. Cancellations are also impacted by the levels of claim payments and rescissions;
 

Premium rates, which represent the amount of the premium due as a percentage of IIF. Premium rates are based on the risk characteristics of the loans insured, the percentage of coverage on the loans, competition from other mortgage insurers and general industry conditions; and

Premiums ceded or assumed under reinsurance arrangements. See Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Premiums are paid either on a monthly installment basis (“monthly premiums”), in a single payment at origination (“single premiums”), or in some cases as an annual premium. For monthly premiums, we receive a monthly premium payment which is recorded as net premiums earned in the month the coverage is provided. Monthly premium payments are based on the original mortgage amount rather than the amortized loan balance. Net premiums written may be in excess of net premiums
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earned due to single premium policies. For single premiums, we receive a single premium payment at origination, which is recorded as “unearned premium” and earned over the estimated life of the policy, which ranges from 36 to 156 months depending on the term of the underlying mortgage and loan-to-value ratio at date of origination. If single premium policies are cancelled due to repayment of the underlying loan and the premium is non-refundable, the remaining unearned premium balance is immediately recognized as earned premium revenue. Substantially all of our single premium policies in force as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 were non-refundable. Premiums collected on annual policies are recognized as net premiums earned on a straight-line basis over the year of coverage. For the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, monthly premium policies comprised 90%93% and 88%90% of our NIW, respectively.

Premiums associated with our GSE and other risk share transactions are based on the level of risk in force and premium rates on the transactions.
 
Persistency and Business Mix
 
The percentage of IIF that remains on our books after any 12-month period is defined as our persistency rate. Because our insurance premiums are earned over the life of a policy, higher persistency rates can have a significant impact on our profitability. The persistency rate on our portfolio was 67.9%56.1% at June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. Generally, higher prepayment speeds lead to lower persistency.

 Prepayment speeds and the relative mix of business between single premium policies and monthly premium policies also impact our profitability. Our premium rates include certain assumptions regarding repayment or prepayment speeds of the mortgages. Because premiums are paid at origination on single premium policies, assuming all other factors remain constant, if loans are prepaid earlier than expected, our profitability on these loans is likely to increase and, if loans are repaid slower than expected, our profitability on these loans is likely to decrease. By contrast, if monthly premium loans are repaid earlier than anticipated, our premium earned with respect to those loans and therefore our profitability declines. Currently, the expected return on single premium policies is less than the expected return on monthly policies.
 
Net Investment Income
 
Our investment portfolio was predominantly comprised of investment-grade fixed income securities and money market funds as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. The principal factors that influence investment income are the size of the investment portfolio and the yield on individual securities. As measured by amortized cost (which excludes changes in fair market value, such as from changes in interest rates), the size of our investment portfolio is mainly a function of increases in capital and cash generated from or used in operations which is impacted by net premiums received, investment earnings, net claim payments and expenses. Realized gains and losses are a function of the difference between the amount received on the sale of a security and the security’s amortized cost, as well as any provision for credit losses or impairments 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.
 
Other Income
 
Other income includes revenues associated with contract underwriting services and underwriting consulting services to third-party reinsurers. The level of contract underwriting revenue is dependent upon the number of customers who have engaged us for this service and the number of loans underwritten for these customers. Revenue from underwriting consulting services to third-party reinsurers is dependent upon the number of customers who have engaged us for this service and the level of premiums associated with the transactions underwritten for these customers.


In connection with the acquisition of our mortgage insurance platform, we entered into a services agreement with Triad Guaranty Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Triad Guaranty Insurance Corporation, which we refer to collectively as “Triad,” to provide certain information technology maintenance and development and customer support-related services. In return for these services, we receive a fee which is recorded in other income. Prior to December 1, 2019, this fee was adjusted monthly based on the number of Triad’s mortgage insurance policies in force and, accordingly, decreased over time as Triad’s existing policies were cancelled. Effective December 1, 2019, theThe services agreement was amended providingprovides for a flat monthly fee through November 30, 2021. The services agreement provides for two subsequent one-year renewals at Triad's option.
 
As more fully described in Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, the premiums ceded under certain reinsurance contracts with unaffiliated third parties vary based on changes in market interest rates. Under GAAP, these contracts contain embedded derivatives that are accounted for separately as freestanding derivatives. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives is reported in earnings and included in other income.
 
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Provision for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
The provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses reflects the current expense that is recorded within a particular period to reflect actual and estimated loss payments that we believe will ultimately be made as a result of insured loans that are in default.
 
Losses incurred are generally affected by:
 
the overall state of the economy, which broadly affects the likelihood that borrowers may default on their loans and have the ability to cure such defaults;
 
changes in housing values, which affect our ability to mitigate our losses through the sale of properties with loans in default as well as borrower willingness to continue to make mortgage payments when the value of the home is below or perceived to be below the mortgage balance;

the product mix of IIF, with loans having higher risk characteristics generally resulting in higher defaults and claims;

the size of loans insured, with higher average loan amounts tending to increase losses incurred;

the loan-to-value ratio, with higher average loan-to-value ratios tending to increase losses incurred;

the percentage of coverage on insured loans, with deeper average coverage tending to increase losses incurred;

credit quality of borrowers, including higher debt-to-income ratios and lower FICO scores, which tend to increase incurred losses;

the level and amount of reinsurance coverage maintained with third parties;

the rate at which we rescind policies. Because of tighter underwriting standards generally in the mortgage lending industry and terms set forth in our master policy, we expect that our level of rescission activity will be lower than rescission activity seen in the mortgage insurance industry for vintages originated prior to the financial crisis; and

the distribution of claims over the life of a book. As of June 30, 2020, 68%March 31, 2021, 75% of our IIF relates to business written since January 1, 20182019 and was less than three years old. As a result, based on historical industry performance, we expect the number of defaults and claims we experience, as well as our provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE"), to increase as our portfolio seasons. See “— Mortgage Insurance Earnings and Cash Flow Cycle” below.
 
We establish loss reserves for delinquent loans when we are notified that a borrower has missed at least two consecutive monthly payments (“Case Reserves”), as well as estimated reserves for defaults that may have occurred but not yet been reported to us (“IBNR Reserves”). We also establish reserves for the associated loss adjustment expenses, consisting of the estimated cost of the claims administration process, including legal and other fees. Using both internal and external information, we establish our reserves based on the likelihood that a default will reach claim status and estimated claim severity. See Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report for further information.
 

We believe, basedBased upon our experience and industry data, that claims incidence for mortgage insurance is generally highest in the third through sixth years after loan origination. Claims incidence for defaults associated with COVID-19 may not follow this pattern. As of June 30, 2020, 68%March 31, 2021, 75% of our IIF relates to business written since January 1, 20182019 and was less than three years old. Although the claims experience on new insurance written by us to date has been favorable, we expect incurred losses and claims to increase as a greater amount of this book of insurance reaches its anticipated period of highest claim frequency. The actual default rate and the average reserve per default that we experience as our portfolio matures is difficult to predict and is dependent on the specific characteristics of our current in-force book (including the credit score of the borrower, the loan-to-value ratio of the mortgage, geographic concentrations, etc.), as well as the profile of new business we write in the future. In addition, the default rate and the average reserve per default will be affected by future macroeconomic factors such as housing prices, interest rates and employment.

Due to business restrictions, stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions implemented in March 2020 as a result of COVID-19, unemployment in the United States has increased significantly.significantly in the second quarter of 2020 and remained elevated at
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March 31, 2021. As unemployment is one of the most common reasons for borrowers to default on their mortgage, the increase in unemployment has increased the number of delinquencies on the mortgages we insure, and has the potential to increase claim frequencies on defaults. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, insured loans in default totaled 38,06829,080 and included 34,35226,874 defaults classified as COVID-19 defaults compared to 5,841 total defaults and no COVID-19 defaults as of March 31, 2020. For borrowers that have the ability to begin to pay their mortgage at the end of the forbearance period, we expect that mortgage servicers will work with them to modify their loans at which time the mortgage will be removed from delinquency status. We believe that the forbearance process could have a favorable effect on the frequency of claims that we ultimately pay. Based on the forbearance programs in place and the credit characteristics of the COVID-19 defaulted loans,Early COVID Defaults, we expect the ultimate number of COVID-19-related defaultsEarly COVID Defaults that result in claims will be less than our historical default-to-claim experience. Accordingly, weWe applied a lower reserve rate to COVID-19 default notices received in the three months ended June 30, 2020Early COVID Defaults than the rate used for defaults that had missed threea comparable number of payments or less as of JuneMarch 31, 2020 due to the sudden impact on the economy following the onset of the pandemic. The credit characteristics of defaults reported in October 2020 through March 2021 have trended towards those of the pre-pandemic periods and we have observed the normalization of other default patterns during this period. In addition, the economic conditions during the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 have been different than those experienced in the second and third quarters of 2020. We believe that while defaults in October 2020 through March 2021 were impacted by the pandemic’s effect on the economy, the underlying credit performance of these defaults may not be the same as the expected performance for Early COVID Defaults that occurred following the onset of the pandemic and these defaults are more likely to transition like pre-pandemic defaults. Accordingly, although defaults reported in October 2020 through March 2021 are classified as COVID-19 defaults, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2020, we resumed establishing reserves for defaults reported after September 30, 2019.2020 using our normal reserve methodology. It is reasonably possible that our estimate of the losses for the COVID-19 defaults could change in the near term as a result of the continued impact of the pandemic on the economic environment, the results of existing and future governmental programs designed to assist individuals and businesses impacted by the virus and the performance of the COVID-19 defaults in the forbearance programs. As more fully described in Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, at June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had approximately $1.6$2.0 billion of excess of loss reinsurance covering NIW from January 1, 2015 to AugustJuly 31, 20192020 and a quota share reinsurance transaction on a portion of our NIW effective September 1, 2019 and continuing through December 31, 2020. The impact on our reserves in future periods will be dependent upon the amount of delinquent notices received from loan servicers, the performance of COVID-19 defaults and our expectations for the amount of ultimate losses on these delinquencies.

Third-Party Reinsurance

We use third-party reinsurance to provide protection against adverse loss experience and to expand our capital sources. When we enter into a reinsurance agreement, the reinsurer receives a premium and, in exchange, agrees to insure an agreed upon portion of incurred losses. These arrangements have the impact of reducing our earned premiums, but also reduce our risk in force ("RIF"), which provides capital relief, and may include capital relief under the PMIERs financial strength requirements. Our incurred losses are reduced by any incurred losses ceded in accordance with the reinsurance agreement. For additional information regarding reinsurance, see Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other Underwriting and Operating Expenses
 
Our other underwriting and operating expenses include components that are substantially fixed, as well as expenses that generally increase or decrease in line with the level of NIW.
 
Our most significant expense is compensation and benefits for our employees, which represented 62% and 61%58% of other underwriting and operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively,March 31, 2021, compared to 56%59% of other underwriting and operating expenses for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. Compensation and benefits expense includes base and incentive cash compensation, stock compensation expense, benefits and payroll taxes.
 
Underwriting and other expenses include legal, consulting, other professional fees, premium taxes, travel, entertainment, marketing, licensing, supplies, hardware, software, rent, utilities, depreciation and amortization and other expenses. We anticipate that as we continue to add new customers and increase our IIF, our expenses will also continue to increase.


Interest Expense

Interest expense is incurred as a result of borrowings under our secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). Borrowings under the Credit Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, capital contributions to Essent’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Borrowings accrue interest at a floating rate tied to a standard short-term borrowing index, selected at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin.
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Income Taxes
 
Income taxes are incurred based on the amount of earnings or losses generated in the jurisdictions in which we operate and the applicable tax rates and regulations in those jurisdictions. Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are generally not subject to income taxes in the states in which we operate; however, our non-insurance subsidiaries are subject to state income taxes. In lieu of state income taxes, our insurance subsidiaries pay premium taxes that are recorded in other underwriting and operating expenses.

Essent Group Ltd. ("Essent Group") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Essent Re, are domiciled in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax. Essent Re reinsures 25% of Essent Guaranty's NIW under a quota share reinsurance agreement. Essent Re also provides insurance and reinsurance to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

The amount of income tax expense or benefit recorded in future periods will be dependent on the jurisdictions in which we operate and the tax laws and regulations in effect.

Mortgage Insurance Earnings and Cash Flow Cycle
 
In general, the majority of any underwriting profit (premium revenue minus losses) 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. Subsequent years of a book generally result in modest underwriting profit or underwriting losses. This pattern generally occurs because relatively few of the claims 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 by increasing losses.
 
Key Performance Indicators
 
Insurance In Force
 
As discussed above, premiums we collect and earn are generated based on our IIF, which is a function of our NIW and cancellations. The following table includes a summary of the change in our IIF for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 for our U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio. In addition, this table includes RIF at the end of each period.
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019(In thousands)20212020
IIF, beginning of period $165,615,503
 $143,181,641
 $164,005,853
 $137,720,786
IIF, beginning of period$198,882,352 $164,005,853 
NIW - Flow 28,163,212
 17,973,505
 41,712,511
 28,918,812
NIW - Flow19,254,014 13,549,299 
NIW - Bulk 
 29,524
 151
 84,526
NIW - Bulk— 151 
Cancellations (19,132,442) (7,867,513) (31,072,242) (13,406,967)Cancellations(21,045,175)(11,939,800)
IIF, end of period $174,646,273
 $153,317,157
 $174,646,273
 $153,317,157
IIF, end of period$197,091,191 $165,615,503 
Average IIF during the period $168,635,275
 $148,188,377
 $166,865,006
 $144,302,864
Average IIF during the period$197,749,668 $164,782,361 
RIF, end of period $39,113,879
 $37,034,687
 $39,113,879
 $37,034,687
RIF, end of period$41,135,978 $38,290,022 
 

The following is a summary of our IIF at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 by vintage:
 
($ in thousands) $ %($ in thousands)$%
2020 (through June 30) $41,196,840
 23.6%
2021 (through March 31)2021 (through March 31)$19,094,071 9.7 %
2020202096,534,141 49.0 
2019 51,138,928
 29.3
201932,499,325 16.5 
2018 26,920,663
 15.4
201815,685,099 7.9 
2017 23,247,877
 13.3
201713,655,157 6.9 
2016 15,675,316
 9.0
2015 and prior 16,466,649
 9.4
2016 and prior2016 and prior19,623,398 10.0 
 $174,646,273
 100.0% $197,091,191 100.0 %
 
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Average Net Premium Rate
 
Our average net premium rate is dependent on a number of factors, including: (1) the risk characteristics and average coverage on the mortgages we insure; (2) the mix of monthly premiums compared to single premiums in our portfolio; (3) cancellations of non-refundable single premiums during the period; (4) changes to our pricing for NIW; and (5) premiums ceded under third-party reinsurance agreements. For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, our average net premium rate was 0.48%0.42%, as compared to 0.49% and 0.48% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. In 2019 and 2020, Essent Guaranty entered into third-party reinsurance agreements.March 31, 2020. We anticipate that the continued use of third-party reinsurance along with changes to the level of future cancellations of non-refundable single premium policies and mix of IIF will reduce our average net premium rate in future periods.
 
Persistency Rate
 
The measure for assessing the impact of policy cancellations on IIF is our persistency rate, defined as the percentage of IIF that remains on our books after any twelve-month period. See additional discussion regarding the impact of the persistency rate on our performance in “— Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations — Persistency and Business Mix.”
 
Risk-to-Capital
 
The risk-to-capital ratio has historically been used as a measure of capital adequacy in the U.S. mortgage insurance industry and is calculated as a ratio of net risk in force to statutory capital. Net risk in force represents total risk in force net of reinsurance ceded and net of exposures on policies for which loss reserves have been established. Statutory capital for our U.S. insurance companies is computed based on accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. See additional discussion in “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Insurance Company Capital.”
 
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, our combined net risk in force for our U.S. insurance companies was $28.8$29.4 billion and our combined statutory capital was $2.5$2.8 billion, resulting in a risk-to-capital ratio of 11.710.6 to 1. The amount of capital required varies in each jurisdiction in which we operate; however, generally, the maximum permitted risk-to-capital ratio is 25.0 to 1. State insurance regulators are currently examining their respective capital rules to determine whether, in light of the financial crisis, changes are needed to more accurately assess mortgage insurers’ ability to withstand stressful economic conditions. As a result, the capital metrics under which they assess and measure capital adequacy may change in the future. Independent of the state regulator and GSE capital requirements, management continually assesses the risk of our insurance portfolio and current market and economic conditions to determine the appropriate levels of capital to support our business.
 

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Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth our results of operations for the periods indicated:
 
Summary of Operations Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Summary of OperationsThree Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019(In thousands)20212020
Revenues:  
  
    Revenues:
Net premiums written $205,904
 $188,404
 $397,647
 $366,048
Net premiums written$204,361 $191,743 
Decrease in unearned premiums 5,567
 86
 20,320
 233
Decrease in unearned premiums14,706 14,753 
Net premiums earned 211,471
 188,490
 417,967
 366,281
Net premiums earned219,067 206,496 
Net investment income 19,866
 20,581
 40,499
 40,461
Net investment income21,788 20,633 
Realized investment gains (losses), net (1,269) 583
 1,866
 1,243
Other income 6,009
 2,238
 4,585
 4,433
Realized investment gains, netRealized investment gains, net641 3,135 
Other income (loss)Other income (loss)3,301 (1,424)
Total revenues 236,077
 211,892
 464,917
 412,418
Total revenues244,797 228,840 
        
Losses and expenses:  
  
    Losses and expenses:
Provision for losses and LAE 175,877
 4,960
 183,940
 12,067
Provision for losses and LAE32,322 8,063 
Other underwriting and operating expenses 38,819
 41,520
 80,766
 82,550
Other underwriting and operating expenses42,239 41,947 
Interest expense 2,566
 2,679
 4,698
 5,349
Interest expense2,051 2,132 
Total losses and expenses 217,262
 49,159
 269,404
 99,966
Total losses and expenses76,612 52,142 
Income before income taxes 18,815
 162,733
 195,513
 312,452
Income before income taxes168,185 176,698 
Income tax expense 3,435
 26,328
 30,610
 48,327
Income tax expense32,537 27,175 
Net income $15,380
 $136,405
 $164,903
 $264,125
Net income$135,648 $149,523 
 
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 Compared to the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we reported net income of $15.4$135.6 million, compared to net income of $136.4$149.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, we reported net income of $164.9 million, compared to net income of $264.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. The decreasesdecrease in our operating results in 20202021 over the same periodsperiod in 20192020 was primarily due to increases in the provision for losses and LAE and income tax expense, partially offset by increases in net premiums earned and other income and decreases in other underwriting and operating expenses and income tax expense.income.

Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
Net premiums earned increased in the three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 by 12%6%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 primarily due to the increase in our average IIF from $148.2$164.8 billion at June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 to $168.6$197.7 billion at June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. The average net premium rate was 0.48%0.42% and 0.49%0.48% for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, asrespectively. The decrease in the average net premium rate in the three month period ended March 31, 2021 was a result of an increase in ceded premiums, changes in the mix of mortgages we insure, in part due to lower persistency, and changes in our pricing which were largely offset by an increase in premiums earned on the cancellation of non-refundable single premium policies. Net premiums earned increased in the six months ended June 30, 2020 by 14% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 due to the increase in our average IIF from $144.3 billion at June 30, 2019 to $166.9 billion at June 30, 2020. The average net premium rate was 0.48% in each of the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as an increase in ceded premiums waspartially offset by an increase in premiums earned on the cancellation of non-refundable single premium policies. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, ceded premiums increased to $22.1$30.9 million and $36.4 million, respectively, from $8.4 million and $14.5$14.2 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively,March 31, 2020 due to reduced profit commissionadditional risk ceded under our QSR Agreement as a result of higher ceded losses,and new third-party reinsurance agreements entered in 2020 and a full three and six months of premiums ceded under third-party reinsurance agreements entered in 2019.2020. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, premiums earned on the cancellation of non-refundable single premium policies increased to $26.7$19.8 million and $41.3 million, respectively, from $8.8 million and $13.1$14.6 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively,March 31, 2020 as a result of an increase in existing borrowers refinancing their mortgages due to favorable mortgage interest rates.
 
Net premiums written increased by 9%7% in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in average IIF in the respective periods,three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, partially offset by an increase

in premiums ceded under third-party reinsurance agreements, a decrease in new single premium policies written, changes in the mix of mortgages we insure and changes in our pricing.

In the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, unearned premiums decreased by $5.6$14.7 million and $0.1$14.8 million, respectively. The change in unearned premiums was a result of net premiums written on single premium policies of $36.8$18.3 million and $26.5$16.0 million, respectively, which was offset by $42.4$33.0 million and $26.6 million, respectively, of unearned premium that was recognized in earnings during the periods. In the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, unearned premiums decreased by $20.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. This was a result of net premiums written on single premium policies of $52.9 million and $46.5 million, respectively, which was offset by $73.2 million and $46.7$30.8 million, respectively, of unearned premium that was recognized in earnings during the periods.

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Net Investment Income
 
Our net investment income was derived from the following sources for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019(In thousands)20212020
Fixed maturities $20,569
 $20,180
 $41,183
 $39,923
Fixed maturities$23,024 $20,614 
Short-term investments 358
 1,310
 1,480
 2,368
Short-term investments81 1,122 
Gross investment income 20,927
 21,490
 42,663
 42,291
Gross investment income23,105 21,736 
Investment expenses (1,061) (909) (2,164) (1,830)Investment expenses(1,317)(1,103)
Net investment income $19,866
 $20,581
 $40,499
 $40,461
Net investment income$21,788 $20,633 
 
The changesincrease in net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 20192020 was due to a decrease in the pre-tax investment income yield partially offset by the increase in the weighted average balance of our investment portfolio.portfolio partially offset by a decrease in the pre-tax investment income yield. The average cash and investment portfolio balance increased to $3.9$4.6 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 from $3.0$3.5 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The average cash and investment portfolio balance increased to $3.7 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2020 from $3.0 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. The increase in the average cash and investment portfolio was primarily due to investing cash flows from operations, proceeds from the public offering of common shares completed in June 2020 and increased borrowings under the Credit Facility. The pre-tax investment income yield decreased from 2.8% in each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 to 2.2% and 2.3%2.5% in the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2020 respectively,to 2.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily due to an increase in the share of our investments allocated to cash, a general decline in investment yields due to declining interest rates and an increase in premium amortization on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The pre-tax investment income yields are calculated based on amortized cost and exclude investment expenses. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further details of our investment portfolio.

Other Income
 
Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was $6.0$3.3 million as compared to $2.2a loss of $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. The increase in other income for the three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 20192020 was primarily due to a favorable increasechanges in the fair value of the embedded derivatives contained in certain of our reinsurance agreements and an increase in fees earned for information technology and customer support services provided to Triad. Other income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $4.6 million compared to $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The increase in other income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to an increase in Triad service fees partially offset by a net unfavorable decrease in the fair value of the embedded derivatives. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 we earned Triad service fees of $1.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, compared to $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. Effective December 1, 2019, the Triad services agreement was amended providing for a flat monthly fee through November 30, 2021.agreements. In the three months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we recorded a favorable increasean unfavorable decrease in the fair value of these embedded derivatives of $2.5$0.6 million compared to a favorable increase in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of $1.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2019. In the six months ended June 30, 2020 we recorded a netan unfavorable decrease in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of $1.7$4.2 million compared to a favorable increase of $2.6 million in the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. Other income also includes Triad service fee income, contract underwriting revenues and underwriting consulting services to third-party reinsurers.


Provision for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
The increase in the provision for losses and LAE in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 20192020 was primarily due to an increase in defaults related to COVID-19.

The following table presents a rollforward of insured loans in default for our U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio for the periods indicated: 
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2020 2019 2020 2019 20212020
Beginning default inventory 5,841
 4,096
 5,947
 4,024
Beginning default inventory31,469 5,947 
Plus: new defaults 37,357
 2,849
 41,290
 5,767
Plus: new defaults7,422 3,933 
Less: cures (4,983) (2,433) (8,897) (5,182)Less: cures(9,737)(3,914)
Less: claims paid (144) (106) (262) (194)Less: claims paid(61)(118)
Less: rescissions and denials, net (3) (1) (10) (10)Less: rescissions and denials, net(13)(7)
Ending default inventory 38,068
 4,405
 38,068
 4,405
Ending default inventory29,080 5,841 
 
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the ending default inventory included 34,35226,874 defaults classified as COVID-19 defaults.
 
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The following table includes additional information about our loans in default as of the dates indicated for our U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio: 
  As of June 30,
  2020 2019
Case reserves (in thousands) (1)
 $227,786
 $50,576
Total reserves (in thousands) (1)
 $250,862
 $55,138
Ending default inventory 38,068
 4,405
Average case reserve per default (in thousands) $6.0
 $11.5
Average total reserve per default (in thousands) $6.6
 $12.5
Default rate 5.19% 0.66%
Claims received included in ending default inventory 77
 82
 As of March 31,
 20212020
Case reserves (in thousands) (1)
$377,079 $67,097 
Total reserves (in thousands) (1)
$409,811 $73,325 
Ending default inventory29,080 5,841 
Average case reserve per default (in thousands)$13.0 $11.5 
Average total reserve per default (in thousands)$14.1 $12.6 
Default rate3.70 %0.83 %
Claims received included in ending default inventory43 140 
(1)The U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio reserves exclude reserves on GSE and other risk share risk in force at Essent Re of $28 thousand as of June 30, 2020.
(1)The U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio reserves exclude reserves on GSE and other risk share risk in force at Essent Re of $1.3 million and $16 thousand as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The decreaseincrease in the average totalcase reserve per default was primarily due to a lower total reserve per COVID-19 default.cure activity for Early COVID Defaults. Based on the forbearance programs in place and the credit characteristics of the COVID-19 defaulted loans, we expect the ultimate number of COVID-19-related defaultsEarly COVID Defaults that result in claims will be less than our historical default-to-claim experience. Accordingly, we recorded a reserve equal to approximately 7% of the risk in force for the COVID-19 default notices received inEarly COVID Defaults. We have not adjusted the loss reserves associated with the Early COVID Defaults as we continue to believe that these reserves represent the best estimate of the ultimate loss. As a result of cure activity for the Early COVID Defaults during the three months ended JuneMarch 31, 2021, the average reserve per Early COVID Default has increased from approximately 16% as of December 31, 2020 to approximately 19% as of March 31, 2021. The credit characteristics of defaults reported in October 2020 through March 2021 have trended towards those of the pre-pandemic periods and we have observed the normalization of other default patterns during this period. In addition, the economic conditions during the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021 have been different than those experienced in the second and third quarters of 2020. We believe that while defaults in October 2020 through March 2021 were impacted by the pandemic’s effect on the economy, the underlying credit performance of these defaults may not be the same as the expected performance for the Early COVID defaults that occurred following the onset of the pandemic and defaults after September 30, 2020 comparedare more likely to approximately a 9% reserve estimatetransition like pre-pandemic defaults. Accordingly, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2020, we resumed establishing reserves for defaults that had missed three payments or less as of Junereported after September 30, 2019.2020 using our normal reserve methodology. The reserve for losses and LAE on COVID-19 defaults was $189.0$362.9 million at June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021 and includes $244.8 million of reserves for Early COVID Defaults.


The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and LAE:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period$374,941 $69,362 
Less: Reinsurance recoverables19,061 71 
Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period355,880 69,291 
Add provision for losses and LAE occurring in:
Current period47,989 15,419 
Prior years(15,667)(7,356)
Incurred losses and LAE during the current period32,322 8,063 
Deduct payments for losses and LAE occurring in:
Current period114 
Prior years1,872 4,110 
Loss and LAE payments during the current period1,986 4,111 
Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of period386,216 73,243 
Plus: Reinsurance recoverables24,907 98 
Reserve for losses and LAE at end of period$411,123 $73,341 

32

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period $73,341
 $53,484
 $69,362
 $49,464
Less: Reinsurance recoverables 98
 
 71
 
Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period 73,243
 53,484
 69,291
 49,464
Add provision for losses and LAE occurring in:        
Current period 181,776
 11,354
 197,195
 23,182
Prior years (5,899) (6,394) (13,255) (11,115)
Incurred losses and LAE during the current period 175,877
 4,960
 183,940
 12,067
Deduct payments for losses and LAE occurring in:        
Current period 288
 230
 289
 245
Prior years 5,703
 3,076
 9,813
 6,148
Loss and LAE payments during the current period 5,991
 3,306
 10,102
 6,393
Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of period 243,129
 55,138
 243,129
 55,138
Plus: Reinsurance recoverables 7,761
 
 7,761
 
Reserve for losses and LAE at end of period $250,890
 $55,138
 $250,890
 $55,138
Table of Contents

The following tables provide a detail of reserves and defaulted RIF by the number of missed payments and pending claims for our U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio:
  As of June 30, 2020
($ in thousands) Number of
Policies in
Default
 Percentage of
Policies in
Default
 Amount of
Reserves
 Percentage of
Reserves
 Defaulted
RIF
 Reserves as a
Percentage of
Defaulted RIF
Missed payments:  
  
  
  
  
  
Three payments or less 33,514
 88% $166,897
 73% $2,233,678
 7%
Four to eleven payments 3,813
 10
 39,028
 17
 234,152
 17
Twelve or more payments 664
 2
 18,590
 8
 36,694
 51
Pending claims 77
 
 3,271
 2
 3,846
 85
Total case reserves (1)
 38,068
 100% 227,786
 100% $2,508,370
 9
IBNR  
  
 17,084
  
  
  
LAE  
  
 5,992
  
  
  
Total reserves for losses and LAE (1)
  
  
 $250,862
  
  
  
 As of March 31, 2021
($ in thousands)Number of
Policies in
Default
Percentage of
Policies in
Default
Amount of
Reserves
Percentage of
Reserves
Defaulted
RIF
Reserves as a
Percentage of
Defaulted RIF
Missed payments:      
Three payments or less5,487 19 %$39,244 10 %$329,223 12 %
Four to eleven payments16,157 56 215,949 57 1,022,979 21 
Twelve or more payments7,393 25 120,128 32 500,658 24 
Pending claims43 — 1,758 2,236 79 
Total case reserves (1)
29,080 100 %377,079 100 %$1,855,096 20 
IBNR  28,281    
LAE  4,451    
Total reserves for losses and LAE (1)
  $409,811    
(1)The U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio reserves exclude reserves on GSE and other risk share risk in force at Essent Re of $1.3 million as of March 31, 2021.
 As of March 31, 2020
($ in thousands)Number of
Policies in
Default
Percentage of
Policies in
Default
Amount of
Reserves
Percentage of
Reserves
Defaulted
RIF
Reserves as a
Percentage of
Defaulted RIF
Missed payments:      
Three payments or less3,043 52 %$15,128 23 %$170,374 %
Four to eleven payments2,140 37 30,493 45 114,135 27 
Twelve or more payments518 15,235 23 29,596 51 
Pending claims140 6,241 7,074 88 
Total case reserves (2)
5,841 100 %67,097 100 %$321,179 21 
IBNR  5,032    
LAE  1,196    
Total reserves for losses and LAE (2)
  $73,325    
(1)The U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio reserves exclude reserves on GSE and other risk share risk in force at Essent Re of $28 thousand as of June 30, 2020.

(2)The U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio reserves exclude reserves on GSE and other risk share risk in force at Essent Re of $16 thousand as of March 31, 2020.
  As of June 30, 2019
($ in thousands) 
Number of
Policies in
Default
 
Percentage of
Policies in
Default
 
Amount of
Reserves
 
Percentage of
Reserves
 
Defaulted
RIF
 
Reserves as a
Percentage of
Defaulted RIF
Missed payments:  
  
  
  
  
  
Three payments or less 2,511
 57% $12,646
 25% $133,536
 9%
Four to eleven payments 1,443
 33
 22,292
 44
 78,047
 29
Twelve or more payments 369
 8
 11,583
 23
 22,093
 52
Pending claims 82
 2
 4,055
 8
 4,657
 87
Total case reserves 4,405
 100% 50,576
 100% $238,333
 21
IBNR  
  
 3,792
  
  
  
LAE  
  
 770
  
  
  
Total reserves for losses and LAE  
  
 $55,138
  
  
  


During the three months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the provision for losses and LAE was $175.9$32.3 million, comprised of $181.8$48.0 million of current year losses partially offset by $5.9$15.7 million of favorable prior years’ loss development. During the three months ended June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, the provision for losses and LAE was $5.0$8.1 million, comprised of $11.4$15.4 million of current year losses partially offset by $6.4$7.4 million of favorable prior years’ loss development. In both periods, the prior years’ loss development was the result of a re-estimation of amounts ultimately to be paid on prior year defaults in the default inventory, including the impact of previously identified defaults that cured.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the provision for losses and LAE was $183.9 million, comprised of $197.2 million of current year losses partially offset by $13.3 million of favorable prior years’ loss development. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the provision for losses and LAE was $12.1 million, comprised of $23.2 million of current year losses partially offset by $11.1 million of favorable prior years’ loss development. In both periods, the prior years’ loss development was the result of a re-estimation of amounts ultimately to be paid on prior year defaults in the default inventory, including the impact of previously identified defaults that cured.

The following table includes additional information about our claims paid and claim severity for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
($ in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019($ in thousands)20212020
Number of claims paid 144
 106
 262
 194
Number of claims paid61 118 
Amount of claims paid $5,718
 $3,208
 $9,875
 $6,107
Amount of claims paid$1,989 $4,157 
Claim severity 78% 69% 78% 74%Claim severity70 %77 %
 
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Other Underwriting and Operating Expenses
 
Following are the components of our other underwriting and operating expenses for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2020 2019 2020 2019 20212020
($ in thousands) $ % $ % $ % $ %($ in thousands)$%$%
Compensation and benefits $24,174
 62% $23,167
 56% $49,040
 61% $46,516
 56%Compensation and benefits$24,760 58 %$24,866 59 %
Premium taxes 4,963
 13
 4,291
 10
 9,396
 12
 8,369
 10
Premium taxes4,502 11 4,433 11 
Other 9,682
 25
 14,062
 34
 22,330
 28
 27,665
 34
Other12,977 31 12,648 30 
Total other underwriting and operating expenses $38,819
 100% $41,520
 100% $80,766
 100% $82,550
 100%Total other underwriting and operating expenses$42,239 100 %$41,947 100 %
                
Number of employees at end of period  
         389
  
 383
Number of employees at end of period365  381 
 
The significant factors contributing to the change in other underwriting and operating expenses are:
 
Compensation and benefits increasedwere largely unchanged in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 primarilyMarch 31, 2020 as a decrease in salaries, wages and bonuses due to increaseda decrease in the number of employees at March 31, 2021 was partially offset by an increase in stock compensation expense associated withlargely due to shares granted in 2019 and 2020 and increased salaries and overtime associated with our increased NIW.2021. Compensation and benefits includes salaries, wages and bonus, stock compensation expense, benefits and payroll taxes.

Premium taxes increasedwere largely unchanged primarily due to an increasea decrease in premiums written.our effective premium tax rate.

Other expenses decreasedincreased primarily as a result of an increase in professional fees partially offset by an increase in ceding commission earned under the QSR Agreement and lower travel expenses. Other expenses include professional fees, travel, marketing, hardware, software, rent, depreciation and amortization and other facilities expenses.

Interest Expense

For each of the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred interest expense of $2.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively, as compared to $2.7 million and $5.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. The decreases were$2.1 million. Interest expense remained relatively unchanged primarily due to a decrease in the weighted average interest rate for borrowings outstanding, partially offset by

an increase in the average amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the average amount outstanding under the Credit Facility was $425.0$325.0 million and $330.5 million, respectively, as compared to $225.0$236.0 million for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the borrowings under the Credit Facility had a weighted average interest rate of 2.30% and 2.61%, respectively,2.16% as compared to 4.56% and 4.53%3.08% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.March 31, 2020.

Income Taxes
 
Our subsidiaries in the United States file a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return. Our income tax expense was $3.4$32.5 million and $26.3$27.2 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $30.6 million and $48.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, our provision for income taxes was not based on an estimated annual effective rate due to uncertainty regarding the potential impacts of COVID-19 on our results of operations. Accordingly, we were unable to make a reliable estimate of pretax income and the annual effective tax rate for the full year 2020, and theThe provision for income taxes for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020 was based on the actual effective tax rate of 15.7% for the year to date period. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, our income tax expenseMarch 31, 2021 was calculated using an estimated annual effective tax rate of 16.1%.15.9% as compared to an estimated annual effective tax rate of 15.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. For the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021, income tax expense includes $5.7 million of discrete tax expense associated with an increase in the estimate of our beginning of the year deferred state income tax liability. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, and 2019, income tax expense was reduced by excess tax benefits associated with the vesting of common shares and common share units of $0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively.million. The tax effects associated with the increase to our deferred state income tax liability and vesting of common shares and common share units are treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur and are not considered in determining the 2019 estimated annual effective tax rate above.rate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview
 
Our sources of funds consist primarily of:
 
our investment portfolio and interest income on the portfolio;

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net premiums that we will receive from our existing IIF as well as policies that we write in the future;

borrowings under our Credit Facility; and

issuance of capital shares.
 
Our obligations consist primarily of:

claim payments under our policies;

interest payments and repayment of borrowings under our Credit Facility;

the other costs and operating expenses of our business; and

the payment of dividends on our common shares.
 
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had substantial liquidity with cash of $72.8$81.0 million, short-term investments of $1.1 billion$449.3 million and fixed maturity investments of $3.2$4.3 billion. We also had $75$300 million available capacity under the revolving credit component of our Credit Facility, with $425$325 million of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility contractually mature on May 17, 2021. In June 2020, we completed a public offering of 13.8 million common shares to strengthen our capital resources and provide financial flexibility. Net proceeds from this offering were approximately $440 million.October 16, 2023. At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, net cash and investments at the holding company were $702.2$540.3 million. In addition, Essent Guaranty is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (the “FHLBank”) and has access to secured borrowing capacity with the FHLBank to provide Essent Guaranty with supplemental liquidity. Essent Guaranty had no outstanding borrowings with the FHLBank at June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.

Management believes that the Company has sufficient liquidity available both at the holding company and in its insurance and other operating subsidiaries to meet its operating cash needs and obligations and committed capital expenditures for the next 12 months.
 

While the Company and all of its subsidiaries are expected to have sufficient liquidity to meet all their expected obligations, additional capital may be required to meet any new capital requirements that are adopted by regulatory authorities or the GSEs, or to respond to changes in the business or economic environment related to COVID-19, or to provide additional capital related to the growth of our risk in force in our mortgage insurance portfolio, or to fund new business initiatives including the insurance activities of Essent Re. We continually evaluate opportunities based upon market conditions to further increase our financial flexibility through the issuance of equity or debt, or other options including reinsurance or credit risk transfer transactions. There can be no guarantee that any such opportunities will be available on acceptable terms or at all.
 
At the operating subsidiary level, liquidity could be impacted by any one of the following factors:
 
significant decline in the value of our investments;

inability to sell investment assets to provide cash to fund operating needs;

decline in expected revenues generated from operations;

increase in expected claim payments related to our IIF; or

increase in operating expenses.


Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain capital and dividend rules and regulations prescribed by jurisdictions in which they are authorized to operate and the GSEs. Under the insurance laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the insurance subsidiaries may pay dividends during any twelve-month period in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus or (ii) the preceding year’s statutory net income. The Pennsylvania statute also requires that dividends and other distributions be paid out of positive unassigned surplus without prior approval. At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty had unassigned surplus of approximately $298.5$385.9 million. Essent Guaranty of PA, Inc. (“Essent PA") had unassigned surplus of approximately $14.4$16.0 million as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. As a result of PMIERs guidance issued by the GSEs, effectivethrough June 30, 2020 through March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty is required to obtain GSE written approval before paying a dividend. On May 5, 2021, Essent Guaranty paid to its parent, Essent US Holdings, Inc., a $100 million dividend. Essent Re is subject to certain dividend restrictions as prescribed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority and under certain agreements with
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counterparties. In connection with a quota share reinsurance agreement with Essent Guaranty, Essent Re has agreed to maintain a minimum total equity of $100 million. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Re had total equity of $1.0$1.1 billion. In connection with its insurance and reinsurance activities, Essent Re is required to maintain assets in trusts for the benefit of its contractual counterparties. See Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, our insurance subsidiaries were in compliance with these rules, regulations and agreements.
 
Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019(In thousands)20212020
Net cash provided by operating activities $345,785
 $265,484
Net cash provided by operating activities$187,771 $163,131 
Net cash used in investing activities (944,893) (296,935)Net cash used in investing activities(186,259)(381,426)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 600,545
 (8,240)
Net increase (decrease) in cash $1,437
 $(39,691)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activitiesNet cash (used in) provided by financing activities(23,320)178,000 
Net decrease in cashNet decrease in cash$(21,808)$(40,295)
 
Operating Activities
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $345.8$187.8 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, as compared to $265.5$163.1 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. The increase in cash flow provided by operating activities of $80.3$24.6 million was primarily due to an increase in premiums collected lower income tax payments and lower T&L Bond purchases during 2020.
 
Investing Activities
 
Cash flow used in investing activities totaled $944.9$186.3 million and $296.9$381.4 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. In both periods, cash flow used in investing activities related to investing cash flows from

operations. Additionally, in 2020 cash flow used in investing activities included investing $440 million of net proceeds from the completion of a public offering of common shares in June and $200 million of increased borrowings under the Credit Facility.
 
Financing Activities
 
Cash flow used in financing activities totaled $23.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily related to the quarterly cash dividend paid in March and treasury stock acquired from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations. Cash flow provided by financing activities totaled $600.5$178.0 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2020 primarily related to $440 million of net proceeds from the completion of a public offering of common shares in June and $200 million of increased borrowings under the Credit Facility, partially offset by the quarterly cash dividends paiddividend pain in March and June and treasury stock acquired from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations. Cash flow used in financing activities totaled $8.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 primarily related to treasury stock acquired from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations.
 
Insurance Company Capital
 
We compute a risk-to-capital ratio for our U.S. insurance companies on a separate company statutory basis, as well as for our combined insurance operations. The risk-to-capital ratio is our net risk in force divided by our statutory capital. Our net risk in force represents risk in force net of reinsurance ceded, if any, and net of exposures on policies for which loss reserves have been established. Statutory capital 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. The statutory contingency reserve is reported as a liability on the statutory balance sheet. A mortgage insurance company is required to make annual contributions to the contingency reserve of 50% of net premiums earned. 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 premiums earned in a calendar year.

During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, no capital contributions were made to our U.S. insurance subsidiaries.

Essent Guaranty has entered into reinsurance agreements that provide excess of loss reinsurance coverage for new defaults on portfolios of mortgage insurance policies issued in 2015 through 2019.2020. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverages decrease over a ten-year period as the underlying covered mortgages amortize. Based on the level of delinquencies
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reported to us, the insurance-linked note transactions (the "ILNs") that Essent Guaranty has entered into prior to date (the “ILNs”)March 31, 2020 became subject to a "trigger event" as of June 25, 2020. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage will not amortize during the continuation of a trigger event. Effective September 1, 2019, Essent Guaranty entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with a panel of third-party reinsurers (the "QSR Agreement"). Under the QSR Agreement, Essent Guaranty will cede premiums earned related to 40% of risk on eligible single premium policies and 20% of risk on all other eligible policies written September 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, in exchange for reimbursement of ceded claims and claims expenses on covered policies, a 20% ceding commission, and a profit commission of up to 60% that varies directly and inversely with ceded claims. These reinsurance coverages also reduces net risk in force and PMIERs Minimum Required Assets. See Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Our combined risk-to-capital calculation for our U.S. insurance subsidiaries as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was as follows:
 
Combined statutory capital:
($ in thousands)
 
Policyholders’ surplus$1,057,420
Contingency reserves1,399,948
Combined statutory capital$2,457,368
Combined net risk in force$28,787,600
Combined risk-to-capital ratio11.7:1
Combined statutory capital:
($ in thousands)
Policyholders’ surplus$1,146,273 
Contingency reserves1,631,858 
Combined statutory capital$2,778,131 
Combined net risk in force$29,358,191 
Combined risk-to-capital ratio10.6:1
 
For additional information regarding regulatory capital, see Note 1514 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Our combined statutory capital equals the sum of statutory capital of Essent Guaranty plus Essent PA, after eliminating the impact of intercompany transactions. The combined risk-to-capital ratio equals the sum of the net risk in force of Essent Guaranty and Essent PA divided by combined statutory capital. The information above has been derived from the annual and quarterly statements of our insurance subsidiaries, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and the National Association of Insurance

Commissioners Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual. Such practices vary from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
Essent Re has entered into GSE and other risk share transactions, including insurance and reinsurance transactions with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Essent Re also reinsures 25% of Essent Guaranty’s NIW under a quota share reinsurance agreement. During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, Essent Re paid no dividends to Essent Group and Essent Group made no capital contributions to Essent Re. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Re had total stockholders’ equity of $1.0$1.1 billion and net risk in force of $11.1$12.9 billion.
 
Financial Strength Ratings
 
The insurer financial strength rating of Essent Guaranty, our principal mortgage insurance subsidiary, is rated A3 with a stable outlook by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody's”), BBB+ with a negative outlook by S&P and A (Excellent) with stable outlook by A.M. Best. The insurer financial strength rating of Essent Re is BBB+ with a negative outlook by S&P and A (Excellent) with stable outlook by A.M. Best.
 
Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements
 
Effective December 31, 2015, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, at the direction of the FHFA, implemented new coordinated Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements, which we refer to as the "PMIERs." The PMIERs represent the standards by which private mortgage insurers are eligible to provide mortgage insurance on loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The PMIERs include financial strength requirements incorporating a risk-based framework that require approved insurers to have a sufficient level of liquid assets from which to pay claims. This risk-based framework provides that an insurer must hold a substantially higher level of required assets for insured loans that are in default compared to a performing loan. The PMIERs also include enhanced operational performance expectations and define remedial actions that apply should an approved insurer fail to comply with these requirements. In 2018, the GSEs released revised PMIERs framework ("PMIERs 2.0") which became effective on March 31, 2019. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty, our GSE-approved mortgage insurance company, was in compliance with PMIERs 2.0. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Essent Guaranty's Available Assets were $2.59$3.00 billion and its Minimum Required Assets were $1.46$1.86 billion based on our interpretation of PMIERs 2.0.

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Under PMIERs guidance issued by the GSEs effective June 30, 2020, Essent will apply a 0.30 multiplier to the risk-based required asset amount factor for each insured loan in default backed by a property located in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) Declared Major Disaster Area eligible for Individual Assistance and that either 1) is subject to a forbearance plan granted in response to a FEMA Declared Major Disaster, the terms of which are materially consistent with terms of forbearance plans, repayment plans or loan modification trial period offered by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or 2) has an initial missed payment occurring up to either (i) 30 days prior to the first day of the incident period specified in the FEMA Major Disaster Declaration or (ii) 90 days following the last day of the incident period specified in the FEMA Major Disaster Declaration, not to exceed 180 days from the first day of the incident period specified in the FEMA Major Disaster Declaration. In the case of the foregoing, the 0.30 multiplier shall be applied to the risk-based required asset amount factor for each insureda non-performing primary mortgage guaranty insurance loan in default for no longer than fourthree calendar months frombeginning with the initialmonth the loan becomes a non-performing primary mortgage guaranty insurance loan by reaching two missed paymentmonthly payments absent a forbearance plan described in 1) above. Further, under temporary provisions provided by the PMIERs guidance, Essent will apply a 0.30 multiplier to the risk-based required asset amount factor for each insured loan in default backed by a property that has an initial missed payment occurring on or after March 1, 2020 and prior to JanuaryApril 1, 2021 (COVID-19 Crisis Period). The 0.30 multiplier will be applicable for insured loans in default 1) subject to a forbearance plan granted in response to a financial hardship related to COVID-19 (which shall be assumed to be the case for any loan that has an initial missed payment occurring during the COVID-19 Crisis Period and is subject to a forbearance plan, repayment plan or loan modification trial period), the terms of which are materially consistent with terms offered by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or 2) for up to fourno longer than three calendar months afterbeginning with the initialmonth the loan becomes a non-performing primary mortgage guaranty insurance loan by reaching two missed payment absent a forbearance plan.monthly payments. The 34,35226,874 COVID-19 defaults included in our June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 default inventory fall into categories 1) and 2) above and received the 0.30 multiplier in calculating the PMIERs required assets.

Financial Condition
 
Stockholders’ Equity
 
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, stockholders’ equity was $3.6$3.92 billion, compared to $3.0$3.86 billion as of December 31, 2019. This increase2020. Stockholders' equity was largely unchanged primarily due to the completion of a public offering of common shares in June 2020, net income generated in 2020 and an increase2021 partially offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income related to an increasea decrease in our net unrealized investment gains.


Investments
 
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, investments totaled $4.4$4.8 billion compared to $3.4$4.7 billion as of December 31, 2019.2020. In addition, our total cash was $72.8$81.0 million as of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, compared to $71.4$102.8 million as of December 31, 2019.2020. The increase in investments was primarily due to investing net cash flows from operations the net proceeds from the public offering of common shares and the borrowings under the Credit Facility during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021 partially offset by a decrease in our net unrealized investment gains.
 
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Investments Available for Sale by Asset Class
 
Asset Class June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
($ in thousands) Fair Value Percent Fair Value Percent
U.S. Treasury securities $259,259
 5.9% $242,206
 7.2%
U.S. agency securities 14,682
 0.3
 33,605
 1.0
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 830,124
 19.1
 848,334
 25.3
Municipal debt securities(1) 465,063
 10.7
 361,638
 10.8
Non-U.S. government securities 54,637
 1.2
 54,995
 1.7
Corporate debt securities(2) 912,137
 21.0
 880,301
 26.3
Residential and commercial mortgage securities 312,511
 7.2
 288,281
 8.6
Asset-backed securities 385,486
 8.9
 326,025
 9.7
Money market funds 1,118,204
 25.7
 315,362
 9.4
Total Investments Available for Sale $4,352,103
 100.0% $3,350,747
 100.0%
Asset ClassMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
($ in thousands)Fair ValuePercentFair ValuePercent
U.S. Treasury securities$262,309 5.6 %$268,444 5.9 %
U.S. agency securities16,138 0.3 18,085 0.4 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities1,022,991 21.7 995,905 21.8 
Municipal debt securities(1)572,263 12.2 551,517 12.1 
Non-U.S. government securities79,280 1.7 61,607 1.3 
Corporate debt securities(2)1,414,938 30.1 1,126,512 24.7 
Residential and commercial mortgage securities446,208 9.5 409,282 9.0 
Asset-backed securities473,804 10.1 454,717 9.9 
Money market funds413,545 8.8 679,304 14.9 
Total Investments Available for Sale$4,701,476 100.0 %$4,565,373 100.0 %
 March 31,December 31,
(1) The following table summarizes municipal debt securities as of :20212020
Special revenue bonds76.9 %76.8 %
General obligation bonds20.3 20.3 
Certificate of participation bonds2.1 2.3 
Tax allocation bonds0.6 0.6 
Special tax bonds0.1 — 
Total100.0 %100.0 %
  June 30, December 31,
(1) The following table summarizes municipal debt securities as of : 2020 2019
Special revenue bonds 74.3% 74.5%
General obligation bonds 22.2
 21.3
Certificate of participation bonds 2.8
 3.4
Tax allocation bonds 0.7
 0.8
Total 100.0% 100.0%
 March 31,December 31,
(2) The following table summarizes corporate debt securities as of :20212020
Financial32.8 %34.9 %
Consumer, non-cyclical19.2 19.1 
Communications11.6 9.3 
Consumer, cyclical7.6 8.0 
Industrial7.3 5.3 
Energy6.6 8.2 
Utilities5.9 5.9 
Technology5.4 6.1 
Basic materials3.5 3.1 
Government0.1 0.1 
Total100.0 %100.0 %

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  June 30, December 31,
(2) The following table summarizes corporate debt securities as of : 2020 2019
Financial 35.0% 34.4%
Consumer, non-cyclical 20.8
 20.1
Communications 10.9
 10.3
Energy 7.6
 8.3
Consumer, cyclical 7.2
 7.6
Utilities 6.2
 6.2
Technology 5.5
 4.8
Industrial 3.5
 4.2
Basic materials 3.3
 4.1
Total 100.0% 100.0%
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Investments Available for Sale by Rating
 
Rating(1) June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
($ in thousands) Fair Value Percent Fair Value Percent
Aaa $2,642,359
 60.7% $1,817,905
 54.2%
Aa1 129,451
 3.0
 109,122
 3.3
Aa2 171,704
 3.9
 145,282
 4.3
Aa3 235,462
 5.4
 159,599
 4.8
A1 213,946
 4.9
 206,643
 6.2
A2 253,507
 5.8
 183,780
 5.5
A3 211,209
 4.9
 191,933
 5.7
Baa1 244,669
 5.6
 232,490
 6.9
Baa2 183,639
 4.2
 179,664
 5.4
Baa3 37,005
 0.9
 65,119
 1.9
Below Baa3 29,152
 0.7
 59,210
 1.8
Total Investments Available for Sale $4,352,103
 100.0% $3,350,747
 100.0%
Rating(1)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
($ in thousands)Fair ValuePercentFair ValuePercent
Aaa$2,310,267 49.1 %$2,564,746 56.2 %
Aa1138,510 3.0 133,100 2.9 
Aa2288,583 6.1 260,462 5.7 
Aa3217,683 4.6 204,917 4.5 
A1266,937 5.7 249,710 5.5 
A2426,285 9.1 401,175 8.8 
A3278,424 5.9 229,882 5.0 
Baa1296,627 6.3 260,602 5.7 
Baa2274,367 5.8 178,926 3.9 
Baa3140,688 3.0 48,199 1.1 
Below Baa363,105 1.4 33,654 0.7 
Total Investments Available for Sale$4,701,476 100.0 %$4,565,373 100.0 %
(1)Based on ratings issued by Moody’s, if available. S&P or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") rating utilized if Moody’s not available.
(1)Based on ratings issued by Moody’s, if available. S&P or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") rating utilized if Moody’s not available.
 
Investments Available for Sale by Effective Duration
 
Effective DurationMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
($ in thousands)Fair ValuePercentFair ValuePercent
< 1 Year$1,158,371 24.6 %$1,568,505 34.4 %
1 to < 2 Years443,897 9.4 581,003 12.7 
2 to < 3 Years708,723 15.1 616,069 13.5 
3 to < 4 Years473,707 10.1 426,333 9.3 
4 to < 5 Years511,955 10.9 367,633 8.1 
5 or more Years1,404,823 29.9 1,005,830 22.0 
Total Investments Available for Sale$4,701,476 100.0 %$4,565,373 100.0 %

40

Effective Duration June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
($ in thousands) Fair Value Percent Fair Value Percent
< 1 Year $2,140,698
 49.2% $1,038,782
 31.0%
1 to < 2 Years 415,342
 9.5
 306,148
 9.1
2 to < 3 Years 369,123
 8.5
 348,708
 10.4
3 to < 4 Years 258,405
 5.9
 361,147
 10.8
4 to < 5 Years 343,687
 7.9
 443,382
 13.2
5 or more Years 824,848
 19.0
 852,580
 25.5
Total Investments Available for Sale $4,352,103
 100.0% $3,350,747
 100.0%
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Top Ten Investments Available for Sale Holdings
 
 June 30, 2020 March 31, 2021
Rank
($ in thousands)
 Security Fair Value Amortized
Cost
 Unrealized
Gain
 Credit
Rating(1)
Rank
($ in thousands)
SecurityFair ValueAmortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)(1)
Credit
Rating(2)
1 Fannie Mae 3.500% 1/1/2058 $28,982
 $27,508
 $1,474
 Aaa1Fannie Mae 3.500% 1/1/2058$25,710 $24,392 $1,318 Aaa
2 Freddie Mac 4.000% 11/1/2048 25,869
 24,847
 1,022
 Aaa2U.S. Treasury 0.250% 5/31/202525,114 25,568 (454)Aaa
3 U.S. Treasury 0.250% 5/31/2025 25,578
 25,560
 18
 Aaa3U.S. Treasury 2.625% 6/30/202320,824 19,691 1,133 Aaa
4 U.S. Treasury 2.625% 6/30/2023 21,194
 19,672
 1,522
 Aaa4U.S. Treasury 5.250% 11/15/202819,401 18,462 939 Aaa
5 U.S. Treasury 5.250% 11/15/2028 21,100
 18,750
 2,350
 Aaa5Fannie Mae 2.000% 8/1/205018,353 18,989 (636)Aaa
6 U.S. Treasury 1.500% 8/15/2026 18,646
 17,449
 1,197
 Aaa6Freddie Mac 4.000% 11/1/204818,130 17,569 561 Aaa
7 Ginnie Mae 4.000% 4/20/2049 15,932
 15,647
 285
 Aaa7U.S. Treasury 1.500% 8/15/202617,916 17,455 461 Aaa
8 Fannie Mae 4.500% 5/1/2048 15,352
 14,387
 965
 Aaa8U.S. Treasury 0.125% 10/15/202317,564 17,598 (34)Aaa
9 U.S. Treasury 2.625% 7/15/2021 15,123
 14,742
 381
 Aaa9Freddie Mac 2.500% 7/1/205015,960 16,275 (315)Aaa
10 Freddie Mac 4.500% 4/1/2049 14,531
 13,865
 666
 Aaa10U.S. Treasury 0.375% 1/31/202615,108 15,348 (240)Aaa
Total   $202,307
 $192,427
 $9,880
  Total $194,080 $191,347 $2,733  
Percent of Investments Available for SalePercent of Investments Available for Sale 4.6%  
  
  Percent of Investments Available for Sale4.1 %   
(1)As of March 31, 2021, for securities in an unrealized loss position, management believes the declines in fair value are principally associated with the changes in the interest rate environment subsequent to its purchase. Also, see Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, which summarizes the aggregate amount of gross unrealized losses by asset class in which the fair value of investments available for sale has been less than cost for less than 12 months and for 12 months or more.
(1)Based on ratings issued by Moody’s, if available. S&P or Fitch rating utilized if Moody’s not available.

(2)Based on ratings issued by Moody’s, if available. S&P or Fitch rating utilized if Moody’s not available.
 
Rank
December 31, 2020
($ in thousands)SecurityFair Value
1Fannie Mae 3.500% 1/1/2058$26,634 
2U.S. Treasury 0.250% 5/31/202525,558 
3U.S. Treasury 2.625% 6/30/202320,966 
4Fannie Mae 2.000% 8/1/205020,549 
5U.S. Treasury 5.250% 11/15/202820,540 
6Freddie Mac 4.000% 11/1/204820,371 
7U.S. Treasury 1.500% 8/15/202618,525 
8U.S. Treasury 0.125% 10/15/202317,611 
9Freddie Mac 2.500% 7/1/205017,063 
10U.S. Treasury 2.625% 7/15/202114,946 
Total $202,763 
Percent of Investments Available for Sale4.4 %

41

 
Rank
 December 31, 2019
($ in thousands) Security Fair Value
1 Fannie Mae 3.500% 1/1/2058 $30,112
2 U.S. Treasury 5.250% 11/15/2028 29,480
3 Freddie Mac 4.000% 11/1/2048 28,530
4 U.S. Treasury 2.625% 6/30/2023 20,465
5 U.S. Treasury 1.500% 8/15/2026 17,161
6 Fannie Mae 4.500% 5/1/2048 16,972
7 Freddie Mac 4.500% 4/1/2049 16,585
8 U.S. Treasury 2.625% 7/15/2021 14,978
9 Freddie Mac 4.000% 5/15/2050 14,700
10 Fannie Mae 4.000% 5/1/2056 13,079
Total   $202,062
Percent of Investments Available for Sale 6.0%
Table of Contents


The following tables include municipal debt securities for states that represent more than 10% of the total municipal bond position as of June 30, 2020:March 31, 2021:
($ in thousands)Fair ValueAmortized
Cost
Credit
Rating (1), (2)
Texas   
North Texas Tollway System$11,038 $10,837 A2
University of Houston6,494 6,318 Aa2
Texas A&M University6,290 5,816 Aaa
State of Texas5,730 5,405 Aaa
City of Houston TX Combined Utility System Revenue5,136 4,600 Aa2
LCRA Transmission Services Corp3,111 3,042 A2
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport2,577 2,457 A2
City of Austin TX Electric Utility Revenue2,345 2,125 Aa3
Harris County-Houston Sports Authority2,218 2,055 A2
City of Houston TX2,194 2,078 Aa3
City of Dallas TX1,846 1,654 Aa3
City of Houston TX Airport System Revenue1,706 1,661 A1
Houston Community College System1,604 1,665 Aaa
City of Fort Worth TX Water & Sewer System Revenue1,525 1,445 Aa1
Tarrant Regional Water District1,520 1,425 Aaa
City of San Antonio TX Airport System1,285 1,181 A1
City of Corpus Christi TX Utility System Revenue1,139 1,065 Aa3
Harris County Toll Road Authority1,050 1,009 Aa1
Texas Tech University System1,005 1,000 Aa1
Central Texas Turnpike System989 940 Baa1
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Sales & Use Tax Revenue904 911 Aaa
Denton Independent School District895 894 Aaa
Frisco Independent School District870 874 Aaa
County of Fort Bend TX842 790 Aa1
Austin-Bergstrom Landhost Enterprises, Inc.602 583 A3
San Jacinto Community College District585 538 Aa3
City of Houston TX Reinvestment Zone No 16337 332 A2
Austin Independent School District289 298 Aaa
 $66,126 $62,998  
($ in thousands)Fair ValueAmortized
Cost
Credit
Rating (1), (2)
New York
New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue$12,805 $12,133 Aa1
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey7,588 7,224 Aa3
Metropolitan Transportation Authority7,543 7,192 A3
State of New York Personal Income Tax Revenue7,325 6,848 Aa2
City of New York NY7,159 6,484 Aa2
New York City Water & Sewer System6,490 6,436 Aa1
Long Island Power Authority4,130 3,993 A2
The Research Foundation of State University of New York3,212 3,020 A1
New York State Dormitory Authority2,828 2,741 A1
TSASC, Inc.2,459 2,171 A2
City of Yonkers NY2,419 2,300 A3
County of Nassau NY2,170 1,980 A2
New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue1,583 1,489 Aa3
Town of Oyster Bay NY1,063 1,028 Aa2
Yankee Stadium LLC834 798 A2
$69,608 $65,837 
42

($ in thousands) Fair Value Amortized
Cost
 Credit
Rating (1), (2)
Texas  
  
  
University of Houston $6,722
 $6,353
 Aa2
Texas A&M University 6,382
 5,909
 Aaa
State of Texas 5,882
 5,495
 Aaa
City of Houston TX Combined Utility System Revenue 5,246
 4,645
 Aa2
City of Austin TX Electric Utility Revenue 2,362
 2,144
 Aa3
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 2,257
 2,175
 A2
City of Houston TX 2,241
 2,108
 Aa3
North Texas Municipal Water District 2,100
 1,951
 Aaa
North Texas Tollway System 1,891
 1,759
 A2
City of Dallas TX 1,869
 1,672
 Aa3
LCRA Transmission Services Corp 1,836
 1,814
 A2
City of Fort Worth TX Water & Sewer System Revenue 1,563
 1,471
 Aa1
Tarrant Regional Water District 1,559
 1,447
 Aaa
City of San Antonio TX Airport System 1,248
 1,191
 A1
City of Corpus Christi TX Utility System Revenue 1,167
 1,076
 Aa3
Harris County Toll Road Authority 1,076
 1,029
 Aa2
Central Texas Turnpike System 1,017
 1,012
 Baa1
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Sales & Use Tax Revenue 932
 911
 Aaa
County of Fort Bend TX 869
 800
 Aa1
San Jacinto Community College District 595
 545
 Aa3
Austin-Bergstrom Landhost Enterprises, Inc. 584
 589
 A3
Austin Independent School District 311
 301
 Aaa
  $49,709
 $46,397
  
($ in thousands) Fair Value Amortized
Cost
 Credit
Rating (1), (2)
New York      
New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue $8,797
 $8,172
 Aa1
State of New York Personal Income Tax Revenue 7,411
 6,921
 Aa1
Metropolitan Transportation Authority 7,378
 7,276
 A2
City of New York NY 7,225
 6,512
 Aa1
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 5,901
 5,565
 Aa3
The Research Foundation of State University of New York 3,486
 3,165
 A1
City of Yonkers NY 2,456
 2,304
 A2
TSASC, Inc. 2,327
 2,189
 A2
County of Nassau NY 2,197
 2,003
 A2
Long Island Power Authority 1,893
 1,758
 A2
New York State Dormitory Authority 1,803
 1,767
 Aa3
New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue 1,594
 1,486
 Aa2
Town of Oyster Bay NY 1,094
 1,042
 Aa2
  $53,562
 $50,160
  
($ in thousands)Fair ValueAmortized
Cost
Credit
Rating (1), (2)
California
State of California$7,573 $6,839 Aa2
City of Carson CA4,343 4,423 Aa3
San Jose Unified School District3,910 4,090 Aa1
California Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank3,765 3,765 Aaa
City of Long Beach CA Harbor Revenue3,497 3,224 Aa2
City of Los Angeles Department of Airports3,256 3,032 Aa3
County of Kern CA3,006 2,738 Baa2
City of San Francisco CA Public Utilities Commission Water Revenue2,922 3,008 Aa2
County of Riverside CA2,743 2,575 A2
Foothill-Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency2,309 2,350 A2
Bay Area Toll Authority2,032 2,127 Aa3
Compton Community College District1,680 1,525 A1
Los Angeles Unified School District/CA1,477 1,425 Aa3
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals1,466 1,349 Aa3
University of California1,374 1,310 Aa2
City of Los Angeles CA1,305 1,196 Aa2
Port of Oakland1,291 1,286 A1
City of El Cajon CA1,264 1,285 Aa2
City of Torrance CA1,242 1,251 Aa2
Cathedral City Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency1,135 1,053 Aa2
Pomona Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency1,088 1,000 Aa2
County of Sacramento CA1,027 914 A3
City of El Monte CA1,027 1,000 Aa2
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority954 894 A3
County of San Bernardino CA773 752 Aa3
California Independent System Operator Corp700 725 A1
California County Tobacco Securitization Agency512 485 A3
San Bernardino City Unified School District379 375 A1
Oxnard Union High School District240 250 Aa2
City of San Jose CA197 205 Aa2
City of Riverside CA160 155 Aa2
$58,647 $56,606 
(1)
Certain of the above securities may include financial guaranty insurance or state enhancements. The above ratings include the effect of these credit enhancements, if applicable.Certain of the above securities may include financial guaranty insurance or state enhancements. The above ratings include the effect of these credit enhancements, if applicable.

(2)Based on ratings issued by Moody’s, if available. S&P or Fitch rating utilized if Moody’s not available.

(2)Based on ratings issued by Moody’s, if available. S&P or Fitch rating utilized if Moody’s not available.
 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Essent Guaranty has entered into fully collateralized reinsurance agreements ("Radnor Re Transactions") with unaffiliated special purpose insurers domiciled in Bermuda. The Radnor Re special purpose insurers are special purpose variable interest entities that are not consolidated in our condensed consolidated financial statements because we do not have the unilateral power to direct those activities that are significant to their economic performance. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, our estimated off-balance sheet maximum exposure to loss from the Radnor Re entities was $1.1$0.4 million, representing the estimated net present value of investment earnings on the assets in the reinsurance trusts. See Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.


Critical Accounting Policies
 
As of the filing date of this report, there were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies from those discussed in our 20192020 Form 10-K. See Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for recently issued accounting standards adopted or under evaluation.
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Table of Contents

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
We own and manage a large investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. Investment income is one of our primary sources of cash flow supporting operations and claim payments. The assets within the investment portfolio are exposed to the same factors that affect overall financial market performance. While our investment portfolio is exposed to factors affecting markets worldwide, it is most sensitive to fluctuations in the drivers of U.S. markets.
 
We manage market risk via defined investment policy implemented by our treasury function with oversight from our board of directors and our senior management. Important drivers of our market risk exposure monitored and managed by us include but are not limited to:
 
Changes to the level of interest rates. Increasing interest rates may reduce the value of certain fixed-rate bonds held in the investment portfolio. Higher rates may cause variable-rate assets to generate additional income. Decreasing rates will have the reverse impact. Significant changes in interest rates can also affect persistency and claim rates which may in turn require that the investment portfolio be restructured to better align it with future liabilities and claim payments. Such restructuring may cause investments to be liquidated when market conditions are adverse.
 
Changes to the term structure of interest rates. Rising or falling rates typically change by different amounts along the yield curve. These changes may have unforeseen impacts on the value of certain assets.

Market volatility/changes in the real or perceived credit quality of investments. Deterioration in the quality of investments, identified through changes to our own or third-party (e.g., rating agency) assessments, will reduce the value and potentially the liquidity of investments.

Concentration Risk. If the investment portfolio is highly concentrated in one asset, or in multiple assets whose values are highly correlated, the value of the total portfolio may be greatly affected by the change in value of just one asset or a group of highly correlated assets.

Rising or falling rates typically change by different amounts along the yield curve. These changes may have unforeseen impacts on the value of certain assets.

Market volatility/changes in the real or perceived credit quality of investments. Deterioration in the quality of investments, identified through changes to our own or third-party (e.g., rating agency) assessments, will reduce the value and potentially the liquidity of investments.

Concentration Risk. If the investment portfolio is highly concentrated in one asset, or in multiple assets whose values are highly correlated, the value of the total portfolio may be greatly affected by the change in value of just one asset or a group of highly correlated assets.

Prepayment Risk. Bonds may have call provisions that permit debtors to repay prior to maturity when it is to their advantage. This typically occurs when rates fall below the interest rate of the debt.
 
Market risk is measured for all investment assets at the individual security level. Market risks that are not fully captured by the quantitative analysis are highlighted. In addition, material market risk changes that occur from the last reporting period to the current are discussed. Changes to how risks are managed will also be identified and described.
 
At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the effective duration of our investments available for sale was 2.23.9 years, which means that an instantaneous parallel shift (movement up or down) in the yield curve of 100 basis points would result in a change of 2.2%3.9% in fair value of our investments available for sale. Excluding short-term investments, our investments available for sale effective duration was 3.04.3 years, which means that an instantaneous parallel shift (movement up or down) in the yield curve of 100 basis points would result in a change of 3.0%4.3% in fair value of our investments available for sale.
 
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During our most recent fiscal quarter, there has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
 
We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
Risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. There2020. Except as discussed below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report. You should carefully consider the risks described in our Annual Report, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report, along with the disclosure below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be negatively affected.

Risks relating to the impact of COVID-19

An outbreak of COVID-19 is currently spreading throughout the world, including in Asia, Europe and the United States. This outbreak is unprecedented in modern history and continues to rapidly evolve and disrupt the global economy and financial markets, including the U.S. housing and mortgage markets. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the outbreak to be a national emergency. The rapid spread has resulted in authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns. The pandemic and these containment measures have had, and are expected to continue to have, a substantial negative impact on businesses around the world and on global, regional and national economies.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting containment measures have caused economic and financial disruptions that have adversely affected, and are expected to continue to materially adversely affect, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The extent to which the pandemic will continue to materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity will depend on numerous evolving factors and future developments that we are not able to predict, including the duration, spread and severity of the outbreak; the nature, extent and effectiveness of containment measures; the extent and duration of the effect on the economy, unemployment, consumer confidence and consumer and business spending; and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, there have been a number of governmental and GSE efforts to implement programs designed to assist individuals and businesses impacted by the virus. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, referred to as the CARES Act, was signed into law. The CARES Act provides financial assistance for businesses and individuals and targeted regulatory relief for financial institutions. Among many other things, the CARES Act suspends foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days from March 18, 2020, on mortgages purchased or securitized by the GSEs. In addition, the CARES Act enacts into law a requirement to provide payment forbearance on such mortgages to borrowers experiencing a hardship during the COVID-19 emergency. Forbearance under the CARES Act allows for a mortgage payment to be suspended for up to 360 days due to hardship caused by COVID-19. The CARES Act also provides for enhanced unemployment benefits and direct aid to individuals, among other things.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the primary purchasers of mortgages we insure, have adopted relief measures consistent with the CARES Act to assist borrowers impacted by COVID-19. Under forbearance plans announced by the GSEs and implemented by their servicers, eligible homeowners who are adversely impacted by COVID-19 are permitted to temporarily reduce or suspend their mortgage payments for up to 12 months. The GSEs have announced that, at the end of the forbearance plan, the homeowner may not be required to pay back their reduced or suspended mortgage payments in one lump sum, but may be eligible for a number of different options offered by their mortgage servicer, including repayment plans, resuming normal payments or lowering the monthly loan payment through a modification. However, there can be no assurances that homeowners will be able to remain current on their mortgages once the forbearance period ends, and a significant percentage could ultimately default and result in a mortgage insurance claim despite the GSE and other programs.


The COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures have contributed to, among other things:

The risk that policy losses and loss adjustment expenses we ultimately incur as a result of COVID-19 and the related economic impact may be substantially different than the loss reserves established on our financial statements at the end of each period. In accordance with industry practice and statutory accounting rules applicable to mortgage guaranty insurance companies, we establish loss reserves only for loans reported to us in default, including forbearance-related defaults. These reserves are established using estimated claim rates and claim amounts in estimating the ultimate loss, which estimates are subject to significant uncertainty given the unprecedented nature and magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, because our reserving method does not account for the impact of future losses that could occur from loans that are not yet 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 financial statements, except in the case where a premium deficiency exists.

A deterioration in the ability and willingness of homeowners to continue to make mortgage payments on loans that we insure, which could result in an increase in the amount of insurance regulatory and PMIERs capital we are required to hold for delinquent loans, including forbearance-related delinquencies, as well as an increase in claims ultimately made with respect to such mortgage loans. Mortgage delinquencies are typically affected by a variety of borrower-specific factors, such as job loss, illness, death and divorce, and macroeconomic factors, such as rising unemployment, market deterioration and home price depreciation, many of which are likely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A potential reduction in the number of new mortgage loans available for us to insure, and consequently, on our future volumes of new insurance written, with the degree of the impact dependent in large part on the extent and duration of the economic contraction.

Adverse impacts on capital, credit and reinsurance market conditions, which may limit our ability to issue ILNs, purchase reinsurance or access traditional financing methods. Such adverse impacts may increase our cost of capital and affect our ability to meet liquidity needs.

An increased strain on our risk management policies generally, including, but not limited to, the effectiveness and accuracy of our models, given the lack of data inputs and comparable precedent.

An increased risk to the value of our investments and other assets, which has the potential to result in impairment charges.

Adverse impacts on our daily business operations and our employees’ ability to perform necessary business functions, including as a result of illness or as a result of restrictions on movement.

Adverse impacts on our costs structure, including the need for increased staffing in certain segments of our business, increased spending on our business continuity efforts, such as technology, and readiness efforts for returning to our offices, which may in turn limit our ability to make investments in other areas.

An increased risk of an information or cyber-security incident, fraud, a failure to maintain the uninterrupted operation of our information systems or a failure in the effectiveness of our anti-money laundering and other compliance programs due to, among other things, an increase in remote work.

The above impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures are likely to continue and in some cases, may worsen. The pandemic and containment measures may cause us to modify our strategic plans and business practices, and we may take further actions that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers and business partners. As a result of the above risks, COVID-19 could materially and adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Repurchases of Securities
 
We did not repurchase anyThe table below sets forth information regarding repurchases of our common shares during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. All of the shares represent common shares that were tendered to the Company by employees in connection with the vesting of restricted shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations. We do not consider these transactions to be a share buyback program. 

PeriodTotal
Number of
Shares
Purchased
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum Number
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
January 1 - January 31, 2021— N/A— — 
February 1 - February 28, 2021— N/A— — 
March 1 - March 31, 202170,521 $43.39 — — 
Total70,521  — — 


Item 5.   Other Information
 
2021 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

On August 4, 2020,May 5, 2021, we held our 2021 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting"). A total of 112,840,615 common shares were entitled to vote as of March 19, 2021, the Boardrecord date for the Annual Meeting, of Directorswhich 104,418,926 shares were present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.

The following is a summary of the Company appointed Allan Levinefinal voting results for each matter presented to fill a vacancy onshareholders at the Board, effective immediately,Annual Meeting.

Proposal 1 - Election of three Class I directors to serve through the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders:
Votes ForVotes WithheldBroker Non-Votes
Class I Director to Serve Through the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders:
Jane P. Chwick100,977,633951,7452,489,548
Aditya Dutt101,206,715722,6632,489,548
Roy J. Kasmar94,526,1027,403,2762,489,548

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Proposal 2 - The re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as a Class II directorthe Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021 and until his successor is duly electedthe 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, and qualified at the next annual meeting of shareholders. With Mr. Levine’s appointment, the Company’s Board of Directors consists of nine directors.

Mr. Levine was also appointed to, and as chairmanreferral of the Risk Committeedetermination of the Board. Mr. Glanville, the former chairman of the Risk Committee, will remain a member of the Risk Committee.

Mr. Levine, 52, previously served as a member of our Board of Directors from 2008 to 2019. Mr. Levine currently is the chairman and chief executive officer of Global Atlantic Financial Group, a global financial services company, formerly the Goldman Sachs Reinsurance Group which he initially joined in 1997. Priorauditors' compensation to the spin-offboard of Global Atlantic from Goldman Sachs in 2013, Mr. Levinedirectors, was ratified:
Votes For103,446,286
Votes Against928,599
Abstentions44,041

Proposal 3 - Provide a partner and managing director of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and global head of the Goldman Sachs Reinsurance Group, and prior to assuming that role, was co-head of the firm's strategy group. Mr. Levine holds a BS from Miami University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.non-binding, advisory vote on our executive compensation:

Votes For46,948,421
Votes Against54,918,566
Abstentions62,391
Broker Non-Votes2,489,548
There are no transactions between Mr. Levine (or any member of his immediate family) and the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and there are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Levine and any other persons or entities pursuant to which he was appointed as a director of the Company.

Item 6.   Exhibits
 
(a)                                Exhibits:
 
Exhibit

No.
Description
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101The following financial information from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited); (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited); (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited); (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited); and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


46

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements 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 the date indicated.
 
ESSENT GROUP LTD.
Date: AugustMay 7, 20202021/s/ MARK A. CASALE
Mark A. Casale
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: AugustMay 7, 20202021/s/ LAWRENCE E. MCALEE
Lawrence E. McAlee
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: AugustMay 7, 20202021/s/ DAVID B. WEINSTOCK
David B. Weinstock
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)


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