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Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS We consider money market funds and investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Restricted cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and money market funds held in trusts for the benefit of contractual counterparties under reinsurance agreements or for other contractual restrictions. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS We carry certain financial instruments at fair value and disclose the fair value of all financial instruments. Our financial instruments carried at fair value are predominantly measured on a recurring basis. Financial instruments measured on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received upon a sale of an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is based on quoted market prices or inputs, where available. If prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based on valuation models or other valuation techniques that consider relevant transaction characteristics (such as maturity) and use as inputs observable or unobservable market parameters including yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, equity or debt prices, and credit curves. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value, as described below. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not elect to measure any financial instruments acquired, or issued, such as our outstanding debt obligations, at fair value for which the primary basis of accounting is not fair value. Valuation process We use independent pricing sources to determine the fair value of a substantial majority of our financial instruments, which primarily consist of assets in our investment portfolio, but also includes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents. A variety of inputs are used; in approximate order of priority, they are: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Market indicators, industry, and economic events are also considered. The inputs listed above are evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model. This model combines all inputs to arrive at a value assigned to each security. Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, which include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. On a quarterly basis, we perform quality controls over values received from the pricing sources which also include reviewing tolerance reports, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources. Valuation hierarchy A three-level valuation hierarchy has been established under GAAP for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of a financial instrument as of the measurement date. To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent pricing sources, as described below, have been utilized. One price is provided per security based on observable market data. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded. The three levels are defined as follows:
è | Level 1 | Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access. Financial assets using Level 1 inputs primarily include U.S. Treasury securities, money market funds, treasury bills, and certain equity securities.
è | Level 2 | Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets that we can access; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable in the marketplace for the instrument. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value of the instruments. Financial assets using Level 2 inputs primarily include obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, most municipal bonds, and commercial paper. The independent pricing sources used for our Level 2 investments vary by type of investment. See Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for further information.
è | Level 3 | Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable. The inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3 securities reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. Our non-financial assets that are classified as Level 3 securities consist of real estate acquired through claim settlement and embedded derivatives related to our Home Re Transactions. The fair value of real estate acquired is the lower of our acquisition cost or a percentage of the appraised value. The percentage applied to the appraised value is based upon our historical sales experience adjusted for current trends. The fair value of our embedded derivatives reflects the present value impact of the variation in investment income on the assets held by the reinsurance trusts and the contractual reference rate on Home Re Transactions used to calculate the reinsurance premiums we estimate we will pay over the estimated remaining life.
INVESTMENTS Fixed income securities. Our fixed income securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. Fixed income securities with original maturities less than one year and greater than three months are classified as short-term on our consolidated balance sheet. The related unrealized investment gains or losses are, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Realized investment gains and losses on fixed income securities are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities within "Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments" on the consolidated statement of operations, along with any changes in the credit allowance. Equity securities. Equity securities are reported at fair value, except for certain securities that are carried at cost. Equity securities carried at cost are reported as Other invested assets. Realized investment gains and losses on equity securities are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities sold within "Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments" on the consolidated statement of operations, along with any changes in the fair value. Other invested assets. Other invested assets are carried at cost. These assets represent our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("FHLB") stock, which due to restrictions, is required to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value. Accrued Investment Income. We report accrued investment income separately from securities. Accrued investment income is written off through net realized investment gains (losses) if, and at the time, the issuer of the security defaults or is expected to default on payments. Unrealized losses and allowance for credit losses Each quarter we determine whether securities in an unrealized loss position are impaired by considering several factors including, but not limited to:
è | our intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis;
è | the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect compared to the amortized cost basis of the security;
è | failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments;
è | a change in rating to below investment grade; and
è | adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.
Based on our evaluation, we will record an impairment on a security if we intend to sell, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell it prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. When a security is considered to be impaired, but when a sale is not intended or is not likely, the loss is separated into the portion that represents the credit loss and the portion that is due to other factors. A credit loss is recorded, subject to reversal, in the consolidated statement of operations within "Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments." The loss due to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. A credit loss is determined to exist if the present value of the discounted cash flows, using the security’s original yield, expected to be collected from the security is less than the cost basis of the security. HOME OFFICE AND EQUIPMENT Home office and equipment is carried at cost net of depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis for the home office and equipment over estimated lives ranging from 3 to 45 years. For income tax purposes, we use accelerated depreciation methods. Home office and equipment is shown net of accumulated depreciation of $59.2 million and $57.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $4.6 million, $4.9 million and $5.6 million, respectively. DEFERRED INSURANCE POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS Costs directly associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage insurance business, consisting of employee compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred insurance policy acquisition costs ("DAC"). The deferred costs are reported net of any ceding commissions received associated with our reinsurance transactions. For each underwriting year of business, these costs are amortized to income in proportion to estimated gross profits over the estimated life of the policies. We do not utilize anticipated investment income in our calculation. This includes accruing interest on the unamortized balance of DAC. The estimates for each underwriting year are reviewed quarterly and updated when necessary to reflect actual experience and any changes to key variables such as persistency or loss development. LOSS RESERVES Loss reserves include case reserves, incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves, and loss adjustment expense ("LAE") reserves. Case reserves and LAE reserves are established when notices of delinquency on insured mortgage loans are received. Such loans are referred to as being in our delinquency inventory. For reporting purposes, we consider a loan delinquent when it is two or more payments past due and has not become current or resulted in a claim payment. Even though the accounting standard, ASC 944, regarding accounting and reporting by insurance entities specifically excludes mortgage insurance from its guidance relating to loss reserves, we establish loss reserves using the general principles contained in the insurance standard. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish case reserves for future claims on insured loans that are not currently delinquent. Case reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our delinquency inventory that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity. Our case reserve estimates are primarily established based upon historical experience, including rescissions of policies, curtailments of claims, and loan modification activity. Adjustments to reserve estimates are reflected in the financial statements in the years in which the adjustments are made. Loss reserves for reinsurance assumed are based on information provided by the ceding companies. IBNR reserves are established for delinquencies estimated to have occurred prior to the close of an accounting period, but have not yet been reported to us. Consistent with case reserves for reported delinquencies, IBNR reserves are also established using estimated claim rates and claim severities. LAE reserves are established for the estimated costs of settling claims, including legal and other expenses, and general expenses of administering the claims settlement process. Loss reserves are ceded to reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements. (See "Reinsurance" discussion below. Also see Note 8 – “Loss Reserves” and Note 9 – “Reinsurance.”) PREMIUM DEFICIENCY RESERVE After our loss reserves are established, we perform premium deficiency tests using our best estimate of future premium, losses and LAE paid. Premium deficiency reserves are established, if necessary, when the present value of expected future losses and LAE paid exceeds the present value of expected future premium and already established loss reserves. REVENUE RECOGNITION We write policies which are guaranteed renewable at the insured's option on a monthly, single, or annual premium basis. We have no ability to re-underwrite or reprice these policies. Premiums written on monthly premium policies are earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on single premium policies and annual premium policies are initially deferred as unearned premium reserve. Premiums written on annual premium policies are earned on a monthly pro rata basis. Premiums written on policies covering more than one year are amortized over the estimated policy life based on historical experience, which includes the anticipated incurred loss pattern. When a policy is cancelled for a reason other than rescission or claim payment, all premium that is non-refundable is immediately earned. Any refundable premium is returned to the servicer or borrower. When a policy is cancelled due to rescission, all previously collected premium is returned. When a policy is cancelled because a claim is paid, premium collected since the date of delinquency is returned. The liability associated with our estimate of premium to be returned is accrued for separately and included in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in this liability, and the actual return of premiums for all periods, affects premiums written and earned. We assess whether a credit loss allowance is required for our premium receivable. We consider collectability trends and industry development, among other things. Any estimated credit loss would be immediately recognized. Fee income of our non-insurance subsidiaries is earned and recognized as the services are provided and the customer is obligated to pay. Fee income consists primarily of contract underwriting and related fee-based services provided to lenders and is included in “Other revenue” on the consolidated statements of operations. INCOME TAXES Deferred income taxes are provided under the liability method, which recognizes the future tax effects of temporary differences between amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of these items. The estimated tax effects are computed at the enacted federal statutory income tax rate. Changes in tax laws, rates, regulations, and policies or the final determination of tax audits or examinations, could materially affect our estimates and can be significant to our operating results. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The recognition of a tax position is determined using a two-step approach. The first step applies a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition. The second step measures the tax position as the greatest amount of benefit that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. When evaluating a tax position for recognition and measurement, we presume that the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes. Federal tax law permits mortgage guaranty insurance companies to deduct from taxable income, subject to certain limitations, the amounts added to contingency loss reserves that are recorded for regulatory purposes. The amounts we deduct must generally be included in taxable income in the tenth subsequent year. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that we purchase and hold U.S. government non-interest-bearing tax and loss bonds in an amount equal to the tax benefit attributable to the deduction. We account for these purchases as a payment of current federal income tax. (See "Note 12 - Income Taxes.") BENEFIT PLANS We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan, that covered eligible employees as of December 31, 2022, utilizing a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2023, these plans were frozen (no future benefits will be accrued for participants due to employment and no new participants will be added). Participants will continue to earn interest credits on their retirement benefits. We recognize the ongoing retirement benefit costs of these plans as they are incurred. Our policy is to fund pension costs as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. We offer both medical and dental benefits for retired domestic employees, their eligible spouses and dependents. Eligibility for coverage is based on meeting certain years of service and retirement age qualifications. We accrue the estimated costs of retiree medical and dental benefits over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits. (See Note 11 – “Benefit Plans.”) REINSURANCE We cede insurance risk through the use of quota share reinsurance transactions ("QSR") and excess of loss reinsurance transactions. We have excess of loss transactions executed through the traditional reinsurance market and with Home Re special purpose insurers. Premiums and losses incurred on our QSR Transactions are ceded pursuant to the terms of our reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance premiums ceded under our traditional reinsurance transactions are based off the remaining reinsured coverage levels. Reinsurance premiums ceded under our Home Re agreements are composed of coverage, initial expense and supplemental premiums. The coverage premiums are generally calculated as the difference between the amount of interest payable by the Home Re Entity on the remaining reinsurance coverage levels, and the investment income collected on the collateral assets held in the reinsurance trust account and used to collateralize the Home Re Entity's reinsurance obligation to MGIC. Loss reserves are reported before taking credit for amounts ceded under reinsurance transactions. Ceded loss reserves are reflected as "Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves." Amounts due from reinsurers on paid claims are reflected as “Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses.” Ceded premiums payable, net of ceding commission and profit commission are included in “Other liabilities.” Profit commissions are included with “Premiums written – Ceded” and ceding commissions are included with “Other underwriting and operating expenses, net.” We remain liable for all insurance ceded. (See Note 9 – “Reinsurance.”) We assess whether a credit loss allowance is required for our reinsurance recoverables. In assessing whether a credit allowance should be established, we consider several factors including, but not limited to, the credit ratings of individual reinsurers, investor reports for our Home Re Transactions, collateral held in trust accounts in which MGIC is the sole beneficiary, and aging of outstanding reinsurance recoverable balances. Assumed reinsurance is based on information received from the ceding company. See Note 9 – “Reinsurance" for discussion of our variable interest entity ("VIE") policy on the Home Re Transactions. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION We have certain share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period which generally corresponds to the vesting period. Awards under our plans generally vest over periods ranging from one to three years, although awards to our non-employee directors vest immediately. Any forfeitures of awards are recognized as they occur. (See Note 15 – “Share-based Compensation Plans.”) EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Our "participating securities" are composed of vested restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") with non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents. We calculate diluted EPS using the treasury stock method and if-converted method. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our unvested restricted stock units result in the issuance of common stock. Under the if-converted method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our 9% Debentures are converted to common stock. The determination of potentially issuable shares does not consider the satisfaction of the conversion requirements and the shares are included in the determination of diluted EPS as of the beginning of the period, if dilutive. For purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS, vested RSUs are considered outstanding. In the third quarter of 2023, under the terms of our 9% Debentures, we exercised our option to redeem the outstanding principal. (See Note 7 - “Debt”.) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In 2023 and 2022, there were no material related party transactions. In 2021 MGIC distributed to the holding company, as a dividend, its investment in MGIC Credit Assurance Corporation. RECENT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS Accounting standards and laws and regulations effective in 2023, or early adopted, and relevant to our financial statements are described below: Reference Rate Reform: ASU 2022-06 In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 to provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. It provided optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, extending the election and application from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024 (originally December 31, 2022). Future elections of this standard will ease, if warranted, the requirements for accounting for the future effects of reference rate reform. We have evaluated the impact the discontinuance of LIBOR will have on our consolidated financial statements and have determined it will not have a material impact. Inflation Reduction Act On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (the “IRA”) was enacted and signed into law in the United States. The IRA includes provisions for a 15% corporate minimum tax and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases. Both of these taxes are effective in 2023. These provisions did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial results, including our annual estimated effective tax rate. PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS Relevant new amendments to accounting standards, which are not yet effective or adopted. Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures: ASU 2023-09 In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. Income tax disclosures will require consistent categories and greater disaggregations of information in the rate reconciliation and disclosure of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our disclosures, but do not expect it will have a material impact.

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