MGIC Investment Corp
NYSE:MTG
MGIC Investment Corp
MGIC Investment Corp., headquartered in Milwaukee, has long been a cornerstone in the niche market of private mortgage insurance (PMI). Founded in 1957, the firm was born from a visionary concept by Max Karl, who sought to make homeownership accessible even to those strapped by the limitations of conventional down payment requirements. MGIC operates primarily through its principal subsidiary, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation, underwriting mortgage insurance policies that protect lenders in the event a borrower defaults on a loan. This coverage is critical to lenders as it mitigates risk, thus facilitating the extension of loans to a broader range of prospective homeowners who can only afford smaller down payments. In essence, MGIC plays a pivotal role in the housing market by bridging the gap between homebuyers with limited equity and financial institutions wary of lending to higher-risk profiles.
The company's revenue streams are primarily derived from insurance premiums collected on these policies. These premiums vary, influenced by factors such as the amount of the loan, the borrower's creditworthiness, and the loan-to-value ratio. Additionally, the company carefully manages its risk exposure by maintaining a robust portfolio of diversified policies while also investing its premium revenues in a conservative mix of bonds and other securities. This prudent financial management and strategic focus ensure a steady income stream, while also safeguarding its financial stability even during economic downturns. By effectively balancing risk and security, MGIC has consistently carved out its place as a reliable partner in the housing finance ecosystem, adapting to changing regulatory landscapes and economic conditions while maintaining strong relationships with lenders and borrowers alike.
MGIC Investment Corp., headquartered in Milwaukee, has long been a cornerstone in the niche market of private mortgage insurance (PMI). Founded in 1957, the firm was born from a visionary concept by Max Karl, who sought to make homeownership accessible even to those strapped by the limitations of conventional down payment requirements. MGIC operates primarily through its principal subsidiary, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation, underwriting mortgage insurance policies that protect lenders in the event a borrower defaults on a loan. This coverage is critical to lenders as it mitigates risk, thus facilitating the extension of loans to a broader range of prospective homeowners who can only afford smaller down payments. In essence, MGIC plays a pivotal role in the housing market by bridging the gap between homebuyers with limited equity and financial institutions wary of lending to higher-risk profiles.
The company's revenue streams are primarily derived from insurance premiums collected on these policies. These premiums vary, influenced by factors such as the amount of the loan, the borrower's creditworthiness, and the loan-to-value ratio. Additionally, the company carefully manages its risk exposure by maintaining a robust portfolio of diversified policies while also investing its premium revenues in a conservative mix of bonds and other securities. This prudent financial management and strategic focus ensure a steady income stream, while also safeguarding its financial stability even during economic downturns. By effectively balancing risk and security, MGIC has consistently carved out its place as a reliable partner in the housing finance ecosystem, adapting to changing regulatory landscapes and economic conditions while maintaining strong relationships with lenders and borrowers alike.
Strong Earnings: MGIC reported Q4 net income of $169 million and full-year net income of $738 million, with annualized ROE of 13% for the quarter and 14.3% for the year.
Book Value Growth: Book value per share rose to $23.47, up 13% year-over-year.
Insurance in Force: Ended the year with over $303 billion of insurance in force, a 3% increase from last year; annual persistency remained high at 85%.
Expense Control: Operating expenses declined to $46 million for the quarter, with 2026 expenses expected to decrease further to a range of $190–200 million.
Capital Returns: Returned $915 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in 2025, reducing shares outstanding by 12% and increasing the dividend for the fifth consecutive year.
Stable Premiums & Credit: Premium yields and credit quality remained stable, with average credit score at origination of 748 and no material change in portfolio credit performance.
Robust Reinsurance Program: Several new reinsurance deals were executed, further reducing required capital and providing loss protection.
