Radian's Q1 2025 Earnings Call: Unpacking Key Contradictions in Credit Loss, Equity, and Capital Strategies

Credit loss expectations and reserve assumptions, embedded equity in new delinquencies, capital return strategy, default rates and reserve assumptions and share buyback strategy are the key contradictions discussed in Radian's latest 2025Q1 earnings call.



Strong Financial Performance:
- Radian Group reported net income of $145 million for Q1 2025, with a return on equity of 12.6%.
- The growth was driven by a strong mortgage insurance in-force portfolio and strategic capital and expense management.

Mortgage Insurance In-Force and Persistency:
- Radian's primary Mortgage Insurance in-force ended the quarter at $274 billion, with an 86% persistency rate.
- This trend is attributed to continued elevated interest rates, which support high persistency rates.

Share Repurchase and Dividend Strategy:
- Radian repurchased $207 million of shares (4% of shares outstanding) in Q1 and paid $37 million in dividends.
- The company continues to prioritize share repurchases as a means of returning capital to shareholders, driven by confidence in its business outlook.

Capital Management and Risk Distribution:
- Radian agreed to a multiyear quota share reinsurance structure, securing attractive terms with a diverse group of reinsurers.
- This strategic move provides efficient PMIERs capital relief, thereby mitigating risk and enhancing portfolio flexibility.

Operational Efficiency and Expense Management:
- Radian reduced other operating expenses by 7% year-over-year and 12% from the previous quarter.
- The company is focused on achieving targeted reductions in operational expenses to maintain financial strength and health.