NMI Holdings’ first quarter results were marked by strong growth in its insured mortgage portfolio and disciplined risk management, with the company exceeding Wall Street’s revenue and adjusted earnings expectations. Management attributed the outperformance to high-quality new insurance written, robust persistency in its portfolio, and effective expense controls. CEO Adam Pollitzer highlighted that the company’s “comprehensive credit risk management framework and proactive stance on pricing, risk selection, and reinsurance decisioning” supported both top-line and bottom-line gains. In particular, National MI’s ability to maintain portfolio quality, even as the macro environment remains uncertain, was a key driver.

Is now the time to buy NMIH? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions NMI Holdings’s Q2 Earnings Call

• Mihir Bhatia (Bank of America) asked about the performance of recent mortgage vintages. CEO Adam Pollitzer explained that, while some normalization is expected, recent books are performing well given the consistent underwriting standards.
• Mihir Bhatia (Bank of America) inquired about the impact of the TCS renewal on expenses. Pollitzer said the partnership will not materially change expense levels, calling the extension a “huge positive” for efficiency.
• Bose George (KBW) questioned if macro uncertainty, including tariffs, has affected pricing or credit loss expectations. Pollitzer replied that pricing discipline already factors in potential stress scenarios, with only minor ongoing adjustments.
• Bose George (KBW) sought clarification on reserve levels for new default notices. CFO Aurora Swithenbank confirmed reserves per new notice were consistent with the prior quarter, adjusting for disaster-related claims.
• Rick Shane (JPMorgan) asked about potential adverse selection as older, high-equity vintages mature. Pollitzer emphasized that borrower quality and risk attributes remain consistent across vintages, with cancellation dynamics driven mainly by interest rate environments.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In coming quarters, the StockStory team will closely monitor (1) shifts in credit performance as the portfolio continues to season and recent vintages mature, (2) the impact of operational efficiencies and the TCS technology partnership on expense ratios, and (3) how evolving macroeconomic factors—such as housing policy changes or tariff-related market volatility—may influence pricing and risk management. Execution in these areas will be key to sustaining profitability and growth.

NMI Holdings currently trades at $37.62, in line with $37.96 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

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