10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

x   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

OR

 

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number 1-13664

 


 

THE PMI GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware  

3003 Oak Road

Walnut Creek, California 94597

  94-3199675
(State of Incorporation)   (Address of principal executive offices)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

(925) 658-7878

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


Common Stock, $0.01 par value  

New York Stock Exchange

Pacific Exchange

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights  

New York Stock Exchange

Pacific Exchange

Corporate Units   New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 


 

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  x   No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes  x  No  ¨

 

The market value of the voting stock (common stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the close of business on June 30, 2003 was $2,371,655,002 based on the closing sale price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange consolidated tape on that date.

 

Number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock, as of close of business on February 27, 2004: 95,461,912

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 27, 2004 are incorporated by reference into Items 10 through 14 of Part III.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Cautionary Statement

   1
PART I

Item 1.

  

Business

   2
    

A.    Overview of Operations—The PMI Group, Inc.

   2
    

B.    U.S. Mortgage Insurance Operations

   2
    

1.      Products

   3
    

2.      Competition

   5
    

3.      Customers

   6
    

4.      Business Composition

   6
    

5.      Sales and Product Development

   9
    

6.      Underwriting Practices

   9
    

7.      Affordable Housing

   11
    

8.      Defaults and Claims

   12
    

9.      Reinsurance

   18
    

10.    Regulation

   18
    

11.    Financial Strength Ratings

   22
    

C.    International Operations, Financial Guaranty and Other Strategic Investments

   22
    

1.      International Operations

   23
    

        Australia and New Zealand

   23
    

        Europe

   24
    

        Hong Kong

   25
    

2.       Financial Guaranty Insurance and Reinsurance

   25
    

        FGIC Corporation

   25
    

        RAM Re

   28
    

3.      Residential Lender Services

   28
    

        APTIC

   28
    

        Fairbanks

   29
    

D.    Investment Portfolio

   29
    

E.    Employees

   31

Item 2.

  

Properties

   31

Item 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   31

Executive Officers of Registrant

   33
PART II

Item 5.

  

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

   35

Item 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   37

Item 7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   39


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Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   87

Item 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   89

Item 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   131

Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   131
PART III     

Item 10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   132

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   132

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    132

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   132

Item 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   132
PART IV     

Item 15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

   133


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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements we make or incorporate by reference in this and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are not historical facts, that are preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions, or that relate to future plans, events or performance are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. When a forward-looking statement includes an underlying assumption, we caution that, while we believe the assumption to be reasonable and make it in good faith, assumed facts almost always vary from actual results, and the difference between assumed facts and actual results can be material. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results, there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks or uncertainties including, but not limited to, the Risk Factors addressed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section in Item 7. Other risks are referred to from time to time in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All of our forward-looking statements are qualified by and should be read in conjunction with our risk disclosures. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1.   Business

 

A.   Overview of Operations—The PMI Group, Inc.

 

The PMI Group, Inc. is an international provider of credit enhancement as well as other products that promote homeownership and facilitate mortgage transactions in the capital markets.

 

Our U.S. mortgage insurance operations generated 80% of our consolidated revenues and 82% of our consolidated net income in 2003. Our primary operating subsidiary, PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., or PMI, is a leading U.S. residential mortgage insurer. Residential mortgage insurance protects lenders and investors against potential losses in the event of borrower default. Its insurer financial strength is currently rated “AA+” (“Excellent”) with a negative outlook by Standard & Poor’s, or S&P, “Aa2” (“Excellent”) with a stable outlook by Moody’s Investors Service, or Moody’s, and “AA+” (“Very Strong”) with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings, or Fitch.

 

Our international operations offer mortgage insurance and other credit enhancement products. Through our Australian subsidiaries, we believe we were one of the leading providers of mortgage insurance in Australia and New Zealand in 2003. Our Irish subsidiary, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, offers mortgage insurance and mortgage credit enhancement products throughout Europe. PMI also reinsures residential mortgage insurance in Hong Kong.

 

On December 18, 2003, we became the lead investor in FGIC Corporation, an insurance holding company whose subsidiary, Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, or FGIC, is primarily engaged in the business of providing financial guaranty insurance for municipal bonds and asset-backed securities. We also have a significant interest in RAM Reinsurance Company, Ltd., or RAM Re, a financial guaranty reinsurance company based in Bermuda.

 

In the United States, we offer title insurance through our subsidiary, American Pioneer Title Insurance Company, or APTIC, and we participate in the mortgage loan servicing markets through a strategic investment. On October 27, 2003, we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement to sell APTIC for $115 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments.

 

Our consolidated net income was $299.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. As of December 31, 2003, our consolidated total assets were $4.8 billion, including our investment portfolio of $2.8 billion as of that date. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity was $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2003. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 20. Business Segments, for financial information regarding our business segments. S&P has assigned us “A+” counterparty credit and senior unsecured debt ratings (negative outlook), Fitch has assigned us “A+” long term issuer and senior debt ratings (stable outlook), and Moody’s has assigned us an “A1” senior unsecured debt rating (stable outlook).

 

Our website address is http://www.pmigroup.com. Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our website via a hyperlink as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

B.   U.S. Mortgage Insurance Operations

 

Residential mortgage insurance facilitates the sale of low down-payment mortgages in the mortgage capital markets and expands homeownership opportunities by enabling borrowers to buy homes with down-payments of less than 20%. PMI provides primary mortgage insurance, or primary insurance, and pool mortgage insurance, or pool insurance, against losses in the event of borrower default. PMI’s mortgage insurance products are purchased by lenders and investors, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or the GSEs, and the Federal Home Loan

 

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Banks, seeking protection against default risk, capital relief or credit enhancement for mortgage transactions in the capital markets. PMI is licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. PMI is incorporated in Arizona and headquartered in Walnut Creek, California.

 

1.   Products

 

Primary Insurance

 

Primary insurance provides mortgage default protection to lenders and investors on individual loans at specified coverage percentages. PMI’s obligation to an insured with respect to a claim is generally determined by multiplying the coverage percentage selected by the insured by the loss amount on the defaulted loan, which includes any unpaid loan balance, delinquent interest and certain expenses associated with the loan’s default and property foreclosure. In lieu of paying the coverage percentage of the loss amount on a defaulted loan, PMI may pay the loss amount and take title to the mortgaged property.

 

PMI’s primary new insurance written, or NIW, for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $57.3 billion. PMI’s primary insurance in force and primary risk in force at December 31, 2003 were $105.2 billion and $24.7 billion, respectively. Primary insurance in force refers to the current principal balance of all outstanding mortgage loans with primary insurance coverage as of a given date. Primary risk in force is the aggregate dollar amount equal to the product of each individual insured mortgage loan’s current principal balance multiplied by the loan’s specified primary insurance coverage percentage.

 

PMI acquires primary insurance on a loan-by-loan basis (flow channel) and in bulk transactions (bulk channel). While their terms vary, bulk transactions generally involve bidding upon and, if successful, insuring a large group of loans on agreed terms. Some bulk transactions contain a risk-sharing component under which the insured shares in losses. Bulk transactions may involve loans that will be securitized, and in these instances, PMI may be asked to provide “down to” insurance coverage sufficient to reduce the insured’s exposure on each loan down to a percentage of the property value selected by the insured. PMI issued approximately $7 billion of primary insurance through the bulk channel in 2003, which accounted for approximately 12% of PMI’s NIW for 2003. In 2002, approximately 7% of PMI’s NIW was acquired through the bulk channel.

 

Premium payments may be paid to PMI on a monthly, annual or single premium basis. Monthly payment plans represented 91% of NIW in 2003 and 95% of NIW in 2002. As of December 31, 2003, monthly plans represented 92% of PMI’s primary risk in force. Single premium plan payments may be refundable if coverage is canceled by the insured, which generally occurs when the loan is repaid, the loan amortizes to a sufficiently low amount, or the value of the property has increased significantly.

 

Generally, mortgage insurance is renewable at the option of the insured at the premium rate fixed when the insurance on the loan was initially issued. As a result, the impact of increased claims and incurred losses from policies originated in a particular year cannot be offset by renewal premium increases on policies in force. Similarly, PMI may not cancel mortgage insurance coverage except for events of nonpayment of premiums or certain material violations of PMI’s master policies. With respect to PMI’s flow channel, the insured, the holder of the loan, or the loan’s mortgage servicer may generally cancel mortgage insurance coverage at any time. The GSEs’ guidelines generally provide that a borrower’s written request to cancel mortgage insurance should be honored if the borrower has a satisfactory payment record and the principal balance is not greater than 80% of the original value of the property or, in some instances, the current value of the property. The Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 also provides for the automatic termination, or cancellation upon a borrower’s request, of private mortgage insurance upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

 

The GSEs are the predominant purchasers of conventional mortgage loans in the United States, providing a direct link between mortgage origination and the capital markets. The GSEs may purchase conventional mortgages with high ratios of the original loan amount to the value of the property, or LTVs, only if the lender (i) secures private mortgage insurance from an eligible insurer on those loans; (ii) retains a participation of not less than 10% in the mortgage; or (iii) agrees to repurchase or replace the mortgage in the event of a default under

 

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specified conditions. However, if the lender retains a participation in the mortgage or agrees to repurchase or replace the mortgage, applicable federal bank and savings institution regulations may increase the level of capital required to be held by the lender, and thus, the lender’s cost of doing business may be adversely affected. Consequently, lenders tend to originate loans that can be sold in the secondary market utilizing mortgage insurance from insurers deemed eligible by the GSEs. Lenders that purchase private mortgage insurance in connection with the sale of loans to the GSEs must comply with the GSEs’ mortgage insurance coverage percentage requirements. The GSEs have some discretion to increase or decrease the amount of mortgage insurance coverage they require on loans, provided that minimum charter requirements are met. PMI is a GSE-authorized mortgage insurer.

 

Pool Insurance

 

Traditional Pool Insurance.    Prior to 2002, PMI offered “traditional” pool insurance, which covers the entire loss on a defaulted mortgage loan that exceeds the claim payment under any primary insurance coverage, up to a stated aggregate loss limit, or stop loss limit, for all of the loans in a pool. PMI offered traditional pool insurance primarily to two different customer segments: lenders and the GSEs (GSE Pool), and capital market participants (Old Pool).

 

Modified Pool Insurance.    PMI offers modified pool insurance products that, in addition to having stop loss limits and other risk reduction features, have exposure limits on each individual loan in the pool. To date, PMI has issued modified pool insurance principally to the GSEs as supplemental coverage and to other mortgage capital markets participants. PMI issued all of its modified pool insurance through bulk-type transactions between 2001 and 2003.

 

Unless otherwise noted, primary insurance statistics in this report do not include pool insurance.

 

Captive Reinsurance

 

Captive reinsurance is a reinsurance product in which PMI shares portions of its risk written on loans originated by certain lenders with captive reinsurance companies, or captive reinsurers, affiliated with such lenders. In return, a proportionate amount of PMI’s gross premiums written is ceded to the captive reinsurers. PMI’s captive reinsurance agreements primarily provide for excess-of-loss reinsurance, under which PMI retains a first loss position on a defined set of mortgage insurance risk, reinsures a second loss layer of this risk with a captive reinsurer and retains the remaining risk above the second loss layer up to the maximum coverage level. PMI is also a party to two quota share captive reinsurance agreements under which the captive reinsurer assumes a pro rata share of all losses in return for a pro rata share of the premiums collected. We believe that captive reinsurance provides PMI with an additional means by which to manage its portfolio risk and enhance capital efficiency.

 

In 2003, the percentages of primary NIW, primary insurance in force and total primary risk in force subject to captive reinsurance agreements increased. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations, U.S. Mortgage Insurance Operations, Premiums written and earned. These increases were driven by heavy refinance activity and a higher percentage of NIW generated by lenders with captive reinsurance programs. We anticipate that higher levels of captive reinsurance cessions will continue to reduce PMI’s premiums earned, and that the percentage of PMI’s primary risk in force subject to captive reinsurance agreements will continue to increase as a percentage of total risk in force.

 

Other Risk-Sharing Products

 

In addition to captive reinsurance, PMI offers other risk-sharing products, including layered co-insurance, a primary insurance program under which the insured retains liability for losses between certain levels of aggregate losses. PMI also offers various products designed for, and in cooperation with, the GSEs and lenders that involve some aspect of risk-sharing.

 

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Joint Venture—CMG Mortgage Insurance Company

 

CMG Mortgage Insurance Company and its affiliates, or CMG, offer mortgage insurance for loans originated by credit unions. CMG is a joint venture, equally owned by PMI and CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation, or CMIC. CMIC is part of the CUNA Mutual Group, which provides insurance and financial services to credit unions and their members. Both PMI and CMIC provide services to CMG. At December 31, 2003, CMG had $12.6 billion of primary insurance in force. CMG’s financial results are reported in PMI’s financial statements under the equity method of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. CMG’s operating results are not included in PMI’s results shown in Part I of this Report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise noted.

 

Under the terms of the restated joint venture agreement effective as of June 1, 2003, CMIC has the right on September 8, 2015, or earlier under certain limited conditions, to require PMI to sell, and PMI has the right to require CMIC to purchase, PMI’s interest in CMG for an amount equal to the then current fair market value of PMI’s interest. PMI and CMIC have also entered into a capital support agreement for the benefit of CMG in order to maintain CMG’s claims-paying ability rating at “AA-” by S&P and “AA” by Fitch. CMG is a GSE-authorized mortgage insurer.

 

2.   Competition

 

U.S. Private Mortgage Insurance Industry

 

The U.S. private mortgage insurance industry consists of eight active mortgage insurers: PMI; CMG; Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation; GE Capital Mortgage Insurance Corporation, an affiliate of GE Capital Corporation; United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company, an affiliate of American International Group, Inc.; Radian Guaranty Inc.; Republic Mortgage Insurance Co., an affiliate of Old Republic International; and Triad Guaranty Insurance Corp.

 

U.S. and State Government Agencies

 

PMI and other private mortgage insurers compete with federal and state government agencies that sponsor their own mortgage insurance programs. The private mortgage insurers’ principal government competitor is the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, and to a lesser degree, the Veterans Administration, or VA. The following table shows the relative mortgage insurance market share of FHA/VA and private mortgage insurers over the past five years.

 

     Federal Government and
Private Mortgage Insurance
Market Share (Based on NIW)


 
     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

FHA/VA

   36.4 %   35.6 %   37.3 %   41.4 %   47.6 %

Private Mortgage Insurance

   63.6     64.4     62.7     58.6     52.4  
    

 

 

 

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

 

 


Source: FHA, VA, Mortgage Insurance Companies of America and Inside Mortgage Finance.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, or HUD, in accordance with its index, increased the maximum single-family loan amount that the FHA can insure to $290,319 in high-cost areas. While there is no maximum VA loan amount, lenders will generally limit VA loans to $240,000. Private mortgage insurers have no limit as to maximum individual loan amounts that they can insure. Increases in the amount that these agencies can insure could cause future demand for private mortgage insurance to decrease.

 

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Federal Home Loan Banks.    The Federal Home Loan Banks, or FHLBs, purchase single-family conforming mortgage loans originated by participating member institutions. Purchases of secondary mortgage loans by participating FHLBs increased in 2002 and 2003. Although the FHLBs are not required to purchase insurance for mortgage loans, they currently use mortgage insurance on substantially all mortgage loans with an LTV above 80% and have become a source of increasing new business for PMI. Any expansion of the FHLBs’ ability to use, or increased use of, alternatives to mortgage insurance could reduce the demand for private mortgage insurance and harm our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—The GSEs

 

Mortgage insurers, including PMI, compete with the GSEs when the GSEs seek to assume mortgage default risk that could be covered by mortgage insurance. The GSEs have introduced programs that allow lenders to purchase reduced mortgage insurance coverage, as well as programs that provide for the restructuring of existing mortgage insurance with reduced amounts of primary insurance coverage and the addition of pool insurance coverage. In the past, Freddie Mac stated that it would pursue a permanent charter amendment allowing it to utilize alternative forms of default risk protection or otherwise forego the use of private mortgage insurance on higher LTV mortgages.

 

Mortgage Lenders

 

PMI and other private mortgage insurers compete with mortgage lenders that elect to retain the risk of loss from defaults on all or a portion of their high LTV mortgage loans rather than obtain insurance for such risk. Certain lenders originate mortgages that have a first mortgage lien with an LTV of 80%, a 10% second mortgage lien, and 10% of the purchase price from the borrower’s funds, or an 80/10/10. This 80/10/10 product and other similar products have reduced the available market for primary insurance. These products also compete with mortgage insurance as an alternative for lenders selling loans in the mortgage capital markets. PMI believes that the use of 80/10/10 loans increased significantly in 2003 and 2002 due primarily to the narrower differential in banks’ interest rates for the second mortgage lien in those years, and may continue to increase in the future.

 

3.   Customers

 

PMI’s customers are primarily mortgage lenders, savings institutions, commercial banks and investors, including the GSEs, the FHLBs, and other capital market participants. As the beneficiary under PMI’s master policies is the owner of the insured loan, the purchaser of that loan is entitled to the policy benefits. The GSEs, as the predominant purchasers of conventional mortgage loans in the U.S., are the beneficiaries of a substantial majority of PMI’s mortgage insurance coverage.

 

In 2003, PMI’s top ten customers generated approximately 42% of PMI’s premiums earned compared to approximately 44% in 2002.

 

4.   Business Composition

 

Persistency; Policy Cancellations

 

Historically, a significant percentage of PMI’s premiums earned has been generated from insurance policies written in previous years. Consequently, the length of time that insurance remains in force is a key determinant of PMI’s revenues and earnings. Lower interest rates beginning in 2001 have resulted in heavy mortgage refinance activity, causing PMI’s policy cancellations to increase and thereby negatively impacting earned premiums. For example, calendar year 2003 exhibited the lowest average interest rate in the period 1993 to 2003 and was the third consecutive year of declines in those rates. PMI’s persistency rate for its entire primary portfolio decreased to 44.6% at December 31, 2003 from 62.0% at December 31, 2001. The persistency rate is the percentage of primary insurance policies at the beginning of a 12-month period that remains in force at the end of that period.

 

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The following table shows average annual mortgage interest rates and PMI’s primary portfolio persistency rates from 1993 to 2003.

 

   

1993


 

1994


 

1995


 

1996


 

1997


 

1998


 

1999


 

2000


 

2001


 

2002


 

2003


Average Annual Mortgage Interest Rate*   7.3%   8.4%   7.9%   7.8%   7.6%   6.9%   7.4%   8.1%   7.0%   6.5%   5.8%
Persistency Rate**   70%   83.6%   86.4%   83.3%   80.8%   68.0%   71.9%   80.3%   62.0%   56.2%   44.6%

*   Average annual thirty year fixed mortgage interest rate derived from Freddie Mac and Mortgage Bankers Association data.
**   Annual persistency rate for calendar year based upon PMI’s entire primary insurance in force.

 

The declining interest rate environment in the last three years has been a major factor in shortening the length of time our primary insurance in force has remained in effect. The cumulative percentages of primary loans in force for policy years 2000 through 2003 are lower than for comparably aged policy years in the 1993 through 1999 period.

 

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PMI’s Risk in Force.    PMI’s primary risk in force was $24.7 billion as of December 31, 2003 and $25.2 billion as of December 31, 2002. The composition of PMI’s primary and pool risk in force is summarized in the table below. The table is based upon information available on the date of mortgage origination.

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Primary Risk in Force (in percentages)*

                                        

LTV:

                                        

Above 97s

     8.6 %     2.8 %     0.7 %     0.1 %     —    

97s

     7.4       6.9       5.6       5.5       4.9 %

95s

     37.6       41.3       43.1       45.7       46.8  

90s

     37.0       39.0       39.9       39.8       42.2  

Loan Type:

                                        

Fixed

     90.4 %     90.9 %     90.3 %     90.5 %     92.7 %

ARM

     9.6       9.2       9.7       9.5       7.3  

Mortgage Term:

                                        

25 years and under

     7.9 %     7.3 %     6.2 %     5.1 %     6.0 %

Over 25 years and up to 30 years

     91.9       92.4       93.6       94.5       93.6  

Over 30 years

     0.3       0.3       0.3       0.4       0.4  

Property Type:

                                        

Single-family detached

     85.8 %     87.6 %     88.6 %     88.8 %     88.9 %

Condominium, townhouse, cooperative

     10.0       8.5       8.0       8.2       8.5  

Multi-family dwelling and other

     4.2       3.9       3.4       3.0       2.6  

Occupancy Status:

                                        

Primary residence

     94.8 %     95.6 %     96.3 %     97.2 %     98.0 %

Second home

     2.2       1.8       1.6       1.5       1.2  

Non-owner occupied

     3.0       2.6       2.2       1.3       0.8  

Loan Amount:

                                        

$100,000 or less

     21.9 %     23.6 %     24.3 %     23.2 %     24.0 %

Over $100,000 and up to $250,000

     63.4       64.6       65.8       68.2       68.6  

Over $250,000

     14.8       11.9       9.8       8.6       7.4  

GSE conforming loans**

     93.9 %     92.9 %     91.5 %     N/A       N/A  

GSE non-conforming**

     6.1       7.1       8.6       N/A       N/A  

Less-than-A Quality

     11.9 %     11.9 %     11.6 %     N/A       N/A  

Non-Traditional

     13.8 %     12.8 %     12.4 %     N/A       N/A  

Pool Risk in Force (in millions)

                                        

GSE Pool

   $ 485.3     $ 794.1     $ 801.3     $ 785.6     $ 681.2  

Old Pool

     656.8       863.8       1,114.1       1,295.4       1,407.8  

Modified Pool

     1,390.9       1,159.6       414.5       15.9       N/A  

Other Traditional Pool

     252.2       310.1       211.6       153.6       102.9  

*   Due to rounding, the sums of the percentages may not total 100%.
**   GSE conforming loans are loans with principal balances that do not exceed the maximum single-family principal balance loan limit eligible for purchase by the GSEs. In 2003, the maximum single-family principal balance loan limit generally was $322,700.

 

    High LTV Loans.    LTV is the ratio of the original loan amount to the value of the property. In PMI’s experience, 95s, mortgages with LTVs between 90.01% and 95.00%, have higher claims frequencies than those of 90s, mortgages with LTVs between 85.01% and 90.00%. PMI believes that loans with LTVs higher than 95% have higher risk characteristics than 95s.

 

    Fixed v. Adjustable Rate Mortgages.    Based on PMI’s experience, the claims frequency of adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs, is generally higher than on fixed rate loans.

 

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    Less-than-A Quality and Non-Traditional Loans.    PMI insures less-than-A quality loans and non-traditional loans through its primary flow and bulk channels, as well as through its modified pool products. PMI defines less-than-A quality loans to include loans with FICO scores (a credit score provided by Fair, Isaac and Company) generally less than 620. PMI considers a loan to be non- traditional if it does not conform to GSE loan size limits or if it includes certain other characteristics such as reduced documentation of the borrower’s income, deposit information and/or employment. In 2003, 3% of all modified pool insurance written was of less-than-A quality and 55% was non-traditional. Nearly all of the non-traditional modified pool insurance written in 2003 was classified as such because of reduced documentation for the underlying loans and not because of any particular credit characteristic.

 

The following table shows PMI’s primary risk in force by FICO score as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

    

Percentage of
Primary Risk
in Force by
FICO Score

as of December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

FICO Score:

                  

Less than 575

   3.3 %   3.3 %   3.4 %

575—619

   8.6     8.7     8.1  

620—679

   32.7     30.8     28.9  

680—719

   23.2     23.2     23.2  

720 and above

   30.5     32.2     34.5  

Unreported

   1.7     1.9     1.8  

 

We expect higher default rates and claim payment rates for high LTV loans, ARMs, less-than-A quality loans and non-traditional loans. PMI offers pre- and post-purchase borrower counseling to borrowers with high LTV loans in an effort to reduce the risk of default on those loans. PMI also believes that the structure of its modified pool products mitigates the risk of loss to PMI from the less-than-A quality loans and non-traditional loans insured by those products. PMI incorporates its assumptions into its pricing. However, there can be no assurance that the premiums earned and the associated investment income will prove adequate to compensate for future losses from these loans.

 

5.   Sales and Product Development

 

PMI employs a sales force located throughout the country to sell its products and provide services to lenders located throughout the United States. PMI’s sales force receives compensation comprised of a base salary and incentive compensation tied to performance objectives. PMI’s product development department has primary responsibility for advertising, sales materials and the creation of new products and services.

 

6.   Underwriting Practices

 

Risk Management Approach

 

PMI analyzes its primary insurance business based upon the historical performance of risk factors of individual loan profiles. PMI uses national and territorial underwriting guidelines to evaluate the potential risk of default on mortgage loans submitted for insurance coverage. PMI has developed and refined its national guidelines over time, taking into account its loss experience and the GSEs’ underwriting guidelines. PMI’s underwriting guidelines generally allow PMI to place mortgage insurance coverage on any mortgage loan accepted by the GSEs’ automated underwriting systems for purchase by the GSEs.

 

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PMI’s underwriting guidelines are based, in part, on several statistical models that PMI employs to predict default and to measure performance as well as capital requirements. The pmiAURASM System, a proprietary system developed by PMI, includes economic and demographic information and assigns a risk score corresponding to the predicted likelihood of an insurance policy going to claim.

 

Underwriting Process

 

To obtain mortgage insurance on a specific mortgage loan, a customer typically submits an application and supporting documentation to PMI. If the loan is approved for mortgage insurance, PMI issues a certificate of insurance to the customer. During the last several years, advances in technology have enabled PMI to offer its customers the option of electronic submission of applications and electronic receipt of insurance commitments and certificates. In 2003, 80% of PMI’s primary insurance commitments (excluding bulk transactions) were issued electronically, compared to 69% in 2002. PMI expects the use of electronic delivery mechanisms by customers to continue to increase.

 

Delegated Underwriting.    More than 60% of PMI’s flow NIW is underwritten pursuant to a delegated underwriting program that allows approved lenders, subject to routine audit by PMI, to determine whether loans meet program guidelines and are thus eligible for mortgage insurance. If a lender participating in the program commits PMI to insure a loan that fails to meet all of the applicable underwriting guidelines, PMI is obligated to insure such a loan except under certain narrowly-drawn exceptions, such as a failure to meet maximum LTV criteria. Delegated underwriting enables PMI to meet mortgage lenders’ demands for immediate insurance coverage of certain loans. Delegated underwriting has become standard industry practice. PMI believes that the performance of its delegated insured loans will not vary materially over the long-term from the performance of all other insured loans.

 

Non-Delegated Underwriting.    Customers that are not approved to participate in the delegated program generally must submit to PMI an application for each loan, supported by various documents. Verifications of the borrower’s employment, income and funds needed for the loan closing are required in addition to other documents, unless the loan is submitted by a lender that has been approved to participate in PMI’s Quick Application Program. This program allows selected lenders to submit insurance applications that do not include all standard documents. The lender is required to maintain written verification of employment and source of funds needed for closing and other supporting documentation in its origination file. PMI may schedule on-site audits of lenders’ files on loans submitted under this program. Currently, PMI performs non-delegated underwriting on less than 5% of all insured loans.

 

Bulk Primary and Modified Pool Transactions.    Bulk primary insurance and modified pool insurance transactions generally involve PMI bidding for a customer’s delivery to PMI of a portfolio of loans that have been previously underwritten and closed under one or more loan programs. PMI evaluates each transaction on a loan-by-loan basis and as a portfolio. In the loan-by-loan review, PMI analyzes the characteristics of each loan and compares them to forecasts of performance generated by proprietary performance and pricing models. In the portfolio review, PMI analyzes the diversity and the aggregate risk characteristics of the portfolio as a whole. PMI also reviews the risks and potential mitigating factors inherent in the proposed coverage structure, which may include, among other things, coverage limits, stop loss limits, or deductibles.

 

In some cases, PMI provides commitments for the future delivery of bulk primary or modified pool transactions. The same processes described above are used to review an indicative portfolio of loans. PMI’s commitments are contingent upon a loan-by-loan review of the actual loans delivered and allow for adjustments if the characteristics of the actual delivery vary from those of the indicative portfolio.

 

Contract Underwriting

 

Contract underwriting services are provided by PMI’s wholly-owned subsidiary, PMI Mortgage Services Co., or MSC. MSC enables customers to improve the efficiency and quality of their operations by outsourcing all

 

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or part of their mortgage loan underwriting. MSC provides contract underwriting services for mortgage loans for which PMI provides mortgage insurance and for mortgage loans for which PMI does not provide insurance. MSC also performs the contract underwriting activities of CMG.

 

As a part of its contract underwriting services, MSC provides to its customers monetary and other remedies, including loan indemnifications under certain circumstances, in the event that MSC fails to properly underwrite a mortgage loan. MSC paid $13.1 million in contract underwriting remedies in 2003, compared to $6.5 million in 2002. Worsening economic conditions or other factors that could lead to increases in PMI’s primary insurance default rate could also cause the number and magnitude of the remedies that must be offered by MSC to further increase. Such an increase could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

 

New policies processed by MSC contract underwriters represented 25% of PMI’s NIW in 2003, compared to 30% in 2002. PMI anticipates that loans underwritten by MSC will continue to make up a significant percentage of PMI’s NIW and that contract underwriting will remain the preferred method among many mortgage lenders for processing loan applications. The number of contract underwriters deployed by us is related to the volume of mortgage originations and/or refinancing.

 

7.   Affordable Housing

 

Expanding homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities is an important priority of PMI. PMI’s approach to affordable lending is to develop products and services that assist responsible borrowers who may not qualify for mortgage loans under traditional underwriting practices. These products and services do not accommodate borrowers who have failed to manage their affairs responsibly; rather they seek to identify those home buyers who have met or will meet their obligations in a timely and conscientious manner. The beneficiaries of these programs have included recent immigrants who have not established traditional credit histories, borrowers not accustomed to using traditional savings institutions, borrowers with less than five percent for a down-payment, and home buyers who, although consistently employed, lack the stability traditionally associated with having a single employer due to the nature of their employment.

 

To further promote affordable housing, PMI has entered into risk-sharing agreements or “layered co-insurance” with certain institutional lenders, Native American tribes and housing authorities. Layered co-insurance is utilized primarily by financial institutions to meet Community Reinvestment Act lending goals and by Native American tribes and housing authorities to provide homeownership opportunities to traditionally underserved populations. Under such agreements, the mortgage insurance is structured so that financial responsibility is shared between the lender, Native American tribe or housing authority, and PMI.

 

PMI has also established partnerships with numerous national organizations to mitigate affordable housing risks and expand the understanding of responsibilities of home ownership. These community partners include Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. and the affiliated Neighborhood Housing Services of America, the National Black Caucus, Social Compact, the National American Indian Housing Conference, the AFLCIO Housing Advancement Trust, the American Homeownership and Counseling Institute, the National Association of La Raza and the National Association of Real Estate Professionals. In addition, PMI has developed partnerships with local organizations in an effort to expand homeownership opportunities and promote community revitalization.

 

Although programs offered under PMI’s affordable housing initiatives receive the same credit and actuarial analysis as all other standard programs, some programs utilize affordable underwriting guidelines established by lenders that differ from PMI’s criteria. PMI believes that some of its insured affordable housing loans may carry higher risks than its other insured loans. As a result, PMI has instituted various programs including pre- and post-purchase borrower counseling and risk-sharing approaches, seeking to mitigate the additional risks that may be associated with some affordable housing loan programs.

 

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8.   Defaults and Claims

 

Defaults

 

PMI’s claim process begins with notification by the insured to PMI of a default on an insured loan. “Default” is defined in PMI’s master policies as the borrower’s failure to pay when due an amount equal to the scheduled monthly mortgage payment under the terms of the mortgage. Generally, the master policies require an insured to notify PMI of a default no later than the last business day of the month following the month in which the borrower becomes three monthly payments in default. In most cases, defaults are reported earlier. PMI’s insureds typically report defaults within approximately 60 days of the initial default. Borrowers default for a variety of reasons, including a reduction of income, unemployment, divorce, illness, inability to manage credit and interest rate levels. Borrowers may cure defaults by making all of the delinquent loan payments or by selling the property in full satisfaction of all amounts due under the mortgage. Defaults that are not cured result, in most cases, in a claim to PMI.

 

Primary defaults.    Primary default rates differ from region to region in the United States depending upon economic conditions and cyclical growth patterns. The two tables below set forth primary default rates by region for the various regions of the United States and the ten largest states by PMI’s risk in force. Default rates are shown by region based on location of the underlying property.

 

     Primary Default Rates by
Region as of the Year
Ended December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Region

                  

Pacific(1)

   3.18 %   3.35 %   2.67 %

New England(2)

   3.23     2.75     1.50  

Northeast(3)

   4.52     4.13     3.07  

South Central(4)

   4.56     4.06     2.75  

Mid-Atlantic(5)

   3.30     3.22     2.50  

Great Lakes(6)

   6.50     5.72     3.47  

Southeast(7)

   5.00     4.77     3.09  

North Central(8)

   4.30     4.07     2.76  

Plains(9)

   4.04     3.75     2.67  

Total Portfolio

   4.53     4.18     2.86  

(1)   Includes California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
(2)   Includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
(3)   Includes New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
(4)   Includes Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.
(5)   Includes Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia.
(6)   Includes Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.
(7)   Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
(8)   Includes Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.
(9)   Includes Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

 

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     Percent of
PMI’s
Primary Risk in
Force as of
December 31,


   

PMI’s Default Rates for Top Ten

States by

Primary Risk in Force(1)


 
      

Default Rate

as of December 31,


 
     2003

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

California

   9.3 %   3.08 %   3.20 %   2.56 %   2.26 %   2.59 %

Florida

   9.2     3.89     4.15     3.03     2.91     3.00  

Texas

   7.0     5.02     4.27     2.86     2.13     2.06  

Illinois

   4.8     4.55     4.39     3.46     2.60     2.03  

Georgia

   4.8     5.99     5.13     3.11     2.31     1.95  

New York

   4.1     4.52     4.35     3.22     2.94     2.85  

Washington

   4.1     3.51     3.39     2.72     1.75     1.62  

Ohio

   3.5     6.86     5.80     3.57     2.63     2.01  

Pennsylvania

   3.4     4.64     4.21     3.11     2.47     2.64  

North Carolina

   3.0     6.18     5.91     3.33     1.95     1.81  

(1)   Top ten states as determined by primary risk in force as of December 31, 2003.

 

Claim activity is not spread evenly throughout the coverage period of a primary insurance book of business. Based on PMI’s experience, the majority of claims on traditional primary insurance loans occur in the third through sixth years after loan origination, and relatively few claims are paid during the first two years after loan origination. Primary insurance written from the period of January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2001 represented 23% of PMI’s primary insurance in force at December 31, 2003. This portion of PMI’s book of business is in its expected peak claim period with respect to traditional primary loans. We believe that loans in PMI’s less-than-A quality and non-traditional primary book will have earlier incidences of default than loans in PMI’s traditional book. Loans in PMI’s non-traditional primary book generally begin to peak 18 to 22 months after origination.

 

The following table sets forth the dispersion of PMI’s primary insurance in force and risk in force as of December 31, 2003, by year of policy origination and average annual mortgage interest rate since PMI began operations in 1972.

 

    

Insurance and Risk in Force by Policy Year

and Average Coupon Rate


 
     Average
Rate(1)


    Primary
Insurance in
Force


   Percent
of
Total


    Primary Risk
in Force


   Percent
of
Total


 
           (In thousands)          (In thousands)       

Policy Year

                                

1972-1992

   9.3 %   $ 629,594    0.6 %   $ 129,390    0.5 %

1993

   7.3       917,599    0.9       189,218    0.8  

1994

   8.4       860,102    0.8       186,970    0.8  

1995

   7.9       672,872    0.6       177,970    0.7  

1996

   7.8       968,645    0.9       262,617    1.1  

1997

   7.6       1,012,097    1.0       273,482    1.1  

1998

   6.9       3,203,998    3.1       822,760    3.3  

1999

   7.4       4,126,019    3.9       1,046,685    4.2  

2000

   8.1       3,193,947    3.0       738,213    3.0  

2001

   7.0       12,589,057    12.0       2,881,614    11.7  

2002

   6.5       24,882,271    23.6       5,830,326    23.6  

2003

   5.8       52,184,526    49.6       12,129,103    49.2  
          

  

 

  

Total Portfolio

         $ 105,240,727    100.0 %   $ 24,668,348    100.0 %
          

  

 

  


(1)   Average annual mortgage interest rate derived from Freddie Mac and Mortgage Bankers Association data.

 

 

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Pool defaults. The number of pool loans PMI insured steadily decreased during 2003, primarily due to heavy mortgage refinance activity. Accordingly, the number of outstanding delinquent loans decreased in 2003. In 2003, pool claims paid represented approximately 9% of PMI’s total claims paid.

 

Claims and Policy Servicing

 

Primary insurance claims paid by PMI in 2003 increased to $175.0 million from $99.8 million in 2002. Pool insurance claims paid by PMI in 2003 (excluding Old Pool) increased to $17.2 million from $10.0 million in 2002. Old Pool claims paid by PMI in 2003 decreased to $0.1 million from $0.6 million in 2002.

 

The frequency of defaults is not directly proportional to the number of claims PMI receives. This is because the rate at which defaults cure is influenced by borrowers’ financial resources and circumstances and regional economic differences. Whether an uncured default leads to a claim principally depends on the borrower’s equity in the underlying property at the time of default and the borrower’s or the insured’s ability to sell the home for an amount sufficient to satisfy all amounts due under the mortgage loan. When the likelihood of a defaulted loan being reinstated is minimal, PMI works with the servicer of the loan for a possible loan workout or early disposal of the underlying property. Property dispositions typically result in savings to PMI over the percentage coverage amount payable under PMI’s master policies.

 

Within 60 days after a primary insurance claim and supporting documentation have been filed, PMI has the option of:

 

    paying the coverage percentage specified in the certificate of insurance multiplied by the loss amount;

 

    in the event the property is sold pursuant to an agreement made prior to or during the 60-day period after the claim is filed, which we refer to as a prearranged sale, paying the lesser of (1) 100% of the loss amount less the proceeds of sale of the property or (2) the coverage percentage multiplied by the loss amount; or

 

    paying 100% of the claim amount in exchange for the insured’s conveyance to PMI of good and marketable title to the property, with PMI then selling the property for its own account. Properties acquired under this option are included on PMI’s balance sheet in other assets as residential properties from claim settlements, also referred to as real estate owned, or REO.

 

While PMI attempts to choose the claim settlement option which best mitigates the amount of its claim payment, PMI generally settles by paying the coverage percentage multiplied by the loss amount. In 2003 and 2002, PMI settled 23% and 22%, respectively, of the primary insurance claims processed for payment on the basis of a prearranged sale. In 2003 and 2002, PMI exercised the option to acquire the property on approximately 8% and 7%, respectively, of the primary claims processed for payment. At December 31, 2003, PMI owned $37.0 million of REO valued at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value.

 

Claim severity.    The severity of a claim, which is the ratio of the claim paid to the original risk in force relating to the loan, depends in part upon the specified coverage percentage for that loan. A higher coverage percentage on a loan generally decreases the potential severity of a claim on that loan, even though the claim amount may increase. PMI generally charges higher premium rates for higher coverage. PMI’s average primary coverage percentage was 24% for NIW in 2003 and in 2002.

 

The main determinants of the severity of a claim are the value of the underlying property, accrued interest on the loan, expenses advanced by the insured and foreclosure expenses, and the amount of mortgage insurance coverage placed on the loan. These amounts depend in part on the time required to complete foreclosure, which varies depending on state laws. Pre-foreclosure sales, acquisitions and other early workout efforts help to reduce overall claim severity. The average primary claim severity level has decreased from 100% in 1994 to 81% in 2003. PMI’s primary claim severity level in 2002 was 77%.

 

 

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Pool claims.    Pool claims are generally filed after the underlying property is sold. PMI settles a pool claim in accordance with the agreed upon terms of the applicable pool insurance policy, which includes a stop loss limit and, in some cases, a specified deductible. Subject to such stop loss limit and any deductible, PMI generally covers 100% of the loss minus net proceeds from the sale of the property and any primary claim proceeds. Other pool insurance policies may include a maximum coverage percentage or a defined benefit. Claims relating to policies with a maximum coverage percentage are settled at the lesser of the actual loss or the maximum coverage set forth in the applicable policy. Claims relating to policies with defined benefits are settled at the maximum coverage percentage set forth in the applicable policy. PMI settles pool claims immediately upon receipt of all supporting documentation.

 

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Loan Performance

 

The table below shows cumulative losses paid by PMI at the end of each successive year after the year of original policy issuance, referred to as a “policy year,” expressed as a percentage of the cumulative premiums written on such policies.

 

Percentage of Cumulative Primary Insurance Losses Paid (Gross)

To Cumulative Primary Insurance Premiums Written

 

Years

Since

Policy

Issue


  Policy Issue Year (Loan Closing Year)

    1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

1   0.9   0.3   0.2   —     0.1   —     —     —     —     —     —  
2   38.1   14.8   9.8   4.5   1.5   0.4   0.1   0.3   0.7   0.8   1.1
3   112.1   47.3   44.0   18.7   5.2   2.0   2.0   3.6   7.1   6.6   6.9
4   166.3   83.0   83.1   35.2   8.7   5.1   6.1   10.8   17.8   16.9   16.3
5   180.9   129.3   114.3   47.4   12.2   9.7   11.6   21.9   31.7   28.9   28.3
6   229.6   165.9   127.1   56.4   15.6   13.1   18.5   32.4   41.8   39.8   36.1
7   251.0   177.5   135.9   60.7   18.5   17.5   23.1   40.3   50.5   47.4   40.3
8   265.4   184.6   139.3   63.0   21.3   20.7   26.2   45.7   56.2   51.3   41.5
9   265.7   187.7   141.9   65.0   24.1   23.0   29.1   49.6   59.2   52.7   41.3
10   264.4   189.8   142.6   65.3   25.8   25.1   31.5   51.7   60.9   52.6   41.1
11   263.8   191.0   142.9   65.9   27.4   26.5   33.6   52.8   61.4   52.7   41.0
12   264.4   191.3   142.6   65.8   28.4   27.8   34.6   53.1   61.4   52.7   41.0
13   263.3   191.1   142.1   65.8   28.8   28.4   35.0   53.3   61.4   52.6    
14   262.2   190.6   141.7   65.9   29.0   28.6   35.2   53.3   61.4        
15   261.5   190.1   141.5   66.0   29.1   28.5   35.2   53.2            
16   260.8   189.8   141.3   66.0   29.1   28.5   35.2                
17   260.4   189.5   141.0   66.0   29.1   28.6                    
18   259.8   189.5   140.9   66.0   29.1                        
19   259.6   189.5   140.8   66.0                            
20   259.6   189.4   140.8                                
21   259.5   189.5                                    
22   259.5                                        
    1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

1   —     —     0.1   —     —     —     0.1   1.2   1.1   0.1   0.1
2   1.0   1.0   2.8   2.9   2.3   1.2   2.7   10.2   6.6   4.5    
3   5.5   6.5   10.4   8.3   5.8   3.8   5.9   21.8   22.5        
4   13.4   13.7   15.4   11.9   8.7   5.7   8.6   35.2            
5   18.7   18.0   18.2   14.2   10.4   6.7   11.1                
6   21.1   20.1   19.2   15.3   11.1   7.7                    
7   21.9   20.9   20.1   15.8   11.9                        
8   22.0   21.3   20.3   16.1                            
9   21.8   21.3   20.4                                
10   21.6   21.3                                    
11   21.7                                        

 

The above table shows that, measured by gross cumulative losses paid relative to cumulative premiums written, or the cumulative loss payment ratios, the performance of policies originally issued in the years 1982 through 1984 was adverse, with cumulative loss payment ratios for those years ranging from 259.5% to 140.8%

 

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at the end of 2003. Such adverse experience was significantly impacted by deteriorating economic and real estate market conditions in the “Oil Patch” states in the 1980s. In 1985, PMI adopted substantially more conservative underwriting standards which we believe, along with increased premium rates and generally improving economic conditions, contributed to the lower cumulative loss payment ratios in subsequent years.

 

The table also shows the general improvement in PMI’s cumulative loss payment ratios since policy year 1985, relative to 1984 and earlier. This reflects both improved claims experience and higher premium rates charged by PMI for policy years 1985 and later. All policy years through 1995 have cumulative loss payment ratios at the end of 2003 that differ by no more than 0.1% from the end of 2002, an indication that these ratios have stabilized and reached their ultimate development for each of these policy years.

 

A major factor affecting the development of these loss ratios was the relatively low level of interest rates throughout 2003. These low rates led to record numbers of mortgage refinances in 2003, materially decreasing the amount of business remaining in book years before 2003. This had the effect of decreasing the remaining premium flow from these book years and putting upward pressure on the cumulative loss payment ratios.

 

Policy years 1986 through 1988 have developed to cumulative loss payment ratios between 28.6% and 35.2%. Policy years 1989 through 1992 have developed to somewhat higher ratios between 41.0% and 61.4%, reflecting both higher levels of claims on California loans insured in those years, as well as higher prepayment speeds when market rates dropped to relatively low levels from late 1992 through early 1994. Loss payment ratios continued to decline year-to-year after 1993 (21.1% at the end of six years), bottoming out at 7.7% at the end of six years for the 1998 policy year, a record low. The declines were due to an improvement in California’s economy and a strong national economy with no material regional weaknesses. The 1999 policy year is developing at a level slightly higher than 1998, but still at very low levels. Given the small amount of business left in the 1996 through 1999 books, further development is expected to be small.

 

The 2000 and 2001 book years have developed to ratios comparable to the 1985 book year at similar policy ages of 4 and 3 years, respectively, but for different reasons. The 1985 book year, which reached a ratio of 35.2% at the end of 4 years, was driven primarily by loss development. The 2000 and 2001 book years, on the other hand, reaching ratios of 35.2% and 22.5% at the end of four and three years, respectively, are being driven by the dual factors of significantly higher prepayments and higher claims payments than the previous years. The higher levels of claims combined with the lower levels of accumulated premiums have led to this increase in ratios.

 

The higher levels of claims in the 2000 and 2001 policy years were a result of an expansion into less-than-A quality and non-traditional loan product offerings. These loan types generally have shorter lives and earlier incidence of default than A quality and traditional loans, leading to earlier emergence of claims and shorter streams of premium income. The large volume of refinances in A quality business written in 2000 and 2001 experienced in 2003 decreased the accumulated premium received from those policy years, affecting the loss payment ratio development by increasing the ratio of claims paid to premiums received.

 

The 2002 book year is developing favorably compared to 2000 and 2001, due to lower levels of prepayments and lower levels of claims. The lower levels of prepayments are due to generally lower weighted average interest rates on loans insured in 2002 compared to 2000 and 2001.

 

Loss Reserves

 

A period of time may elapse between the occurrence of the borrower’s default on mortgage payments (the event triggering a potential future claims payment), the reporting of such default to PMI and the eventual payment of the claim related to such default. To recognize the liability for unpaid losses related to the loans in default, PMI, in accordance with industry practice, establishes loss reserves in respect of loans in default based upon the estimated claim rate and estimated average claim amount of loans in default. Included in loss reserves are loss adjustment expense (LAE) reserves, and incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves. These reserves are

 

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estimates and there can be no assurance that PMI’s reserves will prove to be adequate to cover ultimate loss developments on reported defaults. Consistent with industry accounting practices, PMI does not establish loss reserves for estimated potential defaults that may occur in the future. For a full discussion of our loss reserving policy and process, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, Reserves for Losses and LAE. For a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses on a consolidated basis, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 10. Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Reserves.

 

9.   Reinsurance

 

Reinsurance is used as a capital and risk management tool by the mortgage insurance industry. Reinsurance does not discharge PMI, as the primary insurer, from liability to a policyholder. The reinsurer simply agrees to indemnify PMI for the reinsurer’s share of losses incurred under a reinsurance agreement, unlike an assumption agreement, where the assuming reinsurer’s liability to the policyholder is substituted for that of PMI.

 

PMI has a 5% quota share reinsurance agreement in place with a participating reinsurer relating to primary insurance business written by PMI from 1994 through 1997. Under the terms of this agreement, the reinsurer will indemnify PMI for 5% of all losses paid under the reinsured primary insurance business to which PMI ceded 5% of the related premiums less a ceding commission. Effective January 1, 2001, PMI commenced reinsuring its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, PMI Mortgage Insurance Ltd, on an excess-of-loss basis. Under the terms of the agreement, for each of the calendar years from 2001 through 2005, PMI is obligated to indemnify PMI Mortgage Insurance Ltd for losses that exceed 130% of PMI Mortgage Insurance Ltd’s net earned premiums for each such year, but not for losses that exceed 220% of such net earned premiums. The agreement provides for automatic one-year extensions, unless terminated upon prior notice by either party. Upon such notice of termination, the agreement would continue in effect in the year of such notice and for the next four calendar years.

 

Certain states limit the amount of risk a mortgage insurer may retain to 25% of the indebtedness to the insured, and as a result, the deep coverage portion of such insurance over 25% must be reinsured. To minimize reliance on third party reinsurers and to permit PMI to retain the premiums (and related risk) on deep coverage business, The PMI Group formed several wholly-owned subsidiaries including Residential Guaranty Co., or RGC, Residential Insurance Co., or RIC, and PMI Mortgage Guaranty Co., or PMG, to provide reinsurance of such deep coverage to PMI. PMI uses reinsurance provided by its reinsurance affiliates solely for purposes of compliance with statutory coverage limits. CMG also uses reinsurance provided by its reinsurance affiliate to comply with statutory limits.

 

In 1997, PMI began offering GSE Pool insurance to select lenders and aggregators. In connection with the pool insurance policies issued, PMI may only retain 25% of the risk covered by such policies. PMI reinsures the remaining risk though RGC, PMG and RIC.

 

As discussed in Section B.1, Products, above, PMI also reinsures portions of its risk written on loans originated by certain lenders with captive reinsurers affiliated with such lenders. PMI also offers reinsurance products in Asia through its Hong Kong branch. (See Item 1, Section C.1, International Operations—Hong Kong, below.)

 

10.   Regulation

 

State Regulation

 

General.    Our mortgage insurance subsidiaries are subject to comprehensive, detailed regulation intended for the protection of policyholders, rather than for the benefit of investors, by the insurance departments of the various states in which they are licensed to transact business. Although their scope varies, state insurance laws generally grant broad powers to supervisory agencies or officials to examine companies and to enforce rules or exercise discretion touching almost every significant aspect of the insurance business.

 

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Mortgage insurers are generally restricted by state insurance laws and regulations to writing mortgage insurance business only. This restriction prohibits our mortgage insurance subsidiaries from directly writing other types of insurance. The non-insurance subsidiaries of The PMI Group are not subject to regulation under state insurance laws except with respect to transactions with their insurance affiliates.

 

Insurance Holding Company Regulations.    All states have enacted legislation that requires each insurance company in a holding company system to register with the insurance regulatory authority of its state of domicile and to furnish to such regulatory authority financial and other information concerning the operations of, and the interrelationships and transactions among, companies within the holding company system that may materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers within the system. The states also regulate transactions between insurance companies and their parents and affiliates.

 

The PMI Group is treated as an insurance holding company under the laws of the State of Arizona. The Arizona insurance laws govern, among other things, certain transactions in our common stock and certain transactions between or among The PMI Group and its Arizona subsidiaries (PMI, PMG, RGC and RIC). Specifically, no person may, directly or indirectly, offer to acquire or acquire voting securities of The PMI Group or any one of the Arizona subsidiaries, if after consummation thereof, such person would be in control, directly or indirectly, of such entity, unless such person obtains the Arizona Director of Insurance’s prior approval. For purposes of the foregoing, “control” is rebuttably presumed to exist if such person, following acquisition, would, directly or indirectly, own, control or hold with the power to vote or hold proxies representing 10% or more of the entity’s voting securities. In addition, all material transactions involving PMI, PMG, RGC and/or RIC and any of their affiliates are subject to prior approval of the Director of Insurance, and shall be disapproved if they are found not to be “fair and reasonable.” PMI, on behalf of itself and its affiliates, is required to file an annual insurance holding company system registration statement with the Arizona, Florida and Wisconsin Departments of Insurance (and any other states that so request) disclosing all interaffiliate relationships, transactions and arrangements that occurred or were in effect during the prior calendar year, and providing information on The PMI Group, the holding company’s “ultimate controlling person.” PMI must also submit and update biographical information of the officers and directors of the holding company’s insurance subsidiaries, as well as officers and directors of The PMI Group.

 

The insurance holding company laws and regulations are substantially similar in Florida (where our title insurance company APTIC is domiciled) and Wisconsin (where CMG, Commercial Loan Insurance Corporation, or CLIC, and WMAC Credit Insurance Corporation, or WMAC Credit, are domiciled), and transactions among these subsidiaries, or any one of them and another affiliate (including The PMI Group) are subject to regulatory review and approval in the respective states of domicile. FGIC Corporation and FGIC are subject to regulation under insurance holding company statutes of New York, where FGIC is domiciled, as well as other jurisdictions where FGIC is licensed to do insurance business.

 

Reserves.    Our mortgage insurance subsidiaries are required under the insurance laws of their state of domicile and many other states, including New York and California, to establish a special contingency reserve with annual additions of amounts equal to 50% of premiums earned. Contingency reserves are required to be held for ten years (and then released into surplus), although earlier releases may be authorized by state insurance regulators in certain cases. At December 31, 2003, PMI had statutory policyholders’ surplus of $519.4 million and statutory contingency reserves of $2.0 billion.

 

Dividends.    PMI’s ability to pay shareholder dividends (including returns of capital) is limited, among other things, by the insurance laws of Arizona and other states. PMI’s other Arizona subsidiaries are subject to the same statutory limitations as PMI. In October 2003, RGC paid an $8.4 million ordinary shareholder dividend. Under Arizona law, PMI may pay dividends out of available surplus without prior approval of the Arizona Director of Insurance, as long as such dividends during any 12-month period do not exceed the lesser of (i) 10% of policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding calendar year end, or (ii) the preceding calendar year’s investment income. PMI is permitted to pay ordinary dividends (as such are termed under the Arizona statute) to The PMI

 

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Group of $51.9 million in 2004 without prior approval of the Arizona Director of Insurance, provided that any such dividends must be paid after the first anniversary of PMI’s 2003 dividends, which were made in June 2003. Any dividend in excess of this amount (either alone or together with other dividends/distributions made in the last 12 months) is an extraordinary dividend and requires the prior approval of the Arizona Director of Insurance. In 2003, PMI paid an extraordinary stockholder dividend of $100 million to The PMI Group. This dividend will be added to any proposed dividends to be paid within the subsequent twelve months to determine if such future dividends are “extraordinary”, and as such, would require the Arizona Director of Insurance’s prior approval. The Arizona Director of Insurance may approve of an extraordinary dividend if he or she finds that, following the distribution, the insurer’s policyholders’ surplus is reasonable in relation to its liabilities and adequate to its financial needs.

 

In addition to Arizona, other states may limit or restrict PMI’s ability to pay shareholder dividends. For example, California, New York and Illinois prohibit mortgage insurers from declaring dividends except from undivided profits remaining on hand over and above the aggregate of their paid-in capital, paid-in surplus and contingency reserves. Under Florida law, PMI’s surplus following a shareholder dividend must not be less than the greater of (i) 10% of its liabilities (excluding contingency reserves) or (ii) $4 million. As of year-end 2003, PMI’s liabilities (excluding contingency reserves) were $611.1 million, meaning shareholder dividends in 2004 may not reduce PMI’s statutory surplus below $61.1 million. CMG and APTIC face shareholder dividend/distribution restrictions similar to those imposed on PMI.

 

Insurance regulatory authorities have broad discretion to limit the payment of dividends by insurance companies. For example, if insurance regulators determine that payment of a dividend or any other payments to an affiliate (such as payments under a tax-sharing agreement, payments for employee or other services, or payments pursuant to a surplus note) would, because of the financial condition of the paying insurance company or otherwise, be hazardous to such insurance company’s policyholders or creditors, the regulators may block payments that would otherwise be permitted without prior approval.

 

Premium Rates and Policy Forms.    PMI and CMG’s premium rates and policy forms are subject to regulation in every jurisdiction in which each is licensed to transact business. In most U.S. jurisdictions, policy forms must be filed prior to their use. In some U.S. jurisdictions, forms must also be approved prior to use.

 

Reinsurance.    Regulation of reinsurance varies by state. Except for Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York and California, most states have no special restrictions on mortgage guaranty reinsurance other than standard reinsurance requirements applicable to property and casualty insurance companies. Certain restrictions apply under Arizona law to domestic companies and under the laws of several other states to any licensed company ceding business to unlicensed or unaccredited reinsurers. Under such laws, if a reinsurer is not admitted or accredited in such states, the domestic company (e.g., PMI) ceding business to the reinsurer cannot take credit in its statutory financial statements for the risk ceded to such reinsurer absent compliance with certain reinsurance security requirements. In addition, Arizona prohibits reinsurance unless the reinsurance agreements meet certain requirements even if no statutory financial statement credit is to be taken.

 

Examination.    Our licensed insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are subject to examination of their affairs by the insurance departments of each of the states in which they are licensed to transact business. The Arizona Director of Insurance periodically conducts a financial examination of insurance companies domiciled in Arizona. PMI was examined by the Arizona Director of Insurance in 2003 for the five year period ending December 31, 2002. In lieu of examining a foreign insurer, the Commissioner may accept an examination report by a state that has been accredited by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Likewise, the insurance departments of Florida and Wisconsin perform periodic financial and market conduct examinations of insurers domiciled in their jurisdictions.

 

National Association of Insurance Commissioners.    The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, has developed a rating system, the Insurance Regulatory Information System, or IRIS, primarily intended to assist state insurance departments in overseeing the statutory financial condition of all insurance

 

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companies operating within their respective states. IRIS consists of 12 key financial ratios, which are intended to indicate unusual fluctuations in an insurer’s statutory financial position and/or operating results. The NAIC applies its IRIS financial ratios to PMI on a continuing basis in order to monitor PMI’s financial condition.

 

Federal Laws and Regulation

 

In addition to federal laws that directly affect mortgage insurers, private mortgage insurers including PMI are impacted indirectly by federal legislation and regulation affecting mortgage originators and lenders; purchasers of mortgage loans such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and governmental insurers such as the FHA and VA. For example, changes in federal housing legislation and other laws and regulations that affect the demand for private mortgage insurance may have a material adverse effect on PMI. Legislation that increases the number of persons eligible for FHA or VA mortgages could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete with the FHA or VA.

 

The Homeowners Protection Act, or HPA, provides for the automatic termination, or cancellation upon a borrower’s request, of private mortgage insurance upon satisfaction of certain conditions. HPA applies to owner-occupied residential mortgage loans regardless of lien priority and to borrower-paid mortgage insurance closed after July 29, 1999. FHA loans are not covered by HPA. Under HPA, automatic termination of mortgage insurance would generally occur once the LTV reaches 78%. A borrower who has a “good payment history”, as defined by HPA, may generally request cancellation of mortgage insurance once the LTV reaches 80% of the home’s original value or when actual payments reduce the loan balance to 80% of the home’s original value, whichever occurs earlier.

 

The Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act of 1974, or RESPA, applies to most residential mortgages insured by PMI. Mortgage insurance has been considered in some cases to be a “settlement service” for purposes of loans subject to RESPA. Subject to limited exceptions, RESPA prohibits persons from accepting anything of value for referring real estate settlement services to any provider of such services. Although many states including Arizona prohibit mortgage insurers from giving rebates, RESPA has been interpreted to cover many non-fee services as well. RESPA is enforced by HUD and also provides for private rights of action.

 

HUD has proposed a rule under RESPA whereby lenders and other packagers of loans would be given the choice of offering a “Guaranteed Mortgage Package” or providing a “Good Faith Estimate” where the estimated fees are subject to a 10% tolerance. Qualifying packages would be entitled to a “safe harbor” from RESPA’s anti-kickback rules. Mortgage insurance is included in the package “to the extent upfront premium is charged.” HUD’s proposed rule has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for its review. It is unclear in what form, if any, HUD’s proposed rule will be implemented or what its impact, if any, will be on the mortgage insurance industry.

 

Most originators of mortgage loans are required to collect and report data relating to a mortgage loan applicant’s race, nationality, gender, marital status and census tract to HUD or the Federal Reserve under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, or HMDA. Mortgage insurers are not required pursuant to any law or regulation to report HMDA data although, under the laws of several states, mortgage insurers are currently prohibited from discriminating on the basis of certain classifications. Mortgage insurers have, through the Mortgage Insurance Companies of America entered voluntarily into an agreement with the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council to report the same data on loans submitted for insurance as is required for most mortgage lenders under HMDA.

 

Privacy and Information Security.    The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, or GLB, imposes consumer information privacy requirements on financial institutions, including obligations to protect and safeguard consumers’ nonpublic personal information and records, and limitations on the re-use of such information. With respect to PMI, GLB is enforced by state insurance regulators. Many of the states have enacted legislation implementing GLB and establishing information security regulation. Some states have enacted privacy laws which impose compliance obligations beyond GLB.

 

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In Europe, the collection and use of personal information is subject to strict regulation. The European Union’s Data Protection Directive establishes a series of privacy requirements that EU member states are obliged to enact in their national legislation. European countries that are not EU member states have similar privacy requirements in their national laws. These requirements apply to all businesses, including insurance companies. In general, companies may process personal information only if consent has been obtained from the persons concerned or if certain other conditions are met.

 

The U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, or the Patriot Act, contains anti-money laundering provisions and financial transparency laws and mandates the implementation of various new regulations applicable to financial services companies including insurance companies. The Patriot Act seeks to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Anti-money laundering laws outside the U.S. contain similar provisions. In September 2002, the U.S. Treasury Department proposed anti-money laundering rules under the Patriot Act, which exempt property and casualty insurers, including our mortgage insurance subsidiaries.

 

Fair Credit Reporting Act.    The Fair and Accurate Transactions Act of 2003, or FACTA, amends and reauthorizes certain provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, including provisions which direct the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, and the Federal Reserve Board, or FRB, to promulgate regulations requiring notice to any consumer receiving an extension or grant of credit based on a counter offer by the creditor on material terms, including interest rate, that are materially less favorable than the terms generally available from the creditor to consumers, based in whole or in part on a consumer report. The FTC and FRB have proposed an effective date of December 1, 2004, for the regulation implementing this provision. It is not clear at this point what that regulation will provide or what its impact, if any, will be on our mortgage insurance operations.

 

11.    Financial Strength Ratings

 

PMI has been assigned the following insurer financial strength ratings: “AA+” by S&P with a negative outlook; “Aa2” by Moody’s with a stable outlook; and “AA+” by Fitch with a stable outlook.

 

PMI’s financial strength ratings have been based in part on the third party reinsurance agreements discussed above and on a capital support commitment from Allstate Insurance Company. Under the terms of a runoff support agreement with Allstate, in the event (i) PMI’s risk-to-capital ratio exceeds 23 to 1, (ii) PMI’s statutory policyholder surplus is less than $15.0 million, or (iii) a third party beneficiary brings a claim under the runoff support agreement, then Allstate may, at its option, in satisfaction of certain obligations it may have under such agreement (A) pay to PMI (or to The PMI Group for contribution to PMI) an amount equal to claims relating to policies written prior to termination of the Allstate support agreements which are not paid by PMI or (B) pay such claims directly to the policyholder. In the event Allstate makes any payment contemplated by the runoff support agreement, Allstate will be entitled to receive, at its option, subordinated debt or preferred stock of PMI or The PMI Group, as applicable, in return. However, we believe that the possibility of Allstate making such a payment is remote because we have several courses of action available to us to maintain PMI’s risk-to-capital ratio at the requisite level.

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac impose requirements on private mortgage insurers for such insurers to be eligible to insure loans sold to such agencies. In order to be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac eligible, PMI must maintain at least two of the following three ratings: “AA-” by Fitch or S&P, or “Aa3” by Moody’s.

 

C.   International Operations, Financial Guaranty and Other Strategic Investments

 

In January 2003, we announced the formation of a new wholly-owned subsidiary, PMI Capital Corporation, to manage our international mortgage operations and strategic investments. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003 from our consolidated subsidiaries, PMI Australia, PMI Europe and APTIC, were approximately 36% of our consolidated revenues compared with approximately 29% in 2002 and 25% in 2001.

 

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These amounts do not include equity earnings from our unconsolidated strategic investments, which are accounted for in our consolidated financial statements on the equity method of accounting in accordance with GAAP. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations— International Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 20. Business Segments, for additional information about geographic areas. Also, the results of operations for APTIC were classified as discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2003 and prior periods have been reclassified accordingly.

 

1.   International Operations

 

Our international mortgage insurance and credit enhancement operations include our operations in Australia and New Zealand, the European Union and Hong Kong.

 

Australia and New Zealand

 

We offer mortgage insurance in Australia and New Zealand through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, PMI Mortgage Insurance Ltd, or PMI Ltd, and PMI Indemnity Limited, or PMI Indemnity. The combined operations of PMI Ltd and PMI Indemnity are referred to as PMI Australia. PMI Australia is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has offices throughout Australia and New Zealand. PMI Australia’s financial strength is rated “AA” by S&P and Fitch, and “Aa3” by Moody’s.

 

At December 31, 2003, the total assets of PMI Australia were $703.8 million compared to $442.4 million at December 31, 2002. We did not hedge the foreign exchange exposure in Australian dollars to U.S. dollars in 2003. The average exchange rate was 0.6529 U.S. dollars per Australian dollar in 2003 compared to 0.5440 in 2002.

 

Single premiums and 100% coverage characterize Australian mortgage insurance, known as “lenders mortgage insurance,” or LMI. Lenders usually collect the single premium from the prospective borrowers and remit the amount to the mortgage insurer. The mortgage insurer in turn invests the proceeds and earns the single premium in its financial statements over time according to an actuarially determined multi-year schedule. Premiums are partly refundable if the policy is canceled within the first year.

 

LMI provides insurance coverage for the unpaid loan balance, including selling costs and expenses, following the sale of the security property. Historically, losses normally range from 20% to 30% of the original loan amount. “Top cover” predominates in New Zealand where the total loss (including expenses) is paid up to a prescribed percentage of the original loan amount. Typical top cover in New Zealand ranges between 20% and 30%.

 

The majority of the loans insured by PMI Australia are variable interest rate loans with terms up to 30 years. Changes in interest rates impact the frequency of defaults and claims with respect to these loans. Given that mortgage interest is not tax deductible in Australia or New Zealand on owner-occupied properties, borrowers have a strong incentive to reduce their principal balance by amortizing or prepaying their mortgages.

 

The five largest Australian banks collectively provide 60% or more of Australia’s residential housing finance. Other market participants in Australian and New Zealand mortgage lending include regional banks, building societies, credit unions and non-bank mortgage originators. PMI Australia’s five largest customers provided 58% of PMI Australia’s 2003 gross premium written. PMI Australia’s principal competitor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Electric Corporation. PMI Australia increased its market share in the Australian mortgage insurance market over 2002 in terms of gross premiums written due to a major competitor leaving the market and increased business from a large customer.

 

A significant portion of PMI Australia’s business is acquired through quota share reinsurance agreements with its lending customers. These quota share reinsurance agreements typically contain a contractual period

 

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under which the lender commits to send PMI Australia a prescribed proportion of business. PMI Australia wrote approximately 46% of its new business premiums under these agreements in 2003, compared to 41% in 2002. PMI Indemnity is not a party to such quota share reinsurance agreements.

 

In 2003, both PMI Ltd and PMI Indemnity maintained their S&P ratings of “AA” with a negative outlook and “AA-”, respectively, and their Moody’s ratings of “Aa3” with a positive outlook, and received affirmation by Fitch of their “AA” rating. On February 18, 2004, Moody’s announced that it had placed the insurance financial strength rating of PMI Ltd under review for a possible upgrade. PMI Australia is a party to capital support agreements in which PMI agrees to provide funds to ensure that both PMI Ltd. and PMI Indemnity are able to maintain prudent levels of capital to maintain their credit ratings.

 

For discussion on PMI Australia’s loss reserves, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, Reserves for Losses and LAE—International Operations.

 

PMI Australia is subject to regulation and examination by both the Australia and New Zealand regulatory authorities concerning many aspects of its business, including the ability to pay dividends.

 

Europe

 

PMI Mortgage Insurance Company Limited, or PMI Europe, is a mortgage insurance and credit enhancement company incorporated and located in Dublin, Ireland, with an affiliated sales company incorporated in the United Kingdom and located in London. PMI Europe is fully authorized to provide credit, suretyship and miscellaneous financial loss insurance by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. PMI Europe’s authorization enables it to offer its products in all of the European Union member states. PMI Europe’s claims paying ability is rated “AA” by S&P and Fitch, and “Aa3” by Moody’s. These ratings are based upon PMI Europe’s initial capitalization, its management expertise, a capital support agreement provided by PMI, and a guarantee by The PMI Group of PMI’s obligations under the capital support agreement.

 

PMI Europe currently offers capital markets products, excess-of-loss reinsurance and primary insurance, all of which are related to credit default risk on residential mortgage loans. Capital markets products are designed to support secondary market transactions, notably credit-linked notes, collateralized debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities or synthetic securities transactions (principally, credit default swap transactions). Lenders frequently engage in these transactions to reduce the capital they must hold pursuant to local banking capital regulations or to provide funding for their mortgage lending activities. As of December 31, 2003, PMI Europe had provided credit protection with respect to German and United Kingdom residential mortgage loans.

 

At December 31, 2003, 26% of PMI Europe’s risk in force stemmed from nine credit default swap transactions, all of which were designed primarily to allow the mortgage lenders involved to reduce the level of required regulatory capital. In three of these transactions, PMI Europe assumed a “first loss,” unrated risk position. In the remaining transactions, PMI Europe’s risk position was rated at least investment grade, the majority being rated AAA. Competitors in this product line include mortgage insurance companies, financial guaranty insurance companies, banks, and traditional bond investors. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than PMI Europe.

 

PMI Europe also offers excess-of-loss reinsurance coverage. Excess-of-loss reinsurance is typically provided to a lender’s captive reinsurance company to reduce that captive lender’s “catastrophic” risk exposure. These transactions are believed to be risk-remote in that the lender or its captive insurer assumes a significant amount of “first loss” risk. This insurance structure is used frequently in the United Kingdom by its largest mortgage lenders. PMI Europe completed one excess-of-loss reinsurance transaction in 2003. As of December 31, 2003, less than 1% of PMI’s Europe’s risk in force stemmed from excess-of-loss reinsurance. Potential competitors with respect to these products include mortgage insurance companies and multi-line insurers.

 

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PMI Europe’s third product line, primary insurance, is similar to the products offered in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Primary insurance is mortgage insurance applied to, priced, and settled on each loan. In Europe today, this product is only purchased regularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. PMI Europe is attempting to develop greater interest and use of primary insurance in other European countries. Potential competitors at the moment include mortgage insurers and multi-line insurers.

 

In October 2003, PMI Europe entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the U.K. lenders’ primary insurance portfolio from Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group plc, or R&SA. The portfolio to be acquired consists of U.K. residential mortgage loans originated in 1993 and subsequent years. The portfolio covers approximately $15 billion of original insured principal value and $2.3 billion of remaining exposure. R&SA transferred all loss reserves and unearned premium reserves associated with the portfolio to PMI Europe totaling approximately $55 million as of October 6, 2003. Included in the reserves transferred was approximately $47 million in unearned premium reserves. R&SA also agreed to provide excess-of-loss reinsurance to PMI Europe with respect to the portfolio. Under the terms of the agreement, R&SA and PMI Europe share certain economic benefits if loss performance is better than expected. The acquisition is subject to U.K. and Irish regulatory approval and U.K. court approval, which is anticipated to take approximately six to nine months, and other customary closing conditions.

 

As an interim measure, TPG Reinsurance Company Limited, or TPG Re, the parent of PMI Europe, has reinsured the R&SA portfolio on a 100% quota share basis effective July 1, 2003, which reinsurance will remain in place until the date the portfolio is transferred to PMI Europe following court approval. PMI Europe has guaranteed TPG Re’s obligations under the reinsurance arrangement. As of December 31, 2003, 74% of our European operations’ risk in force stemmed from this reinsurance transaction. Once the portfolio is transferred to PMI Europe, the reinsurance agreement will be terminated.

 

To limit our exposure in the event of severe economic circumstances, R&SA has agreed to reinsure TPG Re in respect of the R&SA portfolio for $55 million of losses in excess of the first $55 million. As of December 31, 2003, R&SA has deposited approximately $10.8 million with TPG Re to partly secure its obligations under the excess-of-loss contract. TPG Re’s rights and interests under the excess-of-loss contract, as well as the $10.8 million deposit, will transfer to PMI Europe upon transfer of the R&SA portfolio.

 

For discussion on PMI Europe’s loss reserves, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, Reserves for Losses and LAE—International Operations.

 

Hong Kong

 

Through its Hong Kong branch, PMI has entered into a reinsurance agreement with the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation, or HKMC, a public sector entity created to add liquidity to the Hong Kong residential mortgage market. HKMC is a direct insurer of residential mortgages with LTVs of up to 90%. PMI, among other insurers, provides reinsurance coverage on amounts over 70% LTV. For the year ended December 31, 2003, PMI reinsured $469.3 million of loans under its reinsurance agreement with HKMC. Insurance in force was $1.264 billion at December 31, 2003, compared to $959.4 million at December 31, 2002.

 

2.   Financial Guaranty Insurance and Reinsurance

 

FGIC Corporation

 

The PMI Group is the strategic investor in a group of investors that acquired Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, or FGIC, together with its immediate holding company, FGIC Corporation, from General Electric Capital Corporation, or GECC, on December 18, 2003 for a total value of $2.18 billion, including a $284 million earnings dividend paid by FGIC prior to closing. The investor group includes affiliates of The Blackstone Group,

 

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The Cypress Group and CIVC Partners L.P. GECC retained a 5% common equity interest in FGIC Corporation. PMI is the largest shareholder with an ownership interest of approximately 42% of the outstanding common stock of FGIC Corporation. We account for this investment under the equity method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock and, accordingly, the investment is not consolidated. We believe that this investment will provide us with the opportunity to realize our strategic goal of becoming a global provider of credit enhancement products across multiple asset and risk classes, which would include achieving a major presence in the primary financial guaranty industry.

 

FGIC is primarily engaged in the business of providing financial guaranty insurance for municipal bonds and asset-backed securities. FGIC began its financial guaranty insurance operations in 1983. The financial guaranty insurance policies which FGIC insures typically guarantee scheduled payments on an issuer’s obligations. Upon a payment default on an insured obligation, FGIC is generally required to pay the principal and interest due in accordance with the obligation’s original payment schedule. FGIC’s financial strength is rated “AAA” by S&P and Fitch, and “Aaa” by Moody’s. FGIC is licensed to engage in financial guaranty insurance in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and through a branch in the United Kingdom. FGIC Corporation’s senior unsecured debt is rated “AA” by S&P, “Aa2” by Moody’s and “AA” by Fitch.

 

To date, FGIC has provided financial guaranty insurance primarily for municipal obligations and, to a lesser extent, for asset-backed securities. Municipal obligations include general obligation bonds supported by the issuer’s taxing power and special revenue bonds and other special obligations of state and local governments supported by the issuer’s ability to impose and collect fees and charges for public services or specific projects. Asset-backed obligations are generally issued in structured transactions backed by pools of assets such as residential mortgage loans, consumer or trade receivables, securities or other assets having an ascertainable cash flow or market value. As of December 31, 2003, $206.7 billion of FGIC’s total net par outstanding, or 91.6% of FGIC’s total net par outstanding, represented insurance of municipal obligations.

 

To date, FGIC has participated on a selective basis in the asset-backed obligation market. Asset-backed obligations or securitizations are secured by or payable from a specific pool of assets held by a special purpose issuing entity. FGIC’s focus in the asset-backed obligation market has been on mortgage-backed securities, particularly securities backed by home equity lines of credit.

 

At December 31, 2003, FGIC Corporation had consolidated total assets of $3.0 billion, including $2.8 billion of cash and investment securities. At December 31, 2003, FGIC’s statutory capital base under statutory accounting practices was $1.8 billion.

 

Our stockholders agreement with the other members of the investor group provides for certain corporate governance arrangements with respect to FGIC Corporation. The stockholders agreement provides, among other things, that we will select five of the 14 board members, and that an unaffiliated Chairman of the Board will be selected by the Blackstone funds and Cypress funds subject to our reasonable approval. We have also designated one of our directors as the non-executive Vice-Chairman of FGIC and FGIC Corporation.

 

Pursuant to the stockholders agreement, a number of important corporate matters with respect to FGIC and FGIC Corporation may not be acted on without the approval of specified members of the board of directors and, in some cases, without the approval of specified members of the investor group. These corporate matters include, among other things, approval of the annual business plan, removal of the chief executive officer, a public offering of equity securities and a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all assets. The duration of the approval requirements varies by matter and in some instances terminates upon a public offering of FGIC Corporation common stock in which the aggregate public offering price is at least $100 million, or a qualified public offering.

 

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We and the other parties to the stockholders agreement have agreed not to sell any of our shares of FGIC Corporation common stock until all preferred securities issued to GECC, or the securities into which they have been converted, in connection with the acquisition have been redeemed in full or otherwise cease to be outstanding. Even if all such securities have been redeemed or cease to be outstanding, we and the other parties to the stockholders agreement have agreed not to sell any of our shares until the earlier of the fifth anniversary of closing or a qualified public offering. Once these transfer restrictions described above have lapsed, no member of the investor group may sell shares of common stock of FGIC Corporation without first offering to sell those shares to FGIC Corporation and the other stockholders at the price that the selling stockholder would be willing to sell such shares to a third party. Except as described below, this right of first offer will terminate upon a qualified public offering.

 

In addition, after the fifth anniversary of the closing but prior to a qualified public offering, and assuming that the preferred securities issued to GECC, or the securities into which they have been converted, have been redeemed in full or otherwise cease to be outstanding, we, or the Blackstone funds and the Cypress funds collectively, will be entitled to cause the other to sell all its shares to a third party. We, or the Blackstone funds and the Cypress funds collectively, must control at least 40% of the then outstanding FGIC Corporation common stock (other than any shares issued in private offerings following the closing) to exercise this right. This right can only be exercised in connection with a sale in a bona fide arm’s length transaction to a third party unaffiliated with the investor or investors initiating the sale and is subject to limitations regarding the type of consideration that must be offered. This right will continue even after a qualified public offering so long as we, or the Blackstone funds and the Cypress funds collectively, continue to hold equity securities of FGIC Corporation representing at least 85% of their respective original equity securities and at least 25% of the outstanding shares of common stock (other than any shares issued in private offerings following the closing) and as long as the price per share of common stock in the sale meets specified criteria. No stockholder can exercise this right to force a sale without first offering that stockholder’s shares to FGIC Corporation and the other stockholders under the right of first offer described above.

 

Under the stockholders agreement, we may not purchase any shares offered to us pursuant to the right of first offer described above (unless offered by a Blackstone fund or a Cypress fund) to the extent that the purchase would cause us to own more than 49% of the outstanding FGIC Corporation common stock. In addition, following a qualified public offering, we generally may not purchase any additional shares of FGIC Corporation common stock until the earlier of (1) the fifth anniversary of the qualified public offering or (2) the date that the Blackstone funds and the Cypress funds hold equity securities of FGIC Corporation representing less than 33% of the shares of common stock held by them at closing. The standstill limitation described in the preceding sentence will terminate automatically in the event of specified acquisitions or offers to acquire ownership of FGIC Corporation equity securities by third parties. Finally, so long as the Blackstone funds or the Cypress funds own any FGIC Corporation equity securities, we may not purchase or sell any FGIC Corporation common stock if the purchase or sale would reasonably be expected to result in a downgrade of the then current financial strength ratings of FGIC Corporation or FGIC.

 

FGIC’s ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions contained in the insurance laws and related regulations of New York and other states where FGIC is licensed to do insurance business. Under New York insurance law, FGIC may pay dividends out of statutory earned surplus, provided that statutory surplus after any dividend may not be less than the minimum required paid-in capital and provided that together with all dividends declared or distributed by FGIC during the preceding 12 months, the dividends do not exceed the lesser of (1) 10% of policyholders’ surplus as of its last statement filed with the New York superintendent or (2) adjusted net investment income during this period. In addition, in accordance with the normal practice of the New York Insurance Department in connection with change in control applications, FGIC Corporation is subject to commitments to the department that it will prevent FGIC from paying any dividends for a period of two years from the date of the acquisition by the investor group without the prior written consent of the department.

 

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RAM Re

 

We own 24.9% of RAM Holdings Ltd. and RAM Holdings II Ltd., or RAM Re Holdings, which are the holding companies for RAM Re. The RAM Re holding companies’ other major shareholders include Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, CIVC Partners, Greenwich Street Capital Partners, MBIA Insurance Corp. and High Ridge Capital Partners. RAM Re commenced business in February 1998 with the purpose of reinsuring municipal, structured finance and international debt obligations originally underwritten by “AAA”-rated guarantors. RAM Re provides reinsurance to primary financial guarantor companies that market credit enhancement of debt securities through insurance on scheduled payments on an issuer’s obligations. RAM Re’s insured portfolio consists primarily of municipal securities and structured products, principally asset-backed securities. RAM Re’s major customers include Ambac Financial Group, Inc., MBIA Insurance Corp., Financial Security Assurance, Inc. and FGIC.

 

The financial guaranty policies which RAM Re reinsures typically cover full and timely payment of scheduled principal and interest on debt securities. A reinsurer receives its share of the premium from the primary insurer, and typically pays a ceding commission to the primary insurer as compensation for underwriting expenses. Insurance is ceded by the primaries to the reinsurers either on a treaty or facultative basis. Treaty reinsurance typically involves an agreement covering a defined class of business where the reinsurer must assume, and the insurer must cede, a portion of all risks defined by the terms of the treaty. In facultative agreements, reinsurance is negotiated on a case-by-case basis for coverage of individual transactions or business segments, giving both parties control over the credit process. In recent years, treaty policies have become more prominent.

 

RAM Re is currently rated “AAA” by S&P and “Aa3” by Moody’s. RAM Re and its holding companies are subject to regulation under the laws of Bermuda.

 

3.   Residential Lender Services

 

APTIC

 

On October 27, 2003, we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement to sell APTIC for $115 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustment, to a subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and we expect it to close in the first half of 2004. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, the results of operations for APTIC were classified as discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2003 and prior periods have been reclassified accordingly. We expect to realize a gain on the sale of APTIC in the first or second quarter of 2004.

 

APTIC is licensed in 45 states and the District of Columbia. A title insurance policy protects the insured party against losses resulting from title defects, liens and encumbrances existing as of the effective date of the policy and not specifically excepted from the policy’s coverage. Title policy issuing agency relationships are memorialized by written contracts and are generally long-term in nature without the right of immediate unilateral termination by either party. Based on direct premiums written during 2002, APTIC is ranked fourth among the 28 active title insurers conducting business in Florida. For the year ended December 31, 2003, 48% of APTIC’s premiums earned came from its Florida operations, compared to 47% in 2002.

 

APTIC generates title insurance business through both direct and indirect marketing to realtors, attorneys and lenders. As a direct marketer, APTIC operates under the name Chelsea Title Company, a branch network of title production facilities and real estate closing offices. As an indirect marketer APTIC recruits and works with corporate title agencies, attorney agencies and approved attorneys. Its agency business accounted for 97% of APTIC’s premiums earned for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

APTIC’s claims-paying ability is currently rated “AA” (“very high”) by Fitch, “A"” by Demotech, Inc. and “A” by LACE. APTIC’s claims-paying rating by Fitch is based in part on a capital support agreement provided by The PMI Group.

 

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APTIC is subject to comprehensive regulation in the states in which it is licensed to transact business. Among other things, such regulation requires APTIC to adhere to certain financial standards relating to statutory reserves and other criteria of solvency. Generally, title insurers are restricted to writing only title insurance, and may not transact any other kind of insurance. This restriction prohibits APTIC from using its capital and resources in support of other types of insurance businesses.

 

Fairbanks

 

As of December 31, 2003, our ownership interest is approximately 57% and our investment balance in Fairbanks is approximately $115.8 million. Fairbanks’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Fairbanks Capital Corp., or Fairbanks Capital, services single-family residential mortgages and specializes in the resolution of nonperforming, subperforming, subprime, Alternative A, and home equity loans. Fairbanks is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and maintains servicing facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah, Hatboro, Pennsylvania, Jacksonville, Florida and Austin, Texas. Fairbanks’ Austin facility is scheduled to close at the end of March 2004.

 

Established in 1989, Fairbanks Capital initially acquired subperforming and nonperforming loans for its own portfolio. It later began managing and resolving non-performing loans and servicing subprime products for third parties, transitioning itself to a third-party servicer of subprime, Alternative A and home equity products. As of December 31, 2003, Fairbanks Capital serviced approximately $41 billion in mortgages, compared to approximately $49 billion as of December 31, 2002.

 

Fairbanks utilizes various notes payable and line of credit arrangements to finance servicing advances that it makes in the normal course of business and to finance the acquisition of mortgage servicing rights. These borrowing arrangements require repayment of the financed amount as servicing receivables are collected or in the case of mortgage servicing rights, using monthly amortizing payments not to exceed 18 months. Financing counterparties include various Wall Street investment banks and national commercial lenders. Fairbanks’ total notes payable, cash and cash equivalents and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2003 were $244.6 million, $29.8 million and $132.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2003, Fairbanks owned approximately $114.7 million of purchased mortgage servicing rights.

 

Fairbanks Capital’s business is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and licensing by various state and federal agencies. On the federal level, Fairbanks Capital’s business is regulated by, among other statutes and regulations, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, RESPA, the Truth in Lending Act and the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994. Fairbanks Capital is also subject to the laws of the states in which it is licensed as a mortgage servicer or debt collector relating to its practices, procedures and type and amount of fees it can collect from borrowers. For a discussion of litigation actions and regulatory matters facing Fairbanks, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations, Other and —Risk Factors.

 

D.   Investment Portfolio

 

As of December 31, 2003, The PMI Group and its consolidated subsidiaries had total cash and cash equivalents of $397.1 million and investments of $2.8 billion. The U.S. companies included in the consolidated financial statements (including The PMI Group, PMI, RGC, PMG, RIC, CLIC and WMAC), or the U.S. Portfolio, held cash and cash equivalents and investments of $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2003. The U.S. Portfolio is managed by The PMI Group’s Corporate Finance and Administration Department under The PMI Group and Subsidiaries Investment Policy Statement, or the Policy, as adopted by The PMI Group’s Board of Directors. A small percentage of the U.S. Portfolio is invested in common stock of publicly traded corporations and is managed by an external investment advisor, Weiss, Peck & Greer. APTIC’s portfolio has not been included in the totals above due to its pending sale.

 

The principal objective of the Policy is to attain consistent and competitive after-tax total returns. The Policy emphasizes optimizing the level of income, while maintaining adequate levels of liquidity, safety and

 

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preservation of capital. Portfolio appreciation and minimization of taxes are secondary objectives. The Policy sets forth permissible investor sector allocation ranges, fixed income duration range, and per issuer credit based limits.

 

As of December 31, 2003, based on market value and excluding cash and cash equivalents, approximately 90% of the U.S. Portfolio was invested in fixed income securities and approximately 10% was invested in equity securities. 96% of the fixed income investments were rated “A” or better by at least one nationally recognized securities rating organization, and of those, 63% were rated “AAA,” 22% were rated “AA,” and 11% were rated “A.” The fixed income portfolios’ modified duration was 4.6 years as of December 31, 2003.

 

Investments held by The PMI Group’s insurance subsidiaries (i.e., PMI, RGC, PMG, RIC, CLIC, and WMAC) are subject to the insurer investment laws of each of the states in which they are licensed. These statutes, designed to preserve insurer assets for the protection of policyholders, set limits on the percentage of assets that an insurer can hold in certain investment categories (e.g., under Arizona law, no more than 20% in equity securities) and with a single issuer (e.g., 10% under Arizona law).

 

PMI Australia and PMI Europe’s investments are subject to the investment policies adopted by their respective boards of directors and are managed by investment advisory firms under separate investment management agreements. The PMI Group’s Corporate Finance and Administration Department regularly reviews the investments of PMI Australia and PMI Europe. Their boards of directors also review the respective investment portfolios on a quarterly basis. PMI Australia and PMI Europe’s investment policies specify that the portfolios must have a concentration of investments in intermediate-term, high-grade bonds.

 

As of December 31, 2003, PMI Australia had $642.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and investments managed by Deutsche Asset Management. The investment portfolio consists mainly of high-grade Australian currency-denominated fixed income securities issued by sovereign, semi-government, and corporate entities. At December 31, 2003, the portfolio’s duration was 4.1 years. The entire Australian bond portfolio is rated “A” or better. The portfolio also contains a small allocation of investments in Australian equity securities.

 

As of December 31, 2003, PMI Europe had cash and cash equivalents and investments of $194.4 million, which is largely managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management. The investment portfolio consists of Euro and U.K. Sterling currency-denominated fixed income securities issued by sovereign, agency, and corporate entities. The portfolio’s duration was 4.3 years at December 31, 2003. PMI Europe’s portfolio did not contain investments in equity securities as of year end.

 

Our unconsolidated strategic investments which have significant investment portfolios are: FGIC, which is currently managed by GE Asset Management and will be managed by Blackrock Financial and Wellington Management later in 2004; CMG, managed by CIMCO; and RAM Re, managed by MBIA Asset Management. The PMI Group’s ownership interest in the foregoing entities is approximately 42%, 50%, and 25%, respectively. The Corporate Finance and Administration Department reviews these entities’ investment portfolios and strategies on a quarterly basis. Through our representation on their boards of directors, we have limited ability to influence their investment management.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

We are subject to foreign currency risk exposure due to operations in foreign countries whose currencies fluctuate relative to the U.S. dollar, the basis of our consolidated financial reporting. The risk falls into two general categories: economic exposure and transaction exposure. Economic exposure is defined as the unexpected change between anticipated net cash flow in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and the actual results that are reflected in our consolidated financial statements after translation. In 2003, PMI estimates that weakness in the U.S. dollar relative to the Australian dollar and Euro created a positive variation to consolidated net income which amounted to $8.7 million based on the applicable exchange rates as of December 31, 2002.

 

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Transaction exposure refers to currency risk related to specific transactions and is defined as occurring between the time a firm commitment in a foreign currency is entered into, and the time the cash is actually paid. Under The PMI Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Derivative Use Plan’s Foreign Exchange Policy Guidelines, we are authorized to hedge our transaction exposure through the purchase of forward currency contracts. PMI had no transactions of this nature in 2003.

 

E.   Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, The PMI Group, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries and CMG had 1,328 full-time and part-time employees, of which 752 persons performed services primarily for PMI, 179 were employed by PMI Australia, six were employed by PMI Europe, 24 performed services primarily for CMG, and an additional 367 persons were employed by APTIC. Our employees are not unionized and we consider our employee relations to be good. In addition, MSC had 478 temporary workers and contract underwriters as of December 31, 2003.

 

Item 2.   Properties

 

We currently lease approximately 120,800 square feet of office space in Walnut Creek, California for our home office from PMI Plaza LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PMI, which lease terminates in 2009. PMI is in the process of subleasing its former home office of approximately 100,000 square feet in San Francisco under a lease which expires in December 2004. The remaining rent owed on this lease has been accrued as a charge associated with our relocation to Walnut Creek in August 2002. PMI leases branch offices throughout the United States and its operations data center in Rancho Cordova, California. PMI will consolidate certain field underwriting and sales offices and reduce the number of field personnel in 2004. We conduct our international operations in leased facilities in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

 

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings

 

Fairbanks and Fairbanks Capital’s servicing practices have been the subject of investigations by the FTC, HUD and the Department of Justice. On November 12, 2003, the FTC and HUD announced that they had reached a settlement of their ongoing investigations of Fairbanks. We have guaranteed approximately two-thirds of the funds that may become due to its lenders under a $30.7 million letter of credit, which may be drawn upon by the FTC as security for a portion of a $40 million redress fund as part of the settlement. The settlement is contingent upon the settlement order of the federal district court in Massachusetts becoming finally effective, which will occur upon the related final settlement of certain class action litigation (see below). If the FTC were to file an enforcement action against Fairbanks, it might also name us in such a proceeding.

 

Fairbanks has entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in certain of the putative class action suits pending against it. The settlement agreement provides for the payment by Fairbanks of attorney’s fees and costs, the implementation of the $40 million redress fund negotiated jointly with the FTC, a “reverse or reimburse” program through which affected customers’ accounts will be credited or refunds will be issued for certain previously assessed amounts, and a stipulation regarding its future operations. There can be no assurance that the court will approve the settlement. In addition, PMI has been named as a defendant in several actions relating to the practices of Fairbanks. With the exception of two actions in California, both of which have been stayed, the actions in which PMI has been named as a defendant have been dismissed without prejudice or settled by Fairbanks Capital. If the Fairbanks Capital settlement of the class action litigation described above is effected, that settlement will include a release of PMI.

 

HUD’s criminal investigation into Fairbanks Capital’s servicing practices has concluded, and Fairbanks believes that the Department of Justice criminal investigation is closed. Regulatory agencies in five states in which Fairbanks Capital does a significant amount of business have indicated that, notwithstanding the settlement by Fairbanks with the FTC and HUD, they intend to require Fairbanks Capital to refund to consumers

 

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in their respective states amounts that they allege Fairbanks Capital had improperly collected and to enter into consent decrees regulating various aspects of Fairbanks Capital’s business. In addition, Fairbanks has entered into a consent order with the State of Maryland under which it has agreed to change certain of its practices under Maryland law and refund certain amounts to Maryland borrowers. For information regarding legal and regulatory matters with respect to Fairbanks, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors.

 

On June 24, 2003, an action against APTIC was filed in the Circuit Court of the State of Florida, Broward County, seeking certification of a statewide class of consumers and alleging that, under Florida laws and regulations applicable to title insurance companies, APTIC was required to but failed to disclose to the plaintiffs that they were entitled to a reduced fee on the title insurance policies purchased by plaintiffs in connection with refinancings of their mortgages. APTIC is also subject to a similar lawsuit in the Supreme Court of New York, County of Nassau, and may be subject to additional similar lawsuits in the future. APTIC intends to vigorously defend these claims. These actions seek, among other things, damages and declaratory and injunctive relief. APTIC intends to vigorously defend these claims. However, we cannot be sure that the outcome of this or any similar litigation will not materially affect our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

The appeal in Baynham, et al. v. PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., arising from PMI’s earlier settlement of a class action in the 11th Federal Circuit in Georgia, has been dismissed after a settlement among the plaintiffs and certain objectors in the class action. As a result of dismissal of the appeal, the settlement in the underlying class action has proceeded. We have previously disclosed the terms of the settlement in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. PMI has taken charges in 2000, 2001 and 2002 in the amount of its estimated contribution to the settlement of the underlying class action. Settlement proceeds were distributed to plaintiffs in December 2003 and January 2004, and the settlement agreement’s three year injunction expired on December 31, 2003. The injunction, which extended to all members, present and future, of the putative class, provided that so long as certain products and services challenged in the lawsuit, including agency pool insurance, contract underwriting, reinsurance agreements with reinsurance affiliates of lenders and mortgage insurance restructuring transactions with the GSEs, met the minimum requirements for risk transfer and cost recovery specified in the injunction, they would be deemed to be in compliance with RESPA and other applicable laws. The injunction also prohibited lawsuits by class members for any mortgage insurance related claims, including but not limited to such products and services, for any loan transaction closed on or before December 31, 2003.

 

In April 2002, PMI commenced litigation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. v. American International Specialty Lines Insurance Company, et al.) to obtain reimbursement from its former insurance carriers for costs incurred in connection with its defense and settlement of the Baynham action. In November 2002, PMI and its former insurance carriers filed competing motions for summary judgment on the issue of whether the activities of PMI that were the subject of the Baynham action were “professional services” and, therefore, covered under the relevant insurance policies. On December 16, 2002, the District Court denied PMI’s motion for summary judgment and granted the insurance carriers’ motion for summary judgment. PMI’s appeal is currently pending.

 

In June 2003, an action against PMI was filed in the federal district court of Orlando, Florida, seeking certification of a nationwide class of consumers who allegedly were required to pay for private mortgage insurance written by PMI and whose loans allegedly were insured at greater than PMI’s “best available rate.” The action alleges violations of FCRA. PMI intends to vigorously defend this action. This action seeks, among other things, damages and declaratory and injunctive relief. PMI intends to vigorously defend these claims. However, we cannot be sure that the outcome of this or any similar litigation will not materially affect our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Various other legal actions and regulatory reviews are currently pending that involve us and specific aspects of our conduct of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability or resolution in one or more of the foregoing actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT

 

Set forth below is certain information regarding The PMI Group’s executive officers as of February 27, 2004.

 

W. ROGER HAUGHTON, 56, is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The PMI Group and Chairman of PMI. He brings more than 33 years of experience to his positions. Mr. Haughton joined us in 1985 from Allstate Insurance Company, where he held various underwriting positions since 1969. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of PMI from January 1993 until January 2004. He became President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of The PMI Group when The PMI Group went public in April 1995, and was elected Chairman of the Board in May 1998. A graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, Mr. Haughton holds a B.A. in economics. He is a member of the executive committee and past President and current Vice President of Mortgage Insurance Companies of America, the industry trade association. Mr. Haughton has a long history of active volunteerism with various affordable housing organizations. Mr. Haughton is a member of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity International, and is on the board and is a former Chairman of Social Compact, a Washington D.C. organization dedicated to promoting revitalization of America’s inner cities. He is also on the executive committee and board of San Francisco’s Bay Area Council. Mr. Haughton is a trustee for the University of California at Santa Barbara, and he also serves on the policy advisory boards for both the Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economics at the University of California at Berkeley and the School of Real Estate at the University of San Diego.

 

L. STEPHEN SMITH, 54, has been President and Chief Operating Officer of The PMI Group and PMI since September 1998, and has been Chief Executive Officer of PMI since January 2004. Prior thereto he was Executive Vice President of Marketing and Field Operations of PMI since May 1994 and was elected to the same positions with The PMI Group in January 1995. Prior thereto, he held various executive positions since 1991. Mr. Smith joined us in 1979. Mr. Smith is a member of our Board of Directors.

 

BRADLEY M. SHUSTER, 49, has been President, International and Strategic Investments of The PMI Group and President and Chief Executive Officer of PMI Capital Corporation since January 1, 2003. Prior thereto, he was Executive Vice President Corporate Development of The PMI Group and PMI since February 1999. Prior thereto he was Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Investment Officer of PMI since August 1995, and was elected to the same position with The PMI Group, in September 1995. Prior to joining PMI, he was an audit partner with the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was employed from January 1978 to July 1995.

 

VICTOR J. BACIGALUPI, 60, has been Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of The PMI Group and PMI since February 2003. Prior thereto he was Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of The PMI Group and PMI since August 1999, and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of The PMI Group and PMI since November 1996. Prior to joining The PMI Group, he was a partner in the law firm of Bronson, Bronson & McKinnon LLP, San Francisco, California since February 1992.

 

DONALD P. LOFE, JR., 47, has been Executive Vice President of The PMI Group and PMI since January 2003 and has been Chief Financial Officer of The PMI Group and PMI since April 1, 2003. Prior to joining The PMI Group, Mr. Lofe was Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance for the CNA Financial Corporation from October 1998 until January 2003. From October 1991 until November 1998, Mr. Lofe was an audit partner with the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was employed for approximately 20 years. Mr. Lofe is a certified public accountant.

 

JOHN H. FULFORD, 54, has been Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Lender Services of PMI Capital Corporation since February 2003. From August 2001 to January 2003, he was Executive Vice President, National Sales of The PMI Group and PMI. Prior thereto Mr. Fulford was Senior Vice President, National Sales of The PMI Group and PMI since August 1997. Prior to joining The PMI Group, he served as

 

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Senior Vice President, Marketing at Fannie Mae from February 1996 to March 1997 and as Senior Vice President for the company’s Western Region from May 1985 to February 1997. Prior thereto, Mr. Fulford was a Vice President at Fannie Mae since 1983.

 

DANIEL L. ROBERTS, 53, has been Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of The PMI Group and PMI since March 1, 2000. Prior thereto he was Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer of The PMI Group and PMI since December 1997. Prior to joining The PMI Group, he was Vice President and Chief Information Officer of St. Joseph Health System, a position he held since he joined that company in October 1994. Prior thereto, he was Vice President, Information Services and Chief Information Officer for a division of Catholic Healthcare West, positions he held since joining the company in December 1990. Mr. Roberts was a consulting partner with the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP from July 1985 to December 1990. Since August 2001, Mr. Roberts has served on the Board of Directors of Versant Corporation and he serves on the Audit and Nominating Committees of that Board.

 

DAVID H. KATKOV, 48, has been Executive Vice President, Field Operations and Product Development of The PMI Group and PMI since February 2004. Prior thereto he was Executive Vice President, National Accounts and Product Development from February 2003 to February 2004 and Executive Vice President Product Development, Pricing, and Portfolio Management from August 2001 to February 2003. Mr. Katkov commenced his employment with PMI in 1992 and has held executive positions in marketing and related functions. Prior to joining PMI, Mr. Katkov was a Vice President of US Bank Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

REINHARD B. KOESTER, 38, has been Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer of The PMI Group since October 2003. Prior thereto he was Group Senior Vice President, Chief Corporate Risk Officer of The PMI Group and had held that position since joining The PMI Group on February 17, 2003. Prior to joining The PMI Group, Mr. Koester was a Vice President at Goldman, Sachs & Co. since 1998.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.   Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Common Stock

 

The PMI Group is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange under the trading symbol “PMI.” As of February 27, 2004, there were approximately 47 stockholders of record.

 

The following table shows the high, low and closing common stock prices by quarter from the New York Stock Exchange Composite Listing for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002:

 

     2003

   2002

     High

   Low

   Close

   High

   Low

   Close

First quarter

   $ 32.25    $ 24.03    $ 25.55    $ 38.23    $ 32.95    $ 37.88

Second quarter

     31.90      25.56      26.84      44.00      37.26      38.20

Third quarter

     36.21      26.85      33.75      39.15      26.18      27.21

Fourth quarter

     39.38      33.79      37.23      33.15      24.82      30.04

 

Preferred Stock

 

The PMI Group’s Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock of The PMI Group in classes or series and to fix the designations, preferences, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of any class or series with respect to the rate and nature of dividends, the price and terms and conditions on which shares may be redeemed, the amount payable in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, the terms and conditions for conversion or exchange into any other class or series of the stock, voting rights and other terms. The PMI Group may issue, without the approval of the holders of common stock, preferred stock that has voting, dividend or liquidation rights superior to the common stock and which may adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock. The PMI Group has reserved up to 400,000 shares of preferred stock for issuance under the Rights Plan described below.

 

Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan

 

On January 13, 1998, The PMI Group adopted a Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan, or the Rights Plan. Under the Rights Plan, all stockholders of record as of January 26, 1998 received rights to purchase shares of a new series of preferred stock on the basis of one right for each common stock held on that date. However, rights issued under the Rights Plan will not be exercisable initially. The rights will trade with The PMI Group’s common stock and no certificates will be issued until certain triggering events occur. The Rights Plan has a ten year term from the record date, but The PMI Group’s Board of Directors will review the merits of redeeming or continuing the Rights Plan annually. Rights issued under the plan will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 10% or more of The PMI Group’s common stock or announces a tender offer for 10% or more of the common stock. If a person or group acquires 10% or more of The PMI Group’s common stock, all rights holders except the buyer will be entitled to acquire The PMI Group’s common stock at a discount and/or under certain circumstances to purchase shares of the acquiring company at a discount. The Rights Plan contains an exception that would allow passive institutional investors to acquire up to a 15% ownership interest before the rights would become exercisable.

 

Payment of Dividends and Policy

 

The PMI Group has paid regular dividends on its common stock of:

 

    $0.0375 per share in each quarter since the quarter ended June 30, 2003;

 

    $0.025 per share (as adjusted for our 2-for-1 stock split on June 17, 2002) in each of the five quarters in the period from April 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003;

 

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    $0.02 per share (as adjusted for our 2-for-1 stock split on June 17, 2002) in each of the eleven quarters in the period from July 1, 1999 through March 31, 2002; and

 

    $0.0166 per share (as adjusted for our 3-for-2 stock split on August 16, 1999 and for our 2-for-1 stock split on June 17, 2002) in each of the sixteen quarters in the period from July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1999.

 

The payment of future dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors, which will consider, among other factors, our operating results, overall financial condition and capital requirements, as well as general business conditions. The PMI Group, as a holding company, is dependent upon dividends and any other permitted payments from its subsidiaries to enable it to pay dividends and to service outstanding debt. PMI’s ability to pay dividends or make distributions or returns of capital to The PMI Group is affected by state insurance laws, credit agreements, rating agencies, the discretion of insurance regulatory authorities and the terms of our runoff support agreement with Allstate Insurance Company and capital support agreements with our subsidiaries. See Item. 1, Section B. 10., Regulation, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources and —Risk Factors, and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 16. Dividends and Shareholders’ Equity.

 

Stock Repurchases

 

In 1998, The PMI Group’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program in the amount of $100 million. In the first quarter of 2003, we repurchased approximately $20 million of common stock of The PMI Group, and there is no available balance remaining under the 1998 authorization.

 

On February 20, 2003, The PMI Group’s Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program in the amount of $100 million. As of the date of this report, no repurchases have occurred under this authorization.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

For information on securities authorized for issuance under The PMI Group’s equity compensation plan, refer to Item 3 in The PMI Group’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting for Stockholders, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 

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Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

 

The following financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

THE PMI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NINE-YEAR SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL DATA

 

     As of and for the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

    1998

    1997

    1996

    1995

 
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data or otherwise noted)  

Summary of consolidated operations

                                                                        

Net premiums written

   $ 876,001     $ 691,607     $ 600,288     $ 535,078     $ 471,135     $ 409,796     $ 372,113     $ 349,809     $ 271,320  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Premiums earned

   $ 696,928     $ 676,857     $ 597,221     $ 530,378     $ 458,505     $ 411,922     $ 394,010     $ 359,527     $ 286,056  

Net investment income

     149,779       120,581       129,773       105,665       86,447       80,055       80,424       66,776       62,918  

Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries

     4,597       44,225       18,788       11,880       7,061       3,225       1,455       1,547       (605 )

Net realized investment gains

     84       1,329       11       432       509       24,611       19,584       14,296       11,934  

Other

     40,333       39,126       28,643       8,309       15,825       20,335       7,949       6,948       4,705  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total revenues

     891,721       882,118       774,436       656,664       568,347       540,148       503,422       449,094       365,008  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     209,088       157,575       108,830       100,992       111,678       135,097       150,366       150,643       110,963  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     89,327       83,416       81,782       77,337       80,252       60,280       43,395       48,302       52,881  

Other underwriting and operating expenses

     175,693       144,877       128,730       95,317       81,846       73,364       58,520       30,343       23,476  

Lease abandonment and relocation costs

     —         12,183       —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Litigation settlement charge

     —         12,222       —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Interest expense

     20,815       17,654       15,218       10,361       8,705       7,181       6,907       941       47  

Distributions on mandatorily redeemable preferred securities

     3,676       4,030       7,604       8,309       8,309       8,311       7,617       —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total losses and expenses

     498,599       431,957       342,164       292,316       290,790       284,233       266,805       230,229       187,367  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     393,122       450,161       432,272       364,348       277,556       255,915       236,617       218,865       177,641  

Income taxes from continuing operations

     118,814       124,545       129,655       110,380       81,198       72,405       65,339       62,598       44,445  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations