Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and include the accounts of Radian Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions, and intercompany profits and losses, have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

We refer to Radian Group Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries as “Radian,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our,” unless the context requires otherwise. We generally refer to Radian Group Inc. alone, without its consolidated subsidiaries, as “Radian Group.” Unless otherwise defined in this report, certain terms and acronyms used throughout this report are defined in the Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms included as part of this report.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. While the amounts included in our consolidated financial statements include our best estimates and assumptions, actual results may vary materially.

Reserve for Losses and LAE

We establish reserves to provide for losses and LAE, which include the estimated costs of settling claims in our Mortgage Insurance segment, in accordance with the accounting standard regarding accounting and reporting by insurance enterprises. Although this standard specifically excludes mortgage insurance from its guidance relating to the reserve for losses, because there is no specific guidance for mortgage insurance, we establish reserves for mortgage insurance as described below, using the guidance contained in this standard supplemented with other accounting guidance.

Estimating our loss reserves involves significant reliance upon assumptions and estimates with regard to the likelihood, magnitude and timing of each potential loss, including an estimate of the impact of our Loss Mitigation Activities. The models, assumptions and estimates we use to establish loss reserves may prove to be inaccurate, especially during an extended economic downturn or a period of extreme market volatility and uncertainty. As such, we cannot be certain that our reserve estimate will be adequate to cover ultimate losses on incurred defaults. For example, our mortgage insurance loss reserves generally increase as defaulted loans age, because historically, as defaulted loans age, they have been more likely to result in foreclosure, and therefore, have been more likely to result in a claim payment. While we believe this remains accurate, following the financial crisis, there are a significant number of loans in our defaulted portfolio that have been in default for an extended period of time, but which have not been subject to foreclosure, and therefore, have not resulted in claims. As a result, significant uncertainty remains with respect to the ultimate resolution of these aged defaults. This uncertainty requires management to use considerable judgment in estimating the rate at which these loans will result in claims.

Commutations and other negotiated terminations of our insured risks in our Mortgage Insurance segment provide us with an opportunity to exit exposures for an agreed upon payment, or payments, sometimes at an amount less than the previously estimated ultimate liability. Once all exposures relating to such policies are extinguished, all reserves for losses and LAE and other balances relating to the insured policies are generally reversed, with any remaining net gain or loss recorded through provision for losses. We take into consideration the specific contractual and economic terms for each individual agreement when accounting for our commutations or other negotiated terminations, which may result in differences in the accounting for these transactions.

In our Mortgage Insurance business, the default and claim cycle begins with the receipt of a default notice from the loan servicer. Reserves for losses are established upon receipt of notification from servicers that a borrower has missed two monthly payments, which is when we consider a loan to be in default for financial statement and internal tracking purposes. We also establish reserves for associated LAE, consisting of the estimated cost of the claims administration process, including legal and other fees and expenses associated with administering the claims process.

We maintain an extensive database of claim payment history, and use models based on a variety of loan characteristics to determine the likelihood that a default will reach claim status.

With respect to loans that are in default, considerable judgment is exercised as to the adequacy of reserve levels. For purposes of reserve modeling, loans are aggregated into groups using a variety of factors. The attributes currently used to define the groups for purposes of developing various assumptions include, but are not limited to, the Stage of Default, the Time in Default and type of insurance (i.e., primary or pool). We use an actuarial projection methodology referred to as a “roll rate” analysis that uses historical claim frequency information to determine the projected ultimate Default to Claim Rates based on the Stage of Default and Time in Default as well as the date that a loan goes into default. With respect to new defaults in FEMA Designated Areas associated with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma received from September 2017 through February 2018, we assume a lower gross Default to Claim Rate than for new defaults with similar characteristics from other areas, due to our expectations based on past experience with other natural disasters, that a significant portion of these defaults will not result in claims. The Default to Claim Rate also includes our estimates with respect to expected Rescissions and Claim Denials, which have the effect of reducing our Default to Claim Rates. We forecast the impact of our Loss Mitigation Activity in protecting us against fraud, underwriting negligence, breach of representation and warranties, inadequate documentation of submitted claims and other items that may give rise to Rescissions or cancellations and Claim Denials, to help determine the Default to Claim

Rate. Our Loss Mitigation Activities have resulted in challenges from certain lender and servicer customers, which have resulted in some reversals of our decisions regarding Rescissions, Claim Denials and Claim Curtailments in the ordinary course. Although we believe that our Loss Mitigation Activities are justified under our policies, certain challenges have resulted in disputes and litigation, which if resolved unfavorably to us, could require us to reassume the risk on, and increase loss reserves for, those policies or pay additional claims. See Note 11 for additional information. Our Master Policies specify the time period during which a suit or action arising from any right of the insured under the policy must be commenced. The assumptions embedded in our estimated Default to Claim Rate on our in-force default inventory include an adjustment to our estimated Rescissions and Claim Denials to account for the fact that we expect a certain number of policies to be reinstated and ultimately to be paid, as a result of valid challenges by such policy holders.

After estimating the Default to Claim Rate, we estimate Claim Severity based on the average of recently observed severity rates within product type, type of insurance, and Time in Default cohorts. These average severity estimates are then applied to individual loan coverage amounts to determine reserves. Similar to the Default to Claim Rate, Claim Severity also is impacted by the length of time that loans are in default and by our Loss Mitigation Activity. For claims under our primary mortgage insurance, the coverage percentage is applied to the claim amount, which consists of the unpaid loan principal, plus past due interest (for which our liability is contractually capped in accordance with the terms of our Master Policies) and certain expenses associated with the default, to determine our maximum liability. Therefore, Claim Severity generally increases the longer that a loan is in default. In addition, we estimate the impact that the amount that Claim Curtailments due to servicer noncompliance with our insurance policies and servicing guidelines have on the amount that we ultimately will have to pay with respect to claims. As part of our claims review process, we assess whether defaulted loans were serviced appropriately in accordance with our insurance policies and servicing guidelines. If a servicer failed to satisfy its servicing obligations, our insurance policies provide that we may curtail the claim payment for such default, and in some circumstances, cancel coverage or deny the claim.

We do not establish reserves for loans that are in default if we believe that we will not be liable for the payment of a claim with respect to that default unless a reserve for premium deficiency is required. We generally do not establish loss reserves for expected future claims on insured mortgages that are not in default. See “—Reserve for Premium Deficiency” below for an exception to this general principle.

IBNR and Other Reserves

We also establish reserves for defaults that we estimate have been incurred but have not been reported to us on a timely basis by the servicer, as well as for previous Rescissions, Claim Denials and Claim Curtailments that we estimate will be reinstated and subsequently paid. We generally give the policyholder up to 30 days to challenge our decision to rescind coverage before we consider a policy to be rescinded and remove it from our defaulted inventory; therefore, we currently expect only a limited percentage of policies that were rescinded to be reinstated. We currently expect a significant percentage of claims that were denied to be resubmitted as a perfected claim and ultimately paid. Most often, a Claim Denial is the result of a servicer’s inability to provide the loan origination file or other servicing documents for review. Under the terms of our Master Policies with our lending customers, our policyholders have up to one year after the acquisition of borrower’s title to provide to us the necessary documents to perfect a claim. All estimates are periodically reviewed and adjustments are made as they become necessary.

The impact to our reserve due to estimated future Loss Mitigation Activities incorporates our expectations regarding the number of policies that we expect to be reinstated as a result of our claims rebuttal process. Rescissions, Claim Denials and Claim Curtailments may occur for various reasons, including, without limitation, underwriting negligence, fraudulent applications and appraisals, breach of representations and warranties and inadequate documentation, primarily related to our insurance written in years prior to and including 2008. The level of Rescissions, Claim Denials and Claim Curtailments has been declining in recent periods as our defaults related to insurance written in years prior to and including 2008 continue to decline, and we expect this trend to continue.

Unless a liability associated with such activities or discussions becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated, we consider our claim payments and our Rescissions, Claim Denials and Claim Curtailments to be resolved for financial reporting purposes. Under the accounting standard regarding contingencies, an estimated loss is accrued only if we determine that the loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. For populations of disputed Rescissions, Claim Denials and Claim Curtailments where we determine that a settlement is probable and that a loss can be reasonably estimated, we reflect our best estimate of the expected loss related to the populations under discussion in our financial statements, primarily as a component of our IBNR reserve. While our reserves include our best estimate of such losses, the outcome of the discussions or potential legal proceedings that could ensue is uncertain, and it is reasonably possible that a loss exists in excess of the amount accrued.

Senior management regularly reviews the modeled frequency, Rescission, Claim Denial, Claim Curtailments and Claim Severity estimates, which are based on historical trends, as described above. If recent emerging or projected trends differ significantly from the historical trends used to develop the modeled estimates, management evaluates these trends and determines how they should be considered in its reserve estimates.

Reserve for Premium Deficiency

Insurance enterprises are required to establish a PDR if the net present value of the expected future losses and expenses for a particular product line exceeds the net present value of expected future premiums and existing reserves for that product line. We reassess our expectations for premiums, losses and expenses for our mortgage insurance business at least quarterly and update our premium deficiency analyses accordingly. For our mortgage insurance business, we group our mortgage insurance products into two categories: first-lien and second-lien mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the combination of the net present value of our expected future premiums and existing reserves (net of reinsurance recoverables) significantly exceeded the net present value of our future expected losses and expenses associated with our first lien mortgage insurance portfolio. Our second-lien PDR is recorded as a component of other liabilities.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our estimated fair value measurements are intended to reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available. Assumptions include the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and the risks inherent in the inputs to the model. Changes in economic conditions and capital market conditions, including but not limited to, credit spread changes, benchmark interest rate changes, market volatility and changes in the value of underlying collateral, could cause actual results to differ materially from our estimated fair value measurements. We define fair value as the current amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

In accordance with GAAP, we established a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level I measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level III measurements). The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined below:

Level I —    Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level II —    Prices or valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; and

Level III —    Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. Level III inputs are used to measure fair value only to the extent that observable inputs are not available.

For markets in which inputs are not observable or are limited, we use significant judgment and assumptions that a typical market participant would use to evaluate the market price of an asset or liability. Given the level of judgment necessary, another market participant may derive a materially different estimate of fair value. These assets and liabilities are classified in Level III of our fair value hierarchy.

Available for sale securities, trading securities, equity securities and certain other assets are recorded at fair value as described in Note 5. All changes in fair value of trading securities, equity securities (effective January 1, 2018) and certain other assets are included in our consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the implementation of the update to the standard for the accounting of financial instruments effective January 1, 2018, the unrealized gains (losses) associated with equity securities were classified in accumulated other comprehensive income. All changes in the fair value of available for sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Insurance Premiums—Revenue Recognition

Mortgage insurance premiums written on an annual or multi-year basis are initially recorded as unearned premiums and earned over time. Annual premiums are amortized on a monthly, straight-line basis. Multi-year premiums are amortized over the terms of the contracts in relation to the anticipated claim payment pattern based on historical industry experience. Premium

s written on a monthly basis are earned over the period that coverage is provided. When we rescind insurance coverage on a loan, we refund all premiums received in connection with such coverage. Premium revenue is recognized net of our accrual for estimated premium refunds due to Rescissions or other factors. With respect to our reinsurance transactions, ceded premiums written on an annual or multi-year basis are initially set up as prepaid reinsurance and are amortized in a manner consistent with the recognition of income on direct premiums.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Incremental, direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage insurance business, consisting of compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred policy acquisition costs. Amortization of these costs for each underwriting year book of business is expensed in proportion to estimated gross profits over the estimated life of the policies. Ceding commissions received under our reinsurance arrangements related to these costs are also deferred and accounted for using similar assumptions. See Notes 8 and 9 for additional details.

Estimates of expected gross profit, including the Persistency Rate and loss development assumptions for each underwriting year used as a basis for amortization, are evaluated quarterly and the total amortization recorded to date is adjusted by a charge or credit to our consolidated statements of operations if actual experience or other evidence suggests that previous estimates should be revised. Considerable judgment is used in evaluating these estimates and the assumptions on which they are based. The use of different assumptions may have a significant effect on the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.

Revenue Recognition—Services

The FASB has issued an update to the accounting standard regarding revenue recognition, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from our contracts with customers to provide services. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The principle of this update requires an entity to recognize revenue representing the transfer of services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those services, recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied.

The majority of our revenue-generating transactions are not subject to the new standard as this update did not change revenue recognition principles related to our investments and insurance products, which together represented the majority of our total revenue for 2018 and are subject to other GAAP guidance discussed elsewhere within our disclosures. This update is primarily applicable to revenues from our Services segment. See Note 1 “—Services” for information about the services we offer.

The table below represents the disaggregation of Services revenues by revenue type:

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Services segment revenue
Mortgage Services	$	80,314	$	83,405	$	102,244
Real Estate Services	58,874		55,095		58,056
Title Services	10,263		23,333		16,949
Total (1)	$	149,451	$	161,833	$	177,249

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(1) Includes inter-segment revenues of $3.2 million, $6.7 million, and $8.4 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For 2018, amounts exclude $7.7 million of Services segment net premiums earned—insurance and net investment income, as both are excluded from the scope of the revenue recognition standard. See Note 4 for segment information.

Our Services segment revenues are recognized over time and measured each period based on the progress to date as services are performed and made available to customers. Our contracts with customers, including payment terms, are generally short-term in nature; therefore, any impact related to timing is immaterial. Revenue recognized related to services made available to customers and billed is reflected in accounts and notes receivable. Revenue recognized related to services performed and not yet billed is recorded in unbilled receivables and reflected in other assets. We have no material bad-debt expense. The following represents balances related to Services contracts as of the dates indicated:

(In thousands)	December 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable - Services Contracts	$	15,461	$	17,391
Unbilled Receivables - Services Contracts	19,917		22,257
Deferred Revenues - Services Contracts	3,204		3,235

Revenue expected to be recognized in any future period related to remaining performance obligations, such as contracts where revenue is recognized as invoiced and contracts with variable consideration related to undelivered performance obligations, is not material.

Fee-for-Service Contracts

Generally, our contracts with our clients do not include minimum volume commitments and can be terminated at any time by our clients. Although some of our contracts and assignments are recurring in nature, and include repetitive monthly assignments, a significant portion of our engagements are transactional in nature and may be performed in connection with securitizations, loan sales, loan purchases or other transactions. Due to the transactional nature of our business, our Services segment revenues may fluctuate from period to period as transactions are commenced or completed. We do not recognize revenue or expense related to amounts advanced by us and subsequently reimbursed by clients for maintenance or repairs, because we do not take control of the service prior to the client taking control. We record an expense if an advance is made by us that is not in accordance with a client contract, and the client is not obligated to reimburse us.

Due to the nature of the services provided, our Services arrangements with customers may include any of the following three basic types of contracts:

Fixed-Price Contracts. We use fixed-price contracts in our real estate valuation and component services, our loan review, underwriting and due diligence services as well as our title and closing services. We also use fixed-price contracts in our surveillance business for our servicer oversight services and RMBS surveillance services, and in our asset management business activities. Under fixed-price contracts we agree to perform the specified services and deliverables for a pre-determined per-unit or per-file price or day rate. Each service qualifies as a separate performance obligation and revenue is recognized as the service performed is made available to the client.

Time-and-Expense Contracts. The Services segment also derives a portion of its revenue from professional service activities under time-and-expense contracts. In these types of contracts, we are paid a fixed hourly rate, and we are reimbursed for billable out-of-pocket expenses as work is performed. These contracts are used in our loan review, underwriting and due diligence services. Services revenue consisting of billed time fees and pass-through expenses is recorded over time and based on the progress to date as services are performed and made available to customers. Services revenue may also include expenses billed to clients, which includes travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, and other reimbursable expenses.

Percentage-of-Sale Contracts. Under percentage-of-sale contracts, we are paid a contractual percentage of the sale proceeds upon the sale of each property. These contracts are only used for a portion of our REO management services and our real estate brokerage services. In addition, through the use of our proprietary technology, property leads are sent to select clients. Revenue attributable to services provided under a percentage-of-sale contract is recognized over time and measured based on the progress to date and typically coincides with the client’s successful closing on the property. The revenue recognized for these transactions is based on a percentage of the sale.

In certain instances, fees are received at the time that an asset is assigned to Radian for management. These fees are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized over time based on progress to date and the availability to customers.

Cost of Services

Cost of services consists primarily of employee compensation and related payroll benefits, the cost of billable labor assigned to revenue-generating activities, as well as corresponding travel and related expenses incurred in providing such services to clients in our Services segment. Cost of services also includes costs paid to outside vendors, including real estate

agents that provide valuation and related services, as well as data acquisition costs and other compensation-related expenses to maintain software application platforms that directly support our businesses. Cost of services does not include an allocation of overhead costs.

Title Insurance – Premiums and Reserve for Losses and LAE

Title insurance premiums are typically due and earned in full when the real estate transaction is closed. Premiums generally are calculated with reference to the policy amount. The premium charged by a title insurer or an agent is subject to regulation in most areas. Such regulations vary from state to state.

We provide for losses associated with title insurance policies, closing protection letters and other risk-based products based upon our historical experience and other factors by a charge to expense when the related premium revenue is recognized. The resulting reserve for IBNR claims, together with the reserve for known claims, reflects management’s best estimate of the total costs required to settle all incurred claims, and are considered to be adequate for such purpose.

Income Taxes

We provide for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of the accounting standard regarding accounting for income taxes. As required under this standard, our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized under the balance sheet method, which recognizes the future tax effect of temporary differences between the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of these amounts. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or deferred tax liability is expected to be realized or settled. In regards to accumulated other comprehensive income, the Company’s policy for releasing disproportionate income tax effects is to release the effects as individual items are sold.

We are required to establish a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. At each balance sheet date, we assess our need for a valuation allowance. Our assessment is based on all available evidence, both positive and negative. This requires management to exercise judgment and make assumptions regarding whether our deferred tax assets will be realized in future periods.

Our provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is based on an estimate of our annual effective tax rate for the full year of 2018 and 2017. When estimating our full year 2018 and 2017 effective tax rates, we adjust our forecasted pre-tax income for gains and losses on our investments, changes in the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, changes in our beginning of year valuation allowance, and other adjustments. The impact of these items is accounted for as Discrete Items at the applicable federal tax rate.

On December 22, 2017, the TCJA was enacted into law. We were required to recognize the accounting effects of the TCJA in the period of enactment, including remeasuring our deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as reassessing the net realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the TCJA for which the accounting was incomplete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA was incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be made, a company was required to record provisional estimates in the financial statements, during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. Since the TCJA was passed late in the fourth quarter of 2017, we accounted for the tax effects of the TCJA on a provisional basis and determined reasonable estimates for those effects, which were included in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017. As a result of finalizing our interpretation of related guidance, we completed our accounting in the fourth quarter of 2018 during the one-year measurement period from the enactment date. No material adjustments to our provisional amounts were required.

Risks and Uncertainties

Radian Group and its subsidiaries are subject to risks and uncertainties that could affect amounts reported in our financial statements in future periods. Our future performance and financial condition are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our estimates and forward-looking statements.

Foreign Currency Revaluation/Translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued or translated at year-end exchange rates. Operating results are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses resulting from transactions in foreign currency are recorded in our statements of operations.

Cash and Restricted Cash

Included in our restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2018 were: (i) funds for a mortgage insurance reserve policy held in escrow for any future duties, rights and liabilities; (ii) funds held in trust for the benefit of certain policyholders; (iii) escrow funds held for servicer liabilities; and (iv) escrow funds held for title services obligations. Total cash and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows as of December 31, 2018 of $107.0 million comprise cash and restricted cash of $95.4 million and $11.6 million, respectively, as shown on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. Total cash and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows as of December 31, 2017 of $96.2 million comprise cash and restricted cash of $80.5 million and $15.7 million, respectively, as shown on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.

Within our consolidated statements of cash flows, we classify cash receipts and cash payments related to items measured at fair value according to their nature and purpose. Because our investment activity for trading securities relates to overall strategic initiatives and is not trading related, it is recorded as cash flows from investing activities.

Investments

We group fixed-maturity securities in our investment portfolio into one of three main categories: held to maturity, available for sale or trading securities. Fixed-maturity securities for which we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, if any, are classified as held to maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Trading securities are securities that are purchased and held primarily for the purpose of selling them in the near term, and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of income. Investments in fixed-maturity securities not classified as held to maturity or trading securities are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses (net of tax) reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Equity securities consist of holdings in common stock, preferred stock and exchange traded funds, which, effective January 1, 2018, are all recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in income. Prior to the implementation of the update to the standard for the accounting of financial instruments effective January 1, 2018, the unrealized gains (losses) associated with equity securities that were available for sale were classified in accumulated other comprehensive income. Short-term investments consist of money market instruments, certificates of deposit and highly liquid, interest-bearing instruments with an original maturity of 12 months or less at the time of purchase. Amortization of premium and accretion of discount are calculated principally using the interest method over the term of the investment. Realized gains and losses on investments are recognized using the specific identification method. See Notes 5 and 6 for further discussion on the fair value of investments.

We record an other-than-temporary impairment adjustment on a security with an unrealized loss if we intend to sell the impaired security, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if the present value of cash flows we expect to collect is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. If a sale is likely, the security is classified as other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of the impairment is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations. Otherwise, losses on securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into: (i) the portion of loss that represents the credit loss and (ii) the portion that is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations, while the loss due to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes. A credit loss is determined to exist if the present value of discounted cash flows expected to be collected from the security is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. The present value of discounted cash flows is determined using the original yield of the security. In evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, we consider several factors in addition to the above, including, but not limited to, the following:

• the extent and the duration of the decline in value;

• the reasons for the decline in value (e.g., credit event, interest related or market fluctuations); and

• the financial position, access to capital and near term prospects of the issuer, including the current and future impact of any specific events.

Securities Lending Agreements

Securities lending agreements, in which we loan certain securities in our investment portfolio to third parties for short periods of time in exchange for collateral consisting of cash and other securities, are treated as collateralized financing arrangements in our consolidated balance sheets. In all of our securities lending agreements, the securities that we transfer to Borrowers (loaned securities) may be transferred or loaned by the Borrowers; however, pursuant to the terms of these agreements, we maintain effective control over all loaned securities, including: (i) retaining ownership of the securities;

(ii) receiving the related investment or other income; and (iii) having the right to request the return of the loaned securities at any time. We report such securities within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We receive cash or other securities as collateral for such loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be invested in liquid assets. Cash collateral, which is reinvested for our benefit by the intermediary in accordance with the investment guidelines contained in the securities lending and collateral agreements, is reflected in short-term investments, with an offsetting liability recognized in other liabilities for the obligation to return the cash collateral to the Borrower. Securities collateral we receive from Borrowers is held on deposit for the Borrower’s benefit and we may not transfer or loan such securities collateral unless the Borrower is in default. Therefore, such securities collateral is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements given that the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to us from the Borrowers. See Note 6 for additional information.

Fees received and paid in connection with securities lending agreements are recorded in net investment income and interest expense, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts and Notes Receivable

Accounts and notes receivable primarily consist of accrued premiums receivable due from our mortgage insurance customers, amounts billed and due from our Services customers for services our Services segment has performed, and profit commission receivable, if any, related to our reinsurance transactions. See Note 8 for details. Accounts and notes receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts, net of any allowance for doubtful accounts, and are periodically evaluated for collectability based on past payment history and current economic conditions. Accounts and notes receivable exclude unbilled receivables totaling $19.9 million, which represent receivables for services performed that are not yet billed. Unbilled receivables are presented in other assets.

Company-Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”)

We are the beneficiary of insurance policies on the lives of certain of our current and past officers and employees. We have recognized the amount that could be realized upon surrender of the insurance policies in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 9 for additional information.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is carried at cost, net of depreciation. For financial statement reporting purposes, computer hardware and software is generally depreciated over three or five years, furniture and fixtures is depreciated over seven years, and office equipment is depreciated over five years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset improved or the remaining term of the lease. See Note 9 for additional information.

Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets were established primarily in connection with our acquisition of Clayton. Goodwill is an asset representing the estimated future economic benefits arising from the assets we have acquired that were not individually identified and separately recognized, and includes the value of discounted expected future cash flows of Clayton, Clayton’s workforce, expected synergies with our other affiliates and other unidentifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful life and is subject to review for impairment annually, or more frequently, whenever circumstances indicate potential impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit represents a business for which discrete financial information is available; more than one reporting unit may be aggregated into a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. Events that could result in an interim assessment of goodwill impairment and/or a potential impairment charge include, but are not limited to: (i) significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results; (ii) significant changes in the strategy for the Services segment; (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends; and (iv) a decline in Radian’s market capitalization below book value if such decline is attributable to the Services segment. Management regularly updates certain assumptions related to our projections, including the likelihood of achieving the assumed potential revenues from new initiatives and business strategies, and if these or other items have a significant negative impact on the reporting unit’s projections we may perform additional analysis to determine whether an impairment charge is needed. Lower earnings over sustained periods also can lead to impairment of goodwill, which could result in a charge to earnings. The value of goodwill is primarily supported by revenue projections, which are mostly driven by projected transaction volume and margins.

In performing the interim quantitative analysis for our goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2017, we elected to early adopt the update to the accounting standard regarding goodwill and other intangibles, which simplified the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two of the goodwill impairment test. Under this guidance, if indicators for

impairment are present, we perform a quantitative analysis to evaluate our long-lived assets for potential impairment, and then determine the amount of the goodwill impairment by comparing a reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying amount. After adjusting the carrying value for any impairment of other intangibles or long-lived assets, an impairment charge is recognized for any excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over the reporting unit’s estimated fair value, up to the full amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

Intangible assets, other than goodwill, primarily consist of customer relationships, technology, trade name and trademarks, client backlog and non-competition agreements. Customer relationships represent the value of the specifically acquired customer relationships and are valued using the excess earnings approach using estimated client revenues, attrition rates, implied royalty rates and discount rates. The excess earnings approach estimates the present value of expected earnings in excess of a traditional return on business assets. Technology represents proprietary software used for loan review, underwriting and due diligence, managing the REO disposition process, performing surveillance of mortgage loan servicers, real estate valuations and client workflow solutions. Trade name and trademarks primarily reflect the value inherent in the recognition of the “Clayton” name and its reputation. For purposes of our intangible assets, we use the term client backlog to refer to the estimated present value of fees to be earned for services performed on loans currently under surveillance or REO assets under management. The value of a non-competition agreement is an appraisal of potential lost revenues that would arise from an individual leaving to work for a competitor or initiating a competing enterprise. For financial reporting purposes, intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their applicable estimated useful lives in a manner that approximates the pattern of expected economic benefit from each intangible asset.

The calculation of the estimated fair value of goodwill and other acquired intangibles is performed primarily using an income approach and requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions that are highly subjective in nature, such as attrition rates, discount rates, future expected cash flows and market conditions. The most significant assumptions relate to the valuation of customer relationships. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.

For more information on our accounting for goodwill and other intangibles, including our impairment analysis policy, see Note 7.

Accounting for Share-Based Compensation

The stock-based compensation cost related to share-based liability awards is based on the fair value as of the measurement date. The compensation cost for equity instruments is measured based on the grant-date fair value at the date of issuance. For share-based awards with performance conditions related to our own operations, the expense recognized is dependent on the probability of the performance measure being achieved. Compensation cost is generally recognized over the periods that an employee provides service in exchange for the award.

Effective January 1, 2017, upon the implementation of the update to the accounting standard regarding stock-based compensation, windfalls and shortfalls resulting from cancellations, expirations or exercises of stock options are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as part of our income tax provision, as they occur. Prior to 2017, we applied the short-cut method, under the accounting standard regarding share-based payment, to account for the windfall tax benefits that were expected to result from the exercise of stock options. See Note 16 for further information.

Purchases of Convertible Debt Prior to Maturity

We account for the purchases of our outstanding convertible debt as induced conversions of convertible debt in accordance with the accounting standard regarding derecognition of debt with conversion and other options, and the accounting standard regarding debt modifications and extinguishments. The accounting standards require the recognition through earnings of an inducement charge equal to the fair value of the consideration delivered in excess of the consideration issuable under the original conversion terms. The remaining consideration delivered and transaction costs incurred are required to be allocated between the extinguishment of the liability component and the reacquisition of the equity component. Therefore, we recognize a loss on induced conversion and debt extinguishment equal to the sum of: (i) the inducement charge; (ii) the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the liability component of the purchased debt; (iii) transaction costs allocated to the debt component; and (iv) unamortized debt issuance costs related to the purchased debt.

Reinsurance

We cede insurance risk through the use of reinsurance contracts and follow reinsurance accounting for those transactions where significant risk is transferred. Loss reserves and unearned premiums are established before consideration is given to amounts related to our reinsurance agreements.

In accordance with the terms of the Single Premium QSR Program, rather than making a cash payment or transferring investments for ceded premiums written, Radian Guaranty holds the related amounts to collateralize the reinsurers’ obligations and has established a corresponding funds withheld liability. Any loss recoveries and any potential profit commission to Radian Guaranty will be realized from this account. The reinsurers’ share of earned premiums is paid from this account on a quarterly basis. This liability also includes an interest credit on funds withheld, which is recorded as ceded premiums at a rate specified in the agreement and, depending on experience under the contract, may be paid to either Radian Guaranty or the reinsurers. The ceding commission earned for premiums ceded pursuant to this transaction is attributable to other underwriting costs (including any related deferred policy acquisition costs). The unamortized portion of the ceding commission in excess of our related acquisition cost is reflected in other liabilities. Ceded premiums written are recorded on the balance sheet as prepaid reinsurance premiums and amortized to ceded premiums earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of income on direct premiums. See Note 8 for further discussion of our reinsurance transactions.

Variable Interest Entity

As a provider of mortgage insurance we may enter into contracts with variable interest entities (“VIEs”). VIEs include corporations, trusts or partnerships in which equity investors have: (i) insufficient equity at risk to allow it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and (ii) at-risk equity holders that, as a group, do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest.

We perform an evaluation to determine whether we are required to consolidate the VIE’s assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements, based on whether we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE. See Note 8 for additional information.

Restructuring and Other Exit Costs

Restructuring and other exit costs include items such as asset impairment charges (including loss from the sale of a business line), employee severance and benefit costs, facility and lease termination costs, contract terminations and other costs of restructuring or exiting activities. The timing of the future expense and associated cash payments for restructuring and other exit costs is dependent on the type of exit cost. We review assets for impairment in accordance with the accounting guidance for long-lived assets. The loss on sale of a business line is calculated by the excess of its carry amount over the sale price. Generally, our employee severance and benefit costs are part of the Company’s ongoing benefit arrangement and are recognized when probable and estimable. A liability for facility and lease contract termination costs is recognized at the date we cease the use of rights conveyed by the contract and is measured at its fair value, which is determined based on the remaining contractual lease rentals reduced by estimated sublease rentals. Other contract termination and exit costs include future costs that will be incurred, which are recognized in total when they no longer will benefit the Company. The liabilities for restructuring and other exit costs are recorded in other liabilities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted During 2018. In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding revenue recognition. In July 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date for this updated standard for public companies to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and subsequently issued various clarifying updates. Our adoption of this standard, effective January 1, 2018, had no impact on our financial statements. The disclosures required by this update are included above in “—Revenue Recognition—Services.”

In January 2016, the FASB issued an update that makes certain changes to the standard for the accounting of financial instruments. Among other things, the update requires: (i) equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (ii) the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (iii) separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; and (iv) separate presentation in other comprehensive income of the portion of the total change in the fair value

of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as “own credit”) when the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. The update also eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2018, the FASB issued technical corrections related to this update, which addresses common questions regarding the application and adoption of the new guidance and the subsequent amendments. As a result of adopting these updates, equity securities are no longer classified as available for sale securities and changes in fair value are recognized through earnings. Consequently, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income representing unrealized losses related to equity securities in the amount of $0.2 million, net of tax. In addition, we elected to utilize net asset value as a practical expedient to measure certain other investments, which resulted in an increase to other invested assets with an offset to retained earnings in the amount of $2.3 million, net of tax. Our adoption of both of these updates, effective January 1, 2018, resulted in a net increase to retained earnings of $2.1 million. See Notes 5 and 6 for additional information.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding business combinations. This update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The guidance requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding income statement reporting of comprehensive income and reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this update allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period, for reporting periods for which financial statements have not been available for issuance. We elected to early adopt this update effective January 1, 2018. As a result we recorded a reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in the amount of $2.7 million. See Note 10 for additional information regarding the TCJA.

In August 2018, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendments in this update remove certain disclosure requirements regarding transfers between Level I and Level II assets as well as the requirement to disclose the valuation process for Level III assets. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We elected to early adopt the full update as of December 31, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements or disclosures.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued an update that replaces the existing accounting and disclosure requirements for leases of property, plant and equipment. The update requires lessees to recognize, as of the lease commencement date, assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months, which is a change from the current GAAP requirement to recognize only capital leases on the balance sheet. Leases are required to be classified as either operating or finance, with expense on operating leases recorded as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis. For finance leases, interest expense on the lease liability is required to be recognized separately from the straight-line amortization of the right-of-use asset. Quantitative disclosures are required for certain items, including the cost of leases, the weighted-average remaining lease term, the weighted-average discount rate and a maturity analysis of lease liabilities. Additional qualitative disclosures are also required regarding the nature of the leases, such as basis, terms and conditions of: (i) variable interest payments; (ii) extension and termination options; and (iii) residual value guarantees. In July 2018 the FASB issued a further update containing certain targeted improvements to the accounting and disclosure requirements for leases, including an additional (and optional) transition method to recognize the cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the period of adoption, rather than recognizing the cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We expect to elect the optional transition method to recognize the cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning $50 million, which represents a right of use asset, and a corresponding net increase in other liabilities for the same amount. The net increase of approximately $50 million in other liabilities represents a discounted lease liability of approximately $74 million from operating leases, primarily for our various facilities, which represents the present value of these future lease payments discounted at our incremental borrowing rate, partially offset by an adjustment for unamortized allowances and incentives. Additionally, upon adoption we expect to expand our financial statement disclosures as required by the amendments, as well as implement any necessary changes to our control environment and reporting processes to reflect the requirements of the amendments. See Note 14 for additional information about our leases. However, we do not expect the adoption of this standard to impact our stockholders’ equity, results of operations or liquidity. In addition, we expect to elect the practical expedients for transitioning existing leases to the new standard as of the effective date. As a result of applying the practical expedients: (i) we are not required to reassess expired or existing contracts to determine if they contain additional leases; (ii) we are not required to reassess the lease classification for expired and existing leases; and (iii) we are not required to reassess initial direct costs for existing leases. The update is effective for us on January 1, 2019 and upon our adoption, we expect to record an increase in other assets of approximately $50 million, which represents a right of use asset, and a corresponding net increase in other liabilities for the same amount. The net increase of approximately $50 million in other liabilities represents a discounted lease liability of approximately $74 million from operating leases, primarily for our various facilities, which represents the present value of these future lease payments discounted at our incremental borrowing rate, partially offset by an adjustment for unamortized allowances and incentives. Additionally, upon adoption we expect to expand our financial statement disclosures as required by the amendments, as well as implement any necessary changes to our control environment and reporting processes to reflect the requirements of the amendments. See Note 14 for additional information about our leases.

of the period of adoption.$50 million, which represents a right of use asset, and a corresponding net increase in other liabilities for the same amount. The net increase of approximately $50 million in other liabilities represents a discounted lease liability of approximately $74 million from operating leases, primarily for our various facilities, which represents the present value of these future lease payments discounted at our incremental borrowing rate, partially offset by an adjustment for unamortized allowances and incentives. Additionally, upon adoption we expect to expand our financial statement disclosures as required by the amendments, as well as implement any necessary changes to our control environment and reporting processes to reflect the requirements of the amendments. See Note 14 for additional information about our leases.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments and certain other assets. This update requires that financial assets measured at their amortized cost basis be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities are to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, rather than a write-down of the asset, with the amount of the allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is less than amortized cost. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update is not applicable to credit losses associated with our mortgage insurance policies. We are currently evaluating the impact on our financial statements and future disclosures as a result of this update.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding receivables. The new standard requires certain premiums on purchased callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amortization period for callable debt securities purchased at a discount will not be impacted. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on our financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. The new standard: (i) requires that assumptions used to measure the liability for future policy benefits be reviewed at least annually; (ii) defines and simplifies the measurement of market risk benefits; (iii) simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs; and (iv) enhances the required disclosures about long-duration contracts. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of this update.

In August 2018, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding the capitalization of implementation costs for activities performed in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The new standard aligns the accounting for implementation costs of hosting arrangements that are service contracts with the accounting for capitalizing internal-use software. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of this update and do not expect it to have a material effect on our financial statements and disclosures.