Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Residential Construction / M/I Homes

M/I Homes

mho · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker mho
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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Residential Construction
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2011 Annual Report · M/I Homes
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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011 

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

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number 1-12434

M/I HOMES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

31-1210837
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3 Easton Oval, Suite 500, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(614) 418-8000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Title of each class
Common Shares, par value $.01
Depositary Shares, each representing 1/1000th 
of a 9.75% Series A Preferred Share

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes

No

X 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes

No

X

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive 
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes

X

No

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting 
company. See  the  definitions  of  “large accelerated  filer,” “accelerated  filer”  and  “smaller  reporting  company”  in  Rule  12b-2  of  the 
Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

X

Non-accelerated filer
 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 

Yes

No

X

As of June 30, 2011, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value 
of  the  registrant's  common  shares  (its  only  class  of  common  equity)  held  by  non-affiliates  (18,016,315  shares)  was  approximately 
$220,880,000.  The number of common shares of the registrant outstanding as of February 21, 2012 was 18,777,677.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 
14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 
10-K.

DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
NUMBER

Part I

Item 1.       Business

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.       Properties

Item 3.       Legal Proceedings

Item 4.       Mine Safety Disclosures

Part II

Item 5.       Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 6.       Selected Financial Data

Item 7.       Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results

of Operations

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.       Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.       Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and

Financial Disclosure

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

Item 9B.    Other Information

Part III

Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.     Executive Compensation

Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and

Related Shareholder Matters

Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.     Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 15.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Part IV

Signatures

3

4

11

23

23

23

23

24

26

27

51

53

91

91

91

93

93

93

93

93

94

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.  BUSINESS

General

PART I

M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is one of the nation's leading builders of single-family homes.  The 
Company was incorporated, through predecessor entities, in 1973 and commenced homebuilding activities in 1976. Since that time, the 
Company has delivered over 80,000 homes, including 2,278 in 2011.  

The  Company  consists  of  two  distinct  operations  and  reporting  segments:  homebuilding  and  financial  services.  Our  homebuilding 
operations, for reporting purposes, are divided into three reporting segments - the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions.  Our 
financial services operations support our homebuilding operations by providing mortgage loans and title services to the customers of our 
homebuilding operations. 

Our homebuilding operations comprise the most substantial portion of our business, representing 97% of consolidated revenue during 
2011 and 98% of consolidated revenue during 2010.  We design, market, construct and sell single-family homes, attached townhomes, 
and condominiums to first-time, move-up, empty-nester and luxury buyers, with a particular focus on first-time and value-focused buyers.  
Our homes are offered primarily in development communities and mixed-use communities. We use the term “home” to refer to a single-
family residence, whether it is a single-family home or other type of residential property, and we use the term “community” to refer to a 
single  development  in  which  homes  are  constructed  as  part  of  an  integrated  plan.  We are  currently  offering  homes  for  sale  in  122 
communities within 11 markets located in nine states.  We offer a variety of homestyles at base prices ranging from approximately 
$107,000 to $1,000,000, with an average sales price in 2011, including options, of $242,000.  Offering homes at a variety of price points 
allows us to attract a wide range of buyers. We believe that we distinguish ourselves from competitors by offering homes in select areas 
with a high level of design and construction quality within a given price range, and by providing customers with the confidence they can 
only get from superior customer service.  In addition to home sales, our homebuilding operations occasionally generate revenue from 
the sale of land and lots. 

Our financial services operations generate revenue from originating and selling mortgages and collecting fees for title insurance and 
closing services. We offer mortgage banking services to our homebuyers through our wholly-owned subsidiary, M/I Financial Corp.   
(“M/I Financial”). Our title services are offered through subsidiaries that are either wholly- or majority owned by the Company.  Our 
financial services operations accounted for 3% of our consolidated revenues in 2011 and 2% of our consolidated revenues in 2010. 

In 2011, we generated total revenues of $566.4 million and a net loss of $33.9 million, compared to total revenues of $616.4 million and 
a net loss of $26.3 million in 2010.  At December 31, 2011, we had 676 homes in backlog with a sales value of $180.7 million compared 
to 532 homes in backlog with a sales value of $135.2 million at December 31, 2010. Our financial results for 2011 and 2010 reflect 
challenging operating conditions that have persisted in the homebuilding industry to varying degrees since a general housing market 
downturn began in mid-2006, as well as strategic actions taken by us since the downturn began in an effort to align our operations with 
these changing market conditions and maintain a strong financial position.

Our principal executive offices are located at 3 Easton Oval, Suite 500, Columbus, Ohio 43219. The telephone number of our corporate 
headquarters is (614) 418-4000 and our website address is http://mihomes.com.  Information on our web site is not a part of this Form 
10-K.   

Markets

Our 11 homebuilding divisions are organized into the following three segments for reporting purposes: 

Region
Midwest
Midwest
Midwest
Midwest
Southern
Southern
Southern
Southern
Mid-Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic

Market/Division

Columbus, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Indianapolis, Indiana
Chicago, Illinois
Tampa, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Charlotte, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Washington, D.C.

4

Year Operations Commenced
1976
1988
1988
2007
1981
1984
2010
2011
1985
1986
1991

We believe we have experienced management teams in each of our divisions, with local market expertise. We believe that our business 
requires  in-depth  knowledge  of  local  markets  in  order  to  acquire  land  in  desirable  locations  and  on  favorable  terms,  to  engage 
subcontractors, to plan communities that meet local demand, to anticipate consumer tastes in specific markets, and to assess local regulatory 
environments.  Though  we  centralize  certain  functions  (such  as  marketing,  legal,  purchasing  administration,  product  development, 
accounting and human resources) to benefit from economies of scale, our local management, while generally supervised by a Region 
President, exercises considerable autonomy in identifying land acquisition opportunities, developing and implementing product and sales 
strategies, and controlling costs.

Business Strategy

New home sales across most housing markets in the United States remained at historically low levels in 2011.  Many of these markets, 
including those we serve, experienced a prolonged downturn in demand from mid-2006 through 2009, compared to the period from 2000 
through 2005, and the levels of housing permits and new home sales did not increase in 2010 or 2011. Instead, market activity largely 
held steady, without further substantial declines. Although the economy has started to show signs of improvement, new home sales have 
continued to decrease nationally since 2009, with 302,000 new homes sold in the U.S. in 2011, compared with 323,000 sold in 2010 and 
375,000 sold in 2009.   

The downturn in the housing market, which started even sooner in our Midwest markets, resulted in substantial losses for the homebuilding 
industry and led to a severe decline in our profitability.  A persistent oversupply of homes for sale, coupled with weak consumer demand 
for housing, started to impact the homebuilding industry in mid-2006. Our operating and financial results, like many other homebuilders 
during this time, suffered materially. We experienced declines in new contracts, active communities, revenue, and gross profit, and we 
incurred substantial asset impairment charges and net losses for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.  Worldwide financial and credit market 
turbulence, which began in mid-2008, further exacerbated this downturn and macroeconomic conditions.  We believe the availability of 
the federal homebuyer tax credit increased our new contracts in the first four months of 2010; however, upon its expiration, demand for 
housing once again became sluggish due to an overall weak economy, without substantial job growth, low levels of consumer confidence, 
an excess supply of homes for sale and tighter mortgage credit conditions.  

These conditions did not change markedly in 2011. Despite the lack of recovery in the housing market, we have been able to achieve 
certain improvements in our operating performance over the past three years through execution of our business strategy which focuses 
on the following integrated objectives: 

Strategically investing in new communities and/or markets, while building out of older, less profitable locations; 

• 
•  maintaining a strong balance sheet;
emphasizing customer service, product design, and premier locations;
• 
• 
improving affordability through design changes and other cost reduction efforts; and
•  maintaining a meaningful presence in our markets and associated scale efficiencies.

From 2007 through the first half of 2009, we employed a defensive operating strategy designed to strengthen our balance sheet, improve 
liquidity, generate cash flow, improve our cost structure, reduce our overhead, and improve certain operating processes and procedures.  
During this period, we sought to right-size our operations to reflect current demand, reduce our overhead cost structure, improve our 
operations from both a customer and build cycle-time perspective, redesign our product to address changing consumer preferences, re-
engineer our product to reduce our cost to build, redeploy our investments to higher margin opportunities where possible and carefully 
manage our investment in new land and lots. The actions we took to support these initiatives resulted in material reductions in our 
controlled land and lots, active community count, employee headcount, and overhead expenses.  We also improved our gross margins, 
generated  significant  cash  from  operations,  and  ultimately  reduced  our  adjusted  pre-tax  losses  (our  adjusted  pre-tax  losses,  which 
constitutes a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled to our loss before income taxes on page 35 of this Annual Report on Form 10-
K) from 2007 through 2010. Our adjusted pre-tax loss increased, however, in 2011, to $10.9 million, from $7.7 million in 2010.  This 
decline was primarily due to stronger new contracts in early 2010 as homebuyers sought to take advantage of the then-available federal 
homebuyer tax credit. In addition, we incurred higher interest costs in 2011 when compared to 2010 as a result of the refinancing of our 
senior notes due in 2012 in the last quarter of 2010.   However, our adjusted pre-tax loss improved in the second half of 2011 when 
compared with the second half 2010.

In 2010 and 2011, we maintained the fundamentals of our disciplined defensive operating strategy, while we also began to focus more 
on the objectives within our business strategy that would position us for a recovery, primarily by investing in new communities and/or 
markets for modest growth overall. In late 2009, we began to see more opportunities to purchase land and lots in our existing markets 
that met our stringent investment and marketing standards.  As a result, in 2010, we purchased more land and lots than we purchased in 
2009, opened 41 new communities and increased our controlled land position by 9%.  While we continued to invest in land and lots in 
2011, we remained cautious due to the uncertain conditions in the housing markets, and thus we invested $35.7 million less in new land 
than we did in 2010, while our total controlled land position remained largely unchanged, at 10,353 lots. Although continued reinvestment 
in new communities (defined as communities opened after January 1, 2009) and completing our involvement in older communities remain 

5

important elements of our operating strategy, we have only marginally increased our level of new investment.  We believe this deliberate 
approach will help restore our homebuilding operations to profitability through higher margin communities and increasing our market 
presence.  Currently, over 65% of our active communities are new and on average, their gross margins are 500 basis points higher than 
our older "legacy" communities.  In addition to our investment in new communities in our existing markets, in 2011, we purchased a 
small homebuilder in San Antonio, Texas in April 2011, expanding our geographic footprint. 

Looking ahead into 2012, we believe the housing market will likely remain weak, though there are some signs of improved job creation 
and consumer confidence, combined with lower available inventories of homes, that could lead to marginal improvement in sales in some 
markets. Nonetheless, we expect no improvement in demand in 2012 overall, and thus we anticipate continued unevenness in sales 
conditions before a sustained recovery in the housing market takes hold. At this time, we cannot predict when such a recovery might 
occur.  We plan to continue to focus on restoring the profitability of our homebuilding operations by focusing on actions that will help 
us achieve our business objectives as stated above.  Market conditions will ultimately determine the timing, manner and the degree to 
which we will achieve our objectives.  Despite the challenging market conditions, however, we believe we have established a solid 
foundation and the financial flexibility for our Company to achieve long-term growth and profitability when the housing market experiences 
an increase in demand. 

Marketing

During 2011, we continued to focus our marketing efforts on first-time and move-up homebuyers. These homebuyers historically have 
been our core customers and we believe these groups hold the greatest potential for future home sales. Throughout our markets, we market 
and sell our homes under the M/I Homes, Showcase Homes and TriStone Homes trade names. Our marketing efforts are directed at 
differentiating the M/I Homes brand from other new home builders and from resale homes (including homes sold through foreclosures, 
short sales and other homebuilders). We believe, among other things, our exclusive Confidence Builder Program, our commitment to 
building energy efficient homes, our offering of competitively advantaged financing programs and our record of superior customer service 
and quality all serve to differentiate our brand.

Under our Confidence Builder Program, our homebuyers are introduced to their Personal Construction Supervisor prior to commencement 
of home construction.  During the introductory meeting, the Personal Construction Supervisor reviews the home plan and all relevant 
construction details with the homebuyer and explains the construction process and schedule. Our homebuyers receive their own M/I 
hardhat. We encourage our buyers to actively monitor and observe the construction of their home and see the quality being built into their 
home.  This program, consistent with our business philosophy, is designed to “put the buyer first” and enhance the total homebuying 
experience. We believe prompt and courteous responses to homebuyers' needs throughout the homebuying process reduces post-closing 
repair costs, enhances our reputation for quality and service, and helps encourage repeat and referral business from homebuyers and the 
real estate community. Certain of our employees are responsible for responding to homebuyers' post-closing needs, including warranty 
claims. Our goal is for our customers to be completely satisfied with their new homes. 

We are a 100% ENERGY STAR® Certified builder. ENERGY STAR® Certified homes are more efficient than homes built to the latest 
building codes. The majority of the homes that we built in 2011 met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (“EPA”) increasingly 
stringent guidelines for ENERGY STAR® Certified homes. We believe these homes can save our homebuyers up to 30% on their energy 
bill, the second largest monthly cost component of homeownership, when compared to a home that is not ENERGY STAR® certified.  

We offer specialized mortgage financing programs through M/I Financial to assist our homebuyers. M/I Financial offers conventional 
financing  options  along  with  Federal  Housing  Administration  (“FHA”),  U.S.  Veterans Administration  (“VA”),  the  United  States 
Department of Agriculture ("USDA") and state housing bond programs. M/I Financial often provides closing cost assistance and below 
market interest rates. For a good portion of 2011, M/I Financial provided a 30-year fixed rate loan at or below 3.875% to qualified 
homebuyers. Through M/I Financial, we continue to look for opportunities in the market to assist the Company's home sales effort.

Finally, we believe our ultimate differentiator comes from one of the principles our company was founded upon - delivering superior 
customer service. Superior customer service is “who we are” and what we are all about. Our customer satisfaction scores, as measured 
by an independent party, improved for most of our markets in 2011 for the third year in a row. We hold our teams to a higher standard 
when it comes to customer care. Our customer satisfaction scores are measured 30 days and 6 months after closing to hold us accountable 
for building a home of the highest quality. 

We market our homes using the internet, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, billboards, radio and television.  The particular media used 
differs from market to market based on area demographics and other competitive factors.  In recent years we have also significantly 
increased  our  advertising  on  the  internet  by  expanding  our  website  at  mihomes.com  and  through  certain  third  party  websites  like 
newhomesource.com. We also launched a mobile version of our website that is increasingly becoming the doorway for our on-the-go 
prospects.

6

Sales

Company-employed sales consultants generally conduct home sales from on-site offices within our furnished model homes.  Each sales 
consultant is trained and prepared to meet the buyer's expectations and build the buyer's confidence by fully explaining the features and 
benefits of our homes, helping each buyer determine which home best suits their needs, explaining the construction process, and assisting 
the buyer in choosing the best financing. Significant attention is given to the ongoing training of all sales personnel to assure the highest 
level of professionalism and product knowledge. As of December 31, 2011, we employed 121 new home consultants in 122 communities.

To further enhance the selling process, we operate design centers in most of our markets.  Our design centers allow our homebuyers to 
select from thousands of product and design options that are available for purchase as part of the original construction of their homes. 
Additionally, our centers are staffed with Professional Design Consultants who help our homebuyers personalize their home with features 
and amenities that suit their individual taste, needs and lifestyles. In most of our markets, we also offer our homebuyers the option to 
consider and make design planning decisions using our online design tool.  We believe this tool is very useful for prospective buyers to 
use during the consideration phase, and is also helpful to buyers as a pre-planning tool prior to their design center visit.

Through M/I Financial and our other subsidiaries, we offer “one-stop” shopping as homebuyers are able to utilize their services to get 
financing and title services for the purchase of their home. Additionally, from time to time, we also aid the selling process by offering 
below-market financing options to our customers.

Product Lines, Design and Construction

Our residential communities are generally located in suburban areas that are easily accessible through public and personal transportation. 
Our communities are designed as neighborhoods that fit existing land characteristics. 

On a regional basis, we offer homes ranging in base sales price from approximately $107,000 to $1,000,000, and ranging in square footage 
from approximately 1,100 to 5,300 square feet.  In addition to single-family detached homes, we also offer attached townhomes in most 
of our markets as well as condominiums in our Columbus, Orlando, and Washington, D.C. markets.  By offering a wide range of homes, 
we are able to attract first-time, move-up, empty-nester and luxury homebuyers.  Our "Eco Series" line, discussed below, was designed 
to  appeal  to  first-time  homebuyers  because  of  the  emphasis  such  homebuyers  place  on  affordability  and  energy  cost  savings  and 
conservation.  It is our goal to sell more than one home to our buyers, and we have frequently been successful in this pursuit.

We devote significant resources to the research, design and development of our homes in order to meet the demands of our buyers as 
well as the changing market requirements.  We spent $2.5 million, $2.4 million and $1.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2011, 
2010 and 2009, respectively, for research and development of our homes. Across all of our divisions, we currently offer approximately 
500 different floor plans designed to reflect current lifestyles and design trends.  In 2009, we unveiled our “Eco Series,” a line of value-
oriented homes designed to be attractively priced and to offer greater plan flexibility to our buyers.  The “Eco Series” product line has 
been value-engineered to reduce production costs and construction cycle times, while adhering to our quality standards and using materials 
and construction techniques that reflect our commitment to more environmentally conscious homebuilding methods.

We now recognize an emerging trend of larger homes in most divisions and we are adjusting certain product lines to meet this demand.   
We recently introduced several very large floorplans in Florida that range from 4,700 square feet to 5,300 square feet, with average sales 
prices ranging from $280,000 to $450,000, in response to a demand for more room count, larger spaces and high value. We will continue 
to look for opportunities to introduce these homes in our other divisions.   

Homes generally are constructed according to proprietary designs and to meet the applicable FHA and VA requirements and all local 
building codes.  To allow maximum design flexibility, we limit the use of pre-assembled building components.  We attempt to maintain 
efficient operations by utilizing standardized materials.  Our raw materials consist primarily of lumber, concrete and similar construction 
materials,  and  while  these  materials  are  generally  widely  available  from  a  variety  of  sources,  we  have  reduced  construction  and 
administrative costs by executing national purchasing contracts with select vendors. We design and supervise the development and building 
of each of our communities. Our homes are constructed according to standardized prototypes, which are designed and engineered to 
provide  innovative  product  design  while  attempting  to  minimize  costs  of  construction. We generally  employ  subcontractors  for  the 
installation of site improvements and the construction of homes. The construction of each home is supervised by a Personal Construction 
Supervisor who reports to a Production Manager, both of whom are employees of the Company. Our on-site construction supervisors 
manage the scheduling and construction process.  Subcontractor work is performed pursuant to written agreements.  The agreements are 
generally short-term, with terms from six to twelve months, and specify a fixed price for labor and materials.  The agreements are structured 
to provide price protection for a majority of the higher-cost phases of construction for homes in our backlog.  In recent years, we have 
experienced no significant construction delays due to shortage of materials or labor; however, we cannot predict the extent to which 
shortages in necessary materials or labor may occur in the future.

7

We generally begin construction of a home when we have obtained a sales contract and preliminary oral advice from the buyer's lender 
that financing should be approved.  In certain markets, contracts may be accepted contingent upon the sale of an existing home, and 
construction may be authorized through a certain phase prior to satisfaction of that contingency.  The construction of our homes typically 
takes approximately four to six months from the start of construction to completion of the home, depending on the size and complexity 
of the particular home being built.

In addition, speculative, or “spec,” homes (i.e., homes started in the absence of an executed contract) are built to facilitate delivery of 
homes on an immediate-need basis and to provide presentation of new products.  We have increased our speculative home production in 
order to meet the needs of our increasing base of first-time homebuyers.  Since the beginning of the downturn, buyers have purchased a 
greater number of spec homes, for a number of different reasons. For some prospective buyers, selling their existing home has become 
a less predictable process and, as a result, when they sell their home, they often need to find, buy and move into a new home in 60 days 
or less.  Other buyers simply prefer the certainty provided by being able to fully visualize a home before purchasing it.  Because there 
are so many more spec homes available today, there are a lot more homes to choose from.  This was not the case prior to the downturn.  
Speculative homes can meet the needs of buyers who need to close on their purchase of a home in 60 days or less, while also satisfying 
their needs to be able to fully visualize the home. Of the total number of homes closed in 2011 and 2010, 64% and 65%, respectively, 
were speculative homes.  At December 31, 2011 we had 573 speculative homes, compared to 561 speculative homes at December 31, 
2010.

Backlog

We sell our homes under standard purchase contracts, which generally require a homebuyer deposit at the time of signing. The amount 
of the deposit required varies among markets and communities. Homebuyers are also generally required to pay additional deposits when 
they select options or upgrades for their homes. Most of our home purchase contracts stipulate that if a homebuyer cancels a contract 
with us, we have the right to retain the homebuyer's deposits. However, we generally permit our homebuyers to cancel their obligations 
and obtain refunds of all or a portion of their deposits in the event mortgage financing cannot be obtained within a period of time, as 
specified in their contract.

Backlog consists of homes that are under contract but have not yet been delivered. Ending backlog represents the number of homes in 
backlog from the previous period plus the number of net new contracts (new contracts for homes less cancellations) generated during 
the current period minus the number of homes delivered during the current period. The backlog at any given time will be affected by 
cancellations. Due to the seasonality of the homebuilding industry, the number of homes delivered has historically increased from the 
first to the fourth quarter in any year.

As of December 31, 2011, we had a total  of  676  homes, with  $180.7 million aggregate sales value, in backlog in  various  stages of 
completion, including homes that are under contract but for which construction had not yet begun.  As of December 31, 2010, we had a 
total of 532 homes, with $135.2 million aggregate sales value, in backlog.  Homes included in year-end backlog are typically included 
in homes delivered in the subsequent year.

Warranty

We provide certain warranties in connection with our homes and also have a program to perform multiple inspections on each home that 
we sell.  Immediately prior to closing and again approximately three months after a home is delivered, we inspect each home with the 
buyer.  At the homeowner’s request, we will also provide a one-year drywall inspection.  The Company offers a limited warranty program 
(“Home Builder’s Limited Warranty”) in conjunction with its thirty-year transferable structural limited warranty on homes closed in or 
after 2007 (which is offered in in all markets except San Antonio, where we offer a 10-year transferable structural limited warranty).  The 
Home Builder’s Limited Warranty covers construction defects for a statutory period based on geographic market and state law (currently 
ranging from five to ten years for the states in which the Company operates) and includes a mandatory arbitration clause.  To increase 
the value of the thirty-year warranty, the warranty is transferable in the event of the sale of the home.  We also pass along to our homebuyers 
all warranties provided by the manufacturers or suppliers of components installed in each home.  Our warranty expense was approximately 
1.2%, 1.0% and 0.9% of total housing revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Land Acquisition and Development

We continuously evaluate land acquisition opportunities as they arise, balancing competing needs for financial strength, liquidity and 
land inventory for future growth.  Before entering into a contract to acquire land, we complete extensive comparative studies and analyses 
which assist us in evaluating the economic feasibility of such land acquisition. We consider a number of things, some of which include 
projected rates of return, estimated gross margins, sales prices of the homes to be built, population and employment growth patterns, and 
demographic trends.

8

We attempt to acquire land with a minimum cash investment and negotiate takedown options, thereby limiting the financial exposure to 
the amounts invested in property and predevelopment costs. We believe this policy significantly reduces our risk and generally allows 
us to obtain necessary development approvals before our acquisition of the land.

In 2011, our percent of land internally developed decreased to 51% from 71% in 2010. We constantly evaluate our alternatives to satisfy 
our need for lots in the most cost effective manner.  We seek to limit our investment in land and lots in the aggregate to the amount 
reasonably expected to be sold in the next two to three years.

To limit  the  risk  involved  in  land  ownership,  we  acquire  land  primarily  through  the  use  of  contingent  purchase  agreements.  These 
agreements require the approval of our corporate land committee and frequently condition our obligation to purchase land upon approval 
of zoning, utilities, soil and subsurface conditions, environmental and wetland conditions, market analysis, development costs, title matters 
and other property-related criteria.  Only after this thorough evaluation and extensive market research has been completed do we make 
a commitment to purchase undeveloped land.

On a limited basis, we periodically enter into limited liability company arrangements (“Unconsolidated LLCs”) with other entities to 
develop land.  At December 31, 2011, we had interests varying from 33% to 50% in each of our seven Unconsolidated LLCs.  Two of 
the Unconsolidated LLCs are located in Tampa, Florida, and the remaining Unconsolidated LLCs are located in Columbus, Ohio.  One 
of the Unconsolidated LLCs has obtained financing from a third party lender.  The Company’s maximum exposure related to its investment 
in these entities as of December 31, 2011 is the amount invested of $10.4 million.  Further details relating to our Unconsolidated LLCs 
are included in Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the development of lots, we are required by some municipalities and other governmental authorities to provide completion bonds 
or letters of credit for sewer, streets and other improvements. At December 31, 2011, $21.3 million of completion bonds and $24.4 million 
of letters of credit were outstanding for these purposes.  The development agreements under which we are required to provide completion 
bonds or letters of credit are generally not subject to a required completion date and only require that the improvements are in place in 
phases as homes are built and sold.  In locations where development has progressed, the amount of development work remaining to be 
completed is typically less than the remaining amount of bonds or letters of credit due to timing delays in obtaining release of the bonds 
or letters of credit.

We seek to balance the economic risk of owning lots and land with the necessity of having lots available for our homes.  At December 
31, 2011, we had 3,041 developed lots and 625 lots under development in inventory.  We also owned raw land expected to be developed 
into approximately 3,491 lots, which includes our interest in raw land held by Unconsolidated LLCs expected to be developed into 725 
lots.

Our ability to continue development activities over the long-term will depend upon, among other things, a suitable economic environment 
and our continued ability to locate suitable parcels of land, enter into options or agreements to purchase land, obtain governmental 
approvals for suitable parcels of land, and consummate the acquisition and complete the development of such land.

At December 31, 2011, we had purchase agreements to acquire 1,967 developed lots and raw land to be developed into approximately 
1,229 lots for a total of 3,196 lots, with an aggregate current purchase price of approximately $145.8 million.  Purchase of these properties 
is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by us and the sellers, such as zoning approval and availability of building 
permits.  Our purchase contracts do not generally contain specific performance obligations, and therefore, we believe that our maximum 
exposure as of December 31, 2011 related to these agreements is equal to the amount of our outstanding deposits, which totaled $7.2 
million, including prepaid acquisition costs of $1.0 million and letters of credit of $3.8 million.  Further details relating to our land option 
agreements are included in Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table sets forth our land position in lots (including lots held in Unconsolidated LLCs) at December 31, 2011:

Region

Midwest

Southern

Mid-Atlantic

Total

Lots Owned

Finished Lots

Lots Under
Development

Undeveloped
Lots

Total
Lots
Owned

Lots Under
Contract

1,334

857

850

3,041

234

141

250

625

2,335

462

694

3,491

3,903

1,460

1,794

7,157

795

964

1,437

3,196

Total

4,698

2,424

3,231

10,353

9

 
 
 
Financial Services

We sell our homes to customers who generally finance their purchases through mortgages. M/I Financial provides our customers with 
competitive financing and coordinates and expedites the loan origination transaction through the steps of loan application, loan approval, 
and closing and title services. M/I Financial provides financing services in all of our housing markets. We believe that our ability to offer 
financing to customers on competitive terms as a part of the sales process is an important factor in completing sales.

During 2011, we captured 84% of the available mortgage origination business from purchasers of our homes, originating approximately 
$376.1 million of mortgage loans.  The mortgage loans originated by M/I Financial are sold to a third party generally within two to three 
weeks of originating the loan. During the fourth quarter, the time period for loan fundings lengthened to approximately six weeks. This 
delay was due to a few major correspondent buyers exiting the market, which resulted in increased volume for the remaining purchasers. 
In order to alleviate this backlog, we are entering into agreements with additional purchasers of our loans which we believe will aid us 
in returning to our previous two to three week turnaround.

M/I Financial has been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the VA and the USDA to originate mortgages 
that are insured and/or guaranteed by these entities.  In addition, M/I Financial has been approved by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage 
Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) as a seller and servicer of mortgages.

We also provide title services to purchasers of our homes through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, TransOhio Residential Title Agency 
Ltd. and M/I Title Agency Ltd., and our majority-owned subsidiary, Washington Metro Residential Title Agency, LLC.  Through these 
entities, we serve as a title insurance agent by providing title insurance policies, examination and closing services to purchasers of our 
homes in all of our housing markets except Raleigh, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston and San Antonio.  We assume no underwriting risk 
associated with the title policies.

Corporate Operations

Our corporate operations and home office are located in Columbus, Ohio, where we perform the following functions at a centralized 
level:

ensure brand integrity and consistency across all local and regional communications;

•  Establish strategy, goals and operating policies;
• 
•  monitor and manage the performance of our operations;
• 
• 
•  maintain centralized information and communication systems; and
•  maintain centralized financial reporting and internal audit functions.

allocate capital resources;
provide financing and perform all cash management functions for the Company, as well as maintain our relationship with lenders;

Competition

In each of our markets, we compete with numerous national, regional, and local homebuilders, some of which have greater financial, 
marketing, land acquisition, and sales resources than us.  Builders of new homes compete not only for homebuyers, but also for desirable 
properties, financing, raw materials, and skilled subcontractors.  In addition, we face competition from foreclosures and the existing home 
resale market, which experienced an increase in available homes during the downturn due to challenging market conditions and higher 
foreclosure rates.  We compete primarily on the basis of price, location, design, quality, service, and reputation; however, we believe our 
financial stability, relative to others in our industry, has become an increasingly favorable competitive factor.  When our industry recovers, 
we believe we will see reduced competition from the small and mid-sized private builders in the new home market.  Their access to 
capital already appears to be severely constrained. We expect there will be fewer and more selective lenders serving our industry at that 
time.  We believe that those lenders likely will gravitate to the home building companies that offer them the greatest security, the strongest 
balance sheets, and the broadest array of potential business opportunities.

Our financial services operations compete with other mortgage lenders, including national, regional, and local mortgage bankers and 
brokers, banks, savings and loan associations, and other financial institutions, in the origination and sale of mortgage loans. Principal 
competitive factors include interest rates and other features of mortgage loan products available to the consumer.

Regulation and Environmental Matters

The homebuilding industry is subject to various local, state and federal (including FHA and VA) statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations 
concerning  environmental,  zoning,  building,  design,  construction,  sales,  and  similar  matters.  These  regulations  affect  construction 
activities, including the types of construction materials that may be used, certain aspects of building design, sales activities, and dealings 
with  consumers.  We are  required  to  obtain  licenses,  permits  and  approvals  from  various  governmental  authorities  for  development 

10

activities.  In many areas, we are subject to local regulations which impose restrictive zoning and density requirements in order to limit 
the  number  of  homes  within  the  boundaries  of  a  particular  locality.  We strive  to  reduce  the  risks  of  restrictive  zoning  and  density 
requirements by using contingent land purchase agreements, which state that land must meet various requirements, including zoning, 
prior to our purchase.

Development of land may be subject to periodic delays or precluded entirely due to building moratoriums.  Generally, these moratoriums 
relate to insufficient water or sewage facilities or inadequate road capacity within specific market areas or communities.  The moratoriums 
we have experienced have not been of long duration and have not had a material effect on our business.

Each of the states in which we operate has a wide variety of environmental protection laws.  These laws generally regulate developments 
which are of substantial size and which are in or near certain specified geographic areas.  Furthermore, these laws impose requirements 
for development approvals which are more stringent than those that land developers would have to meet outside of these geographic 
areas.

Our mortgage company and title insurance agencies must comply with various federal and state laws and regulations. These include 
eligibility and other requirements for participation in the programs offered by the FHA, VA, Government National Mortgage Association 
("Ginnie Mae"), Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"). 
These also include required compliance with consumer lending and other laws and regulations such as disclosure requirements, prohibitions 
against discrimination and real estate settlement procedures. These laws and regulations subject our operations to examination by the 
applicable agencies.

Seasonality

Our homebuilding operations experience significant seasonality and quarter-to-quarter variability in homebuilding activity levels.  In 
general, homes delivered increase substantially in the second half of the year.  We believe that this seasonality reflects the tendency of 
homebuyers to shop for a new home in the spring with the goal of closing in the fall or winter, as well as the scheduling of construction 
to accommodate seasonal weather conditions.  Our financial services operations also experience seasonality because their loan originations 
correspond with the delivery of homes in our homebuilding operations.

Employees

At  December 31,  2011,  we  employed  583  people  (including  part-time  employees),  of  which  456  were  employed  in  homebuilding 
operations, 67 were employed in financial services and 60 were employed in management and administrative services.  No employees 
are represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

Available Information

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and 
other information with the SEC.  These filings are available to the public over the internet on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.  Our 
periodic reports and any other information we file with the SEC may be inspected without charge and copied at the SEC's Public Reference 
Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation 
of the Public Reference Room.

Our website address is http://mihomes.com.  We make available, free of charge, on or through our website, our annual reports on Form 
10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to 
Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the 
SEC.  Our website also includes printable versions of our Corporate Governance guidelines, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, 
and Charters for each of our Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.  The contents of our website 
are not incorporated by reference in, or otherwise made a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Our future results of operations and financial condition and the market price for our securities are subject to numerous risks, many of 
which  are  driven  by  factors  that  cannot  be  controlled  or  predicted.   The following  cautionary  discussion  of  risks,  uncertainties  and 
assumptions relevant to our business includes factors we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and 
historical results.  Other factors beyond those listed below, including factors unknown to us and factors known to us which we have not 
currently determined to be material, could also adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, prospects and 
cash flows.  Also see "Forward-looking Statements" within Item 7 in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

11

 
Homebuilding Market and Economic Risks

The homebuilding industry is experiencing a prolonged and severe downturn that may continue for an indefinite period and adversely 
affect our business and results of operations even more than has occurred to date.

Since 2006, many of our markets and the U.S. homebuilding industry as a whole have experienced a significant and sustained decrease 
in demand for new homes and an oversupply of new and existing homes available for sale. In many markets, a rapid increase in new and 
existing home prices in the years leading up to and including 2006 reduced housing affordability relative to consumer incomes and 
tempered buyer demand. Also since the downturn began, investors and speculators reduced their purchasing activity and instead accelerated 
their efforts to sell residential property they had previously acquired. These trends, which have been more pronounced in markets that 
had experienced the greatest levels of price appreciation, have resulted in fewer overall home sales, greater cancellations of home purchase 
agreements by buyers, higher inventories of unsold homes and the increased use by homebuilders, speculators, investors and others of 
discounts, incentives, price concessions and other marketing efforts to close home sales in the years following 2006. These negative 
supply and demand trends have been exacerbated since 2008 by increasing sales of lender-owned homes, a severe downturn in general 
economic conditions, unemployment, turmoil in credit and consumer lending markets and tighter lending standards.

 Reflecting the impact of this difficult environment, we, like many other homebuilders, have experienced to varying degrees since the 
housing market downturn began, declines in new contracts, decreases in the average selling price of new homes we have sold and delivered 
and reduced margins relative to years prior to the housing market downturn, and we have generated operating losses. We can provide no 
assurances  that  the  homebuilding  market  or  our  business  will  improve  substantially  in  the  near  future.  If  economic  conditions  and 
employment remain weak and mortgage foreclosures, delinquencies and short sales continue rising, there would likely be a corresponding 
adverse effect on our business and our results of operations, including, but not limited to, our number of homes delivered and the amount 
of revenues we generate.

Further tightening of residential consumer mortgage lending or mortgage financing requirements or further volatility in credit and 
consumer lending markets could adversely affect the availability of residential consumer mortgage loans for some potential purchasers 
of our homes and thereby reduce our sales.

Since 2008, the residential consumer mortgage lending and mortgage finance industries have experienced significant instability due to, 
among other things, relatively high rates of delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures on residential consumer mortgage loans and a resulting 
decline in their market value and the market value of securities backed by such loans. The delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures have 
been driven in part by persistent poor economic and employment conditions, which have negatively affected borrowers' incomes, and 
by a decline in the values of many existing homes in various markets below the principal balance of the residential consumer mortgage 
loans secured by such homes. A number of providers, purchasers and insurers of residential consumer mortgage loans and residential 
consumer mortgage-backed securities have gone out of business or exited the market, and lenders, investors, regulators and others have 
questioned the oversight and the adequacy of lending standards for several residential consumer mortgage loan programs made available 
to borrowers in recent years, including programs offered or supported by the FHA, the VA and the federal government sponsored enterprises, 
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Compared to periods prior to 2008, this has led to reduced investor demand for residential consumer 
mortgage loans and residential consumer mortgage-backed securities, tightened credit requirements, reduced liquidity and availability 
of  residential  consumer  mortgage  loan  products  (particularly  subprime  and  nonconforming  loans),  and  increased  down  payment 
requirements and credit risk premiums related to home purchases. It has also led to enhanced regulatory and legislative actions, and 
government programs focused on modifying the principal balances, interest rates and/or payment terms of existing residential consumer 
mortgage loans and preventing residential consumer mortgage loan foreclosures, which have achieved somewhat mixed results.

The reduction in the availability of residential consumer mortgage loan products and providers and tighter residential consumer mortgage 
loan qualifications and down payment requirements have made it more difficult for some categories of borrowers to finance the purchase 
of our homes or the purchase of existing homes from potential move-up buyers who wish to purchase one of our homes. Overall, these 
factors have slowed any general improvement in the housing market, and they have resulted in volatile home purchase cancellation rates 
and reduced demand for our homes and for residential consumer mortgage loans originated through our M/I Financial subsidiary. These 
reductions in demand have had a materially adverse effect on our business and results of operations in 2011 that may continue in 2012.

Potentially exacerbating the foregoing trends, in 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-
Frank Act”) was signed into law and established several new standards and requirements (including risk retention obligations) relating 
to the origination, securitizing and servicing of, and consumer disclosures for, residential consumer mortgage loans. In addition, United 
States and international banking regulators have proposed or enacted higher capital standards and requirements for financial institutions. 
These standards and requirements, as and when implemented, are expected to further reduce the availability of loans to borrowers and/
or increase the costs to borrowers to obtain such loans. Federal regulators and legislators are also discussing steps that may significantly 
reduce the ability or authority of the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase or insure residential consumer mortgage loans. In 
the last few years, the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have purchased or insured substantially all new residential consumer mortgage 
loans originated by lenders and other mortgage banking services providers. Since 2010, investors in residential consumer mortgage-

12

 
backed securities, as well as the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have increasingly demanded that lenders and other mortgage banking 
services providers, brokers and other institutions, or their agents, repurchase the loans underlying the securities based on alleged breaches 
of underwriting standards or of representations and warranties made in connection with transferring the loans. We expect these “put-
back” demands will continue into 2012 and, to the extent successful, could cause lenders and other mortgage banking services providers 
and brokers to further curtail their residential consumer mortgage loan origination activities due to reduced liquidity. Concerns about the 
soundness of the residential consumer mortgage lending and mortgage finance industries have also been heightened due to allegedly 
widespread errors by lenders and other mortgage banking services providers or brokers, or their agents, in the processing of residential 
consumer mortgage loan foreclosures and sales of foreclosed homes, leading to voluntary or involuntary delays and higher costs to finalize 
foreclosures and foreclosed home sales, and greater court and regulatory scrutiny. In addition to having a potential negative impact on 
the origination of new residential consumer mortgage loans, these disruptions in residential consumer mortgage loan foreclosures and 
lender-owned home sales can make it more difficult for us to accurately assess the supply of and prevailing prices for unsold homes and/
or the overall health of particular housing markets.

Many of our homebuyers obtain financing for their home purchases from our M/I Financial subsidiary. If, due to higher costs, reduced 
liquidity, heightened risk retention obligations and/or new operating restrictions or regulatory reforms related to or arising from compliance 
with the Dodd-Frank Act, residential consumer mortgage loan put-back demands or internal or external reviews of its residential consumer 
mortgage loan foreclosure processes, or other factors or business decisions, M/I Financial is limited or unable to make loan products 
available to our homebuyers, our home sales and our homebuilding and financial services results of operations may be adversely affected. 
The degree to which this more cautious approach to providing loans to our homebuyers continues into 2012 is unclear, and we can provide 
no assurance that the trend of tighter residential consumer mortgage lending standards will slow or reverse in the foreseeable future.

Our strategies in responding to the adverse conditions in the homebuilding industry have had limited success, and the continued 
implementation of these and other strategies may not be successful.

In an effort to generate higher revenues and restore and maintain our homebuilding operations' profitability, beginning in late 2008 and 
continuing through 2011, we rolled out new, more flexible product designs, including our Eco Series, and we continued to take steps to 
reduce our selling, general and administrative expenses, and to redeploy our capital into housing markets with perceived higher future 
growth prospects, such as our entry into the Houston and San Antonio, Texas markets.

We believe these steps helped us increase our new contracts in 2011 compared to 2010, as well as increase the number of homes in 
backlog, the average sales price of the homes in backlog and the overall sales value of our backlog. However, there can be no assurance 
that these trends will continue in 2012 or at all, that we will successfully increase our average active community count and inventory 
base with desirable land assets at a reasonable cost, or that we will achieve or maintain profitability in the near future. In addition, 
notwithstanding  our  sales  strategies,  we  have  experienced  volatility  in  our  new  contracts  throughout  the  present  housing  downturn, 
including in 2011. We believe that our volatile new contract levels have largely reflected weak homebuyer confidence due to sustained 
home sales price declines, increased offerings of sales incentives in the marketplace for both new and existing homes, tightened residential 
consumer mortgage lending standards, and generally poor economic and employment conditions, all of which have prompted homebuyers 
to forgo or delay home purchases. Additional volatility arose in 2010 with the April 30, 2010 expiration of the federal homebuyer tax 
credit, which likely pulled demand forward into the first two quarters of 2010 and led to a drop in new contracts and customer traffic in 
the periods that followed, which led to a decreased beginning backlog level in 2011 compared to the year earlier. The relatively tight 
consumer mortgage lending environment and the inability of some homebuyers to sell their existing homes have also led to lower demand 
for new homes and to volatility in home purchase contract cancellations for us and the homebuilding industry. Many of these factors 
affecting our new contracts, and the related market dynamics that put downward pressure on our average selling prices, are beyond our 
control. It is uncertain how long and to what degree these factors, and the volatility in new contracts we have experienced, will continue. 
To the extent that these factors continue, and to the extent that they depress our average selling prices, we expect that they will have a 
negative effect on our business and our results of operations.

Demand for new homes is sensitive to economic conditions over which we have no control, such as the availability of mortgage 
financing.

Demand for homes is sensitive to changes in economic conditions such as the level of employment, consumer confidence, consumer 
income, the availability of financing and interest rate levels. The mortgage lending industry has experienced and may continue to experience 
significant  challenges. As a  result  of  increased  default  rates,  particularly  (but  not  entirely)  with  regard  to  sub-prime  and  other  non-
conforming loans, many lenders have reduced their willingness to make, and tightened their credit requirements with regard to, residential 
mortgage loans. Fewer loan products and stricter loan qualification standards have made it more difficult for some borrowers to finance 
the purchase of our homes. Although our financial services subsidiary offers mortgage loans to potential buyers of most of the homes we 
build, we may no longer be able to offer financing terms that are attractive to our potential buyers. Unavailability of mortgage financing 
at acceptable rates reduces demand for the homes we build, including, in some instances, causing potential buyers to cancel contracts 
they have signed.

13

Increasing interest rates could cause defaults for homebuyers who financed homes using non-traditional financing products, which 
could increase the number of homes available for resale.

During the period of high demand in the homebuilding industry prior to 2006, many homebuyers financed their purchases using non-
traditional adjustable rate or interest only mortgages or other mortgages, including sub-prime mortgages, that involved, at least during 
initial years, monthly payments that were significantly lower than those required by conventional fixed rate mortgages. As a result, new 
homes became more affordable. However, as monthly payments for these homes increased, either as a result of increasing adjustable 
interest rates or as a result of principal payments coming due, some of these homebuyers defaulted on their payments and had their homes 
foreclosed, which increased the inventory of homes available for resale. Foreclosure sales and other distress sales resulted in further 
declines in market prices for homes. In an environment of declining prices, many homebuyers may delay purchases of homes in anticipation 
of lower prices in the future. In addition, as lenders perceive deterioration in credit quality among homebuyers, lenders have eliminated 
most of the non-traditional and sub-prime financing products previously available and increased the qualifications needed for mortgages 
or adjusting their terms to address increased credit risk. Tighter lending standards for mortgage products may have a negative impact on 
our business by making it more difficult for certain of our homebuyers to obtain financing or resell their existing homes. In general, to 
the extent mortgage rates increase or lenders make it more difficult for prospective buyers to finance home purchases, it becomes more 
difficult or costly for customers to purchase our homes, which has an adverse effect on our sales volume.

Our land investment exposes us to significant risks, including potential impairment write-downs, that could negatively impact our 
profits if the market value of our inventory declines.

We must anticipate demand for new homes several years prior to those homes being sold to homeowners. There are significant risks 
inherent in controlling or purchasing land, especially as the demand for new homes decreases. There is often a significant lag time between 
when we acquire land for development and when we sell homes in neighborhoods we have planned, developed and constructed. The 
value of undeveloped land, building lots and housing inventories can fluctuate significantly as a result of changing market conditions. 
In addition, inventory carrying costs can be significant, and fluctuations in value can result in reduced profits. Economic conditions could 
result in the necessity to sell homes or land at a loss, or hold land in inventory longer than planned, which could significantly impact our 
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and stock performance. As a result of softened market conditions in all of our markets, 
since 2006, we have recorded an aggregate loss of $522.2 million for impairment of inventory and investments in Unconsolidated LLCs 
(including $63.5 million related to discontinued operation), and have written-off $19.2 million relating to abandoned land transactions 
(including $1.5 million related to discontinued operation). It is possible that the estimated cash flows from these inventory positions may 
change and could result in a future need to record additional valuation adjustments. Additionally, if conditions in the homebuilding 
industry worsen in the future, we may be required to evaluate additional inventory for potential impairment, which may result in additional 
valuation adjustments, which could be significant and could negatively impact our financial results and condition. We cannot make any 
assurances that the measures we employ to manage inventory risks and costs will be successful.

If we are unable to successfully compete in the highly competitive homebuilding industry, our financial results and growth may suffer.

The homebuilding industry is highly competitive. We compete for sales in each of our markets with national, regional, and local developers 
and homebuilders, foreclosures sales, existing home resales and, to a lesser extent, condominiums and available rental housing. Some of 
our competitors have significantly greater financial resources or lower costs than we do. Competition among both small and large residential 
homebuilders is based on a number of interrelated factors, including location, reputation, amenities, design, quality and price. Competition 
is expected to continue and may become more intense, and there may be new entrants in the markets in which we currently operate and 
in markets we may enter in the future. If we are unable to successfully compete, our financial results and growth could suffer.

If economic conditions worsen or the current challenging economic conditions continue for an extended period of time, this could 
have continued negative consequences on our operations, financial position, and cash flows.

The homebuilding industry is cyclical and is significantly affected by changes in industry conditions, as well as by general and local 
economic conditions, such as:

availability of and pricing of financing for homebuyers;
short and long-term interest rates;
overall consumer confidence and the confidence of potential homebuyers in particular;
demographic trends; 
housing demand from population growth, household formation and other demographic changes, among other factors; 

•  Employment levels and job and personal income growth;
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  U.S. and global financial system and credit market stability;
• 

private party and governmental residential consumer mortgage loan programs, and federal and state regulation of lending and 
appraisal practices;
federal  and  state  personal  income  tax  rates  and  provisions,  including  provisions  for  the  deduction  of  residential  consumer 
mortgage loan interest payments and other expenses;

• 

14

 
• 

• 

• 

the supply of and prices for available new or existing homes (including lender-owned homes acquired through foreclosures and 
short sales) and other housing alternatives, such as apartments and other residential rental property;
 homebuyer interest in our current or new product designs and community locations, and general consumer interest in purchasing 
a home compared to choosing other housing alternatives; and
real estate taxes.

Adverse changes in these conditions may affect our business nationally or may be more prevalent or concentrated in particular regions 
or localities in which we operate. In recent years, unfavorable changes in many of these factors negatively affected all of our served 
markets, and we expect the widespread nature of the present housing downturn to continue into 2012. Continued weakness in the economy, 
employment levels and consumer confidence would likely exacerbate the unfavorable trends the housing market has experienced since 
mid-2006.

The potential difficulties described above can cause demand and prices for our homes to fall or cause us to take longer and incur more 
costs to build our homes. We may not be able to recover these increased costs by raising prices because of market conditions and because 
the price of each home we sell is usually set several months before the home is delivered, as our customers typically sign their home 
purchase contracts before construction begins. The potential difficulties could also lead some homebuyers to cancel or refuse to honor 
their home purchase contracts altogether. Reflecting the difficult conditions in our served markets and the impact of the termination, 
expiration or scaling back of homebuyer tax credits and other government programs supportive of home sales, we have experienced 
volatility in our new contracts and in home purchase contract cancellations in recent years, and we may experience similar or increased 
volatility in 2012.

Interest rate increases or changes in federal lending programs or regulations could lower demand for our homes.

Nearly all of our customers finance the purchase of their homes. Before the housing downturn began, low interest rates and the increased 
availability of specialized residential consumer mortgage loan products, including products requiring no or low down payments, and 
interest-only and adjustable-rate residential consumer mortgage loans, made purchasing a home more affordable for a number of customers 
and more available to customers with lower credit scores. Increases in interest rates or decreases in the availability of residential consumer 
mortgage loan financing or of certain residential consumer mortgage loan products or programs may lead to fewer residential consumer 
mortgage loans being provided, higher down payment requirements or borrower costs, or a combination of the foregoing, and, as a result, 
reduce demand for our homes and increase our home purchase contract cancellation rates.

As a result of the volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets and in the residential consumer mortgage lending and mortgage finance 
industries since 2008, the federal government has taken on a significant role in supporting residential consumer mortgage lending through 
its conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both of which purchase or insure residential consumer mortgage loans and residential 
consumer mortgage-backed securities, and its insurance of residential consumer mortgage loans through the FHA and the VA. FHA-
backing of residential consumer mortgage loans has been particularly important to the residential consumer mortgage finance industry 
and to our business. In 2011, approximately 50% of our homebuyers (compared to approximately 58% in 2010) that chose to finance 
with our M/I Financial subsidiary purchased a home using an FHA- or VA-backed loan. The availability and affordability of residential 
consumer mortgage loans, including interest rates for such loans, could be adversely affected by a scaling back or termination of the 
federal government's mortgage-related programs or policies. In addition, due to growing federal budget deficits, the U.S. Treasury may 
not be able to continue supporting the residential consumer mortgage-related activities of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHA and the 
VA at present levels.

Because  Fannie  Mae-,  Freddie  Mac-,  FHA-  and VA-backed residential  consumer  mortgage  loan  financing  is  an  important  factor  in 
marketing and selling many of our homes, any limitations or restrictions in the availability of such government-backed financing could 
reduce our home sales and adversely affect our results of operations, including the income we earn from M/I Financial, due to lower 
levels of residential consumer mortgage loan originations.

Tax law changes could make home ownership more expensive or less attractive.

Under current U.S. tax law and policy, significant expenses of owning a home, including residential consumer mortgage loan interest 
costs and real estate taxes, generally are deductible expenses for the purpose of calculating an individual's federal, and in some cases 
state, taxable income, subject to various limitations. If the federal government or a state government changes income tax laws, as some 
policy makers and a presidential commission have proposed, by eliminating or substantially reducing these income tax benefits, the after-
tax cost of owning a home could increase substantially. This could adversely impact demand for and/or sales prices of new homes.

Inflation can adversely affect us, particularly in a period of declining home sale prices.

Inflation can have a long-term impact on us because, if the costs of land, materials and labor increase, this would require us to attempt 
to increase the sale prices of homes in order to maintain satisfactory margins. Although an excess of supply over demand for new homes, 

15

such  as  the  environment  in  which  we  are  currently  operating,  requires  that  we  reduce  prices,  rather  than  increase  them,  it  does  not 
necessarily result in reductions, or prevent increases, in the costs of materials, labor and land development costs. Under those circumstances, 
the effect of cost increases is to reduce the margins on the homes we sell. Reduced margins in such cases makes it more difficult for us 
to recover the full cost of previously purchased land.

Our limited geographic diversification could adversely affect us if the homebuilding industry in our markets declines.

We  have  operations  in  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  Florida  and  Texas.  Our  limited  geographic 
diversification could adversely impact us if the homebuilding business in our current markets should continue to decline, since there may 
not be a balancing opportunity in a stronger market in other geographic regions.

Operational Risks

We may not be successful in integrating acquisitions or implementing our growth strategies. 

In April 2011, we acquired the assets of TriStone Homes, a privately-held homebuilder based in San Antonio, Texas.  We may in the 
future consider growth or expansion of our operations in our current markets or in other areas of the country, whether through strategic 
acquisitions of homebuilding companies or otherwise.  The magnitude, timing and nature of any future expansion will depend on a number 
of factors, including our ability to identify suitable additional markets and/or acquisition candidates, the negotiation of acceptable terms, 
our financial capabilities and general economic and business conditions.  Our expansion into new or existing markets, whether through 
acquisition or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and/or profitability, and any future acquisitions could result 
in the dilution of existing shareholders if we issue our common shares as consideration. Acquisitions also involve numerous risks, including 
difficulties in the assimilation of the acquired company's operations, the incurrence of unanticipated liabilities or expenses, the risk of 
impairing inventory and other assets related to the acquisition, the diversion of management's attention and resources from other business 
concerns, risks associated with entering markets in which we have limited or no direct experience and the potential loss of key employees 
of the acquired company. 

If we are unable to obtain suitable financing, our business may be negatively impacted.

The homebuilding industry is capital intensive because of the length of time from when land or lots are acquired to when the related 
homes are constructed on those lots and delivered to homebuyers. Our business and earnings depend on our ability to obtain financing 
to support our homebuilding operations and to provide the resources to carry inventory. We may be required to seek additional capital, 
whether from sales of equity or debt, or additional bank borrowings, to support our business. Our ability to secure the needed capital on 
terms that are acceptable to us may be impacted by factors beyond our control. In the event we are unable to obtain suitable financing, 
our future liquidity may be impacted, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations and 
require us to use cash or other sources of capital to fund our business operations.

The mortgage warehousing agreement of our financial services segment will expire in March 2012.

M/I Financial is party to a $60 million mortgage warehousing agreement dated April 18, 2011, which was amended on November 29, 
2011 (the “MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement”).  The amendment increased the borrowing availability under the MIF Mortgage 
Warehousing Agreement from $50 million to $60 million.  M/I Financial uses the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement to finance its 
lending activities until the loans are delivered to third party buyers. The MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement will expire on March 
31, 2012. If we are unable to renew or replace the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement when it matures, it could seriously impede 
the activities of our financial services segment could be seriously impeded.

Reduced numbers of home sales may force us to absorb additional carrying costs.

We incur many costs even before we begin to build homes in a community. These include costs of preparing land and installing roads, 
sewage and other utilities, as well as taxes and other costs related to ownership of the land on which we plan to build homes. Reducing 
the rate at which we build homes extends the length of time it takes us to recover these additional costs. Also, we frequently enter into 
contracts to purchase land and make deposits that may be forfeited if we do not fulfill our purchase obligation within specified periods.

We could be adversely affected by a negative change in our credit rating.

Our ability to access capital on favorable terms is a key factor in growing our business and operations in a profitable manner. As of the 
date of this report, our credit rating by Moody's is B3 and our credit rating by Standard & Poor's is B-. Downgrades of our credit rating 
by either of these credit agencies may make it more difficult and costly for us to access external financing.

16

Errors in estimates and judgments that affect decisions about how we operate and on our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses could have a material impact on us.

In the ordinary course of business, we must make estimates and judgments that affect decisions about how we operate and the reported 
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates include, but are not limited to, those related to: recognition of 
income and expenses; impairment of assets; estimates of future improvement and amenity costs; estimates of sales levels and sales prices; 
capitalization of costs to inventory; provisions for litigation, insurance and warranty costs; cost of complying with government regulations; 
and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate and adjust our estimates based upon the information then currently available. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates, assumptions and conditions.

If our ability to resell mortgages to investors is impaired, we may be required to broker loans.

We sell substantially all of the loans we originate within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, 
non-recourse basis, although we remain liable for certain limited representations and warranties related to loan sales. An entity which 
has historically purchased a substantial volume of mortgage loans from us has recently exited this line of business. If we are unable to 
sell to additional viable purchasers in the marketplace, our ability to originate and sell mortgage loans at competitive prices could be 
limited which would negatively affect our profitability.  Additionally, if there is a significant decline in the secondary mortgage market, 
our ability to sell mortgages could be adversely impacted and we would be required to make arrangements with banks or other financial 
institutions to fund our buyers' closings. If we became unable to sell loans into the secondary mortgage market or directly to Fannie Mae 
and Freddie Mac, we would have to modify our origination model, which, among other things, could significantly reduce our ability to 
sell homes.

Mortgage investors could seek to have us buy back loans or compensate them for losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based 
on claims that we breached our limited representations or warranties.

M/I Financial originates mortgages, primarily for our homebuilding customers. Substantially all of the mortgage loans originated are 
sold within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, nonrecourse basis, although we remain liable 
for certain limited representations, such as fraud, and warranties related to loan sales. Accordingly, mortgage investors have in the past 
and could in the future seek to have us buy back loans or compensate them for losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based on claims 
that we breached our limited representations or warranties. We believe there continues to be an industry-wide issue with the number of 
purchaser claims in which purchasers purport to have found inaccuracies related to sellers' representations and warranties in particular 
loan sale agreements. To date, we have not repurchased any loans and we have established reserves for potential losses, however there 
can be no assurance that we will not have significant liabilities in respect of such claims in the future, which could exceed our reserves, 
or that the impact of such claims on our results of operations will not be material.

We compete on several levels with homebuilders that may have greater sales and financial resources than us, which could hurt our 
future earnings.

We compete not only for homebuyers but also for desirable properties, financing, raw materials and skilled labor, often within larger 
subdivisions  designed,  planned  and  developed  by  other  homebuilders.  Our  competitors  include  other  local,  regional  and  national 
homebuilders, some of which have greater sales and financial resources than us. The competitive conditions in the homebuilding industry, 
together with current market conditions, have resulted in and could continue to result in:

•  Difficulty in acquiring suitable land at acceptable prices;
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

lower selling prices;
increased selling incentives;
lower sales;
lower profit margins;
impairments in the value of inventory; and
delays in construction.

If we are unable to successfully compete within the homebuilding industry, this could lead to increased costs and/or lower profit margins.

We may not be able to benefit from net operating loss carryforwards.

We suffered losses in each fiscal year from 2007 through 2011 for tax (as well as for financial statement) purposes. We were able to 
carryback 100% of our tax loss in the 2007 fiscal year to recover tax we had paid with regard to a prior year. However, we would not 
have been able to carryback 100% of our 2008 fiscal year tax loss without legislation enacted in November 2009 that extended the net 
operating loss ("NOL") carryback period to five years. We were unable to carryback our tax losses for the fiscal years from 2009 through 

17

2011. We will not receive any tax benefits with regard to tax losses we could not carryback unless we have taxable income in the 20-year 
NOL carryforward period. In our financial statements, we have fully reserved against all our deferred tax assets due to the possibility 
that we may not have taxable income that will enable us to benefit from our tax losses for the fiscal years from 2009 through 2011. 
However, those reserves will be reversed when it becomes more likely than not that we will have sufficient future taxable income to take 
advantage of the deferred tax assets.

Our net operating loss carryforwards could be substantially limited if we experience an "ownership change" as defined in Section 
382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Based on recent impairments and our current financial performance, we generated net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for the year 
ending December 31, 2011, and it is possible that we will generate net NOL carryforwards in future years. Under the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), we may use these NOL carryforwards to offset future earnings and reduce our federal income 
tax liability. As a result, we believe these NOL carryforwards could be a substantial asset for us.

Section 382 of the Code contains rules that limit the ability of a company that undergoes an “ownership change,” which is generally 
defined as any change in ownership of more than 50% of its common stock over a three-year period, to utilize its NOL carryforwards 
and certain built-in losses recognized in years after the ownership change. These rules generally operate by focusing on ownership changes 
among shareholders owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the company's common stock (including changes involving a shareholder 
becoming a 5% shareholder) or any change in ownership arising from a new issuance of stock by the company.

In March 2009, we amended our code of regulations to impose certain restrictions on the transfer of our common shares to preserve the 
tax treatment of our NOLs and built-in losses (the “NOL Protective Amendment”). The transfer restrictions imposed by the NOL Protective 
Amendment generally restrict (unless otherwise approved by our board of directors) any direct or indirect transfer if the effect would be 
to: (i) increase the direct or indirect ownership of our shares by any person or group of persons from less than 5% to 5% or more of our 
common shares; or (ii) increase the percentage of our common shares owned directly or indirectly by a person or group of persons owning 
or deemed to own 5% or more of our common shares. Although the NOL Protective Amendment is intended to reduce the likelihood of 
an “ownership change” that could adversely affect us, we cannot provide assurance that the restrictions on transferability in the NOL 
Protective Amendment will prevent all transfers that could result in such an “ownership change.” There also can be no assurance that the 
transfer restrictions in the NOL Protective Amendment will be enforceable against all of our shareholders absent a court determination 
confirming such enforceability. The transfer restrictions may be subject to challenge on legal or equitable grounds.

If we undergo an “ownership change” for purposes of Section 382 of the Code as a result of future transactions involving our common 
shares, including transactions initiated by the Company, and including transactions involving a shareholder becoming an owner of 5% 
or more of our common shares and purchases and sales of our common shares by existing 5% shareholders, our ability to use our NOL 
carryforwards and recognize certain built-in losses could be limited by Section 382 of the Code. Depending on the resulting limitation, 
a significant portion of our NOL carryforwards could expire before we would be able to use them. Our inability to utilize our NOL 
carryforwards could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected if pending or future legal claims against us 
are not resolved in our favor.

On March 5, 2009, a resident of Florida and an owner of one of our homes filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the 
Southern  District  of  Ohio,  on  behalf  of  himself  and  other  similarly  situated  owners  and  residents  of  homes  in  the  United  States  or 
alternatively in Florida, against the Company and certain other identified and unidentified parties (the “Initial Action”). The plaintiff 
alleged that the Company built his home with defective drywall, manufactured and supplied by certain of the defendants, that contains 
sulfur or other organic compounds capable of harming the health of individuals and damaging property. The plaintiff alleged physical 
and economic damages and sought legal and equitable relief, medical monitoring and attorney's fees. The Company filed a responsive 
pleading on or about April 30, 2009. The Initial Action was consolidated with other similar actions not involving the Company and 
transferred to the Eastern District of Louisiana pursuant to an order from the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation for 
coordinated pre-trial proceedings (collectively, the “In Re: Chinese Manufactured Drywall Product Liability Litigation”). In connection 
with the administration of the In Re: Chinese Manufactured Drywall Product Liability Litigation, the same homeowner and seven other 
homeowners were named as plaintiffs in omnibus class action complaints filed in and after December 2009 against certain identified 
manufacturers of drywall and others (including the Company), including one homeowner named as a plaintiff in an omnibus class action 
complaint filed in March 2010 against various unidentified manufacturers of drywall and others (including the Company) (collectively, 
the “MDL Omnibus Actions”). As they relate to the Company, the Initial Action and the MDL Omnibus Actions address substantially 
the same claims and seek substantially the same relief.  The Company has entered into agreements with several of the homeowners named 
as plaintiffs pursuant to which the Company agreed to make repairs to their homes consistent with repairs made to the homes of other 
homeowners (as described in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). As a result of these agreements, the Initial Action has 
been resolved and dismissed, and five of the eight other homeowners named as plaintiffs in omnibus class action complaints have dismissed 
their claims against the Company. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims of the remaining plaintiffs. Given the 

18

 
inherent uncertainties in this litigation, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of the MDL Omnibus Actions, or any other 
actions or claims relating to defective drywall that may be asserted in the future, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of 
operations, financial condition, and cash flows.  See Notes 10 and 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and the risk factor captioned 
“Homebuilding is subject to warranty and liability claims in the ordinary course of business which may lead to additional reserves or 
expenses” for more information.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have also been named as defendants in other claims, complaints and legal actions which are 
routine and incidental to our business. While management currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these other matters, individually 
and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, such matters 
are subject to inherent uncertainties. We have recorded a liability to provide for the anticipated costs, including legal defense costs, 
associated with the resolution of these other matters. However, it is possible that the costs to resolve these other matters could differ from 
the recorded estimates and, therefore, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for 
the periods in which the matters are resolved. Similarly, if additional claims are filed against us in the future, the negative outcome of 
one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The terms of our indebtedness may restrict our ability to operate and, if our financial performance further declines, we may be unable 
to maintain compliance with the covenants in the documents governing our indebtedness. 

Our $140 million secured revolving credit facility dated June 9, 2010, as amended (the “Credit Facility”) and the indentures governing 
our outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes due 2012 (the “2012 Senior Notes”) and our outstanding 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 
Senior Notes”) impose restrictions on our operations and activities.  These restrictions, and/or our failure to comply with the terms of 
our indebtedness, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to operate our business. 

The Credit Facility requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated tangible net worth requirement 
and a maximum permitted leverage ratio. Currently, we believe the most restrictive covenant of the Credit Facility is to maintain a 
minimum consolidated tangible net worth.  Failure to comply with this covenant or any of the other restrictions or covenants of the Credit 
Facility, whether because of a decline in our operating performance or otherwise, could result in a default under the Credit Facility.  If a 
default occurs, the affected lenders could elect to declare the indebtedness, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately 
due and payable, which in turn could cause a default under the documents governing our other indebtedness, if there is an amount 
outstanding and we are not able to repay such amount from other sources.  If this happens and we are unable to obtain waivers from the 
required lenders, the lenders could exercise their rights under such documents, including forcing us into bankruptcy or liquidation.  Also, 
while the aggregate commitment of the Credit Facility is $140 million (with the ability to increase the amount of the credit facility up to 
$175 million in aggregate, contingent on obtaining additional commitments from lenders), we can only borrow up to the amount we have 
secured by real estate and/or cash in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Facility.  The secured borrowing base in the Credit 
Facility could preclude us from incurring additional borrowings, which could impair our ability to maintain sufficient working capital. 
In such a situation, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain alternative financing. 

The indentures governing our 2012 Senior Notes and our 2018 Senior Notes contain covenants that limit, among other things, our ability 
to pay dividends on common and preferred shares, or to repurchase any shares.  Our ability to make such payments is limited to the 
amount of our “restricted payments basket,” as defined in each of the indentures.  As a result of a current deficit in our restricted payments 
basket under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes and the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes, we are currently restricted 
from paying dividends on our common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, and from repurchasing any common or preferred 
shares.  We will continue to be restricted from paying dividends or repurchasing shares until such time as (1) the restricted payments 
basket under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes becomes positive or the 2012 Senior Notes are repaid in full, (2) the restricted 
payments basket under the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes becomes positive or our 2018 Senior Notes are repaid in full, and 
(3) our Board of Directors authorizes us to resume dividend payments or repurchase shares.  The indentures governing the 2012 Senior 
Notes and the 2018 Senior Notes also contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things:

• 
• 
• 
• 

incur additional indebtedness or liens; 
make investments; 
consolidate or merge with or into other companies; or 
liquidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets.  

These restrictions may limit our ability to operate our businesses and may prohibit or limit our ability to enhance our operations or take 
advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.  Failure to comply with these covenants or any of the other restrictions or 
covenants contained in the indentures governing the 2012 Senior Notes or the 2018 Senior Notes could result in a default under such 
documents, in which case holders of the 2012 Senior Notes and/or the 2018 Senior Notes may be entitled to cause the sums evidenced 
by such notes to become due immediately.  Under such circumstances, we may be unable to repay those amounts without selling substantial 
assets, which we may have to do at prices well below the long-term fair values and carrying values of the assets.  Our ability to comply 
with the foregoing restrictions and covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial 

19

and industry conditions.  

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition, and we and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness, 
which could increase the risks created by our indebtedness. 

As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $297.4 million of indebtedness outstanding and $51.8 million of available borrowings, 
in each case excluding issuances of letters of credit.  In addition, under the terms of the Credit Facility and the documents governing our 
other indebtedness, we have the ability, subject to applicable debt covenants, to incur additional indebtedness.  The incurrence of additional 
indebtedness could magnify other risks related to us and our business.  

Our indebtedness and any future indebtedness we may incur could have a significant adverse effect on our future financial condition.  
For example: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

a significant portion of our cash flow may be required to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, which could reduce 
the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes; 
borrowings under the Credit Facility and the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement bear, and borrowings under any new 
facility could bear, interest at floating rates, which could result in higher interest expense in the event of an increase in interest 
rates;          
the terms of our indebtedness could limit our ability to borrow additional funds or sell assets to raise funds, if needed, 
for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes; and 
our debt level and the various covenants contained in the Credit Facility and the documents governing our other indebtedness 
could place us at a relative competitive disadvantage as compared to some of our competitors.

The occurrence of any one of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations 
or prospects.

In the ordinary course of business, we are required to obtain performance bonds, the unavailability of which could adversely affect 
our results of operations and/or cash flows.

As is customary in the homebuilding industry, we are often required to provide surety bonds to secure our performance under construction 
contracts, development agreements and other arrangements. Our ability to obtain surety bonds primarily depends upon our credit rating, 
capitalization, working capital, past performance, management expertise, and certain external factors, including the overall capacity of 
the surety market and the underwriting practices of surety bond issuers. The ability to obtain surety bonds also can be impacted by the 
willingness of insurance companies to issue performance bonds. If we were unable to obtain surety bonds when required, our results of 
operations and/or cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Changes in accounting principles, interpretations and practices may affect our reported revenues, earnings and results of operations.

Generally accepted accounting principles and the accompanying standards, implementation guidelines, interpretations and practices for 
certain aspects of our business are complex and may involve subjective judgments, estimates and assumptions, such as revenue recognition, 
inventory valuations and income taxes. Changes in interpretations could significantly affect our reported revenues, earnings and operating 
results, and could add significant volatility to those measures without a comparable underlying change in cash flows from operations. 
The imposition of new accounting standards (e.g., International Financial Reporting Standards) could result in increased expenses as we 
may be required to modify our current practices and systems in order to comply with such standards.

We can be injured by failures of persons who act on our behalf to comply with applicable regulations and guidelines.

There are instances in which subcontractors or others through whom we do business engage in practices that do not comply with applicable 
regulations or guidelines. When we learn of practices relating to homes we build or financing we provide that do not comply with applicable 
laws, rules or regulations, we actively move to stop the non-complying practices as soon as possible. However, regardless of the steps 
we take after we learn of practices that do not comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations, we can in some instances be subject to 
fines or other governmental penalties, and our reputation can be injured, due to the practices having taken place. 

We experience fluctuations and variability in our operating results on a quarterly basis and, as a result, our historical performance 
may not be a meaningful indicator of future results.

We historically have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, variability in home sales and results of operations on a quarterly 
basis. As a result of such variability, our historical performance may not be a meaningful indicator of future results. Factors that contribute 
to this variability include: (i) the timing of home deliveries and land sales; (ii) delays in construction schedules due to strikes, adverse 
weather, acts of God, reduced subcontractor availability and governmental restrictions; (iii) our ability to acquire additional land or options 

20

for additional land on acceptable terms; (iv) conditions of the real estate market in areas where we operate and of the general economy; 
(v) the cyclical nature of the homebuilding industry, changes in prevailing interest rates and the availability of mortgage financing; and 
(vi) costs and availability of materials and labor.

Historically, a significant percentage of our home purchase contracts are entered into in the spring and summer months, and we deliver 
a  corresponding  significant  percentage  of  our  homes  in  the  fall  and  winter  months.  Construction  of  our  homes  typically  requires 
approximately four to six months and weather delays that often occur in late winter and early spring may extend this period. As a result 
of these combined factors, we historically have experienced uneven quarterly results, with lower revenues and operating income generally 
during the first and second quarters of the year.

Homebuilding is subject to warranty and liability claims in the ordinary course of business which may lead to additional reserves or 
expenses.

As a homebuilder, we are subject to home warranty and construction defect claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We record 
warranty and other reserves for homes we sell based on historical experience in our markets and our judgment of the qualitative risks 
associated with the types of homes built. We have, and require the majority of our subcontractors to have, general liability, workers' 
compensation, and other business insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims, subject 
to certain self-insured retentions, deductibles and other coverage limits. We reserve for the costs to cover our self-insured retentions and 
deductible amounts under these policies and for any costs of claims and lawsuits based on an analysis of our historical claims, which 
includes an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Because of the uncertainties inherent to these matters, we cannot provide 
assurance that our insurance coverage, our subcontractors' arrangements and our reserves will be adequate to address all of our warranty 
and construction defect claims in the future. For example, contractual indemnities can be difficult to enforce, we may be responsible for 
applicable self-insured retentions and some types of claims may not be covered by insurance or may exceed applicable coverage limits. 
Additionally, the coverage offered and the availability of general liability insurance for construction defects are currently limited and 
costly. As a result, in some cases, we have  reduced our customary insurance requirements. We have responded to the increases in insurance 
costs and coverage limitations by increasing our self-insured retentions. There can be no assurance that coverage will not be further 
restricted and may become even more costly or may not be available at rates that are acceptable to us.

There  has  been  significant  publicity  about  homes  constructed  with  defective  drywall.  Since  the  discovery  of  defective  drywall,  we 
implemented procedures in every division to investigate homes for signs of the presence of defective drywall. As of December 31, 2011, 
we have identified 93 homes that have been confirmed as having defective drywall installed by our subcontractors. All of these homes 
are located in Florida. While we are continuing to investigate whether other homes are affected, the number of additional affected homes 
newly identified each quarter has declined significantly since 2009 to a nominal amount. As of December 31, 2011, we have completed 
the repair of 80 homes, are in the process of repairing nine homes, and are continuing to seek the authorization of the remaining homeowners 
to repair their homes. In consideration for performing these repairs, we received from the homeowner a full release of claims (excluding, 
in nearly all cases, personal injury claims) arising from the defective drywall. Since 2009, the Company has accrued approximately $13.0 
million for the repair of these 93 homes. The remaining balance in this accrual was $1.2 million as of December 31, 2011, which is 
included in Other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Based on our investigation to date and our evaluation of the 
defective drywall issue, we believe our existing accrual is sufficient to cover costs and claims associated with the repair of these homes. 
However, if and to the extent the scope of the defective drywall issue proves to be significantly greater than we currently anticipate, or 
in the event defective drywall is, through credible evidence, linked to significant adverse health effects of the occupants of the homes 
containing such defective drywall, or if it is determined that our accrual for costs of repair attributable to defective drywall together with 
recoveries from our insurance carrier and from other responsible parties and their insurance carriers are not sufficient to cover claims, 
losses or other issues related to defective drywall, then it is possible that we could incur additional costs or liabilities related to this issue 
that may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. See Notes 10 and 11 to our 
Consolidated Financial Statements and the risk factor captioned “Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be 
adversely affected if pending or future legal claims against us are not resolved in our favor” for more information.

Natural disasters and severe weather conditions could delay deliveries, increase costs, and decrease demand for homes in affected 
areas.

Several of our markets, specifically our operations in Florida, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. and Texas, are situated in geographical 
areas that are regularly impacted by severe storms, including hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes. In addition, our operations in the Midwest 
can be impacted by severe storms, including tornados. The occurrence of these or other natural disasters can cause delays in the completion 
of, or increase the cost of, developing one or more of our communities, and as a result could materially and adversely impact our results 
of operations.

21

Supply shortages and other risks related to the demand for skilled labor and building materials could increase costs and delay deliveries.

The residential construction industry has, from time to time, experienced significant material and labor shortages in insulation, drywall, 
brick, cement and certain areas of carpentry and framing, as well as fluctuations in lumber prices and supplies. Any shortages of long 
duration in these areas could delay construction of homes, which could adversely affect our business and increase costs.

We are subject to extensive government regulations, which could restrict our homebuilding or financial services business.

The homebuilding industry is subject to numerous and increasing local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations 
concerning zoning, resource protection, building design and construction, and similar matters. This includes local regulations that impose 
restrictive zoning and density requirements in order to limit the number of homes that can eventually be built within the boundaries of a 
particular location. Such regulation also affects construction activities, including construction materials that must be used in certain 
aspects of building design, as well as sales activities and other dealings with homebuyers. We must also obtain licenses, permits and 
approvals from various governmental agencies for our development activities, the granting of which are beyond our control. Furthermore, 
increasingly stringent requirements may be imposed on homebuilders and developers in the future. Although we cannot predict the impact 
on us to comply with any such requirements, such requirements could result in time-consuming and expensive compliance programs. In 
addition, we have been, and in the future may be, subject to periodic delays or may be precluded from developing certain projects due 
to building moratoriums. These moratoriums generally relate to insufficient water supplies or sewage facilities, delays in utility hookups, 
or  inadequate  road  capacity  within  the  specific  market  area  or  subdivision.  These  moratoriums  can  occur  prior  or  subsequent  to 
commencement of our operations, without notice or recourse.

We are also subject to a variety of local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning consumer protection 
matters and the protection of health and the environment. These statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and any failure to comply 
therewith, could give rise to additional liabilities or expenditures and have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition 
or business. The particular consumer protection matters regulate the marketing, sales, construction, closing and financing of our homes. 
The particular environmental laws that apply to any given project vary greatly according to the project site and the present and former 
uses of the property. These environmental laws may result in delays, cause us to incur substantial compliance costs (including substantial 
expenditures for pollution and water quality control), and prohibit or severely restrict development in certain environmentally sensitive 
regions.

In addition to the laws and regulations that relate to our homebuilding operations, M/I Financial is subject to a variety of laws and 
regulations concerning the underwriting, servicing and sale of mortgage loans.

Information technology failures and data security breaches could harm our business.

We use information technology, digital communications and other computer resources to carry out important operational and marketing 
activities and to maintain our business records. Many of these resources are provided to us and/or maintained on our behalf by third-
party service providers pursuant to agreements that specify to varying degrees certain security and service level standards. Although we 
and our service providers employ what we believe are adequate security and other preventative and corrective measures, our ability to 
conduct our business may be impaired if these resources, including our website, are compromised, degraded, damaged or fail, whether 
due to a virus or other harmful circumstance, intentional penetration or disruption of our information technology resources by a third 
party, natural disaster, hardware or software corruption or failure or error (including a failure of security controls incorporated into or 
applied to such hardware or software), telecommunications system failure, service provider error or failure, intentional or unintentional 
personnel actions (including the failure to follow our security protocols). A significant and extended disruption in the functioning of these 
resources, including our website, could damage our reputation and cause us to lose customers, sales and revenue, result in the unintended 
and/or unauthorized public disclosure or the misappropriation of proprietary, personal identifying and confidential information (including 
information about our homebuyers and business partners), and require us to incur significant expense to address and remediate or otherwise 
resolve these kinds of issues. The release of confidential information may also lead to litigation or other proceedings against us by affected 
individuals and/or business partners and/or by regulators, and the outcome of such proceedings, which could include penalties or fines, 
could have a material and adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. In addition, the costs of maintaining adequate protection 
against such threats, depending on their evolution, pervasiveness and frequency and/or government-mandated standards or obligations 
regarding protective efforts, could be material to our consolidated financial statements in a particular period or over various periods.

We are dependent on the services of certain key employees, and the loss of their services could hurt our business.

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to attract, train and retain skilled personnel. If we are unable to retain our key employees 
or attract, train, and retain other skilled personnel in the future, this could materially and adversely impact our operations and result in 
additional expenses for identifying and training new personnel.

22

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

We own and operate an approximately 85,000 square foot office building for our home office in Columbus, Ohio and lease all of our 
other offices.

Due to the nature of our business, a substantial amount of property is held as inventory in the ordinary course of business.  See "ITEM 
1. BUSINESS – Land Acquisition and Development" and "ITEM 1. BUSINESS - Backlog."

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On March 5, 2009, a resident of Florida and an owner of one of our homes filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the 
Southern  District  of  Ohio,  on  behalf  of  himself  and  other  similarly  situated  owners  and  residents  of  homes  in  the  United  States  or 
alternatively in Florida, against the Company and certain other identified and unidentified parties (the “Initial Action”). The plaintiff 
alleged that the Company built his home with defective drywall, manufactured and supplied by certain of the defendants, that contains 
sulfur or other organic compounds capable of harming the health of individuals and damaging property. The plaintiff alleged physical 
and economic damages and sought legal and equitable relief, medical monitoring and attorney's fees. The Company filed a responsive 
pleading on or about April 30, 2009. The Initial Action was consolidated with other similar actions not involving the Company and 
transferred to the Eastern District of Louisiana pursuant to an order from the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation for 
coordinated pre-trial proceedings (collectively, the “In Re: Chinese Manufactured Drywall Product Liability Litigation”). In connection 
with the administration of the In Re: Chinese Manufactured Drywall Product Liability Litigation, the same homeowner and eight other 
homeowners were named as plaintiffs in omnibus class action complaints filed in and after December 2009 against certain identified 
manufacturers of drywall and others (including the Company), including one  homeowner named as a plaintiff in an omnibus class action 
complaint filed in March 2010 against various unidentified manufacturers of drywall and others (including the Company) (collectively, 
the “MDL Omnibus Actions”). As they relate to the Company, the Initial Action and the MDL Omnibus Actions address substantially 
the same claims and seek substantially the same relief. The Company has entered into agreements with several of the homeowners named 
as plaintiffs pursuant to which the Company agreed to make repairs to their homes consistent with repairs made to the homes of other 
homeowners (as described in Notes 10 and 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).  As a result of these agreements, the Initial 
Action has been resolved and dismissed, and five of the eight other homeowners named as plaintiffs in omnibus class action complaints 
have dismissed their claims against the Company. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims of the remaining plaintiffs. 
Given the inherent uncertainties in this litigation, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of the MDL Omnibus Actions, 
or any other actions or claims relating to defective drywall that may be asserted in the future, will not have a material adverse effect on 
our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Please refer to Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information on this matter.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in other claims, complaints and legal actions which are 
routine and incidental to our business.  Certain of the liabilities resulting from these other matters are covered by insurance.   While 
management currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these other matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a 
material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows, such matters are subject to inherent uncertainties.  
The Company has recorded a liability to provide for the anticipated costs, including legal defense costs, associated with the resolution 
of these other matters.  However, there exists the possibility that the costs to resolve these other matters could differ from the recorded 
estimates and, therefore, have a material effect on the Company's net income for the periods in which the matters are resolved.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

None.

23

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MHO.” As of February 21, 2012, there 
were approximately 420 record holders of the Company’s common shares.  At that date, there were 22,101,723 common shares issued 
and 18,777,677 common shares outstanding.  The table below presents the high and low sales prices of the Company’s common shares 
during each of the quarters presented:

2011

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

2010

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

HIGH

LOW

$

$

17.50

15.12

13.06

10.45

15.54

17.98

11.49

16.30

$

12.58

11.03

5.88

5.08

$

9.74

9.60

8.86

10.05

The indentures governing our 2012 Senior Notes and our 2018 Senior Notes contain covenants that limit, among other things, our ability 
to pay dividends on common and preferred shares, or to repurchase any shares.  If our “restricted payments basket,” as defined in each 
of the indentures governing our 2012 Senior Notes and 2018 Senior Notes, is less than zero, we are restricted from making certain 
payments, including dividends, as well as from repurchasing any shares.  During the second quarter of 2008, the Company ceased paying 
dividends due to a deficit in the restricted payments basket under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes.  At December 31, 2011, 
our restricted payments basket was $(216.5) million under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes, and $(9.2) million under the 
indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes.  As a result of the deficit in the restricted payments baskets under the indenture governing 
the 2012 Senior Notes and the indenture governing the 2018 Senior Notes, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on our 
common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, and from repurchasing any shares.  We will continue to be restricted from 
paying dividends or repurchasing shares until such time as (1) the restricted payments basket under the indenture governing our 2012 
Senior Notes becomes positive or the 2012 Senior Notes are repaid in full, (2) the restricted payments basket under the indenture governing 
our 2018 Senior Notes becomes positive or our 2018 Senior Notes are repaid in full, and (3) our Board of Directors authorizes us to 
resume dividend payments or repurchase shares. 

There were no cash dividends declared or paid to common shareholders in 2011 or 2010.

24

 
 
Performance Graph

The following graph illustrates the Company’s performance in the form of cumulative total return to holders of our common shares for 
the last five calendar years through December 31, 2011, assuming a hypothetical investment of $100 and reinvestment of all dividends 
paid on such investment, compared to the cumulative total return of the same hypothetical investment in both the Standard and Poor’s 
500 Stock Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Homebuilding Index.

Index

M/I Homes, Inc.

S&P 500

S&P 500 Homebuilding Index

Share Repurchases

Period Ending

12/31/2006

12/31/2007

12/31/2008

12/31/2009

12/31/2010

12/31/2011

$

100.00

$

27.66

$

27.85

$

27.46

$

40.64

$

100.00

100.00

105.49

41.11

66.46

25.11

84.05

29.71

96.71

31.52

25.37

98.76

31.53

During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, the Company did not repurchase any shares.  As discussed above, because our “restricted 
payments basket” under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes and the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes is less than 
zero, we are currently restricted from repurchasing any shares.  The Company does not have any outstanding share repurchase plan or 
program.

25

 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (a)

The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated.  This table should be 
read together with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated 
Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Income Statement (Year Ended December 31):

Revenue

Gross margin (b) (c)

Net loss from continuing operations (b) (c) (d)

Discontinued operation, net of tax (a)

Net loss (b) (c) (d)

Preferred dividends

Net loss to common shareholders (b) (c) (d)

Loss per share to common shareholders:

Basic: (b) (c) (d)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operation

Total

Diluted: (b) (c) (d)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operation

Total

Weighted average  shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends per common share
Balance Sheet (December 31):

Inventory

Total assets (d)

Note payable banks – homebuilding operations

Note payable bank – financial services operations

Notes payable banks - other

Senior Notes – net of discount

Shareholders’ equity (b) (c) (d)

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

566,424

77,301

(33,877)

—

(33,877)

—

(33,877)

(1.81)

—

(1.81)

(1.81)

—

(1.81)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

616,377

92,431

(26,269)

—

(26,269)

—

(26,269)

(1.42)

—

(1.42)

(1.42)

—

(1.42)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

569,949

19,539

(62,109)

—

(62,109)

—

(62,109)

(3.71)

—

(3.71)

(3.71)

—

(3.71)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

18,698

18,698

18,523

18,523

16,730

16,730

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

607,659

(77,805)

(245,415)

(33)

(245,448)

4,875

(250,323)

(17.86)

—

(17.86)

(17.86)

—

(17.86)

14,016

14,016

—

$

—

$

—

$

0.05

$

466,772

664,485

—

52,606

5,801

239,016

273,350

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

450,936

661,894

—

32,197

5,853

238,610

303,491

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

420,289

663,828

—

24,142

6,160

199,424

326,763

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

516,029

693,288

—

35,078

16,300

199,168

333,061

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,016,460

35,487

(92,480)

(35,646)

(128,126)

7,313

(135,439)

(7.14)
(2.55)
(9.69)

(7.14)
(2.55)
(9.69)

13,977

13,977

0.10

797,329

1,117,645

115,000

40,400

6,703

198,912

581,345

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(a) 

In December 2007, we sold substantially all of our assets in our West Palm Beach, Florida market and announced our exit from this market.  The results of operations 
for this market for all years presented have been reclassified as discontinued operation.

(b)  2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, reducing gross 
margin by $22.0 million, $12.5 million, $55.4 million, $153.3 million and $148.4 million, respectively.  Those charges, along with the write-off of land deposits, 
intangibles and pre-acquisition costs, increased net loss from continuing operations by $14.2 million, $8.2 million, $35.4 million, $98.3 million and $96.9 million 
and loss per diluted share by $0.76, $0.44, $1.31, $7.00 and $6.71 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

(c)  2010 and 2009 includes the impact of charges and settlements related to the repair of certain homes in Florida where certain of our subcontractors had purchased 
defective drywall that may be responsible for accelerated corrosion of certain metals in the home, which decreased net loss from continuing operations by $1.1 million, 
or $0.06 per share, in 2010, and increased net loss from continuing operations by $7.5 million, or $0.46 per share, in 2009.

(d)  2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 net loss also reflects a $12.9 million, $10.8 million, $8.2 million and $108.9 million, respectively, valuation allowance for deferred tax 

assets, or $0.35, $0.58, $0.73 and $7.75 per share, respectively.

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 

OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

M/I Homes, Inc. (the “Company” or “we”) is one of the nation’s leading builders of single-family homes, having delivered over 80,000 
homes since we commenced homebuilding activities in 1976.  The Company's homes are marketed and sold under the M/I Homes, 
Showcase Homes and TriStone Homes trade names. The Company has homebuilding operations in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; 
Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Tampa and Orlando, Florida; Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte and Raleigh, North 
Carolina; and the Virginia and Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. 

Included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are the following topics relevant 
to the Company’s performance and financial condition:

Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements;

• 
•  Our Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies;
•  Our Results of Operations;
•  Discussion of Our Liquidity and Capital Resources;
• 
•  Discussion of Our Utilization of Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; and
• 

Summary of Our Contractual Obligations;

Impact of Interest Rates and Inflation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information included in this report or in other materials we have filed or will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(the “SEC”) (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us) contains or may 
contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our future financial performance and financial 
condition.  Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” 
variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  These statements involve a 
number of risks and uncertainties.  Any forward-looking statements that we make herein and in future reports and statements are not 
guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements as a result of 
various risk factors.  Please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding 
those risk factors.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date made.  Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to 
publicly  update  any  forward-looking  statements  or  risk  factors,  whether  as  a  result  of  new  information,  future  events  or  otherwise. 
However,  any  further  disclosures  made  on  related  subjects  in  our  subsequent  reports  on  Forms  10-K,  10-Q  and  8-K  should  be 
consulted.  This discussion is provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and all of our forward-
looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referenced in this section.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 
(“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue 
and expenses during the reporting period.  Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other 
factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the 
carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  On an ongoing basis, management evaluates such 
estimates and judgments and makes adjustments as deemed necessary.  Actual results could differ from these estimates using different 
estimates and assumptions, or if conditions are significantly different in the future.  Listed below are those estimates that we believe are 
critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application.

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue from the sale of a home is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, the risks and 
rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer, and an adequate initial and continuing investment by the homebuyer is received, or 
when the loan has been sold to a third-party investor. Revenue for homes that close to the buyer having a deposit of 5% or greater, home 
closings  financed  by  third  parties,  and  all  home  closings  insured  under  Federal  Housing  Administration  (“FHA”),  U.S.  Veterans 
Administration (“VA”), and other government-insured programs are recorded in the financial statements on the date of closing. 

Revenue related to all other home closings initially funded by our wholly-owned subsidiary, M/I Financial Corp. (“M/I Financial”), is 
recorded on the date that M/I Financial sells the loan to a third-party investor, because the receivable from the third-party investor is not 

27

subject to future subordination, and the Company has transferred to this investor the usual risks and rewards of ownership that is in 
substance a sale and does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the home. 

All associated homebuilding costs are charged to cost of sales in the period when the revenues from home closings are recognized. 
Homebuilding costs include: land and land development costs; home construction costs (including an estimate of the costs to complete 
construction); previously capitalized interest; real estate taxes; indirect costs; and estimated warranty costs. All other costs are expensed 
as incurred. Sales incentives, including pricing discounts and financing costs paid by the Company, are recorded as a reduction of revenue 
in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Sales incentives in the form of options or upgrades are recorded in homebuilding 
costs. 

We recognize the majority of the revenue associated with our mortgage loan operations when the mortgage loans and/or related servicing 
rights are sold to third party investors. The revenue recognized is reduced by the fair value of the related guarantee provided to the investor. 
The fair value of the guarantee is recognized in revenue when the Company is released from its obligation under the guarantee. Generally, 
all of the financial services mortgage loans and related servicing rights are sold to third party investors within two to three weeks of 
origination. We recognize financial services revenue associated with our title operations as homes are closed, closing services are rendered, 
and title policies are issued, all of which generally occur simultaneously as each home is closed. All of the underwriting risk associated 
with title insurance policies is transferred to third-party insurers.

Inventory.  Land and development costs are typically allocated to individual lots on a pro-rata basis, and the costs of the lots are transferred 
to homes under construction when home construction begins.  We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating 
home construction costs.  Inventory is recorded at cost, unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the land may 
be impaired. In addition to the costs of direct land acquisition, land development and related costs (both incurred and estimated to be 
incurred) and home construction costs, inventory includes capitalized interest, real estate taxes, and certain indirect costs incurred during 
land development and home construction. Such costs are charged to cost of sales simultaneously with revenue recognition, as discussed 
above. When a home is closed, we typically have not yet paid all incurred costs necessary to complete the home. As homes close, we 
compare the home construction budget to actual recorded costs to date to estimate the additional costs to be incurred from our subcontractors 
related to the home. We record a liability and a corresponding charge to cost of sales for the amount we estimate will ultimately be paid 
related to that home. We monitor the accuracy of such estimates by comparing actual costs incurred in subsequent months to the estimate. 
Although actual costs to complete a home in the future could differ from our estimates, our method has historically produced consistently 
accurate estimates of actual costs to complete closed homes.

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis if events or changes in local or national economic conditions 
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In conducting our quarterly review for indicators of impairment on 
a community level, we evaluate, among other things, margins on sales contracts in backlog, the margins on homes that have been delivered, 
expected changes in margins with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, expected changes in margins with regard 
to future land sales, the value of the land itself as well as any results from third party appraisals. From the review of all of these factors, 
we identify communities whose carrying values may exceed their estimated undiscounted future cash flows and run a test for recoverability. 
For those communities whose carrying values exceed the estimated undiscounted future cash flows and which are deemed to be impaired, 
the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the communities exceeds the estimated fair value. 
Due to the fact that the Company's cash flow models and estimates of fair values are based upon management estimates and assumptions, 
unexpected changes in market conditions may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future.

For  all  of  the  categories  listed  below, the  key  assumptions  relating  to  the  valuations  are  dependent  on  project-specific  local market               
and/or  community  conditions  and  are  inherently  uncertain.  Because  each  inventory  asset  is  unique,  there  are  numerous  inputs  and 
assumptions used in our valuation techniques. Market factors that may impact these assumptions include:

•  Historical project results such as average sales price and sales pace, if closings have occurred in the project;
• 
• 
• 
• 

competitors' market and/or community presence and their competitive actions;
project specific attributes such as location desirability and uniqueness of product offering;
potential for alternative product offerings to respond to local market conditions; and
current economic and demographic conditions and related trends and forecasts.

These and other market factors that may impact project assumptions are considered by personnel in our homebuilding divisions as they 
prepare or update the forecasts for each community. Quantitative and qualitative factors other than home sales prices could significantly 
impact the potential for future impairments. The sales objectives can differ between communities, even within a given sub-market. For 
example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales 
absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our 
gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace. Furthermore, the key assumptions included in our estimated future 
undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in home sales incentives 
may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace or a reduction in base house costs. Changes in our key assumptions, 

28

including estimated average selling price, construction and development costs, absorption pace, selling strategies, or discount rates, could 
materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates. 

As of December 31, 2011, our projections generally assume a gradual improvement in market conditions over time. If communities are 
not recoverable based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which 
the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. The fair value of a community is estimated by discounting 
management's cash flow projections using an appropriate risk-adjusted interest rate. As of December 31, 2011, we utilized discount rates 
ranging from 13% to 18% in our valuations. The discount rate used in determining each asset's estimated fair value reflects the inherent 
risks associated with the related estimated cash flow stream, as well as current risk-free rates available in the market and estimated market 
risk premiums. For example, construction in progress inventory, which is closer to completion, will generally require a lower discount 
rate than land under development in communities consisting of multiple phases spanning several years of development.

Operating Communities: If an indicator for impairment exists for existing operating communities, the recoverability of assets is evaluated 
by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets 
based on home sales.  These estimated cash flows are developed based primarily on management's assumptions relating to the specific 
community. The significant assumptions used to evaluate the recoverability of assets include: the timing of development and/or marketing 
phases; projected sales price and sales pace of each existing or planned community; the estimated land development, home construction, 
and selling costs of the community; overall market supply and demand; the local market; and competitive conditions. Management 
reviews these assumptions on a quarterly basis. While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best 
estimates as of the end of a reporting period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances 
change. We believe the most critical assumptions in the Company's cash flow models are projected absorption pace for home sales, sales 
prices, and costs to build and deliver homes on a community by community basis. 

In order to estimate the assumed absorption pace for home sales included in the Company's cash flow models, the Company analyzes 
the historical absorption pace in the community as well as other communities in the geographic area. In addition, the Company considers 
internal  and  external  market  studies  and  trends,  which  may  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  statistics  on  population  demographics, 
unemployment rates, foreclosure sales, and availability of competing products in the geographic area where a community is located. 
When analyzing the Company's historical absorption pace for home sales and corresponding internal and external market studies, the 
Company places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the absorption pace realized in its most recent quarters and 
management's most current assessment of sales pace. 

In order to estimate the sales prices included in its cash flow models, the Company considers the historical sales prices realized on homes 
it delivered in the community and other communities in the geographic area, as well as the sales prices included in its current backlog 
for such communities. In addition, the Company considers internal and external market studies and trends, which may include, but are 
not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities, which include the impact of short sales, if any, and sales prices on 
similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing its historical 
sales prices and corresponding market studies, the Company places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the sales 
prices realized in its most recent quarters and the sales prices in current backlog. Based upon this analysis, the Company sets a sales price 
for each house type in the community which it believes will achieve an acceptable gross margin and sales pace in the community. This 
price becomes the price published to the sales force for use in its sales efforts. The Company then considers the average of these published 
sales prices when estimating the future sales prices in its cash flow models. 

In order to arrive at the Company's assumed costs to build and deliver homes, the Company generally assumes a cost structure reflecting 
contracts currently in place with its vendors and subcontractors, adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost 
structure. With respect to overhead included in the cash flow models, the Company uses forecasted rates included in the Company's 
annual budget adjusted for actual experience.

Future communities. If an indicator of impairment exists for raw land, land under development, or lots that management anticipates will 
be utilized for future homebuilding activities, the recoverability of assets is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to 
the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets based on home sales, consistent with the evaluations 
performed for operating communities discussed above. 

For raw land, land under development, or lots that management intends to market for sale to a third party, but that do not meet all of the 
criteria to be classified as land held for sale as discussed below, the estimated fair value of the assets is determined based on either the 
estimated net sales proceeds expected to be realized on the sale of the assets or the estimated fair value determined using cash flow 
valuation techniques.

If the Company has not yet determined whether raw land, land under development, or lots will be utilized for future homebuilding activities 
or marketed for sale to a third party, the Company assesses the recoverability of the inventory using a probability-weighted approach.

29

 
Land held for sale. Land held for sale includes land that meets all of the following six criteria: (1) management, having the authority to 
approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset; (2) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only 
to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete 
the plan to sell the asset have been initiated; (4) the sale of the asset is probable, and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for 
recognition as a completed sale, within one year; (5) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation 
to its current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will 
be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company records land held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or estimated fair 
value less costs to sell. In performing the impairment evaluation for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices 
for land in recent comparable sales transactions, market analysis and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties, as well 
as actual contracts. If the estimated fair value less the costs to sell an asset is less than the asset's current carrying value, the asset is written 
down to its estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Our  quarterly  assessments  reflect  management's  best  estimates.  Due  to  the  inherent  uncertainties  in  management's  estimates  and 
uncertainties related to our operations and our industry as a whole as further discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, we are unable to determine at this time if and to what extent continuing future impairments will occur.

Investment in Unconsolidated Limited Liability Companies.  We invest in entities that acquire and develop land for distribution to us 
in connection with our homebuilding operations. In our judgment, we have determined that these entities generally do not meet the criteria 
of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) because, amongst other things, they have sufficient equity to finance their operations. We must use 
our judgment to determine if we have substantive control of these entities. If we were to determine that we have substantive control, we 
would be required to consolidate the entity. Factors considered in determining whether we have substantive control include risk and 
reward sharing, experience and financial condition of the other partners, voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating 
decisions, and continuing involvement. In the event an entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its operations, we would be 
required to use judgment to determine if we were the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We consider our accounting policies with respect 
to determining whether we are the primary beneficiary or have substantive control of the VIE to be critical accounting policies due to 
the judgment required. These entities are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

The Company evaluates its investment in unconsolidated limited liabilities companies (“Unconsolidated LLCs”) for potential impairment 
on a quarterly basis. If the fair value of the investment is less than the investment's carrying value and the Company has determined that 
the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to fair value. The determination 
of whether an investment's fair value is less than the carrying value requires management to make certain assumptions regarding the 
amount  and  timing  of  future  contributions  to  the  Unconsolidated  LLC,  the  timing  of  distribution  of  lots  to  the  Company  from  the 
Unconsolidated LLC, the projected fair value of the lots at the time of distribution to the Company, and the estimated proceeds from, and 
timing of, the sale of land or lots to third parties. In determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs, the Company 
evaluates the projected cash flows associated with each Unconsolidated LLC. As of December 31, 2011, the Company used a discount 
rate of 18% in determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs. In addition to the assumptions management must make 
to determine if the investment's fair value is less than the carrying value, management must also use judgment in determining whether 
the impairment is other than temporary. The factors management considers are: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the market 
value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the company; and (3) the intent and ability of the 
Company to retain its investment in the Unconsolidated LLC for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market 
value. Because of the high degree of judgment involved in developing these assumptions, it is possible that the Company may determine 
the investment is not impaired in the current period but, due to passage of time or change in market conditions leading to changes in 
assumptions, impairment could occur.

Guarantees and Indemnities.  Guarantee and indemnity liabilities are established by charging the applicable line item in our Consolidated 
Statements of Operations or our Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on the nature of the guarantee or indemnity, and crediting a 
liability. M/I Financial provides a limited-life guarantee on loans sold to certain third parties and estimates its actual liability related to 
the guarantee and any indemnities subsequently provided to the purchaser of the loans in lieu of loan repurchase based on historical loss 
experience. Actual future costs associated with loans guaranteed or indemnified could differ materially from our current estimated amounts. 
The Company has also provided certain other guarantees and indemnifications in connection with the purchase and development of land, 
including guarantees of the completion of land development. The Company estimates these liabilities based on the estimated cost of 
insurance coverage or estimated cost of acquiring a bond in the amount of the exposure. Actual future costs associated with these guarantees 
and indemnities could differ materially from our current estimated amounts.

Warranty. Warranty accruals are established by charging cost of sales and crediting a warranty accrual for each home closed.  The amounts 
charged are estimated by management to be adequate to cover expected warranty-related costs for materials and outside labor required 
under the Company's warranty programs. Accruals are recorded for warranties under the following warranty programs:

•  Home Builder’s Limited Warranty; and
30-year transferable structural warranty
• 

30

The warranty accruals for the Home Builder's Limited Warranty are established as a percentage of average sales price, and the structural 
warranty accruals are established on a per unit basis. Our warranty accruals are based upon historical experience by geographic area and 
recent trends. Factors that are given consideration in determining the accruals include: (1) the historical range of amounts paid per average 
sales price on a home; (2) type and mix of amenity packages added to the home; (3) any warranty expenditures not considered to be 
normal and recurring; (4) timing of payments; (5) improvements in quality of construction expected to impact future warranty expenditures; 
(6) actuarial estimates, which reflect both Company and industry data; and (7) conditions that may affect certain projects and require a 
different percentage of average sales price for those specific projects.

Changes in estimates for warranties occur due to changes in the historical payment experience and differences between the actual payment 
pattern experienced during the period and the historical payment pattern used in our evaluation of the warranty accrual balance at the 
end of each quarter. Actual future warranty costs could differ from our current estimated amount.

Self-insurance. Self-insurance accruals are made for estimated liabilities associated with employee health care, workers' compensation, 
and general liability insurance. For 2011, our self-insurance limit for employee health care was $250,000 per claim per year, with stop 
loss insurance covering amounts in excess of $250,000. Our workers’ compensation claims are insured by a third party and carry a 
deductible of $250,000 per claim, with maximum incurred losses not to exceed $425,000, except for claims made in the state of Ohio 
where  the  Company  is  self-insured.  Our  self-insurance  limit  for  Ohio  workers’ compensation  is  $450,000  per  claim,  with  stop  loss 
insurance covering all amounts in excess of this limit. The accruals related to employee health care and workers' compensation are based 
on historical experience and open case reserves.  Our general liability claims are insured by a third party; the Company generally has a 
$7.5 million deductible per occurrence and a $30.0 million deductible in the aggregate, with lower deductibles for certain types of claims. 
The Company records a general liability accrual for claims falling below the Company's deductible. The general liability accrual estimate 
is based on an actuarial evaluation of our past history of claims, other industry specific factors and specific event analysis.  The Company 
recorded expenses totaling $3.1 million, $2.0 million and $15.5 million, respectively, for all self-insured and general liability claims 
during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, this included $0.6 million of charges 
related to defective drywall, as well as the $2.4 million settlement received in the third quarter of 2010 related to defective drywall.  For 
the year ended December 31, 2009, this included $12.2 million of charges related to defective drywall.  Because of the high degree of 
judgment required in determining these estimated accrual amounts, actual future costs could differ from our current estimated amounts.  
Please see Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding expenses relating to defective drywall. 

Stock-Based Compensation.  We record stock-based compensation by recognizing compensation expense at an amount equal to the fair 
value of share-based awards granted under compensation arrangements. We calculate the fair value of stock options using the Black-
Scholes  option  pricing  model.  Determining  the  fair  value  of  share-based  awards  at  the  grant  date  requires  judgment  in  developing 
assumptions, which involve a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over 
the term of the awards and the expected term of the awards. In addition, we also use judgment in estimating the number of share-based 
awards that are expected to be forfeited. 

Derivative Financial Instruments.  To meet financing needs of our home-buying customers, M/I Financial is party to interest rate lock 
commitments (“IRLCs”), which are extended to customers who have applied for a mortgage loan and meet certain defined credit and 
underwriting criteria.  These IRLCs are considered derivative financial instruments. M/I Financial manages interest rate risk related to 
its IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale through the use of forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“FMBSs”), the use of best-
efforts whole loan delivery commitments, and the occasional purchase of options on FMBSs in accordance with Company policy. These 
FMBSs, options on FMBSs, and IRLCs covered by FMBSs are considered non-designated derivatives. In determining the fair value of 
IRLCs, M/I Financial considers the value of the resulting loan if sold in the secondary market. The fair value includes the price that the 
loan is expected to be sold for along with the value of servicing release premiums. Subsequent to inception, M/I Financial estimates an 
updated fair value, which is compared to the initial fair value. In addition, M/I Financial uses fallout estimates, which fluctuate based on 
the rate of the IRLC in relation to current rates. Gains or losses are recorded in financial services revenue. Certain IRLCs and mortgage 
loans held for sale are committed to third party investors through the use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments. The IRLCs 
and  related  best-efforts  whole  loan  delivery  commitments,  which  generally  are  highly  effective  from  an  economic  standpoint,  are 
considered non-designated derivatives and are accounted for at fair value, with gains or losses recorded in financial services revenue. 
Under the terms of these best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments covering mortgage loans held for sale, the specific committed 
mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  are  identified  and  matched  to  specific  delivery  commitments  on  a  loan-by-loan  basis.  The  delivery 
commitments and loans held for sale are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in financial services revenue.

Income Taxes—Valuation Allowance.  A valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available 
evidence, it is more-likely-than-not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. 
The  realization  of  a  deferred  tax  asset  ultimately  depends  on  the  existence  of  sufficient  taxable  income  in  either  the  carryback  or 
carryforward periods under applicable tax law. 

31

The four sources of taxable income to be considered in determining whether a valuation allowance is required are:

• 

• 
• 
• 

Future  reversals  of  existing  taxable  temporary  differences  (i.e.,  offset  gross  deferred  tax  assets  against  gross  deferred  tax 
liabilities);
taxable income in prior carryback years;
tax planning strategies; and
future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.

Determining whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is necessary requires an analysis of both positive and negative evidence 
regarding realization of the deferred tax assets. Examples of positive evidence may include:

•  A strong earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the deductible temporary differences, coupled with evidence indicating 

• 

• 

that the loss is the result of an aberration rather than a continuing condition;
an excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of a company’s net assets in an amount sufficient to realize the deferred 
tax asset; and
existing backlog that will produce more than enough taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset based on existing sales 
prices and cost structures.

Examples of negative evidence may include:

•  The existence of “cumulative losses” (defined as a pre-tax cumulative loss for the business cycle – in our case four years);
• 
• 
• 
• 

an expectation of being in a cumulative loss position in a future reporting period;
a carryback or carryforward period that is so brief that it would limit the realization of tax benefits;
a history of operating loss or tax credit carryforwards expiring unused; and
unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future operations and profit levels on a continuing 
basis.

The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We 
evaluate this based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, 
significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.  A cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence 
in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and also restricts the amount of reliance on projections of future taxable income 
to support the recovery of deferred tax assets.  The Company's current and prior year losses present the most significant negative evidence 
as to whether the Company needs to reduce its deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance.  We are currently in excess of a four-year 
cumulative pre-tax loss position.  We currently believe the cumulative weight of the negative evidence exceeds that of the positive evidence 
and, as a result, it is "more likely than not" that we will not be able to utilize all of our deferred tax assets.  Therefore, as of December 31, 
2011, the Company had a total valuation allowance of $140.8 million recorded. The accounting for deferred taxes is based upon an 
estimate of future results. Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material 
impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Future adjustments to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be determined based upon changes in the expected realization of 
our net deferred tax assets.  Excluding the carryback of $0.6 million of certain 2011 expenses to 2001, we do not expect to record any 
additional tax benefits in 2012 as the carryback has been exhausted.  Additionally, our determination with respect to recording a valuation 
allowance may be further impacted by, among other things:

•  Additional inventory impairments;
additional pre-tax operating losses;
• 
the utilization of tax planning strategies that could accelerate the realization of certain deferred tax assets; or
• 
changes in relevant tax law.
• 

Additionally, due to the considerable estimates utilized in establishing a valuation allowance and the potential for changes in facts and 
circumstances in future reporting periods, it is reasonably possible that we will be required to either increase or decrease our valuation 
allowance in future reporting periods.

Income Taxes—Tax Positions.  The Company evaluates tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in tax returns, 
and records the associated tax benefit or liability.  Tax positions are recognized when it is "more likely than not" that the tax position 
would be sustained upon examination.  The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood 
of being realized upon settlement.  Interest and penalties for all uncertain tax positions are recorded within (Benefit) provision for income 
taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

32

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The  Company’s segment  information  is  presented  on  the  basis  that  the  chief  operating  decision  makers  use  in  evaluating  segment 
performance.  The Company’s chief operating decision makers evaluate the Company’s performance in various ways, including: (1) the 
results of our eleven individual homebuilding operating segments and the results of our financial services operations; (2) the results of 
our three homebuilding regions; and (3) our consolidated financial results.  We have determined our reportable segments as follows: 
Midwest  homebuilding,  Southern  homebuilding,  Mid-Atlantic  homebuilding  and  financial  services  operations.  The  homebuilding 
operating segments that are included within each reportable segment have similar operations and exhibit similar economic characteristics 
over the long-term.  Our homebuilding operations include the acquisition and development of land, the sale and construction of single-
family attached and detached homes, and the occasional sale of lots to third parties.  The homebuilding operating segments that comprise 
each of our reportable segments are as follows:

Midwest
Columbus, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Indianapolis, Indiana
Chicago, Illinois

Southern
Tampa, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas (1)

Mid-Atlantic
Washington, D.C.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina

(1) In April 2011, we acquired the assets of a privately-held homebuilder based in San Antonio, Texas.

Our financial services operations include the origination and sale of mortgage loans and title services primarily for purchasers of the 
Company's homes.

Highlights and Trends for the Year Ended December 31, 2011 

Overview

Throughout 2011, we and the entire homebuilding industry continued to face challenging operating conditions.  Uncertainty about the 
strength and future of the U.S. economy in general, and the homebuilding industry in particular, has created very cautious consumer 
sentiment throughout the potential homebuyer population.  We believe that this consumer anxiety, coupled with tougher overall lending 
standards, kept many would-be homebuyers on the sidelines for most of 2011, and as a result, our 2011 new contracts did not increase 
as much as we and many others in our industry had hoped. As a result, we experienced lower new contracts and deliveries in the first 
half of 2011 when compared to the first half of 2010, the period in which the federal homebuyer tax credit was available and helping 
with sales volumes.  In order to stimulate our new contracts in the second half of  2011, we lowered sales prices and/or offered increased  
incentives in some of our communities.  These actions, while improving sales pace, resulted in lower gross margins, ultimately yielding 
higher impairment charges in 2011 compared to 2010. While homes delivered decreased 6% and the average sales price of those homes 
delivered decreased 2% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, we did experience an 
increase in new contracts of 3% for the year, with a 15% increase in the last six months of 2011, when compared to the last six months 
of 2010.  We are encouraged that we are starting 2012 with increases in both our backlog units and total backlog sales value of 27% and 
34%, respectively, when compared to a year ago.  Our adjusted operating gross margin (see the table set forth below under "Key Financial 
Operating Results" which reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted operating gross margin to its most directly comparable 
GAAP financial measure, gross margin) also improved sequentially in every quarter of  2011, from 16.7% in 2010 to 17.5% in 2011, as 
we experienced a positive shift in the mix of our home deliveries from our legacy communities to our new communities. In 2011, our 
new communities, on average, yielded 500 more basis points in gross margin than our legacy communities.

While there have been recent signs of stability in certain markets and some housing reports have become more optimistic the last quarter 
of 2011, it remains difficult to predict when and at what rate the negative conditions affecting the homebuilding industry will improve, 
or when the homebuilding industry will experience a sustained recovery, allowing for less choppiness and more predictability in quarter 
to quarter and annual financial and operating results.  With these conditions in mind, we continued, and will continue, to focus on the 
following primary strategic business objectives:  

•  maintaining a strong balance sheet;
• 
• 
• 
•  meaningful presence in our markets. 

emphasizing customer service, product design, and premier locations;
improving affordability through design changes and other cost reduction efforts;
strategically investing in new communities and/or markets; and

In particular, during the second quarter of 2011, we expanded our geographic footprint by completing our acquisition of the assets of a 
privately-held homebuilder based in San Antonio, Texas.  We believe San Antonio is a dynamic, growing market.  In addition, as mentioned 

33

 
above, we invested in new communities that are contributing to our effort to restore our profitability when and as housing markets improve. 
During 2011, we opened 46 new communities (defined by us as those having opened after January 1, 2009) and closed 34 communities.  
During 2011 and 2010, we purchased $72.3 million and $110.7 million, respectively, of land.

Looking ahead, we believe these actions have helped position us, both operationally and financially, to be able to generate higher future 
revenues and return to profitability as housing markets improve over time. Given the present operating environment and our outlook, 
however, we provide no assurance that the positive annual trends and/or sequential quarterly trends in our new contracts, homes delivered 
mix and adjusted operating gross margin results that we achieved during 2011 will continue in 2012.

Key Financial Operating Results

• 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, total revenue decreased $50.0 million (8%), from $616.4 million in 2010 to $566.4 million 
in 2011.  This decrease was attributable to a 6% decrease in homes delivered, from 2,434 in 2010 to 2,278 in 2011, as well as a 
decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered, from $247,000 in 2010 to $242,000 in 2011. Our decline in homes delivered 
largely reflects our relatively low backlog level at the beginning of 2011, reflecting the decline in new contracts we experienced in 
the latter half of 2010 following the April 30, 2010 expiration of the federal homebuyer tax credit, along with lower sales in the first 
half of 2011 when compared to the first half of 2010. Revenue in our financial services segment increased from $14.2 million for 
the year ended December 31, 2010 to $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, despite a 9% decrease in the number of 
loans originated, from 1,928 in 2010 to 1,764 in 2011.

•  Loss before income taxes increased $6.5 million, from $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $33.9 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2011. The $6.5 million increase was primarily due to the following factors: (1) the decrease in revenue 
described above, net of improved gross margins; (2) a $9.8 million increase in impairment charges; (3) a $5.6 million increase in 
interest expense resulting from the re-financing of our 2012 Senior Notes with our 2018 Senior Notes in November of 2010; and (4) 
the lack of a settlement in 2011 comparable to the $2.4 million settlement we recognized and received during 2010 related to defective 
drywall.  These factors were partially offset by $5.8 million lower selling, general and administrative expenses and the absence in 
2011 of an $8.4 million loss on the early extinguishment of a portion of our 2012 Senior Notes that occurred in 2010.  

•  During 2011, the Company incurred charges totaling $22.0 million related to the impairment of inventory and our investment in 
Unconsolidated LLCs and $1.0 million of abandoned land transaction costs, compared to $13.2 million of like charges in 2010. The 
$8.8 million increase in these charges was due to: (1) increased impairment charges in some of our legacy and close-out communities; 
(2) management's decision to decrease sales prices in various communities within our Midwest and Southern regions to help improve 
sales pace and remain competitive, as well as increased sales incentives offered; and (3) a change in management's development 
plans for certain legacy raw land.  Our adjusted operating gross margin percentage for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 17.5% 
compared to 16.7% for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Please see the table set forth below which reconciles the non-GAAP 
financial measures of adjusted operating gross margin and adjusted pre-tax loss to their respective most directly comparable GAAP 
financial measures, gross margin, and loss before income taxes. Selling expenses decreased $4.5 million, from $48.0 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2010 to $43.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to (1) a $2.0 million reduction 
in variable selling expenses as a result of fewer closings; (2) a $1.1 million decrease in advertising expenses; and (3) a decrease of 
$0.8 million in expenses related to our model homes.  General and administrative expenses decreased $1.3 million from 2010 to 
2011, primarily due to (1) a decrease of $0.6 million in miscellaneous expenses; (2) a decrease of $0.5 million in payroll related 
expenses; (3) a $0.1 million decrease in land related expenses, including abandoned land transaction costs; and (4) a decrease of 
$0.1 million in professional fees.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, we spent an additional $4.1 million on selling, general 
and administrative expenses related to our entry into our two Texas markets compared to 2010.  

•  The Company had an adjusted pre-tax loss of $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $3.2 million over 
the $7.7 million adjusted pre-tax loss in 2010.  Please see the table set forth below which reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures 
of adjusted operating gross margin and adjusted pre-tax loss to their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, 
gross margin, and loss before income taxes. 

•  New contracts for the year ended December 31, 2011 were 2,381, a 3% increase from 2,316 new contracts during the year ended 
December 31, 2010.  Our cancellation rate decreased from 20% for the year ended December 31, 2010 to 19% for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. Our homes in backlog increased 27%, from 532 units at December 31, 2010 to 676 units at December 31, 2011. 

•  Our mortgage company's capture rate in 2011was 84%, which was the same as 2010's capture rate.  Capture rate is influenced by 

financing availability and can fluctuate up or down from period to period.

•  As a result of our net loss during the year ended December 31, 2011, we generated deferred tax assets of $12.9 million and recorded 

a non-cash valuation allowance against the entire amount of deferred tax assets generated.

34

The following table reconciles our adjusted operating gross margin and adjusted pre-tax loss (each of which constitutes a non-GAAP 
financial measure) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 to the GAAP financial measures of gross margin and loss 
before income taxes, respectively:

Gross margin

Add:

Impairments

Defective drywall charges

Adjusted operating gross margin

Loss before income taxes

Add:

Impairments and abandonments

Defective drywall charges

Other loss (a)

Restructuring/other (b)

Adjusted pre-tax loss

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

77,301

$

92,431

$

19,539

$

$

$

21,993

—

99,294

(33,902)

$

$

22,967

—

—

—

12,538

(1,810)

103,159

(27,404)

$

$

13,158

(1,810)

8,378

—

$

(10,935)

$

(7,678)

$

55,421

12,150

87,110

(92,989)

57,077

12,150

941

3,561
(19,260)

(a)  Other loss is comprised of the loss on the early extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the sale of the Company's airplane during the first quarter 

of 2009.

(b)  Restructuring/other is comprised of severance expense and bad debt expense.

Adjusted operating gross margin and adjusted pre-tax loss are non-GAAP financial measures. Management finds these measures to be useful in evaluating the Company's 
performance because they disclose the financial results generated from homes the Company actually delivered during the period, as the asset impairments and certain other 
write-offs relate, in part, to inventory that was not delivered during the period. They also assist the Company's management in making strategic decisions regarding the 
Company's future operations. The Company believes investors will also find these measures to be important and useful because they disclose financial  measures that can 
be compared to a prior period without regard to the variability of asset impairments and certain other write-offs and adjustments. In addition, to the extent that the Company's 
competitors provide similar information, disclosure of these measures helps readers of the Company's financial statements compare the Company's financial results to the 
results of its competitors with regard to the homes they deliver in the same period. Because these measures are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they may not be 
completely comparable to similarly titled measures of the Company's competitors due to potential differences in methods of calculation and charges being excluded.  Due 
to the significance of the GAAP components excluded, such measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to operating performance measures prescribed 
by GAAP.

The following table shows, by segment, revenue, operating (loss) income, depreciation and amortization expense and interest expense 
for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, as well as the Company’s loss before income taxes for such periods:

(Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:

Midwest homebuilding

Southern homebuilding

Mid-Atlantic homebuilding

Financial services

Total revenue
Operating (loss) income:

Midwest homebuilding (a)

Southern homebuilding (a)

Mid-Atlantic homebuilding (a)

Financial services

Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses (b)

Total operating loss
Interest expense:

Midwest homebuilding

Southern homebuilding
Mid-Atlantic homebuilding

Financial services

Total interest expense

Other loss (c)

Loss before income taxes

35

Years Ended

2011

2010

2009

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

228,191

$

295,096

$

123,061

200,706

14,466

89,896

217,148

14,237

566,424

$

616,377

$

(6,396)

$

(5,314)

7,039

6,641

(20,867)

(18,897)

$

3,294

$

(3,593)

7,004

6,508

(22,824)

(9,611)

$

6,154

$

3,689

$

2,798
5,099

954

15,005

$

—

1,520
3,262

944

9,415

$

(8,378)

(33,902)

$

(27,404)

$

258,910

95,615

201,366

14,058

569,949

(17,590)
(41,092)
(7,500)
6,533
(23,932)
(83,581)

4,043

1,690
2,235

499

8,467
(941)
(92,989)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:

Midwest homebuilding

Southern homebuilding

Mid-Atlantic homebuilding

Financial services

Corporate

Total depreciation and amortization

Years Ended

2011

2010

2009

$

$

1,179

$

1,036

$

601

844

282

4,668

7,574

$

498

763

390

2,507

5,194

$

659

728

959

395

5,130

7,871

(a)  The years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs 
and the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs of $23.0 million, $13.2 million and $57.1 million, respectively.  For 2011, 2010 and 2009, these charges 
reduced operating income by $13.9 million, $3.9 million and $20.4 million in the Midwest region, $6.8 million, $4.5 million and $24.1 million in the Southern region, 
and $2.3 million, $4.8 million and $12.6 million in the Mid-Atlantic region, respectively.

(b)  The year ended December 31, 2009 includes the impact of severance charges of $1.0 million.  

(c)  Other loss is comprised of the loss on the early extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the sale of the Company's airplane during the first quarter 

of 2009.

The following tables shows, by segment, total assets and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

(In thousands)

Midwest

Southern

Mid-Atlantic

and Unallocated

Total

Deposits on real estate under option or contract

$

252

$

1,516

$

907

$

Inventory (a)

Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs

Other assets

Total assets

200,760

5,157

3,865

89,586

5,200

2,858

173,751

—

9,861

$

210,034

$

99,160

$

184,519

$

—

—

—

170,772

170,772

$

2,675

464,097

10,357

187,356

$

664,485

At December 31, 2011

Corporate,

Financial Services

At December 31, 2010

Corporate,

Financial Services

(In thousands)

Midwest

Southern

Mid-Atlantic

and Unallocated

Total

Deposits on real estate under option or contract

$

1,027

$

85

$

853

$

Inventory (a)

Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs

Other assets

Total assets

212,159

5,929

5,187

69,652

4,660

1,719

167,161

—

4,283

$

224,302

$

76,116

$

172,297

$

—

—

—

189,179

189,179

$

1,965

448,972

10,589

200,368

$

661,894

(a) 

Inventory includes single-family lots, land and land development costs; land held for sale; homes under construction; model homes and furnishings; community 
development district infrastructure; and consolidated inventory not owned.

36

 
 
 
 
Seasonality and Variability in Quarterly Results

Typically, our homebuilding operations experience significant seasonality and quarter-to-quarter variability in homebuilding activity 
levels. In general, homes delivered increase substantially in the second half of the year compared to the first half of the year. We believe 
that this seasonality reflects the tendency of homebuyers to shop for a new home in the spring with the goal of closing in the fall or winter, 
as well as the scheduling of construction to accommodate seasonal weather conditions. Our financial services operations also experience 
seasonality because loan originations correspond with the delivery of homes in our homebuilding operations.

(Dollars in thousands)

Revenue

Unit data:

New contracts

Homes delivered

Backlog at end of period

(Dollars in thousands)

Revenue

Unit data:

New contracts

Homes delivered

Backlog at end of period

Three Months Ended

December 31,
2011

September 30,
2011

June 30,
2011

March 31,
2011

$

176,786

$

141,624

$

137,444

$

110,570

505

667

676

587

582

838

635

590

833

654

439

747

Three Months Ended

December 31,
2010

September 30,
2010

June 30,
2010

March 31,
2010

$

164,975

$

135,609

$

196,404

$

119,389

460

650

532

489

515

722

602

790

748

765

479

936

A home is included in “new contracts” when our standard sales contract is executed.  “Homes delivered” represents homes for which the 
closing of the sale has occurred.  “Backlog” represents homes for which the standard sales contract has been executed, but which are not 
included in homes delivered because closings for these homes have not yet occurred as of the end of the period specified.

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reportable Segments

The following table presents, by reportable segment, selected results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 
2009:

(Dollars in thousands)
Midwest Region

Homes delivered

New contracts, net

Backlog at end of period

Average sales price of homes in backlog

Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog

Average sales price per home delivered

Revenue homes

Revenue third party land sales

Operating (loss) income homes (a)

Operating loss land (a)

Number of new communities

Number of active communities

Southern Region

Homes delivered

New contracts, net

Backlog at end of period

Average sales price of homes in backlog

Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog

Average sales price per home delivered

Revenue homes

Revenue third party land sales

Operating loss homes (a)

Operating loss land (a)

Number of new communities

Number of active communities

Mid-Atlantic Region

Homes delivered

New contracts, net

Backlog at end of period

Average sales price of homes in backlog

Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog

Average sales price per home delivered

Revenue homes

Revenue third party land sales

Operating income (loss) homes (a)

Operating loss land (a)

Number of new communities

Number of active communities

Total Homebuilding Regions

Homes delivered

New contracts, net

Backlog at end of period

Average sales price of homes in backlog

Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog

Average sales price per home delivered
Revenue homes

Revenue third party land sales

Operating (loss) income homes (a)

Operating loss land (a)

Number of new communities
Number of active communities

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

991

1,042

387

259

100,096

230

228,191

—

(6,396)

—

14

59

571

607

164

241

39,540

214

121,951

1,110

(4,823)

(492)

19

28

716

732

125

328

41,019

280

200,706

—
7,039

—

13

35

2,278

2,381

676

267

180,655

242

550,848

1,110

(4,180)

(492)

46
122

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

1,296

1,215

336

247

83,061

228

295,096

—

3,294

—

19

61

429

461

87

218

19,006

209

89,053

843

(3,014)

(579)

5

19

709

640

109

304

33,179

306

216,583

565

7,068

(64)

17

30

2,434

2,316

532

254

135,246

247
600,732

1,408

7,348

(643)

41
110

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

1,282

1,334

417

241

100,623

202

258,818

92
(15,666)
(1,924)
14

59

428

406

55

220

12,088

222

94,958

657
(39,401)
(1,691)
2

21

699

753

178

359

63,988

288

201,366

—
(5,858)
(1,642)
4

21

2,409

2,493

650

272

176,698

231
555,142

749
(60,925)
(5,257)
20
101

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Financial Services

Number of loans originated

Value of loans originated

Revenue

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Income before income taxes

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

1,764

376,132

14,466

7,825

954

5,687

$

$

$

$

$

1,928

416,498

14,237

7,729

944

5,564

$

$

$

$

$

2,031

420,761

14,058

7,525

499

6,034

$

$

$

$

$

(a)  Amount includes impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs and abandoned land transaction costs for 2011, 2010 and 2009 as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Midwest:

Homes

Land

Southern:

Homes

Land

Mid-Atlantic:

Homes

Land

Total

Homes

Land

Cancellation Rates

December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

13,898

$

3,863

$

—

13,898

6,202

590

6,792

2,277

—

2,277

22,377

590

—

3,863

3,947

587

4,534

4,673

88

4,761

12,483

675

$

22,967

$

13,158

$

18,339

2,016

20,355

22,242

1,883

24,125

10,955

1,642

12,597

51,536

5,541

57,077

The following table sets forth the cancellation rates for each of our homebuilding segments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 
and 2009:

Midwest:

Southern:

Mid-Atlantic:

Total

Year Ended December 31,

2011

22.1%

19.5%

15.2%

19.4%

2010

24.2%

13.3%

15.0%

19.8%

2009

22.2%

15.8%

15.5%

19.3%

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Midwest Region.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, we had $228.2 million of homebuilding revenue in our Midwest region, a 
decrease of $66.9 million from the $295.1 million of homebuilding revenue we had in 2010. This decrease was primarily the result of a 
24% decrease in homes delivered, from 1,296 in 2010 to 991 in 2011, which was partially offset by a slight increase in the average sales 
price of homes delivered, from $228,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $230,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Our 
decline in homes delivered largely reflects our relatively low backlog level at the beginning of 2011, reflecting the decline in new contracts 
we experienced in the latter eight months of 2010 following the April 30, 2010 expiration of the federal homebuyer tax credit.  Our 
Midwest region had an operating loss of $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to operating income of $3.3 
million for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to an increase in impairment charges as well as the decrease in revenue 
described above, partially offset by a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses and higher adjusted operating gross margins. 
For the year ended December 31, 2011, there were $13.5 million of impairment charges in our Midwest region, compared to $3.7 million 
of impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2010.  As a result of the tough market conditions and corresponding decrease in 
new contracts during the first half of 2011, we lowered sales prices and/or offered increased sales incentives in some of our communities 
during the second half of 2011.  These actions, which helped improve sales pace, resulted in lower gross margins, ultimately yielding 
higher impairment charges in 2011 when compared to 2010. In addition, a portion of the increase in impairment charges was due to 
management's changes in the ultimate development plans for some of our legacy raw land.  Excluding these impairment charges, our 

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
adjusted operating gross margin percentage was 14.6% for 2011 and 13.0% for 2010. The increase in adjusted operating gross margin 
percentage was primarily the result of an increase in the percentage of homes delivered in our new communities, where we are experiencing 
gross margins that are 500 basis points higher, on average, than in our legacy communities. For the year ended December 31, 2011, 42% 
of the homes delivered in our Midwest region were in new communities, compared to 27% of our homes delivered during 2010. During 
2011, we opened 14 new communities in our Midwest region compared to 19 new communities in 2010.  Selling, general and administrative 
expenses decreased $5.4 million, from $31.5 million in 2010 to $26.1 million in 2011, due to a decrease in variable selling expenses, 
payroll related expenses, land related expenses, professional fees, advertising expenses, and expenses related to our model homes.  New 
contracts in our Midwest region decreased 14% for the year ended December 31, 2011, from 1,215 in 2010 to 1,042 in 2011. Backlog at 
December 31, 2011 increased 15% from 336 homes at December 31, 2010 to 387 homes at December 31, 2011, with an average sales 
price in backlog of $259,000 at December 31, 2011 compared to $247,000 at December 31, 2010. Our monthly absorption rate for 2011 
in the Midwest was 1.5 per community, compared to 1.6 per community in 2010. Our absorption rate decline, along with our other year 
over year comparisons, was negatively impacted in 2011 by the April 30, 2010 expiration of the federal homebuyer tax credit.   

Southern Region.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, homebuilding revenue in our Southern region increased $33.2 million (37%), 
from $89.9 million in 2010 to $123.1 million in 2011. This increase was primarily the result of a 33% increase in the number of homes 
delivered, from 429 for the year ended December 31, 2010 to 571 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The average sales price of 
homes delivered increased slightly from $209,000 in 2010 to $214,000 in 2011.  The increase in homes delivered was largely the result 
of our entry into the San Antonio market during the second quarter of 2011 as well as our operations in our Houston market that commenced 
during the fourth quarter of 2010. Despite the increase in revenue, our operating loss in our Southern region increased $1.7 million, from 
$3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to an increase 
in impairment charges, as well as an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, and the $2.4 million settlement we received 
during 2010 related to defective drywall.  We had $6.7 million of impairment charges in 2011 in our Southern region, compared to $4.4 
million in 2010. As a result of the tough market conditions, we lowered sales prices and/or offered increased sales incentives in some of 
our legacy and close-out communities in various markets within our Southern region.  These actions resulted in lower gross margins, 
ultimately yielding the $2.3 million increase in impairment charges.  In addition, a portion of the increase in impairment charges was due 
to changes in our ultimate development plans for some of our legacy raw land. Excluding these impairment charges, as well the $1.8 
million settlement received related to defective drywall (net of $0.6 million of charges related to defective drywall) for the year ended 
December 31, 2010, our adjusted operating gross margin percentages were 15.9% and 15.6% for the years ended December 31, 2011 
and 2010, respectively. During 2011, we opened 19 new communities (five of which were acquired in our acquisition of the assets of a 
privately-held San Antonio homebuilder) in our Southern region compared to five new communities in 2010.  For the year ended December 
31, 2011, 62% of the homes delivered in our Southern region were in new communities, compared to 25% of our homes delivered during 
the year ended December 31, 2010. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.1 million, from $15.1 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2010 to $18.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase is primarily due to $4.1 million of 
additional expenses during 2011 related to our entry into our two Texas markets when compared to 2010. Homes in backlog increased 
from 87 homes at December 31, 2010 to 164 homes at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the backlog acquired through our investment 
in the San Antonio market, as well as a 32% increase in new contracts from 461 in 2010 to 607 in 2011.  The average sales price of homes 
in backlog also increased in our Southern region from $218,000 at December, 31, 2010 to $241,000 at December 31, 2011, and the overall 
sales value of our homes in backlog in our Southern region increased to $39.5 million at December 31, 2011 compared to $19.0 million 
at December 31, 2010.  These increases were primarily due to a change in product mix being sold in our Southern region, as well as the 
inclusion of the backlog acquired through our acquisition of the assets mentioned above.  In our Southern region, during the year ended 
December 31, 2011, our monthly absorption rate was 2.2 per community, compared to 1.8 per community during the year ended December 
31, 2010. 

Mid-Atlantic Region.  Homebuilding revenue in our Mid-Atlantic region decreased $16.4 million (8%), from $217.1 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2010 to $200.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to an 8% decrease 
in the average sales price of homes delivered, from $306,000 in 2010 to $280,000 in 2011, which was partially offset by a slight increase 
in the number of homes delivered, from 709 homes in 2010 to 716 homes in 2011. The decrease in the average sales price of homes 
delivered was primarily due to a decline in homes delivered in our Washington D.C. market in 2011 when compared to 2010 which has 
a higher average selling price than our North Carolina markets. Despite the decrease in revenue from 2010, our operating income in our 
Mid-Atlantic region for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $7.0 million - the same as 2010. This was due to $2.7 million of lower 
impairment charges in 2011 than 2010 as well as $1.7 million lower selling, general and administrative expenses. The lower expense 
level was due primarily to lower variable selling expenses, community opening costs and lower architectural expenses for new product 
in 2011, offset in part by higher payroll related expenses, when compared to 2010.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, there were 
$1.8 million of impairment charges in our Mid-Atlantic region, compared to $4.5 million of impairment charges for the year ended 
December 31, 2010. Excluding these impairment charges, our adjusted operating gross margin percentage for the year ended December 
31, 2011 was 16.0%, compared to 16.8% for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The decline in adjusted operating gross margin percentage 
was due to a change in product mix in 2011 from the homes delivered in 2010, which was partially offset by a greater percentage of our 
homes delivered coming from new communities where, on average, we experience higher gross margins.  During the year ended December 
31, 2011, we opened 13 new communities in our Mid-Atlantic region compared to 17 new communities opened in the region during the 
year ended December 31, 2010.  Homes in backlog increased 15%, from 109 homes at December 31, 2010 to 125 homes at December 

40

31, 2011, primarily due to a 14% increase in new contracts from 640 in 2010 to 732 in 2011.  The average sales price of homes in backlog 
also increased, from $304,000 at December 31, 2010 to $328,000 at December 31, 2011, and the overall sales value of our homes in 
backlog in our Mid-Atlantic region increased from $33.2 million at December 31, 2010 to $41.0 million at December 31, 2011. In our 
Mid-Atlantic region, during the year ended December 31, 2011, our monthly absorption rate was 1.9 per community, compared to 2.3 
per community in the year ended December 31, 2010. Our absorption rate, along with many of our other year-over-year comparisons, 
was negatively impacted in 2011 by the April 30, 2010 expiration of the federal homebuyer tax credit.  

Financial Services.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, revenue from our mortgage and title operations increased $0.2 million (1%), 
from $14.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 to $14.4 million for 2011, despite a 9% decrease in the number of loan 
originations.  The primary reason for this was the increase in refinance business our financial services segment experienced in 2011 
compared to 2010.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared 
to the year ended December 31, 2010.  We had an increase of $0.1 million in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2011 
compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, which was attributable to higher margins on the loans sold in 2011 compared to 2010.  

At December 31, 2011, M/I Financial provided financing services in all of our markets. Approximately 84% of our homes delivered 
during 2011 that were financed were financed through M/I Financial, which was the same rate as in 2010. Capture rate is influenced by 
financing availability and can fluctuate up or down from quarter to quarter. 

Corporate Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.9 million 
(8%), from $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease 
was primarily due to a decrease of $1.3 million in payroll related expenses and a $0.4 million decrease in selling expenses.

Interest Expense - Net.  Interest expense for the Company increased $5.6 million, from $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 
2010 to $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to the increase in our weighted average 
borrowing rate from 8.75% for the year ended December 31, 2010 to 9.43% for the year ended December 31, 2011, along with the increase 
in our weighted average borrowings from $221.9 million in 2010 to $263.7 million in 2011, due primarily to the issuance of the 2018 
Senior Notes in the fourth quarter of 2010. 

Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2009

Midwest Region.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, Midwest homebuilding revenue increased $36.2 million (14%), from $258.9 
million in 2009 to $295.1 million in 2010.  The increase was primarily due to a 13% increase in the average sales price of homes delivered, 
from $202,000 in 2009 to $228,000 in 2010, along with an increase in homes delivered from 1,282 in 2009 to 1,296 in 2010.  Operating 
income was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, a $20.9 million (119%) increase from an operating loss of $17.6 million 
in 2009, primarily due to the increase in revenue described above as well as lower homebuilding costs as a percentage of revenue.  
Excluding impairment charges of $3.7 million and $19.8 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, our adjusted operating gross margins 
were 13.0% and 12.5% for those same periods in our Midwest region.  The 0.5% increase was the result of our Company-wide initiative 
to reduce hard costs, along with value engineering in our Midwest markets. In 2010 we opened 19 new communities in our Midwest 
region compared to 14 new communities in 2009.  Overall, we experienced higher gross margins in our new communities. Excluding 
deposit write-offs and pre-acquisition costs of $0.2 million in 2010 and $0.6 million in 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses 
increased $1.7 million, from $29.6 million in 2009 to $31.3 million in 2010 due to an increase in payroll related expenses, professional 
fees and variable selling expenses related to our increased volume.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, our Midwest region new 
contracts  decreased  9%  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 31,  2009.  Year-end  backlog  decreased  19%  in  units,  from  417  at 
December 31, 2009 to 336 at December 31, 2010, and 17% in total sales value, from $100.6 million at December 31, 2009 to $83.1 
million  at  December 31,  2010,  with  an  average  sales  price  in  backlog  of  $247,000  at  December 31,  2010  compared  to  $241,000  at 
December 31, 2009.  Our 2010 monthly absorption rate in the Midwest was 1.6 per community, compared to 1.7 per community in 2009.  

Southern Region. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Southern homebuilding revenue decreased by $5.7 million, from $95.6 million 
in 2009 to $89.9 million in 2010.  The 6% decrease in revenue was primarily due to the 6% decrease in the average sales price of homes 
delivered, from $222,000 in 2009 to $209,000 in 2010. Homes delivered increased from 428 in 2009 to 429 in 2010.  Operating loss 
decreased by $37.5 million, from $41.1 million in 2009 to $3.6 million in 2010, primarily due to reduced impairment charges and lower 
selling, general and administrative costs.  Excluding impairment charges of $4.4 million and $24.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, 
the $1.8 million settlement the Company received in the third quarter of 2010 related to defective drywall (net of $0.6 million of charges 
related to defective drywall), and charges of $12.2 million related to defective drywall in 2009, our adjusted operating gross margins 
were 15.6% and 12.8% for those same periods in our Southern region.  In 2010, we opened five new communities in our Southern region 
compared to two new communities in 2009. Selling, general and administrative costs decreased $2.0 million, from $17.1 million in 2009 
to $15.1 million in 2010, due to a decrease in land related expenses, model home expenses, and expenses related to our sales offices.  Our 
Southern region new contracts increased from 406 in 2009 to 461 in 2010.  We saw an increase in backlog units in our Southern region 
in 2010, from 55 at December 31, 2009 to 87 at December 31, 2010, along with an increase in the total sales value of homes in backlog, 
from $12.1 million at December 31, 2009 to $19.0 million at December 31, 2010.  The average sales price of homes in backlog decreased 

41

from $220,000 at December 31, 2009 to $218,000 at December 31, 2010. During 2009, we recorded bad debt expense of $1.2 million 
on a note receivable related to a piece of land we sold in our Southern region in 2006. Our monthly absorption rates in 2010 and 2009 in 
our Southern region were 1.8 and 1.6 per community, respectively. 

Mid-Atlantic Region. In our Mid-Atlantic region, homebuilding revenue increased $15.7 million, from $201.4 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2009 to $217.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  This increase was primarily due to the increase in the 
average sales price of homes delivered, from $288,000 in 2009 to $306,000 in 2010, along with the increase in homes delivered from 
699 in 2009 to 709 in 2010.  Operating income for 2010 was $7.0 million, a $14.5 million improvement compared to 2009's operating 
loss of $7.5 million. The $14.5 million improvement was primarily due to the increase in revenue and the average sales price of homes 
delivered discussed above, reduced impairment charges and higher gross margins.  Excluding impairment charges of $4.5 million and 
$11.5 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, our adjusted operating gross margins were 16.8% and 14.1% for those same periods in our 
Mid-Atlantic region.  The 2.7% increase was due to the results of our Company-wide initiative to reduce hard costs, along with value-
engineering in our Mid-Atlantic markets.  In 2010 we opened 17 new communities in our Mid-Atlantic region compared to four new 
communities in 2009. Overall, we experienced higher gross margins in our new communities. Excluding deposit write-offs and pre-
acquisition costs of $0.3 million in 2010 and $1.1 million in 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.3 million 
due to an increase in advertising expenses, research and development expenses, and expenses related to our sales offices.  New contracts 
decreased 15%, from 753 in 2009 to 640 in 2010.   Year-end backlog decreased 39% in units, from 178 at December 31, 2009 to 109 at 
December 31, 2010, and 48% in total sales value, from $64.0 million at December 31, 2009 to $33.2 million at December 31, 2010, with 
an average sales price in backlog decreasing from $359,000 at December 31, 2009 to $304,000 at December 31, 2010.  Our 2010 monthly 
absorption rate in our Mid-Atlantic region was 2.3 per community, compared to 2.5 in 2009.  

Financial Services.  For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2010,  revenue  from  our  mortgage  and  title  operations  was  $14.2  million,  an 
increase of $0.2 million from 2009.  Operating income for our financial services segment was $6.5 million in 2010, which was the same 
as 2009's operating income. General and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, which was offset by the $0.2 million increase 
in revenue discussed above.  Loan originations decreased 5%, from 2,031 in 2009 to 1,928 in 2010.

At  December 31,  2010,  M/I  Financial  had  mortgage  operations  in  all  of  our  markets  except  Houston,  where  we  commenced  home 
construction in the fourth quarter of 2010. Approximately 84% of our homes delivered during 2010 that were financed were through M/
I Financial, compared to 87% in 2009. Capture rate is influenced by financing availability and can fluctuate up or down from quarter to 
quarter. 

Corporate Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million 
(5%), from $23.9 million in 2009 to $22.8 million in 2010 primarily due to a decrease of $1.1 million professional fees and a decrease 
of $0.2 million in advertising expenses.  These decreases were partially offset by a $0.3 million in payroll related expenses.

Interest.  Interest expense for the Company increased $0.9 million (11%) from $8.5 million in 2009 to $9.4 million in 2010.  This increase 
was primarily due to the increase in our weighted average borrowings from $213.1 million in 2009 to $221.9 million in 2010, along with 
a slight increase in our weighted average borrowing rate, from 8.63% for the year ended December 31, 2009 to 8.75% for the year ended 
December 31, 2010. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview of Capital Resources and Liquidity

During 2011 and 2010, we continued to focus on the reduction of operating expenses and carefully managing our use of cash to operate 
our business.  We also made acquisitions of land assets that met our investment and marketing standards to replenish our land inventories 
and to facilitate future growth in the markets in which we operate.  In April 2011, we acquired the assets of a privately-held homebuilder 
based in San Antonio, Texas, and we believe this expansion of our geographic footprint will help improve our overall operations.  At 
December 31, 2011, we had $101.1 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, with $59.8 million of this amount comprised 
of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, our ratio of net debt to net capital was 42% and 34%, respectively. Our ratio of net debt to net capital 
is calculated as total debt minus total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, divided by the sum of total debt minus total cash, cash 
equivalents and restricted cash plus shareholders' equity. We believe that the ratio of net debt to net capital is useful in understanding the 
leverage employed in our operations and comparing us with other homebuilders.

Our net (loss) income historically does not approximate cash flow from operating activities. The difference between net (loss) income 
and cash flow from operating activities is primarily caused by changes in inventory levels together with changes in receivables, prepaid 
and other assets, interest and other accrued liabilities, deferred income taxes, accounts payable, mortgage loans and liabilities, and noncash 
charges relating to depreciation, stock compensation awards and impairment losses for inventory. When we are expanding our operations, 

42

  
inventory levels, prepaids, and other assets increase, causing cash flow from operating activities to decrease. Certain liabilities also 
increase as operations expand and partially offset the negative effect on cash flow from operations caused by the increase in inventory 
levels, prepaids and other assets. Similarly, as our mortgage operations expand, net income from these operations increases, but for cash 
flow purposes net income is offset by the net change in mortgage assets and liabilities. The opposite is true as our investment in new land 
purchases and development of new communities decrease. As a result of the new land purchases and land development over the past 
couple of years, we have used cash in operations as we add new communities and purchase land for future use. We continue to operate 
in a challenging economic environment, and it will become even more difficult to generate positive cash flow from operations and our 
ability to maintain sufficient liquidity for our business operations may be affected by economic or business conditions beyond our control. 
However, we believe that our balance of unrestricted cash, available borrowing options, and other sources of liquidity will be sufficient 
to fund currently anticipated working capital, planned capital spending, and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months, 
including the repayment of the $41.4 million outstanding balance of the Company's 6.875% Senior Notes due April 1, 2012 (the "2012 
Senior Notes").

Operating Cash Flow Activities

During 2011, we used $34.0 million of cash in our operating activities, compared to $37.3 million in 2010. During 2011, as is typical in 
the homebuilding industry, our primary uses of cash in operating our business were for land purchases, land development expenditures, 
the costs of home construction, interest expense, selling expenses, and general and administrative expenses.  The primary source of cash 
was revenues from home deliveries, along with revenues from our financial services operations.  With respect to changes in assets and 
liabilities, the primary use of cash from operations in 2011 was an increase in total inventory of $33.0 million. This compares with a 
$45.0 million increase in total inventory in 2010.  We also had a $2.5 million decrease in other liabilities.  Partially offsetting these 
decreases was an $11.5 million increase in our accounts payable, along with a $3.2 million decrease in cash held in escrow in 2011 
compared to 2010.

The decrease in cash used in operating activities in 2011 compared to 2010 was driven by a $20.7 million increase in the net change of 
accounts payable, from a decrease of $9.2 million in 2010 to an increase of $11.5 million in 2011, along with a $12.0 million reduction 
in the net change in inventory from an increase of $45.0 million in 2010 to an increase of $33.0 million in 2011, and a $3.2 million 
decrease in cash held in escrow.  Partially offsetting these decreases was a $32.8 million decrease in the net change in other assets, from 
a decrease in other assets of $34.4 million in 2010 to a decrease of $1.5 million in other assets in 2011, which was primarily the result 
of the $29.0 million income tax refund we received in 2010. 

We spent $72.3 million on land purchases and $44.9 million on land development for total spending of $117.2 million, compared to 
$152.9 million of total spending on land purchases and land development during 2010. In the normal course of our business, in addition 
to our land purchases, we have continued to enter into land option agreements, taking into consideration current and projected market 
conditions, in order to secure land for the construction of homes in the future.  Pursuant to these land option agreements, we have provided 
deposits to land sellers totaling $7.2 million as of December 31, 2011 as consideration for the right to purchase land and lots in the future, 
including the right to purchase $145.8 million of land and lots during the years 2012 through 2019.  

Based upon our business activity levels, liquidity, leverage, market conditions, and opportunities for land in our markets, we currently 
estimate that in 2012, we will spend a greater amount on land purchases and land development than the $117.2 million that we spent in 
2011.  However, land transactions are subject to a number of contingencies and thus the timing of specific purchases is difficult to project.  
In addition, we will actively monitor market conditions and our ongoing pace of home deliveries, and we plan to adjust our land spending 
accordingly. 

Investing Cash Flow Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we used $9.3 million of cash in investing activities, compared to $22.4 million in 2010.  This 
decrease in cash used was primarily due to the $19.6 million increase in restricted cash in 2010 compared to the $2.6 million increase in 
2011.  Restricted cash as of December 31, 2010 primarily consisted of $38.7 million of cash the Company had pledged as collateral in 
accordance with the Company's secured Letter of Credit Facilities.  Restricted cash as of December 31, 2011 primarily consisted of $16.3 
million of cash the Company had pledged as collateral in accordance with the Company's secured Letter of Credit Facilities and $25.0 
million of cash pledged as security to the lenders under the Credit Facility, as was required during periods when we did not meet either 
the required minimum Interest Coverage Ratio or the minimum ACFO Ratio (as such terms are defined in the Credit Agreement). This 
interest coverage provision was amended as part of the Amendment to the Credit Facility entered into by the Company on January 31, 
2012 (the “Amendment”).  As a result of the Amendment, going forward, the Company will be able to maintain either (or a combination 
of) $25.0 million of cash pledged to the lenders or $25 million of excess availability under the Secured Borrowing Base (as defined in 
the Credit Agreement) if the Interest Coverage Ratio and ACFO Ratio are both less than 1.50.

43

 
Financing Cash Flow Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2011, our financing activities generated $21.9 million of cash, compared to $30.9 million in 2010. The 
cash generated during 2010 was primarily the result of $197.2 million of net proceeds from the issuance of our 2018 Senior Notes, which 
was partially offset by funds used to repurchase $158.6 million of our 2012 Senior Notes in the tender offer and to pay the related 
transaction costs, including an early repurchase premium. We also incurred $4.0 million of fees and costs associated with issuing the 
2018 Senior Notes in November 2010. In 2011, we had $20.4 million of proceeds from bank borrowings within our financial services 
operations, compared to $8.1 million in 2010, as well as $1.5 million of proceeds from stock options exercised. 

The financing needs of our homebuilding and financial services operations depend on anticipated sales volume in the current year as well 
as future years, inventory levels and related turnover, forecasted land and lot purchases, debt maturity dates, and other Company plans. 
We fund these operations with cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, and, from time to time, issuances 
of new debt and/or equity securities, as management deems necessary. Our 2012 Senior Notes mature in April 2012 and at that time we 
will be required to repay the aggregate outstanding principal balance of $41.4 million. We expect to use available cash and/or borrowings 
from our Credit Facility to repay the 2012 Senior Notes at their maturity date.

We have incurred substantial indebtedness, and may incur substantial indebtedness in the future, to fund our homebuilding and mortgage 
origination activities. We routinely monitor current operational requirements, financial market conditions, and credit relationships. We 
believe that our operations and borrowing resources will provide for our current and long-term liquidity requirements. We further believe 
that we will be able to continue to fund our current operations and meet our contractual obligations through a combination of existing 
cash resources and our existing sources of credit. However, we continue to evaluate the impact of market conditions on our liquidity and 
may determine that modifications are necessary to our cash management if market conditions continue to deteriorate and/or the challenging 
economic conditions extend beyond our expectations. We cannot be certain that we will be able to replace our existing financing or find 
sources of additional financing in the future. Please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
further discussion of risk factors that could impact our source of funds.

Included in the table below is a summary of our available sources of cash as of December 31, 2011:

(In thousands)

Notes payable – homebuilding (a)

Notes payable – financial services (b)

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Expiration
Date

6/9/2013

3/31/2012

4/1/2012

11/15/2018

$

$

$

$

Outstanding
Balance

Available
Amount

—

52,606

41,443

200,000

$

$

$

$

51,575

219

—

—

(a)  The available amount is computed in accordance with the borrowing base calculation under the Credit Facility and can be increased if we secure additional assets or 
invest additional amounts in the currently pledged assets. The Amendment provides that the Company may increase the amount of the Credit Facility from $140 
million to up to $175 million in the aggregate, contingent on obtaining additional commitments from lenders, and that the Credit Facility expires on December 31, 
2014. Under the Amendment, net borrowing availability at December 31, 2011, assuming the $25 million restricted cash had been released, would have been $26.6 
million. 

(b)  The available amount is in accordance with the borrowing base calculation under M/I Financial's $60 million mortgage warehousing agreement dated April 18, 2011, 
as amended (the “MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement”).  The maximum aggregate commitment amount of the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement is $60 
million. The amendment increased the borrowing availability under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement from $50 million to $60 million.  The MIF Mortgage 
Warehousing Agreement has an expiration date of March 31, 2012. 

Notes Payable - Homebuilding.  

Homebuilding Credit Facility. The Credit Facility provides revolving credit financing for the Company in the aggregate commitment 
amount of up to $140 million (with availability as determined by a borrowing base), including a $40 million sub-facility for letters of 
credit. The Credit Facility is governed by a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) dated June 9, 2010, as amended.  Borrowings 
under the Credit Facility are at the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin of 350 basis points or at the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of 450 
basis points, as described in the Credit Agreement.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding borrowings, and $19.8 
million of issued and outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility, and the Company had pledged $125.1 million in aggregate 
book value of inventory and $25 million of cash to secure any borrowings and letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility.

Among other things, the Amendment amends the Credit Facility in the following respects: (1) the maturity date was extended from June 
9, 2013 to December 31, 2014; (2) the Company may increase the amount of the Credit Facility up to $175 million in aggregate, contingent 
on obtaining additional commitments from lenders (on January 31, 2012, total commitments of $140 million were accepted from the 
lenders); (3) the interest coverage covenant in the Credit Facility was amended to require the Company to maintain either (or a combination 
of) $25 million of cash pledged to the lenders or $25 million of excess availability under the Secured Borrowing Base (as defined in the 
Credit Agreement) if the Interest Coverage Ratio and ACFO Ratio (as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) are both less than 1.50 
(previously, the Company was required to maintain $25 million of cash pledged to the lenders if both of the interest coverage ratios were 

44

less than 1.50); (4) the aggregate commitment of the Credit Facility will begin to decrease in increments of $20 million on a quarterly 
basis, beginning September 30, 2013, if the Interest Coverage Ratio and ACFO Ratio are both less than 1.50, provided that this provision 
does not apply if, at the time of determination, the aggregate commitments of the lenders are less than or equal to $80 million and the 
Company has maintained an ACFO Ratio of greater than 1.10 to 1.00 for the trailing two fiscal quarters; (5) a component was added to 
the Secured Borrowing Base to allow up to $25 million of availability based on mortgaged real property for which appraisals and other 
requirements have not been completed, for a period of up to 120 days, based on 35% of the aggregate book value of such mortgaged real 
property; and (6) the maximum dollar amount of letters of credit that may be issued under the Credit Agreement was increased to $40 
million from $25 million.

The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by certain of the personal property of the Company and the subsidiary 
guarantors, including the equity interests in the subsidiary guarantors, and by certain real property in Ohio, Illinois and North Carolina.

Availability under the Credit Facility is based on a borrowing base equal to 100% of cash, if any, pledged as security, plus 45% of the 
aggregate appraised value of mortgaged real property, plus up to $25 million of availability based on 35% of the aggregate book value 
of mortgaged real property for which appraisals and other requirements have not been completed, for a period of up to 120 days. The 
borrowing base also includes certain limits on the percentage of real property in a single geographic market and on the percentage of real 
property consisting of lots under development and unimproved land. As of December 31, 2011, there was $71.4 million of availability 
under the  Credit Facility in accordance with the borrowing base calculation, and $19.8 million of letters of credit outstanding under the  
Credit Facility, leaving $51.6 million of remaining availability. Had the provisions under the Amendment been in place at December 31, 
2011, we would have been allowed to release the $25 million that we had pledged to the lenders under the Credit Facility and if we had 
done so, our availability would have been $46.4 million, our remaining borrowing availability (net of the $19.8 million of letters of credit) 
would have been $26.6 million, and our unrestricted cash would have increased by $25 million.  The Company can create additional 
borrowing availability under the Credit Facility to the extent it pledges additional assets. The borrowing availability can also be increased 
by increasing investments in assets currently pledged, offset by decreases equal to the collateral value of homes delivered that are within 
the pledged asset pool. 

The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries, with the exception of subsidiaries 
that are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, title insurance or similar financial businesses relating to the homebuilding 
and home sales business and certain subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned by the Company or another subsidiary. 

The Credit Facility contains various representations, warranties and affirmative, negative and financial covenants. The covenants, as 
more fully described and defined in the Credit Agreement, require, among other things, that the Company: 

•  Maintain a minimum level of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth equal to or exceeding (i) $200 million plus (ii) 50% of Consolidated 
Earnings (without deduction for losses and excluding the effect of any decreases in any Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance) 
earned for each completed fiscal quarter ending after March 31, 2010 to the date of determination, excluding any quarter in 
which the Consolidated Earnings are less than zero, plus (iii) the amount of any reduction or reversal in Deferred Tax Valuation 
Allowance for each completed fiscal quarter ending after March 31, 2010 minus (iv) the costs of the Company's repurchase of 
the 2012 Senior Notes up to $10 million.

•  Maintain a leverage ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Tangible Net Worth) not in excess of 1.50 to 1.00.

•  Maintain one or more of the following: (i) a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 1.50 to 1.00; (ii) a minimum Adjusted Cash 
Flow Ratio of 1.50 to 1.00; or (iii) a combination of unrestricted cash pledged as security to the lenders or unused availability 
under the Secured Borrowing Base of not less than $25 million in total.  Each of the Company's ratios were less than the required 
minimum Interest Coverage Ratio and the minimum Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio for the quarters ended June 30, 2011, September 
30, 2011 and December 31, 2011, and therefore, we were required to maintain $25 million of cash pledged as security to the 
lenders in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

•  Not incur any secured indebtedness outside of the Credit Facility exceeding $40 million at any one time outstanding other than 

an aggregate amount not in excess of $50 million of issued and outstanding secured letters of credit. 

•  Not incur any liens except for liens permitted by the Credit Agreement, which permitted liens include liens on the permitted 
amount of secured indebtedness and liens incurred in the normal operation of the Company's homebuilding and related business. 

•  Not allow the number of unsold housing units and model homes to exceed, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, the greater of (a) 
the number of housing unit closings occurring during the period of twelve months ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter, 
multiplied by 35%, or (b) the number of housing unit closings occurring during the period of nine months ending on the last 
day of such fiscal quarter, multiplied by 70%. 

45

•  Not allow adjusted land value to exceed 110% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. 
•  Not make or commit to make any Investments except for Investments permitted by the Credit Agreement, which permitted 
Investments include (i) Investments made in the normal operation of the Company's homebuilding and related business, (ii) 
Investments  in  cash  and  equivalents  and  (iii)  Investments  in  Non-Guarantor  Subsidiaries,  Financial  Subsidiaries  and  Joint 
Ventures up to a maximum of 30% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. 

As  of  December 31,  2011,  the  Company  was  in  compliance  with  all  financial  covenants  of  the  Credit  Facility. The following  table 
summarizes the restrictive covenant thresholds under the Credit Facility and our compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 
2011:

Financial Covenant

Covenant Requirement

Actual

Consolidated Tangible  Net Worth

Leverage Ratio

Interest Coverage Ratio (a)

Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio (a)

Secured Indebtedness (Excluding Secured Letters of Credit)

<

Adjusted Land Value

Investments in Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, Financial Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

Unsold Housing Units and Model Homes

$

$

$

$

 (Dollars in millions)

191.6

$

268.0

1.50 to 1.00

1.50 to 1.00

1.50 to 1.00

1.16 to 1

1.05 to 1

(0.92) to 1

$

$

$

25.0

294.8

53.6

874

6.4

177.0

10.4

688

(a)  The Company is required to meet one of these two interest coverage requirements or pledge cash of $25 million with the lenders. If the Amendment had been in 
effect as of December 31, 2011, the Company would have been required to meet one of these two interest coverage requirements or a combination of unrestricted 
cash pledged as security to the lenders or unused availability under the Secured Borrowing Base of not less than $25 million in total.

Homebuilding Letter of Credit Facilities.  The Company is party to five secured credit agreements for the issuance of letters of credit 
outside of the Credit Facility (collectively, the "Letter of Credit Facilities").  Four of the Letter of Credit Facilities have maturity dates 
ranging from June 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012, while the fifth Letter of Credit Facility has no expiration date and will remain in effect 
until the Company or the issuing bank gives notice of termination. Under the terms of the Letter of Credit Facilities, letters of credit can 
be issued for maximum terms ranging from one year up to three years. The Letter of Credit Facilities contain cash collateral requirements 
ranging from 100% to 105%. Upon maturity or the earlier termination of the Letter of Credit Facilities, letters of credit that have been 
issued under the Letters of Credit Facilities remain outstanding with cash collateral in place through the respective expiration dates. 

The agreements governing four of the Letter of Credit Facilities contain limits for the issuance of letters of credit ranging from $10.0 
million to $14.0 million.  The fifth agreement was amended in December 2011 to no longer allow for new issuance of letters of credit, 
while continuing to allow for the existing letters of credit to remain in place through the expiration of the facility.  The combined letter 
of credit capacity for the five Letter of Credit Facilities is $46.7 million, of which $21.0 million was uncommitted at December 31, 2011 
and could be withdrawn at any time. As of December 31, 2011, there was a total of $15.9 million of letters of credit issued under the 
Letter of Credit Facilities, which was collateralized with $16.3 million of restricted cash, leaving $9.8 million of committed availability. 

Notes Payable - Financial Services.

MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement.  M/I Financial entered into the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement on April 18, 2011, 
which was amended on November 29, 2011.  The MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement replaced M/I Financial's previous $45 million 
secured credit agreement dated April 26, 2010 (the “MIF Credit Agreement”). The MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement expires on 
March 31, 2012 and is used to finance eligible residential mortgage loans originated by M/I Financial.  As is typical for similar credit 
facilities  in  the  mortgage  origination  industry,  at  closing,  the  expiration  of  the  MIF  Mortgage  Warehousing Agreement  was  set  at 
approximately  one  year  and  is  under  consideration  for  renewal  annually  by  the  participating  lenders.  We expect  to  renew  the  MIF 
Mortgage Warehousing Agreement on or prior to the current expiration date of March 31, 2012, but we cannot provide any assurance 
that we will be able to obtain such a renewal.  

The MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement provides M/I Financial with maximum borrowing availability of $60 million.  The November 
29, 2011 amendment increased the availability from $50 million to $60 million and no other changes were made. M/I Financial pays 
interest on each advance under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement at a per annum rate of the greater of (i) the floating LIBOR 
rate plus 225 basis points and (ii) 4.0%.   

The MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement is secured by certain mortgage loans that have been originated by M/I Financial and are 
being “warehoused” prior to their sale to investors.  The MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement provides for advance rates ranging from 
97% to 98% against certain loan types that constitute eligible mortgage collateral, with limits on the aggregate amounts of such loan 
types that can secure outstanding borrowings.  There are currently no guarantors of the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement, although 

46

M/I Financial may, at its election, designate from time to time any one or more of its subsidiaries as guarantors.

M/I Financial must comply with certain representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement.  
The covenants, as more fully described and defined in the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement, require, among other things, that     
M/I Financial:

•  Maintain Tangible Net Worth of at least $10 million.

•  Maintain liquidity (unencumbered cash and cash equivalents) of at least $5 million.

•  Maintain a leverage ratio (Debt to Tangible Net Worth) of not more than 10.0 to 1.0.  

•  Maintain, as of the end of each calendar month, for the 12 months then ending, positive Adjusted Net Income.

•  Not incur any Funded Debt, except as permitted by the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement, which permitted Funded Debt 
includes other mortgage collateralized facilities and Funded Debt incurred in the normal operation of M/I Financial's mortgage 
finance and related business. 

As of December 31, 2011, there was $52.6 million outstanding under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement and M/I Financial was 
in compliance with all financial covenants. The following table summarizes the restrictive covenant thresholds under the MIF Mortgage 
Warehousing Agreement and M/I Financial's compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2011:

Financial Covenant

Leverage Ratio

Liquidity

Adjusted Net Income

Tangible Net Worth

Covenant
Requirement

Actual

(Dollars in millions)

10.0 to 1.00

4.6 to 1.00

>

$

$

$

5.0

0

10.0

$

$

$

14.4

2.4

13.1

Mortgage Note Payable.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had a building mortgage note payable outstanding in the 
principal amount of $5.5 million and $5.9 million, respectively, with a fixed interest rate of 8.117% and maturity date of April 1, 2017.  The 
book value of the collateral securing this note was $10.9 million at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Senior Notes. On November 12, 2010, the Company completed a cash tender offer to purchase any and all of its outstanding 2012 Senior 
Notes in which $158.6 million aggregate principal amount of the $200 million of outstanding 2012 Senior Notes was tendered and 
accepted for purchase.  On November 12, 2010, the Company also closed on its private placement of $200 million aggregate principal 
amount of the 2018 Senior Notes which were subsequently exchanged for publicly registered notes in June of 2011. 

The 2012 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, while the 
2018 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by all of our subsidiaries, with the exception of subsidiaries 
that are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, the origination of mortgages for resale, title insurance or similar financial 
businesses relating to the homebuilding and home sales business and certain subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned by the Company or 
another subsidiary.  The 2012 Senior Notes and the 2018 Senior Notes and the related guarantees are general, unsecured senior obligations 
of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors and rank equally in right of payment with all our existing and future unsecured senior 
indebtedness. 

The Company must comply with certain covenants set forth in the indentures governing the 2012 Senior Notes and the 2018 Senior Notes.  
The covenants, as more fully described and defined in the indentures, limit the ability of the Company and the restricted subsidiaries to, 
among other things: 

• 

Incur additional Indebtedness except for Indebtedness permitted under the applicable indenture (which permitted Indebtedness 
includes indebtedness under the Credit Facility) unless, after giving effect to the issuance of such additional Indebtedness, either 
(i) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be at least 2.00 to 1.00 or (ii) the ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness 
to Consolidated Tangible Net Worth would be less than 3.00 to 1.00 (the “Ratio Limitations”). 

•  Make Investments except for Investments permitted under the applicable indenture, which permitted Investments include (i) 
Investments made in the normal operation of the Company's homebuilding and related business, (ii) Investments in cash and 
equivalents, (iii) Investments in Subsidiaries or Joint Ventures that are not Guarantors under the respective indentures, in an 
aggregate amount subsequent to the respective Issue Dates (net of any such Investment amounts re-distributed) not to exceed 

47

15% of Consolidated Tangible Assets at any one time outstanding and (iv) other Investments in an aggregate amount not to 
exceed $25 million (under the indenture governing the 2012 Senior Notes) or $40 million (under the indenture governing the 
2018 Senior Notes) at any one time outstanding.

•  Make certain payments, including dividends, or repurchase any shares, in an aggregate amount exceeding our “restricted payments 
basket,” as defined in the indentures. As of December 31, 2011, the restricted payments basket under the indenture governing 
the 2012 Senior Notes was $(216.5) million and the restricted payments basket under the indenture governing the 2018 Senior 
Notes was $(9.2) million.  As a result of the deficit in the restricted payments basket under the indenture governing the 2012 
Senior Notes and the indenture governing the 2018 Senior Notes, the Company is currently restricted from paying dividends on 
its common shares and its 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, and from repurchasing any shares.

•  Create liens except for liens permitted under the applicable indenture (which permitted liens include liens under the  Credit 

Facility). 

•  Consolidate or merge with or into other companies. 

•  Liquidate or sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. 

These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications as described in the indenture governing the 2012 Senior Notes 
and the indenture governing the 2018 Senior Notes.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all terms, conditions, 
and financial covenants under the indentures.

As of December 31, 2011, $41.4 million aggregate principal amount of the 2012 Senior Notes remained outstanding. The 2012 Senior 
Notes mature in April 2012.  We may seek to repurchase the outstanding 2012 Senior Notes from time to time during the weeks remaining 
prior to maturity through open market repurchase transactions, privately negotiated transactions, redemption or otherwise.  The timing 
and nature of any such transactions will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other 
factors.  To the extent we do not repurchase all of the remaining outstanding balance of the 2012 Senior Notes prior to maturity, we will 
be required to repay the then-outstanding aggregate amount of the 2012 Senior Notes in April 2012.  We intend to repay the remaining 
balance of the 2012 Senior Notes in full, at or prior to maturity, using a combination of available cash and borrowing under the Credit 
Facility, if needed.

Weighted Average Borrowings.  For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, our weighted average borrowings outstanding were 
$263.7 million and $221.9 million, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 9.43% and 8.75%, respectively. The increase in 
borrowings was primarily the result of the issuance of the 2018 Senior Notes, partially offset by the tender offer for the 2012 Senior 
Notes, in the fourth quarter of 2010. 

At December 31, 2011 we did not have any funded amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, and there were $19.8 million of letters 
of credit issued and outstanding under the Credit Facility. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the average daily amount of letters 
of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility was $1.2 million and the maximum amount of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit 
Facility was $20.1 million.

At December 31, 2011, M/I Financial had $52.6 million outstanding under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement.  During the year 
ended December 31, 2011, the average daily amount outstanding under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement (from April 18, 2011 
to December 31, 2011) and the MIF Credit Agreement (from January 1, 2011 to April 18, 2011), was $13.0 million and the maximum 
amount outstanding under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement (from April 18, 2011 through December 31, 2011) and the MIF 
Credit Agreement (from January 1, 2011 to April 18, 2011), was $52.6 million.

Preferred Shares.  On March 15, 2007, we issued 4,000,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/1000th of a 9.75% Series A Preferred 
Share (the “Preferred Shares”), or 4,000 Preferred Shares in the aggregate, for net proceeds of $96.3 million.  Dividends on the Preferred 
Shares are non-cumulative and are paid at an annual rate of 9.75%.  Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears, if declared by us, on 
March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.  If there is a change of control of the Company and if the Company’s corporate 
credit rating is withdrawn or downgraded to a certain level (together constituting a “change of control event”), the dividends on the 
Preferred Shares will increase to 10.75% per year.  We may not redeem the Preferred Shares prior to March 15, 2012, except following 
the occurrence of a change of control event.  On or after March 15, 2012, we have the option to redeem the Preferred Shares in whole or 
in part at any time or from time to time, payable in cash of $25 per depositary share.  The Preferred Shares have no stated maturity, are 
not subject to any sinking fund provisions, are not convertible into any other securities, and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless 
redeemed by us.  Holders of the Preferred Shares have no voting rights, except as otherwise required by applicable Ohio law.  The Preferred 
Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “MHO-PA.”

48

 
 
We did not pay any dividends on the Preferred Shares in 2011.  As a result of a current deficit in our restricted payments basket under 
the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes and the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes, we are currently restricted from 
making any further dividend payments on our common shares or the Preferred Shares.  

We will continue to be restricted from paying dividends until such time as (1) the restricted payments basket under the indenture governing 
our 2012 Senior Notes becomes positive or the 2012 Senior Notes are repaid in full, (2) the restricted payments basket under the indenture 
governing our 2018 Senior Notes becomes positive or our 2018 Senior Notes are repaid in full, and (3) our Board of Directors authorizes 
us to resume dividend payments.  See Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information concerning those restrictive 
covenants.

Universal Shelf Registration.  In August 2011, the Company filed a $250 million universal shelf registration statement with the SEC, 
which registration statement became effective on September 30, 2011.  Pursuant to the registration statement, the Company may, from 
time to time, offer debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants to purchase debt securities, common 
shares, preferred shares, depositary shares or units of two or more of those securities, rights to purchase debt securities, common shares, 
preferred shares or depositary shares, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and units.  The timing and amount of offerings, if 
any, will depend on market and general business conditions.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Included in the table below is a summary, as of December 31, 2011, of future amounts payable under the Company's contractual obligations:

Note payable bank – financial services (a)

Mortgage note payable (including interest)

Senior Notes (including interest)

Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned (b)

Operating leases

Purchase obligations (c)

Land option agreements (d)

Unrecognized tax benefits (e)

Total

Payments due by period

Total

Less Than

1 year

1 - 3

Years

3 - 5

Years

More than

5 years

$

52,606

$

52,606

$

—

$

—

$

7,433

363,618

1,961

6,409

89,060

—

—

795

60,118

297

2,680

89,060

—

—

1,590

34,500

1,664

2,141

—

—

—

1,590

34,500

—

1,108

—

—

—

$

521,087

$

205,556

$

39,895

$

37,198

$

—

3,458

234,500

—

480

—

—

—
238,438  

(a)  Borrowings under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement are at the greater of the floating LIBOR rate plus 225 basis points or 4.0%.  Borrowings outstanding 
at December 31, 2011 had a weighted average interest rate of 4.0%.  Interest payments by period will be based upon the outstanding borrowings and the applicable 
interest rate(s) in effect.  The above amounts do not reflect interest.

(b)  The Company is party to two land purchase agreements in which the Company has specific performance requirements.  The future amounts payable related to these 
two land purchase agreements is the number of lots the Company is obligated to purchase at the lot price set forth in the agreement.  The time period in which these 
payments will be made is the Company's best estimate at when these lots will be purchased.

(c)  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had obligations with certain subcontractors and suppliers of raw materials in the ordinary course of business to meet the 
commitment to deliver 676 homes with an aggregate sales price of $180.7 million.  Based on our current housing gross margin, excluding the charge for impairment 
of inventory, less variable selling costs, less payments to date on homes in backlog, we estimate payments totaling approximately $89.1 million to be made in 2012 
relating to those homes.

(d)  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had options and contingent purchase agreements to acquire land and developed lots with an aggregate purchase price of 
approximately $145.8 million.  Purchase of properties is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by the Company and the sellers and therefore 
the timing of payments under these agreements is not determinable.  The Company has no specific performance obligations with respect to these agreements.

(e)  We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and local jurisdictions.  As of December 31, 2011, we had $1.3 million of gross 
unrecognized tax benefits, including $0.5 million of related accrued interest and $0.2 million of related accrued penalties.  We are currently not under examination 
by any taxing jurisdiction.  The statute of limitations for our major tax jurisdictions remains open for examination of tax years 2007 through 2011.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Our primary use of off-balance sheet arrangements is for the purpose of securing the most desirable lots on which to build homes for our 
homebuyers in a manner that we believe reduces the overall risk to the Company.  Our off-balance sheet arrangements relating to our 
homebuilding  operations  include  Unconsolidated  LLCs,  land  option  agreements,  guarantees  and  indemnifications  associated  with 
acquiring and developing land, and the issuance of letters of credit and completion bonds.  Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, 
our financial services operations issue guarantees and indemnities relating to the sale of loans to third parties.

49

 
 
 
 
Unconsolidated Limited Liability Companies.  In the ordinary course of business, the Company periodically enters into arrangements 
with third parties to acquire land and develop lots. These arrangements include the creation by the Company of Unconsolidated LLCs, 
with the Company's interest in these entities ranging from 33% to 50%. These entities engage in land development activities for the 
purpose of distributing (in the form of a capital distribution) or selling developed lots to the Company and its partners in the entity. These 
entities generally do not meet the criteria of VIEs, because the equity at risk is sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities 
without additional subordinated support from the equity investors; however, we must evaluate each entity to determine whether it is or 
is not a VIE. If an entity was determined to be a VIE, we would then evaluate whether or not we are the primary beneficiary. These 
evaluations are initially performed when each new entity is created and upon any events that require reconsideration of the entity. 

We have determined that none of the Unconsolidated LLCs in which we have an interest are VIEs, and we also have determined that we 
do not have substantive control over any of these entities; therefore, our homebuilding Unconsolidated LLCs are recorded using the 
equity method of accounting.  The Company believes its maximum exposure related to any of these entities as of December 31, 2011 to 
be the amount invested of $10.4 million.

Land Option Agreements.  In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into land option agreements in order to secure land 
for the construction of homes in the future.  Pursuant to these land option agreements, the Company will provide a deposit to the seller 
as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at predetermined prices.  Because the entities holding 
the land under the option agreement often meet the criteria for VIEs, the Company evaluates all land option agreements to determine if 
it is necessary to consolidate any of these entities.  The Company currently believes that its maximum exposure as of December 31, 2011 
related to these agreements is equal to the amount of the Company’s outstanding deposits, which totaled $7.2 million, including prepaid 
acquisition costs of $1.0 million, and letters of credit of $3.8 million.

Guarantees and Indemnities.  In the ordinary course of business, M/I Financial enters into agreements that guarantee purchasers of its 
mortgage loans that M/I Financial will repurchase a loan if certain conditions occur.  The risks associated with these guarantees are offset 
by the value of the underlying assets, and the Company accrues its best estimate of the probable loss on these loans.  Additionally, the 
Company has provided certain other guarantees and indemnities in connection with the acquisition and development of land by our 
homebuilding operations.  Refer to Note 9 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details relating to our guarantees and 
indemnities.

Letters of Credit and Completion Bonds.  The Company provides standby letters of credit and completion bonds for development work 
in progress, deposits on land and lot purchase agreements and miscellaneous deposits.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had 
outstanding $63.7 million of completion bonds and standby letters of credit, some of which were issued to various local governmental 
entities, that expire at various times through December 2016.  Included in this total are: (1) $21.3 million of performance bonds and $24.4 
million of performance letters of credit that serve as completion bonds for land development work in progress; (2) $11.4 million of 
financial letters of credit; and (3) $6.6 million of financial bonds.  The development agreements under which we are required to provide 
completion bonds or letters of credit are generally not subject to a required completion date and only require that the improvements are 
in place in phases as houses are built and sold.  In locations where development has progressed, the amount of development work remaining 
to be completed is typically less than the remaining amount of bonds or letters of credit due to timing delays in obtaining release of the 
bonds or letters of credit.

INTEREST RATES AND INFLATION

Our business is significantly affected by general economic conditions within the United States and, particularly, by the impact of interest 
rates and inflation.  Higher interest rates may decrease our potential market by making it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for 
mortgages or to obtain mortgages at interest rates that are acceptable to them.  The impact of increased rates can be offset, in part, by 
offering variable rate loans with lower interest rates.  In conjunction with our mortgage financing services, hedging methods are used to 
reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations between the commitment date of the loan and the time the loan closes.

During the past few years, we have experienced some detrimental effects from inflation, particularly the inflation in the cost of land that 
occurred several years ago. As a result of declines in market conditions in most of our markets, in certain communities we have been 
unable to recover the cost of these higher land prices, resulting in lower gross margins and significant charges being recorded in our 
operating results due to the impairment of inventory and investments in Unconsolidated LLCs, and other write-offs relating to abandoned 
land transaction costs.  In recent years, we have not experienced a detrimental effect from inflation in relation to our home construction 
costs, and we have been successful in reducing certain of these costs with our subcontractors.  However, unanticipated construction costs 
or a change in market conditions may occur during the period between the date sales contracts are entered into with customers and the 
delivery date of the related homes, resulting in lower gross profit margins.

50

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risk results from fluctuations in interest rates. We are exposed to interest rate risk through borrowings under our 
revolving credit facilities, consisting of the Credit Facility and the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement, which permit borrowings of 
up to $200 million, subject to availability constraints. Additionally, M/I Financial is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its 
mortgage loan origination services. 

Interest Rate Lock Commitments: Interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”) are extended to certain home-buying customers who have 
applied for a mortgage loan and meet certain defined credit and underwriting criteria. Typically, the IRLCs will have a duration of less 
than six months; however, in certain markets, the duration could extend to twelve months.

Some IRLCs are committed to a specific third-party investor through the use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments matching 
the exact terms of the IRLC loan.  Uncommitted IRLCs are considered derivative instruments and are fair value adjusted, with the resulting 
gain or loss recorded in current earnings.

Forward Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities: Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“FMBSs”) are used to protect uncommitted 
IRLC loans against the risk of changes in interest rates between the lock date and the funding date. FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs 
are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value, with gains and losses recorded 
in current earnings.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans held for sale consist primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the 
underlying property. During the intervening period between when a loan is closed and when it is sold to an investor, the interest rate risk 
is covered through the use of a best-efforts contract or by FMBSs. The FMBSs are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative 
instruments, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings. 

The table below shows the notional amounts of our financial instruments at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Description of financial instrument (in thousands)

Best-effort contracts and related committed IRLCs

Uncommitted IRLCs

FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs

Best-effort contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale

FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale

Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs

The table below shows the measurement of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)

Mortgage loans held for sale

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Interest rate lock commitments

Best-efforts contracts

Total

December 31,

2011

2010

$

1,088

$

25,912

26,000

14,058

42,000

42,227

2,282

24,910

27,000

42,690

2,000

1,917

December 31,

2011

2010

$

57,275

$

43,312

(470)

356

(129)

121
(43)
340

$

57,032

$

43,730

The following table sets forth the amount of gain (loss) recognized on assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 
and 2009:

Description (in thousands)

Mortgage loans held for sale
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Interest rate lock commitments

Best-efforts contracts

Total gain (loss) recognized

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

3,065

$

(591)

366

(436)

$

(1,220)
(712)

102

32

2,404

$

(1,798)

$

(2,612)
1,937
(783)
235
(1,223)

51

The following table provides the expected future cash flows and current fair values of borrowings under our credit facilities and mortgage 
loan origination services that are subject to market risk as interest rates fluctuate, as of December 31, 2011:

Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate

Expected Cash Flows by Period

Fair Value

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Thereafter

Total

12/31/2011

4.02 %

$

57,285

$

2.88 %

1,854

$

—

—

$

—

—

$

—

—

$

—

—

—

—

$

57,285

$

55,414

1,854

1,861

(Dollars in thousands)

ASSETS:

Mortgage loans held for sale:

 Fixed rate

 Variable rate

LIABILITIES:

Long-term debt — fixed rate

8.32 %

$

41,803

$

391

$

424

$

459

$

498

$

203,389

$ 246,964

$ 225,001

Long-term debt — variable rate

4.00 %

52,606

—

—

—

—

—

52,606

52,606

52

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of M/I Homes, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 
2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of 
material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of M/I Homes, Inc. 
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December 31,  2011,  based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2012 
expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 27, 2012 

53

M/I HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Costs, expenses and other loss:

Land and housing

Impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs

General and administrative

Selling

Interest

Other loss

Total costs, expenses and other loss

Loss before income taxes

Benefit from income taxes

Net loss

Loss per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Years Ended

2011

2010

2009

$

566,424

$

616,377

$

569,949

467,130

511,408

494,989

21,993

52,664

43,534

15,005

—

12,538

53,958

48,084

9,415

8,378

55,421

59,170

43,950

8,467

941

600,326

643,781

662,938

(33,902)

(27,404)

(92,989)

(25)

(1,135)

(30,880)

(33,877)

$

(26,269)

$

(62,109)

(1.81)

(1.81)

$

$

(1.42)

(1.42)

$

$

(3.71)
(3.71)

18,698

18,698

18,523

18,523

16,730

16,730

$

$

$

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M/I HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except par values)

ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Mortgage loans held for sale

Inventory

Property and equipment - net

Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

Customer deposits

Other liabilities

Community development district obligations

Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned

Note payable bank - financial services operations

Note payable - other

Senior notes

TOTAL LIABILITIES

Commitments and contingencies

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

$

$

$

December 31,

2011

2010

$

59,793

41,334

57,275

466,772

14,358

10,357

14,596

81,208

41,923

43,312

450,936

16,554

10,589

17,372

664,485

$

661,894

$

41,256

4,181
39,348

5,983

2,944

52,606

5,801

239,016

391,135

—

29,030

3,017
42,116

7,112

468

32,197

5,853

238,610

358,403

—

Preferred shares - $.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued 4,000 shares

96,325

96,325

Common shares - $.01 par value; authorized 38,000,000 shares; issued 22,101,723 shares at both 
  December 31, 2011 and 2010

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Treasury shares - at cost - 3,365,366 and 3,577,388 shares, respectively, at December 31, 2011 and 2010

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

221

139,943

103,701

(66,840)

273,350

221

140,418

137,578

(71,051)

303,491

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

664,485

$

661,894

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

55

M/I HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2008

Net loss

Common stock issuance

Excess tax benefit from stock-based 
   payment arrangements

Stock options exercised

Share-based compensation expense

Deferral of executive and director
   compensation

Executive and director deferred
   compensation distributions

Balance at December 31, 2009

Net loss

Excess tax benefit from stock-based 
   payment arrangements

Stock options exercised

Share-based compensation expense

Deferral of executive and director
   compensation

Executive and director deferred
   compensation distributions

Balance at December 31, 2010

Net loss

Excess tax deficiency from stock-based 
   payment arrangements

Stock options exercised

Share-based compensation expense

Deferral of executive and director
   compensation

Executive and director deferred
   compensation distributions

Balance at December 31, 2011

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Preferred Shares

Common Shares

Shares
Outstanding

Amount

Shares
Outstanding

Amount

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Shares

Total
Shareholders'
Equity

4,000

$ 96,325

14,023,982

$

176

$

82,146

$ 225,956

$ (71,542)

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,475,600

—

10,500

—

—

10,654

—

45

—

—

—

—

—

—

(62,109)

52,523

(101)

(139)

3,111

163

(211)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

209

—

—

211

4,000

$ 96,325

18,520,736

$

221

$ 137,492

$ 163,847

$ (71,122)

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,600

—

—

1,999

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(26,269)

(13)

(19)

2,811

187

(40)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

31

—

—

40

333,061
(62,109)
52,568

(101)

70

3,111

163

—

326,763
(26,269)

(13)

12

2,811

187

—

4,000

$ 96,325

18,524,335

$

221

$ 140,418

$ 137,578

$ (71,051)

$

303,491

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

190,090

—

—

21,932

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(33,877)

233

(2,275)

1,866

137

(436)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3,775

—

—

436

(33,877)

233

1,500

1,866

137

—

4,000

$ 96,325

18,736,357

$

221

$ 139,943

$ 103,701

$ (66,840)

$

273,350

56

 
M/I HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

2011

Year Ended December 31,
2010

2009

Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

$

(33,877)

$

(26,269)

$

(62,109)

Inventory valuation adjustments and abandoned land transaction write-offs
Impairment of investment in Unconsolidated LLCs
Mortgage loan originations
Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans
Fair value adjustment of mortgage loans held for sale
Net loss from property disposals
Bad debt expense
Depreciation
Amortization of intangibles, debt discount and debt issue costs
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, including transaction costs
Share-based compensation expense
Deferred income tax benefit
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
Excess tax (benefit) deficiency from stock-based payment arrangements

      Equity in undistributed (income) loss of Unconsolidated LLCs
Write-off of unamortized debt discount and financing costs

Change in assets and liabilities:

Cash held in escrow
Inventory
Other assets
Accounts payable
Customer deposits
Accrued compensation
Other liabilities

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Change in restricted cash
Purchase of property and equipment
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from the sale of property
Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs
Return of investment from Unconsolidated LLCs

Net cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repayment of senior notes, including transaction costs
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

   Proceeds from (repayments of) bank borrowings - net

Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond 
   obligations

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
Debt issue costs
Payments on capital lease obligations
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Excess tax deficiency (benefit) from stock-based payment arrangements

Net cash provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest — net of amount capitalized
Income taxes

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS DURING THE PERIOD:

Community development district infrastructure
Consolidated inventory not owned
Contingent consideration related to acquisition

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

$
$

$
$
$

57

21,938
1,029
(376,132)
365,234
(3,065)
—
—
5,114
2,460
—
1,866
(12,950)
12,950
(233)
—
—

3,155
(33,014)
1,524
11,503
1,118
(123)
(2,458)
(33,961)

(2,566)
(1,352)
(4,654)
—
(752)
—
(9,324)

—
—
20,409

(52)

—
(220)
—
1,500
233
21,870
(21,415)
81,208
59,793

12,756
(372)

(1,129)
2,476
329

$

$
$

$
$
$

13,158
—
(416,498)
406,944
1,220
12
—
5,194
2,562
8,378
2,811
(10,797)
10,797
13
(275)
311

(36)
(44,996)
34,351
(9,232)
(814)
(471)
(13,665)
(37,302)

(19,585)
(1,560)
—
—
(1,229)
13
(22,361)

(166,088)
197,174
8,055

(325)

—
(7,874)
—
12
(13)
30,941
(28,722)
109,930
81,208

6,774
302

(1,074)
(148)
—

$

$
$

$
$
$

49,346
7,731
(420,761)
420,943
2,612
951
2,523
5,244
2,627
—
3,111
(8,220)
8,220
101
14
554

3,511
37,221
9,287
10,720
325
(2,169)
(3,301)
68,481

(19,155)
(4,008)
—
7,878
(5,003)
809
(19,479)

—
—
(10,936)

(10,782)

52,568
(2,318)
(91)
70
(101)
28,410
77,412
32,518
109,930

5,541
201

(2,189)
(4,933)
—

M/I HOMES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business.  M/I Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “we”) is engaged primarily in the construction and sale of single-
family residential property in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Tampa and Orlando, Florida; 
Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; and the Virginia and Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C.  The 
Company designs, sells and builds single-family homes on finished lots, which it develops or purchases ready for home construction.  The 
Company also purchases undeveloped land to develop into finished lots for future construction of single-family homes and, on a limited 
basis, for sale to others.  Our homebuilding operations operate across three geographic regions in the United States.  Within these regions, 
our operations have similar economic characteristics; therefore, they have been aggregated into three reportable homebuilding segments: 
Midwest homebuilding, Southern homebuilding and Mid-Atlantic homebuilding.

The Company conducts mortgage financing activities through its wholly-owned subsidiary, M/I Financial Corp. (“M/I Financial”), which 
originates mortgage loans for purchasers of the Company’s homes.  The loans and the servicing rights are sold to outside mortgage 
lenders.  The Company and M/I Financial also operate wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries that provide title services to purchasers 
of the Company’s homes.  Our mortgage banking and title service activities have similar economic characteristics; therefore, they have 
been aggregated into one reportable segment, the financial services segment.

Principles  of  Consolidation.  The accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  M/I  Homes,  Inc.  and  its 
subsidiaries.

Accounting  Principles.  The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.  The 
preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the 
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered 
to be cash equivalents.  Cash equivalents also consists of cash relating to homes closed at year-end that were not yet funded to the Company 
as of December 31st due to timing.

Restricted  Cash. Restricted  cash  consists  of  homebuilding  cash  the  Company  had  designated  as  collateral  at  December 31,  2011  in 
accordance with the five secured Letter of Credit Facilities (collectively, the “Letter of Credit Facilities”) that the Company entered into 
in 2009 and 2010.  See Note 3 for further details surrounding restricted cash relating to the Letter of Credit Facilities.  Restricted Cash 
also consists of cash held in escrow, which represents cash that was deposited in an escrow account at the time of closing on homes to 
homebuyers which will be released to the Company when the related work is completed on each home, which generally occurs within 
six months of closing on the home.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale.  Mortgage loans held for sale consists primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the 
underlying  property.  Generally, all  of  the  mortgage  loans  and  related  servicing  rights  are  sold  to  third-party  investors  shortly  after 
origination.  Refer to the Revenue Recognition policy described below for additional discussion.

Inventory.  Land and development costs are typically allocated to individual lots on a pro-rata basis, and the costs of the lots are transferred 
to homes under construction when home construction begins.  We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating 
home construction costs.  Inventory is recorded at cost, unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the land may 
be impaired.  In addition to the costs of direct land acquisition, land development and related costs (both incurred and estimated to be 
incurred) and home construction costs, inventory includes capitalized interest, real estate taxes, and certain indirect costs incurred during 
land development and home construction.  Such costs are charged to cost of sales simultaneously with revenue recognition, as discussed 
below.  When a home is closed, we typically have not yet paid all incurred costs necessary to complete the home.  As homes close, we 
compare the home construction budget to actual recorded costs to date to estimate the additional costs to be incurred from our subcontractors 
related to the home.  We record a liability and a corresponding charge to cost of sales for the amount we estimate will ultimately be paid 
related  to  that  home.  We  monitor  the  accuracy  of  such  estimate  by  comparing  actual  costs  incurred  in  subsequent  months  to  the 
estimate.  Although actual costs to complete in the future could differ from the estimate, our method has historically produced consistently 
accurate estimates of actual costs to complete closed homes.

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis if events or changes in local or national economic conditions 
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  For those communities whose carrying values exceed the estimated 
undiscounted future cash flows and deemed to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying 

58

amount of the communities exceeds the estimated fair value. Due to the fact that the Company's cash flow models and estimates of fair 
values are based upon management's estimates and assumptions, unexpected changes in market conditions may lead the Company to 
incur additional impairment charges in the future. 

Capitalized Interest.  The Company capitalizes interest during land development and home construction.  Capitalized interest is charged 
to cost of sales as the related inventory is delivered to a third party.  The summary of capitalized interest is as follows:

Capitalized interest, beginning of year

Interest capitalized to inventory

Capitalized interest charged to cost of sales

Capitalized interest, end of year

Interest incurred

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

$

20,075

$

23,670

$

9,743

(10,949)

18,869

24,748

$

$

9,744

(13,339)

20,075

19,159

$

$

25,838

9,552
(11,720)
23,670

18,019

Investment in Unconsolidated Limited Liability Companies.  We invest in entities that acquire and develop land for distribution to us 
in connection with our homebuilding operations. In our judgment, we have determined that these entities generally do not meet the criteria 
of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) because, amongst other things, they have sufficient equity to finance their operations. We must use 
our judgment to determine if we have substantive control of these entities. If we were to determine that we have substantive control, we 
would be required to consolidate the entity. Factors considered in determining whether we have substantive control include risk and 
reward sharing, experience and financial condition of the other partners, voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating 
decisions, and continuing involvement. In the event an entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its operations, we would be 
required to use judgment to determine if we were the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We consider our accounting policies with respect 
to determining whether we are the primary beneficiary or have substantive control to be critical accounting policies due to the judgment 
required. Based on the application of our accounting policies, these entities are accounted for by the equity method of accounting.

The Company evaluates its investment in unconsolidated limited liabilities companies (“Unconsolidated LLCs”) for potential impairment 
on a quarterly basis. If the fair value of the investment is less than the investment's carrying value and the Company has determined that 
the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to fair value. The determination 
of whether an investment's fair value is less than the carrying value requires management to make certain assumptions regarding the 
amount  and  timing  of  future  contributions  to  the  Unconsolidated  LLC,  the  timing  of  distribution  of  lots  to  the  Company  from  the 
Unconsolidated LLC, the projected fair value of the lots at the time of distribution to the Company, and the estimated proceeds from, and 
timing of, the sale of land or lots to third parties. In determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs, the Company 
evaluates the projected cash flows associated with each Unconsolidated LLC. As of December 31, 2011, the Company used a discount 
rate of 18% in determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs. In addition to the assumptions management must make 
to determine if the investment's fair value is less than the carrying value, management must also use judgment in determining whether 
the impairment is other than temporary. The factors management considers are: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the market 
value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the company; and (3) the intent and ability of the 
Company to retain its investment in the Unconsolidated LLC for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market 
value.  Because of the high degree of judgment involved in developing these assumptions, it is possible that the Company may determine 
the investment is not impaired in the current period but, due to passage of time or change in market conditions leading to changes in 
assumptions, impairment could occur.

Property and Equipment. The Company records property and equipment at cost and subsequently depreciates the assets using both 
straight-line and accelerated methods.  Following are the major classes of depreciable assets and their estimated useful lives:

Land, building and improvements
Office furnishings, leasehold improvements, computer equipment and computer software
Transportation and construction equipment
Property and equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net

Building and improvements

Office furnishings, leasehold improvements, computer equipment and computer software

Transportation and construction equipment

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

$

$

11,823
26,637
268
38,728
(24,370)
14,358

$

$

11,823
25,927
405
38,155
(21,601)
16,554

Estimated Useful Lives

35 years

3-7 years

5-20 years

Depreciation expense was $3.5 million, $4.0 million and $3.9 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

59

 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment held for sale includes property and equipment that meets all of the following six criteria:  (1) management, having 
the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset; (2) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition 
subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions 
required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been initiated; (4) the sale of the asset is probable, and transfer of the asset is expected 
to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year; (5) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable 
in relation to its current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the 
plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.  The Company records property and equipment held for sale at the lower of its 
carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.

During  the  first  quarter  of  2009,  the  Company  sold  the  Company  airplane  for  $8.0  million.  The  transaction  was  with  an  unrelated 
party.  The sale resulted in a loss of $0.9 million that is included in Other loss on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Other Assets.  Other assets includes certificates of deposit of $0.3 million at both December 31, 2011 and 2010, which have been pledged 
as collateral for mortgage loans sold to third parties and, therefore, are restricted from general use.  The certificates of deposit will be 
released when there is a 95% loan-to-value on the related loans and there have been no late payments by the mortgagor in the last twelve 
months.  Other assets also includes non-trade receivables, notes receivable, deposits and prepaid expenses.

Other  Liabilities.  Other  liabilities  includes  taxes  payable,  accrued  compensation,  accrued  self-insurance  costs,  accrued  warranty 
expenses, and various other miscellaneous accrued expenses.

Guarantees and Indemnities.  Guarantee and indemnity liabilities are established by charging the applicable income statement or balance 
sheet line, depending on the nature of the guarantee or indemnity, and crediting a liability.  M/I Financial provides a limited-life guarantee 
on loans sold to certain third parties and estimates its actual liability related to the guarantee and any indemnities subsequently provided 
to the purchaser of the loans in lieu of loan repurchase based on historical loss experience.  Actual future costs associated with loans 
guaranteed or indemnified could differ materially from our current estimated amounts.  The Company has also provided certain other 
guarantees and indemnifications in connection with the purchase and development of land, including environmental indemnifications, 
and guarantees of the completion of land development.  The Company estimates these liabilities based on the estimated cost of insurance 
coverage or estimated cost of acquiring a bond in the amount of the exposure.  Actual future costs associated with these guarantees and 
indemnifications could differ materially from our current estimated amounts.

Segment  Information.  Our  reportable  business  segments  consist  of  Midwest  homebuilding,  Southern  homebuilding,  Mid-Atlantic 
homebuilding, and financial services.  Our homebuilding operations derive a majority of their revenue from constructing single-family 
homes in eleven markets in the United States.  Our operations in the eleven markets each individually represent an operating segment.  Due 
to similar economic characteristics within the homebuilding operations, the Company has aggregated the operating segments into three 
regions that represent the reportable homebuilding segments.  The financial services segment generates revenue by originating and selling 
mortgages, and by collecting fees for title and insurance services.

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue from the sale of a home is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, the risks and 
rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer, and an adequate initial and continuing investment by the homebuyer is received, or 
when the loan has been sold to a third-party investor. Revenue for homes that close to the buyer having a deposit of 5% or greater, home 
closings financed by third parties, and all home closings insured under FHA or VA government-insured programs are recorded in the 
financial statements on the date of closing. 

Revenue related to all other home closings initially funded by our wholly-owned subsidiary, M/I Financial Corp. (“M/I Financial”), is 
recorded on the date that M/I Financial sells the loan to a third-party investor, because the receivable from the third-party investor is not 
subject to future subordination, and the Company has transferred to this investor the usual risks and rewards of ownership that is in 
substance a sale and does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the home. 

All associated homebuilding costs are charged to cost of sales in the period when the revenues from home closings are recognized. 
Homebuilding costs include: land and land development costs; home construction costs (including an estimate of the costs to complete 
construction); previously capitalized interest; real estate taxes; indirect costs; and estimated warranty costs. All other costs are expensed 
as incurred. Sales incentives, including pricing discounts and financing costs paid by the Company, are recorded as a reduction of revenue 
in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Sales incentives in the form of options or upgrades are recorded in homebuilding 
costs. 

We recognize the majority of the revenue associated with our mortgage loan operations when the mortgage loans and/or related servicing 
rights are sold to third party investors. The revenue recognized is reduced by the fair value of the related guarantee provided to the investor. 
The fair value of the guarantee is recognized in revenue when the Company is released from its obligation under the guarantee. Generally, 
all of the financial services mortgage loans and related servicing rights are sold to third party investors within two to three weeks of 
origination. We recognize financial services revenue associated with our title operations as homes are closed, closing services are rendered, 

60

and title policies are issued, all of which generally occur simultaneously as each home is closed. All of the underwriting risk associated 
with title insurance policies is transferred to third-party insurers.

Warranty.  Warranty accruals are established by charging cost of sales and crediting a warranty accrual for each home closed.  The 
amounts charged are estimated by management to be adequate to cover expected warranty-related costs for materials and outside labor 
required under the Company's warranty programs. Accruals are recorded for warranties under the following warranty programs:

•  Home Builder’s Limited Warranty; and
30-year transferable structural warranty.
• 

The warranty accruals for the Home Builder's Limited Warranty are established as a percentage of average sales price, and the structural 
warranty accruals are established on a per unit basis. Our warranty accruals are based upon historical experience by geographic area and 
recent trends. Factors that are given consideration in determining the accruals include: (1) the historical range of amounts paid per average 
sales price on a home; (2) type and mix of amenity packages added to the home; (3) any warranty expenditures not considered to be 
normal and recurring; (4) timing of payments; (5) improvements in quality of construction expected to impact future warranty expenditures; 
(6) actuarial estimates, which reflect both Company and industry data; and (7) conditions that may affect certain projects and require a 
different percentage of average sales price for those specific projects.

Changes in estimates for warranties occur due to changes in the historical payment experience and differences between the actual payment 
pattern experienced during the period and the historical payment pattern used in our evaluation of the warranty accrual balance at the 
end of each quarter. Actual future warranty costs could differ from our current estimated amount.

Self-insurance.  Self-insurance accruals are made for estimated liabilities associated with employee health care, workers' compensation, 
and general liability insurance. For 2011, our self-insurance limit for employee health care was $250,000 per claim per year, with stop 
loss insurance covering amounts in excess of $250,000. Our workers’ compensation claims are insured by a third party and carry a 
deductible of $250,000 per claim, with maximum incurred losses not to exceed $425,000, except for claims made in the state of Ohio 
where  the  Company  is  self-insured.  Our  self-insurance  limit  for  Ohio  workers’ compensation  is  $450,000  per  claim,  with  stop  loss 
insurance covering all amounts in excess of this limit. The accruals related to employee health care and workers' compensation are based 
on historical experience and open case reserves.  Our general liability claims are insured by a third party; the Company generally has a 
$7.5 million deductible per occurrence and a $30.0 million deductible in the aggregate, with lower deductibles for certain types of claims. 
The Company records a general liability accrual for claims falling below the Company's deductible. The general liability accrual estimate 
is based on an actuarial evaluation of our past history of claims, other industry specific factors and specific event analysis.  The Company 
recorded expenses totaling $3.1 million, $2.0 million and $15.5 million, respectively, for all self-insured and general liability claims 
during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, this included $0.6 million of charges 
related to defective imported drywall, as well as the $2.4 million settlement received in the third quarter of 2010 related to defective 
imported drywall.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, this included $12.2 million of charges related to defective imported drywall.  
Because of the high degree of judgment required in determining these estimated accrual amounts, actual future costs could differ from 
our current estimated amounts.  Please see Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding expenses 
relating to defective drywall. 

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs.  The costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are being amortized over the terms of 
the related debt.  Unamortized debt issue costs of $5.4 million and $7.1 million are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Advertising and Research and Development.  The Company expenses advertising, and research and development costs as incurred.  The 
Company expensed $4.9 million, $6.1 million and $5.3 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for advertising expenses.  The 
Company expensed $2.5 million, $2.4 million and $1.8 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for research and development 
expenses.

Derivative Financial Instruments.  To meet financing needs of our home-buying customers, M/I Financial is party to interest rate lock 
commitments (“IRLCs”), which are extended to customers who have applied for a mortgage loan and meet certain defined credit and 
underwriting criteria.  These IRLCs are considered derivative financial instruments. M/I Financial manages interest rate risk related to 
its IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale through the use of forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“FMBSs”), the use of best-
efforts whole loan delivery commitments, and the occasional purchase of options on FMBSs in accordance with Company policy. These 
FMBSs, options on FMBSs, and IRLCs covered by FMBSs are considered non-designated derivatives. In determining the fair value of 
IRLCs, M/I Financial considers the value of the resulting loan if sold in the secondary market. The fair value includes the price that the 
loan is expected to be sold for along with the value of servicing release premiums. Subsequent to inception, M/I Financial estimates an 
updated fair value, which is compared to the initial fair value. In addition, M/I Financial uses fallout estimates, which fluctuate based on 
the rate of the IRLC in relation to current rates. Gains or losses are recorded in financial services revenue. Certain IRLCs and mortgage 
loans held for sale are committed to third party investors through the use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments. The IRLCs 

61

and  related  best-efforts  whole  loan  delivery  commitments,  which  generally  are  highly  effective  from  an  economic  standpoint,  are 
considered non-designated derivatives and are accounted for at fair value, with gains or losses recorded in financial services revenue. 
Under the terms of these best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments covering mortgage loans held for sale, the specific committed 
mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  are  identified  and  matched  to  specific  delivery  commitments  on  a  loan-by-loan  basis.  The  delivery 
commitments and loans held for sale are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in financial services revenue.

Loss Per Share.  Basic loss per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is computed based on the weighted 
average common shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted loss per share is computed based on the weighted average common 
shares outstanding, along with the stock options, equity units and stock units described in Note 2 (collectively, “stock equivalent awards”) 
deemed outstanding during the period, plus the weighted average common shares that would be outstanding assuming the conversion of 
stock equivalent awards, excluding the impact of such conversions if they are anti-dilutive or would decrease the reported diluted loss 
per share.  The number of anti-dilutive options that require exclusion from the computation of loss per share is summarized in the table 
below.  There are no adjustments to net loss necessary in the calculation of basic or diluted loss per share. 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net loss to common shareholders

Diluted loss to common shareholders

Anti-dilutive stock equivalent awards not included in
the calculation of diluted loss per share

Year Ended December 31, 

Loss

(33,877)

(33,877)

2011
Shares

EPS

Loss

(26,269)

2010

Shares

EPS

Loss

(62,109)

2009

Shares

EPS

18,698

(1.81)

(26,269)

18,523

(1.42)

(62,109)

16,730

(3.71)

2,170

2,070

1,723

Profit Sharing.  The Company has a deferred profit-sharing plan that covers substantially all Company employees and permits members 
to make contributions to the plan on a pre-tax basis in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986, as amended.  Company contributions to the plan are made at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and resulted in a 
$0.4 million expense for both the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and a $0.3 million expense for the year ended December 
31, 2009.

Deferred Compensation Plans.  Effective November 1, 1998, the Company adopted the Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan (the 
“Executive Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan.  The purpose of the Executive Plan is to provide an opportunity for certain 
eligible employees of the Company to defer a portion of their compensation and to invest in the Company’s common shares.  In 1997, 
the Company adopted the Director Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Director Plan”) to provide its directors with an opportunity to defer 
their director compensation and to invest in the Company’s common shares.

Stock-Based Compensation.  We record stock-based compensation by recognizing compensation expense at an amount equal to the fair 
value of share-based awards granted under compensation arrangements. We calculate the fair value of stock options using the Black-
Scholes  option  pricing  model.  Determining  the  fair  value  of  share-based  awards  at  the  grant  date  requires  judgment  in  developing 
assumptions, which involve a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over 
the term of the awards and the expected term of the awards. In addition, we also use judgment in estimating the number of share-based 
awards that are expected to be forfeited. 

Reclassifications.  Certain amounts in the 2010 and 2009 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to 
the 2011 presentation.  The Company believes these reclassifications are immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes—Valuation Allowance.  A valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available 
evidence, it is more-likely-than-not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. 
The  realization  of  a  deferred  tax  asset  ultimately  depends  on  the  existence  of  sufficient  taxable  income  in  either  the  carryback  or 
carryforward periods under applicable tax law. The four sources of taxable income to be considered in determining whether a valuation 
allowance is required include:

• 
• 
• 
• 

future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e., offset gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities);
taxable income in prior carryback years;
tax planning strategies; and
future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.

Determining whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is necessary requires an analysis of both positive and negative evidence 
regarding realization of the deferred tax assets. Examples of positive evidence may include:

• 

a strong earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the deductible temporary differences, coupled with evidence indicating 
that the loss is the result of an aberration rather than a continuing condition;

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

an excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of a company’s net assets in an amount sufficient to realize the deferred 
tax asset; and
existing backlog that will produce more than enough taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset based on existing sales 
prices and cost structures.

Examples of negative evidence may include:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

the existence of “cumulative losses” (defined as a pre-tax cumulative loss for the business cycle – in our case, four years);
an expectation of being in a cumulative loss position in a future reporting period;
a carryback or carryforward period that is so brief that it would limit the realization of tax benefits;
a history of operating loss or tax credit carryforwards expiring unused; and
unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future operations and profit levels on a continuing 
basis.

The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We 
evaluate this based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, 
significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.  A cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence 
in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and also restricts the amount of reliance on projections of future taxable income 
to support the recovery of deferred tax assets.  The Company's current and prior year losses present the most significant negative evidence 
as to whether the Company needs to reduce its deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance.  We are currently in excess of a four-year 
cumulative pre-tax loss position.  We currently believe the cumulative weight of the negative evidence exceeds that of the positive evidence 
and, as a result, it is "more likely than not" that we will not be able to utilize all of our deferred tax assets.  Therefore, as of December 31, 
2011, the Company had a total valuation allowance of $140.8 million recorded. The accounting for deferred taxes is based upon an 
estimate of future results. Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material 
impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Future adjustments to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be determined based upon changes in the expected realization of 
our net deferred tax assets.  Excluding the carryback of $0.6 million of certain 2011 expenses to 2001, we do not expect to record any 
additional tax benefits in 2012 as the carryback has been exhausted.  Additionally, our determination with respect to recording a valuation 
allowance may be further impacted by, among other things:

• 
• 
• 
• 

additional inventory impairments;
additional pre-tax operating losses;
the utilization of tax planning strategies that could accelerate the realization of certain deferred tax assets; or
changes in relevant tax law.

Additionally, due to the considerable estimates utilized in establishing a valuation allowance and the potential for changes in facts and 
circumstances in future reporting periods, it is reasonably possible that we will be required to either increase or decrease our valuation 
allowance in future reporting periods.

Income Taxes—Tax Positions.  The Company evaluates tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in tax returns, 
and records the associated tax benefit or liability. Tax positions are recognized when it is "more likely than not" that the tax position 
would be sustained upon examination. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood 
of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties for all uncertain tax positions are recorded within Benefit from income taxes in 
the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Impact of New Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04: Fair 
Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP 
and IFRS ("ASU 2011-04"). ASU 2011-04 provides clarity to the fair value definition in order to achieve greater consistency in fair value 
measurements  and  disclosures  between  United  States  Generally Accepted Accounting  Principles  (“U.S.  GAAP”)  and  International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Additional disclosures are required regarding transfers of assets between Level 1 and 2 of the 
fair  value  hierarchy  and  to  provide  information  about  valuation  techniques  and  unobservable  input  and  narrative  description  of the 
sensitivity of fair values for Level 3 assets. The effective date of this amendment is for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011. 
We do not anticipate the adoption of this amendment  to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations 
or liquidity but it will change the Company's disclosures of fair value measurements.

On April 29, 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03: Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) - Reconsideration of Effective Control for 
Repurchase Agreements ("ASU 2011-03").  ASU 2011-03 eliminates from U.S. GAAP the requirement for entities to consider whether 

63

a transferor (i.e., seller) has the ability to repurchase the financial assets in a repurchase agreement. This requirement was one of the 
criteria under Accounting Standards Codification 860 that entities used to determine whether the transferor maintained effective control. 
The effective date of this amendment is for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not anticipate the adoption of this 
amendment  to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Note 2.  Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Plan

Under the M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2009 LTIP"), the Company is permitted to grant (1) nonqualified stock 
options to purchase common shares, (2) incentive stock options to purchase common shares, (3) stock appreciation rights, (4) restricted 
common shares, (5) other stock-based awards – awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the fair 
market value of the common shares, and (6) cash-based awards to its officers, employees, non-employee directors and other eligible 
participants.

The 2009 LTIP replaced the M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended (the "1993 Plan"), which expired by its terms April 
22, 2009.  Awards outstanding under the 1993 Plan remain in effect in accordance with their respective terms.

Stock options are granted at the market price of the Company’s common shares at the close of business on the date of grant.  Options 
awarded generally vest 20% annually over five years and expire after ten years.  Under the 1993 Plan, in the case of termination due to 
death or disability, or in the case of a change in control of the Company, all options will become immediately exercisable.  Under the 
2009 LTIP, in the case of termination due to death, disability or retirement, all options will become immediately exercisable.  Shares 
issued upon option exercise may consist of treasury shares, authorized but unissued common shares or common shares purchased by or 
on behalf of the Company in the open market.

Following is a summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2011, relating to the stock options awarded under the 
2009 LTIP and the 1993 Plan:

Options outstanding at December 31, 2010

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Options outstanding at December 31, 2011

Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2011

Options exercisable at December 31, 2011

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

23.31

14.08

7.89

15.57
23.76

23.93

28.51

Shares

1,962,983

$

318,200

(190,090)

(114,869)
1,976,224

1,945,011

1,362,124

$

$

$

Weighted
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term (Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic 
Value (a) (In 
thousands)

6.56

$

4,445

5.99

5.97

5.06

$

$

$

493

480

341

(a) 

Intrinsic value is defined as the amount by which the fair value of the underlying common shares exceeds the exercise price of the option.

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended  December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $1.1 million, less than 
$0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The fair value of our five-year service stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was established 
at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the weighted average assumptions as follows:

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

Expected volatility

Expected term (in years)
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the period

Year Ended December 31,

2011

—%

2.39%

48.00%

5.5

$ 6.58

2010

—%

2.29%

45.70%

5.5
5.84

$

2009

—%

1.99%

44.66%

6.0
$ 3.54

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The fair value of our two-year bonus stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, was established at the 
date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the weighted average assumptions as follows:

Risk-free interest rate

Expected volatility

Expected term (in years)

Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the period

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

—

—

—

—

2.29%

45.70%

1.99%

45.70%

4.5

5.31

$

5.0

3.30

$

$

The risk-free interest rate was based upon the U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate at the date of the grant.  Expected volatility is based 
on an average of (1) historical volatility of the Company’s stock and (2) implied volatility from traded options on the Company’s stock.  The 
risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option award is based on the yield curve of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury 
bond on the date the stock option award is granted, with a maturity equal to the expected term of the stock option award granted.  The 
Company uses historical data to estimate stock option exercises and forfeitures within its valuation model.  The expected life of stock 
option awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under the Company’s share-based payment plans, and represents 
the period of time that stock option awards granted are expected to be outstanding.

Total compensation expense that has been charged against income relating to the 2009 LTIP and the 1993 Plan was $1.9 million, $2.8 
million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  As of December 31, 2011, there was a 
total of $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option awards that will be recognized as compensation 
expense as the awards vest over a weighted average period of 2.0 years for the service awards.  There was $0.2 million of excess tax 
benefits from stock-based payment arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2011, and less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million of 
excess tax deficiency from stock-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

On May 5, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors terminated the M/I Homes, Inc. 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan (the “Director 
Equity  Plan”).  Awards  outstanding  under  the  Director  Equity  Plan  remain  in  effect  in  accordance  with  their  respective  terms.  At 
December 31, 2011, there were 20,136 units outstanding under the Director Equity Plan with a value of $0.6 million.

In May 2011, the Company awarded 6,000 stock units under the 2009 LTIP.  One stock unit is the equivalent of one common share.  Stock 
units and the related dividends will be converted to common shares upon termination of service as a director.  These stock units vest 
immediately; therefore, compensation expense relating to the stock units issued in May 2011 was recognized entirely on the grant date.  The 
amount of expense per stock unit was equal to the $12.49 closing price of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant, resulting 
in expense totaling $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  In 2010, the Company awarded 6,000 stock units under the 2009 
LTIP, resulting in expense totaling $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. In 2009, the Company awarded 6,000 stock units 
under the 2009 LTIP, resulting in expense totaling $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  

Deferred Compensation Plans

As of December 31, 2011, the Company also has an Amended and Restated Executives' Deferred Compensation Plan and an Amended 
and Restated Director Deferred Compensation Plan (together the “Plans”), which provide an opportunity for the Company’s directors 
and  certain  eligible  employees  of  the  Company  to  defer  a  portion  of  their  cash  compensation  to  invest  in  the  Company’s common 
shares.  Compensation expense deferred into the Plans totaled $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $0.2 million for 
both the years ended  December 31, 2010 and 2009.  The portion of cash compensation deferred by employees and directors under the 
Plans is invested in fully-vested equity units in the Plans.  One equity unit is the equivalent of one common share.  Equity units and the 
related dividends will be converted and distributed to the employee or director in the form of common shares at the earlier of his or her 
elected distribution date or termination of service as an employee or director of the Company.  Distributions from the Plans totaled $0.3 
million, $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  As of December 31, 
2011, there were a total of 110,699 equity units with a value of $2.2 million, outstanding under the Plans.  The aggregate fair market 
value of these units at December 31, 2011, based on the closing price of the underlying common shares, was approximately $1.1 million, 
and the associated deferred tax benefit the Company would recognize if the outstanding units were distributed was $1.1 million as of 
December 31, 2011.  Common shares are issued from treasury shares upon distribution of deferred compensation from the Plans.

65

 
NOTE 3. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The table below is a summary of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

(In thousands)

Homebuilding

Financial services

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

December 31,

2011

2010

$

$

$

43,539

16,254

59,793

41,334

101,127

$

$

$

71,874

9,334

81,208

41,923

123,131

Restricted cash consists of homebuilding cash the Company had designated as collateral at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 
in accordance with the four secured Letter of Credit Facilities that were entered into in July 2009 and the one secured Letter of Credit 
Facility that was entered into in June 2010 (collectively, as amended, the “Letter of Credit Facilities”). Restricted cash as of December 31, 
2011 also consists of $25.0 million the Company was required to pledge as security to the lenders under the Company's $140 million 
secured revolving credit facility, dated June 9, 2010 (the "Credit Facility").  The security pledge was required in accordance with the 
terms of the credit agreement, dated June 9, 2010 (the "Credit Agreement"), as a result of the Company's ratios being less than both the 
required minimum Interest Coverage Ratio and the minimum Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio (as such terms are defined in the Credit Agreement) 
for the quarters ended June 30, 2011, September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2011. Restricted cash also includes cash held in escrow of 
less than $0.1 million and $3.1 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

NOTE 4. Fair Value Measurements

There are three measurement input levels for determining fair value: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Fair values determined by Level 1 
inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Fair values 
determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted 
prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. 
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the 
asset or liability.

Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

The  Company  measures  both  mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  and  interest  rate  lock  commitments  (“IRLCs”)  at  fair  value.  Fair  value 
measurement results in a better presentation of the changes in fair values of the loans and the derivative instruments used to economically 
hedge them.

In the normal course of business, our financial services segment enters into contractual commitments to extend credit to buyers of single-
family homes with fixed expiration dates.  The commitments become effective when the borrowers “lock-in” a specified interest rate 
within established time frames.  Market risk arises if interest rates move adversely between the time of the “lock-in” of rates by the 
borrower  and  the  sale  date  of  the  loan  to  an  investor.  To mitigate  the  effect of  the  interest  rate  risk  inherent  in  providing rate  lock 
commitments to borrowers, the Company enters into optional or mandatory delivery forward sale contracts to sell whole loans and 
mortgage-backed securities to broker/dealers.  The forward sale contracts lock in an interest rate and price for the sale of loans similar 
to the specific rate lock commitments.  The Company does not engage in speculative or trading derivative activities.  Both the rate lock 
commitments to borrowers and the forward sale contracts to broker/dealers or investors are undesignated derivatives, and accordingly, 
are marked to fair value through earnings.  Changes in fair value measurements are included in earnings in the accompanying statements 
of operations.

The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is estimated based primarily on published prices for mortgage-backed securities with similar 
characteristics.  To calculate the effects of interest rate movements, the Company utilizes applicable published mortgage-backed security 
prices,  and  multiplies  the  price  movement  between  the  rate  lock  date  and  the  balance  sheet  date  by  the  notional  loan  commitment 
amount.  The Company  sells  the  majority  of  its  loans  on  a  servicing  released  basis,  and  receives  a  servicing  release  premium  upon 
sale.  Thus, the value of the servicing rights included in the fair value measurement is based upon contractual terms with investors and 
depends on the loan type. The Company applies a fallout rate to IRLCs when measuring the fair value of rate lock commitments.  Fallout 
is defined as locked loan commitments for which the Company does not close a mortgage loan and is based on management’s judgment 
and experience.

66

The fair value of the Company’s forward sales contracts to broker/dealers solely considers the market price movement of the same type 
of security between the trade date and the balance sheet date.  The market price changes are multiplied by the notional amount of the 
forward sales contracts to measure the fair value.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments. IRLCs are extended to certain home-buying customers who have applied for a mortgage loan and 
meet certain defined credit and underwriting criteria. Typically, the IRLCs will have a duration of less than six months; however, in certain 
markets, the duration could extend to twelve months.

Some IRLCs are committed to a specific third-party investor through the use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments matching 
the exact terms of the IRLC loan.  Uncommitted IRLCs are considered derivative instruments and are fair value adjusted, with the resulting 
gain or loss recorded in current earnings. 

Forward Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities. Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“FMBSs”) are used to protect uncommitted 
IRLC loans against the risk of changes in interest rates between the lock date and the funding date. FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs 
are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value, with gains and losses recorded 
in current earnings. 

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans held for sale consist primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the 
underlying property. During the intervening period between when a loan is closed and when it is sold to an investor, the interest rate risk 
is covered through the use of a best-efforts contract or by FMBSs.  The FMBSs are classified and accounted for as non-designated 
derivative instruments, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings. 

The table below shows the notional amounts of our financial instruments at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Description of financial instrument (in thousands)

Best effort contracts and related committed IRLCs

Uncommitted IRLCs

FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs

Best effort contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale

FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale

Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs

December 31,

2011

2010

$

1,088

$

25,912

26,000

14,058

42,000

42,227

2,282

24,910

27,000

42,690

2,000

1,917

The tables below show the level and measurement of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)

Mortgage loans held for sale

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Interest rate lock commitments

Best-efforts contracts

Total

Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)

Mortgage loans held for sale

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Interest rate lock commitments

Best-efforts contracts

Total

Fair Value 
Measurements
December 31, 2011

$

57,275

(470)

356

(129)

$

57,032

Quoted Prices in Active 
Markets for Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

$

57,275

(470)

356

(129)

$

57,032

Fair Value
Measurements 
December 31, 2010

$

43,312

Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
—

$

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

$

43,312

121

(43)

340

$

43,730

$

—

—

—

—

121

(43)

340

$

43,730

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs
(Level 3)

—

—

—

—

—

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

—

—

—

—

—

$

$

$

$

67

The following table sets forth the amount of gain (loss) recognized, within our financial services revenue in the Consolidated Statements 
of Operations, on assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:

Description of financial instrument (in thousands)

Mortgage loans held for sale

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Interest rate lock commitments

Best-efforts contracts

Total gain (loss) recognized

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

3,065

$

(1,220)

$

(591)

366

(436)

(712)

102

32

2,404

$

(1,798)

$

(2,612)
1,937
(783)
235
(1,223)

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments and their location within the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets for the periods indicated:

Description of Derivatives

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Interest rate lock commitments

Best-efforts contracts
Total fair value measurements

Description of Derivatives

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Interest rate lock commitments

Best-efforts contracts

Total fair value measurements

Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

Asset Derivatives

December 31, 2011

Liability Derivatives

December 31, 2011

Balance Sheet 
Location

Other assets

Other assets

Other assets

Fair Value 
(in thousands)

$

$

—

356

—

356

Balance Sheet
Location

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Fair Value 
(in thousands)

$

$

470

—

129

599

Asset Derivatives

At December 31, 2010

Liability Derivatives

At December 31, 2010

Balance Sheet 
Location

Other assets

Other assets

Other assets

Fair Value 
(in thousands)

$

$

121

—

340

461

Balance Sheet
Location

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Fair Value 
(in thousands)

$

$

—

43

—

43

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis if events or changes in local or national economic conditions 
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In conducting our quarterly review for indicators of impairment on 
a community level, we evaluate, among other things, margins on sales contracts in backlog, the margins on homes that have been delivered, 
expected changes in margins with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, expected changes in margins with regard 
to future land sales, the value of the land itself as well as any results from third party appraisals. From the review of all of these factors, 
we identify communities whose carrying values may exceed their estimated undiscounted future cash flows and run a test for recoverability. 
For those communities whose carrying values exceed the estimated undiscounted future cash flows and which are deemed to be impaired, 
the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the communities exceeds the estimated fair value. 
Due to the fact that the Company's cash flow models and estimates of fair values are based upon management estimates and assumptions, 
unexpected changes in market conditions may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future. 

Our determination of fair value is based on projections and estimates, which are Level 3 measurement inputs.  Our analysis is completed 
at a phase level within each community; therefore, changes in local conditions may affect one or several of our communities.  For all of 
the categories discussed below, the key assumptions relating to the valuations are dependent on project-specific local market and/or 
community conditions and are inherently uncertain.  Because each inventory asset is unique, there are numerous inputs and assumptions 
used in our valuation techniques.  Market factors that may impact these assumptions include:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

historical project results such as average sales price and sales pace, if closings have occurred in the project;
competitors’ market and/or community presence and their competitive actions;
project specific attributes such as location desirability and uniqueness of product offering;
potential for alternative product offerings to respond to local market conditions; and
current economic and demographic conditions and related trends and forecasts.

These, and other market factors that may impact project assumptions, are considered by personnel in our homebuilding divisions as they 
prepare or update the forecasts for each community. Quantitative and qualitative factors other than home sales prices could significantly 
impact the potential for future impairments. The sales objectives can differ between communities, even within a given sub-market. For 
example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales 

68

absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our 
gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace. Furthermore, the key assumptions included in our estimated future 
undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in home sales incentives 
may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace. Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated average selling 
price, construction and development costs, absorption pace, selling strategies, or discount rates, could materially impact future cash flow 
and fair value estimates.

Operating Communities:  If an indicator for impairment exists for existing operating communities, the recoverability of assets is evaluated 
by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets 
based on home sales.  These estimated cash flows are developed based primarily on management's assumptions relating to the specific 
community. The significant assumptions used to evaluate the recoverability of assets include: the timing of development and/or marketing 
phases; projected sales price and sales pace of each existing or planned community; the estimated land development, home construction, 
and selling costs of the community; overall market supply and demand; the local market; and competitive conditions. Management 
reviews these assumptions on a quarterly basis. While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best 
estimates as of the end of a reporting period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances 
change. Some of the most critical assumptions in the Company's cash flow models are projected absorption pace for home sales, sales 
prices, and costs to build and deliver homes on a community by community basis. 

In order to estimate the assumed absorption pace for home sales included in the Company's cash flow models, the Company analyzes 
the historical absorption pace in the community as well as other communities in the geographic area. In addition, the Company considers 
internal  and  external  market  studies  and  trends,  which  may  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  statistics  on  population  demographics, 
unemployment rates, foreclosure sales, and availability of competing products in the geographic area where a community is located. 
When analyzing the Company's historical absorption pace for home sales and corresponding internal and external market studies, the 
Company places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the absorption pace realized in its most recent quarters. 

 In order to estimate the sales prices included in its cash flow models, the Company considers the historical sales prices realized on homes 
it delivered in the community and other communities in the geographic area, as well as the sales prices included in its current backlog 
for such communities. In addition, the Company considers internal and external market studies and trends, which may include, but are 
not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities, which include the impact of short sales, if any, and sales prices on 
similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing its historical 
sales prices and corresponding market studies, the Company places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the sales 
prices realized in its most recent quarters and the sales prices in current backlog. Based upon this analysis, the Company sets a sales price 
for each house type in the community which it believes will achieve an acceptable gross margin and sales pace in the community. This 
price becomes the price published to the sales force for use in its sales efforts. The Company then considers the average of these published 
sales prices when estimating the future sales prices in its cash flow models. 

In order to arrive at the Company's assumed costs to build and deliver homes, the Company generally assumes a cost structure reflecting 
contracts currently in place with its vendors and subcontractors adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost 
structure. With respect to overhead included in the cash flow models, the Company uses forecasted rates included in the Company's 
annual budget adjusted for actual experience that is materially different than budgeted rates.

Future Communities:  If an indicator of impairment exists for raw land, land under development, or lots that management anticipates 
will be utilized for future homebuilding activities, the recoverability of assets is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of the assets 
to estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets based on home sales, consistent with the evaluations 
performed for operating communities discussed above. 

For raw land, land under development, or lots that management intends to market for sale to a third party, but that do not meet all of the 
criteria to be classified as land held for sale as discussed below, the estimated fair value of the assets is determined based on either the 
estimated net sales proceeds expected to be realized on the sale of the assets or the estimated fair value determined using cash flow 
valuation techniques.

If the Company has not yet determined whether raw land or land under development will be utilized for future homebuilding activities 
or marketed for sale to a third party, the Company assesses the recoverability of the inventory using a probability-weighted approach.

Land Held for Sale:  Land held for sale includes land that meets all of the following six criteria:  (1) management, having the authority 
to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset; (2) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only 
to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete 
the plan to sell the asset have been initiated; (4) the sale of the asset is probable, and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for 
recognition as a completed sale, within one year; (5) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation 
to its current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will 

69

be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.  The Company records land held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or estimated fair 
value less costs to sell.  In performing the impairment evaluation for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices 
for land in recent comparable sales transactions, market analysis and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties, as well 
as actual contracts.  If the estimated fair value less the costs to sell an asset is less than the current carrying value, the asset is written 
down to its estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Investment In Unconsolidated Limited Liability Companies: The Company evaluates its investment in Unconsolidated LLCs for potential 
impairment on a quarterly basis.  If the fair value of the investment is less than the investment's carrying value and the Company has 
determined that the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to fair value.  

The determination of whether an investment's fair value is less than the carrying value requires management to make certain assumptions 
regarding the amount and timing of future contributions to the Unconsolidated LLC, the timing of distribution of lots to the Company 
from the Unconsolidated LLC, the projected fair value of the lots at the time of distribution to the Company, and the estimated proceeds 
from, and timing of, the sale of land or lots to third parties. In determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs, the 
Company evaluates the projected cash flows associated with each Unconsolidated LLC. As of December 31, 2011, the Company used a 
discount rate of 18% in determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs. 

In addition to the assumptions management must make to determine if the investment's fair value is less than the carrying value, management 
must also use judgment in determining whether the impairment is other than temporary. The factors management considers are: (1) the 
length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the 
company; and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the Unconsolidated LLC for a period of time sufficient 
to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Because of the high degree of judgment involved in developing these assumptions, 
it is possible that the Company may determine the investment is not impaired in the current period but, due to passage of time or change 
in market conditions leading to changes in assumptions, impairment could occur.

The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are those assets for which the Company has recorded valuation 
adjustments and write-offs. The fair values included in the tables below represent only those assets whose carrying value were adjusted 
to fair value during the respective years disclosed. The tables below show the level and measurement of assets measured on a non-
recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Description of asset or liability
(In thousands)

Inventory

Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs

Total fair value measurements

Description of asset or liability
(In thousands)

Inventory
Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs

Total fair value measurements

Fair Value 
Measurements
December 31, 2011

Quoted Prices in Active 
Markets for Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other 
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

Total Losses

$

$

43,659

$

970

44,629

$

$

—

—

—

$

$

—

—

—

$

43,659

$

970

44,629

$

20,964

1,029

21,993

Fair Value 
Measurements
December 31, 2010

Quoted Prices in Active 
Markets for Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other 
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

Total Losses

$
$

$

16,793
50

16,843

$
$

$

—
—

—

$
$

$

—
—

—

$
$

$

16,793
50

16,843

$
$

$

12,506
32

12,538

70

 
Financial Instruments

Counterparty Credit Risk. To reduce the risk associated with accounting losses that would be recognized if counterparties failed to 
perform as contracted, the Company limits the entities with whom management can enter into commitments. This risk of accounting loss 
is the difference between the market rate at the time of non-performance by the counterparty and the rate to which the Company committed. 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2011 and 
2010. Fair value is defined as the price 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 (an exit price).

(In thousands)

Assets:

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Mortgage loans held for sale

Split dollar life insurance policies

Notes receivable

Commitments to extend real estate loans

Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Liabilities:

Note payable - banks

Mortgage note payable

Senior Notes

Commitments to extend real estate loans

Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale

Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:

Letters of credit

December 31, 2011

December 31, 2010

Carrying

Amount

Fair

Value

Carrying

Amount

Fair

Value

$

101,127

$

101,127

$

123,131

$

123,131

57,275

57,275

43,312

43,312

719

851

356

—

—

52,606

5,521

239,016

—

470

129

—

655

753

356

—

—

52,606

6,076

218,925

—

470

129

792

721

919

—

340

121

32,197

5,853

238,610

43

—

—

—

627

771

—

340

121

32,197

6,564

243,263

43

—

—

627

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures of financial instruments at 
December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. The carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value. 

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, Forward Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities, Commitments to Extend Real Estate Loans, Best-
Efforts Contracts for Committed IRLCs and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale and Senior Notes. The fair value of these financial instruments 
was determined based upon market quotes at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The market quotes used were quoted prices for similar assets 
or liabilities along with inputs taken from observable market data by correlation. The inputs were adjusted to account for the condition 
of the asset or liability.

Split Dollar Life Insurance Policies and Notes Receivable. The estimated fair value was determined by calculating the present value of 
the amounts based on the estimated timing of receipts using discount rates that incorporate management's estimate of risk associated with 
the corresponding policies and note receivable.

Note Payable - Banks. The interest rate available to the Company fluctuates with the Alternate Base Rate or the Eurodollar Rate (for the 
Credit Facility) or LIBOR (for M/I Financial Corp.'s $50.0 million secured mortgage warehousing agreement, which was amended on 
November 29, 2011 to increase the capacity to $60.0 million (the “MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement”)), and thus their carrying 
value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Mortgage Note Payable. The estimated fair value was determined by calculating the present value of the future cash flows using the 
Company's estimated borrowing rate. 

Letters of Credit. Letters of credit of $35.8 million and $39.2 million represent potential commitments at December 31, 2011 and 2010, 
respectively. The letters of credit generally expire within one or two years. The estimated fair value of letters of credit was determined 
using fees currently charged for similar agreements.

71

NOTE 5. Inventory

A summary of the Company's inventory as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:  

(In thousands)

Single-family lots, land and land development costs

Homes under construction

Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation: December 31, 2011 - $4,340;
   December 31, 2010 - $3,230)

Community development district infrastructure

Land purchase deposits

Consolidated inventory not owned

Total inventory

December 31,

2011

2010

242,372

$

181,483

27,662

5,983

2,676

6,596

466,772

$

262,960

151,524

23,255

7,112

1,965

4,120

450,936

$

$

Single-family lots, land and land development costs include raw land that the Company has purchased to develop into lots, costs incurred 
to develop the raw land into lots, and lots for which development has been completed but which have not yet been used to start construction 
of a home. 

Homes under construction includes homes that are in various stages of construction. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had 573 
homes (with a carrying value of $85.5 million) and 561 homes (with a carrying value of $74.4 million), respectively, included in homes 
under construction that were not subject to a sales contract.

Model homes and furnishings include homes that are under construction or have been completed and are being used as sales models. The 
amount also includes the net book value of furnishings included in our model homes. Depreciation on model home furnishings is recorded 
using an accelerated method over the estimated useful life of the assets, typically three years.

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis, by reviewing for impairment whenever events or changes in 
local or national economic conditions indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Refer to Note 4 for additional 
details relating to our procedures for evaluating our inventories for impairment.

Land purchase deposits include both refundable and non-refundable amounts paid to third party sellers relating to the purchase of land. 
On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the land option agreements relating to the land purchase deposits. In the period during which 
the Company makes the decision not to proceed with the purchase of land under an agreement, the Company writes off any deposits and 
accumulated pre-acquisition costs relating to such agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company wrote off 
$1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in option deposits and pre-acquisition costs. Refer to Note 6 for additional details relating to 
write-offs of land option deposits and pre-acquisition costs.

72

 
NOTE 6. Valuation Adjustments and Write-offs

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis, by reviewing for impairment whenever events or changes in 
local or national economic conditions indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. 

A summary of the Company’s valuation adjustments and write-offs for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

(In thousands)
Impairment of operating communities:

 Midwest

 Southern

 Mid-Atlantic

Total impairment of operating communities (a)
Impairment of future communities:

 Midwest

 Southern

 Mid-Atlantic

Total impairment of future communities (a)
Impairment of land held for sale:

 Midwest

 Southern

 Mid-Atlantic

Total impairment of land held for sale (a)
Option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs:

 Midwest

 Southern

 Mid-Atlantic

Total option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs (b)
Impairment of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs:

 Midwest

 Southern

 Mid-Atlantic

Total impairment of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs (a)

Total impairments and write-offs of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

5,493

2,608

1,833

9,934

6,985

3,455

—

10,440

—

590

—

590

441

89

444

974

979

50

—

1,029

22,967

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

828

621

3,121

4,570

2,837

3,134

1,290

7,261

—

587

88

675

198

160

262

620

—

32

—

32

13,158

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

10,262

6,702

7,708

24,672

6,892

8,405

2,180

17,477

2,016

1,883

1,642

5,541

569

20

1,067

1,656

616

7,115

—

7,731

57,077

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(a)  Amounts are recorded within Impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(b)  Amounts are recorded within General and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Note 7.  Transactions with Related Parties

The Company had receivables totaling $0.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010 due from executive officers, relating to amounts 
owed to the Company for split-dollar life insurance policy premiums.  The Company will collect the receivable either directly from the 
executive officer, if employment terminates other than by death, or from the executive officer’s beneficiary, if employment terminates 
due to death of the executive officer.  The receivables are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 8. Investment in Unconsolidated Limited Liability Companies 

At December 31, 2011, the Company had interests ranging from 33% to 50% in Unconsolidated LLCs that do not meet the criteria of 
variable interest entities because each of the entities, among other factors, had sufficient equity at risk to permit the entity to finance its 
activities without additional subordinated support from the equity investors, and one of these Unconsolidated LLCs has outside financing 
that is not guaranteed by the Company.  These Unconsolidated LLCs engage in land acquisition and development activities for the purpose 
of selling or distributing (in the form of a capital distribution) developed lots to the Company and its partners in the entity.  The Company’s 
maximum exposure related to its investment in these entities as of December 31, 2011 is the amount invested of $10.4 million.  Included 
in the Company’s investment in Unconsolidated LLCs at both December 31, 2011 and 2010 are $0.8 million, of capitalized interest and 
other costs.  The Company does not have a controlling interest in these Unconsolidated LLCs; therefore, they are recorded using the 
equity method of accounting.  The Company received distributions totaling less than $0.1 million and $1.2 million in developed lots at 
cost in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company did not receive any distributions of developed lots in 2009.

73

The Company evaluates its investment in Unconsolidated LLCs for potential impairment on a quarterly basis. If the fair value of the 
investment (see Note 4) is less than the investment's carrying value, and the Company determines the decline in value was other than 
temporary, the Company would write down the investment to fair value.

Summarized condensed combined financial information for the Unconsolidated LLCs that are included in the homebuilding segments 
as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

Summarized Condensed Combined Balance Sheets:

(In thousands)

Assets:

Single-family lots, land and land development costs

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and partners’ equity:

Liabilities:

Notes payable

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Partners’ equity:

Company’s equity

Other equity

Total partners’ equity

December 31,

2011

2010

$

$

$

36,631

$

199

36,830

$

3,250

$

159

3,409

10,357

23,064

33,421

36,317

2

36,319

3,250

193

3,443

10,589

22,287

32,876

36,319

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

$

36,830

$

Summarized Condensed Combined Statements of Operations:

(In thousands)

Revenue

Costs and expenses

(Loss) income

Years Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

$

—

18

(18)

$

634

$

13

621

$

77

97
(20)

The Company’s total equity in the income (loss) relating to the above homebuilding Unconsolidated LLCs was approximately less than 
$0.1 million, $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

NOTE 9. Guarantees and Indemnifications

Warranty

The Company offers a limited warranty program in conjunction with a thirty-year transferable structural limited warranty on homes 
closed after September 30, 2007 in all markets except San Antonio, where we offer a 10-year transferable structural limited warranty. 
This warranty program covers construction defects and certain damage resulting from construction defects for a statutory period based 
on geographic market and state law (currently ranging from five to ten years for the states in which the Company operates) and includes 
a mandatory arbitration clause. Prior to this warranty program, the Company provided up to a two-year limited warranty on materials 
and workmanship and a twenty-year (for homes closed between September 1, 1989 and April 24, 1998) and a thirty-year (for homes 
closed after April 24, 1998) transferable limited warranty against major structural defects. Warranty expense is accrued as the home sale 
is recognized and is intended to cover estimated material and outside labor costs to be incurred during the warranty period.

74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accrual amounts are based upon historical experience and geographic location. Our warranty accruals are included in Other liabilities 
in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. A summary of warranty activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 
is as follows:

(In thousands)

Warranty accruals, beginning of year

Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period

Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties

Settlements made during the period

Warranty accruals, end of year

Guarantees

Years Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

8,335

$

8,657

$

4,526

1,891

(5,727)

9,025

$

5,096

1,118

(6,536)

8,335

$

9,518

4,904

346
(6,111)
8,657

In the ordinary course of business, M/I Financial Corp. (“M/I Financial”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of M/I Homes, Inc., enters into 
agreements that guarantee certain purchasers of its mortgage loans that M/I Financial will repurchase a loan if certain conditions occur, 
primarily if the mortgagor does not meet those conditions of the loan within the first six months after the sale of the loan.  Loans totaling 
approximately  $53.0  million  and  $142.2  million  were  covered  under  the  above  guarantees  as  of  December  31,  2011  and  2010, 
respectively.  A portion of the revenue paid to M/I Financial for providing the guarantees on the above loans was deferred at December 31, 
2011, and will be recognized in income as M/I Financial is released from its obligation under the guarantees.  M/I Financial has not 
repurchased any loans under the above agreements in 2011, but has received inquiries concerning underwriting matters from purchasers 
of its loans concerning certain loans under those agreements.  The total of these loans was approximately $4.6 million and $3.6 million 
at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The risk associated with the guarantees above is offset by the value of the underlying 
assets.

M/I Financial has also guaranteed the collectability of certain loans to third-party insurers (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 
Development and U.S. Veterans Administration) of those loans for periods ranging from five to thirty years. As of both December 31, 
2011 and 2010, the total of all loans indemnified to third-party insurers relating to the above agreements was $1.4 million. The maximum 
potential amount of future payments is equal to the outstanding loan value less the value of the underlying asset plus administrative costs 
incurred related to foreclosure on the loans, should this event occur. 

The Company has recorded a liability relating to the guarantees described above totaling $2.8 million and $2.0 million at December 31, 
2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which is management's best estimate of the Company's liability.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding $41.4 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2012 (the “2012 Senior Notes”), which 
are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by all of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries. At December 31, 2011, 
the Company also had outstanding $200 million aggregate principal amount of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018 (the "2018 Senior Notes").  
The Company's obligations under both the 2018 Senior Notes and the Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries, 
with the exception of subsidiaries that are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, the origination of mortgages for 
resale, title insurance or similar financial businesses relating to the homebuilding and home sales business and certain subsidiaries that 
are not wholly-owned by the Company or another subsidiary. 

NOTE 10. Commitments and Contingencies

At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding approximately $63.7 million of completion bonds and standby letters of credit, 
some of which were issued to various local governmental entities that expire at various times through December 2016. Included in this 
total  are:  (1)  $21.3  million  of  performance  and  maintenance  bonds  and  $24.4  million  of  performance  letters  of  credit  that  serve  as 
completion bonds for land development work in progress; (2) $11.4 million of financial letters of credit, of which $3.8 million represent 
deposits on land and lot purchase agreements; and (3) $6.6 million of financial bonds.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company has identified 93 homes that have been confirmed as having defective drywall installed by our 
subcontractors.  All of these homes are located in Florida.  While we are continuing to investigate whether other homes are affected, the 
number of additional affected homes newly identified each quarter has declined significantly since 2009 to a nominal amount.  As of 
December 31, 2011, we have completed the repair of 80 homes, are in the process of repairing nine homes, and are continuing to seek 
the authorization of the remaining homeowners to repair their homes.  In consideration for performing these repairs, we received from 
the homeowner a full release of claims (excluding, in nearly all cases, personal injury claims) arising from the defective drywall.  Since 
2009, the Company has accrued approximately $13.0 million for the repair of these 93 homes. The remaining balance in this accrual is 
$1.2 million, which is included in Other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Based on our investigation to date 
and our evaluation of the defective drywall issue, we believe our existing accrual is sufficient to cover costs and claims associated with 

75

 
the repair of these homes.  However, if we identify additional homes with defective drywall, we may increase the accrual for costs of 
repair attributable to defective drywall.  During the third quarter of 2010, the Company received a $2.4 million settlement for claims 
attributed to the defective drywall. The Company has made demand for additional reimbursement from manufacturers, suppliers, insurers 
and others for costs the Company has incurred and may incur in the future in connection with the defective drywall.  Please refer to Note 
11 for further information on this matter.

At December 31, 2011, the Company also had options and contingent purchase agreements to acquire land and developed lots with an 
aggregate purchase price of approximately $145.8 million. Purchase of properties under these agreements is contingent upon satisfaction 
of certain requirements by the Company and the sellers.

NOTE 11. Legal Liabilities

On March 5, 2009, a resident of Florida and an owner of one of our homes filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the 
Southern  District  of  Ohio,  on  behalf  of  himself  and  other  similarly  situated  owners  and  residents  of  homes  in  the  United  States  or 
alternatively in Florida, against the Company and certain other identified and unidentified parties (the “Initial Action”). The plaintiff 
alleged that the Company built his home with defective drywall, manufactured and supplied by certain of the defendants, that contains 
sulfur or other organic compounds capable of harming the health of individuals and damaging property. The plaintiff alleged physical 
and economic damages and sought legal and equitable relief, medical monitoring and attorney's fees. The Company filed a responsive 
pleading on or about April 30, 2009. The Initial Action was consolidated with other similar actions not involving the Company and 
transferred to the Eastern District of Louisiana pursuant to an order from the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation for 
coordinated pre-trial proceedings (collectively, the “In Re: Chinese Manufactured Drywall Product Liability Litigation”). In connection 
with the administration of the In Re: Chinese Manufactured Drywall Product Liability Litigation, the same homeowner and eight other 
homeowners were named as plaintiffs in omnibus class action complaints filed in and after December 2009 against certain identified 
manufacturers of drywall and others (including the Company), including one  homeowner named as a plaintiff in an omnibus class action 
complaint filed in March 2010 against various unidentified manufacturers of drywall and others (including the Company) (collectively, 
the “MDL Omnibus Actions”). As they relate to the Company, the Initial Action and the MDL Omnibus Actions address substantially 
the same claims and seek substantially the same relief. The Company has entered into agreements with several of the homeowners named 
as plaintiffs pursuant to which the Company agreed to make repairs to their homes consistent with repairs made to the homes of other 
homeowners (as described in Note 10).  As a result of these agreements, the Initial Action has been resolved and dismissed, and five of 
the eight other homeowners named as plaintiffs in omnibus class action complaints have dismissed their claims against the Company.  
The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims of the remaining plaintiffs. Given the inherent uncertainties in this litigation, 
as of December 31, 2011, no accrual has been recorded (other than the accrual for repairs described in Note 10) because we cannot make 
a determination as to the probability of a loss resulting from this matter or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.  There can be no 
assurance that the ultimate resolution of the MDL Omnibus Actions, or any other actions or claims relating to defective drywall that may 
be asserted in the future, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Please 
refer to Note 10 for further information on this matter.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in other claims, complaints and legal actions which are 
routine and incidental to our business.  Certain of the liabilities resulting from these other matters are covered by insurance.   While 
management currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these other matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a 
material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows, such matters are subject to inherent uncertainties.  
The Company has recorded a liability to provide for the anticipated costs, including legal defense costs, associated with the resolution 
of these other matters.  However, there exists the possibility that the costs to resolve these other matters could differ from the recorded 
estimates and, therefore, have a material effect on the Company's net income for the periods in which the matters are resolved.  At 
December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had $0.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively, reserved for legal expenses.

Note 12.  Lease Commitments

Operating Leases.  The Company leases various office facilities, automobiles, model furnishings, and model homes under operating 
leases with remaining terms of one to nine years.  The Company sells model homes to investors with the express purpose of leasing the 
homes back as sales models for a specified period of time.  The Company records the sale of the home at the time of the home closing, 
and defers profit on the sale, which is subsequently recognized over the lease term.

At December 31, 2011, the future minimum rental commitments totaled $6.4 million under non-cancelable operating leases with initial 
terms in excess of one year as follows:  2012 - $2.7 million; 2013 - $1.4 million; 2014 - $0.7 million; 2015 - $0.6 million; 2016 - $0.5 
million; and $0.5 million thereafter.  The Company’s total rental expense was $3.8 million, $5.6 million, and $6.5 million for 2011, 2010 
and 2009, respectively.

76

Note 13.  Community Development District Infrastructure and Related Obligations

A Community Development District and/or Community Development Authority (“CDD”) is a unit of local government created under 
various state and/or local statutes to encourage planned community development and to allow for the construction and maintenance of 
long-term infrastructure through alternative financing sources, including the tax-exempt markets.  A CDD is generally created through 
the approval of the local city or county in which the CDD is located and is controlled by a Board of Supervisors representing the landowners 
within  the  CDD.  CDDs  may  utilize  bond  financing  to  fund  construction  or  acquisition  of  certain  on-site  and  off-site  infrastructure 
improvements near or within these communities.  CDDs are also granted the power to levy special assessments to impose ad valorem 
taxes, rates, fees and other charges for the use of the CDD project.  An allocated share of the principal and interest on the bonds issued 
by the CDD is assigned to and constitutes a lien on each parcel within the community evidenced by an assessment (“Assessment”).  The 
owner of each such parcel is responsible for the payment of the Assessment on that parcel.  If the owner of the parcel fails to pay the 
Assessment, the CDD may foreclose on the lien pursuant to powers conferred to the CDD under applicable state laws and/or foreclosure 
procedures.  In connection with the development of certain of the Company’s communities, CDDs have been established and bonds have 
been issued to finance a portion of the related infrastructure.  Following are details relating to the CDD bond obligations issued and 
outstanding as of December 31, 2011:

Issue Date

7/15/2004

7/15/2004

3/15/2007

Maturity Date

Interest Rate

Principal Amount
(in thousands)

12/1/2022

12/1/2036

5/1/2037

6.00%

6.25%

5.20%

$

$

3,711

10,060

6,640

20,411

Total CDD bond obligations issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011

The Company records a liability for the estimated developer obligations that are probable and estimable and user fees that are required 
to be paid or transferred at the time the parcel or unit is sold to an end user.  The Company reduces this liability by the corresponding 
Assessment  assumed  by  property  purchasers  and  the  amounts  paid  by  the  Company  at  the  time  of  closing  and  the  transfer  of  the 
property.  The Company has recorded a $6.0 million liability related to these CDD bond obligations as of December 31, 2011, along with 
the related inventory infrastructure.

Note 14.  Consolidated Inventory Not Owned and Related Obligation

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into land option contracts in order to secure land for the construction of homes 
in the future.  Pursuant to these land option contracts, the Company will provide a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to 
purchase land at different times in the future, usually at predetermined prices.  If the entity holding the land under option is a variable 
interest entity, the Company’s deposit (including letters of credit) represents a variable interest in the entity.  The Company does not 
guarantee the obligations or performance of the variable interest entity.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had recorded $2.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, within Inventory on the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  representing  the  fair  value  of  land  under  contract.  The  corresponding  liability  has  been  classified  as 
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 15. Debt

Notes Payable - Homebuilding

On June 9, 2010, M/I Homes, Inc. entered into the Credit Facility with an aggregate commitment amount of $140 million, including a 
$25 million sub-facility for letters of credit. The Credit Facility matures on June 9, 2013. The Company's obligations under the Credit 
Facility are guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), with the exception of subsidiaries that are primarily 
engaged in the business of mortgage financing, the origination of mortgages for resale, title insurance or similar financial businesses 
relating to the homebuilding and home sales business and subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned by the Company or another subsidiary. 

The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by certain of the personal property of the Company and the Guarantors, 
including the equity interests in the Guarantors, and by certain real property in Ohio, Illinois and North Carolina. Availability under the 
Credit Facility is based on a Secured Borrowing base equal to 100% of cash, if any, pledged as security plus 45% of the aggregate 
appraised value of the mortgaged real property. The borrowing base also includes certain limits on the percentage of real property in a 
single geographic market and on the percentage of real property consisting of lots under development and unimproved land. The Company 
can create additional borrowing availability under the Credit Facility to the extent it pledges additional assets. The borrowing availability 
can also be increased by increasing investments in assets currently pledged, offset by the decreases equal to the collateral value of homes 
delivered that are within the pledged asset pool. 

77

 
 
 
At  December 31,  2011,  borrowing  availability  under  the  Credit  Facility  was  $71.4  million  in  accordance  with  the  borrowing  base 
calculation, and there were no borrowings outstanding and $19.8 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility, leaving 
net remaining borrowing availability of $51.6 million. At December 31, 2011, the Company had pledged $125.1 million in aggregate 
book value of inventory and $25 million of cash to secure any borrowings and letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. At 
December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Facility. 

Borrowings under the Credit Facility are at the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin of 350 basis points or at the Eurodollar Rate plus a 
margin of 450 basis points, as described in the Credit Facility.

The Company is also party to five secured credit agreements for the issuance of letters of credit outside of the Credit Facility (collectively, 
the "Letter of Credit Facilities").  Four of the Letter of Credit Facilities have maturity dates ranging from June 1, 2012 to September 30, 
2012, while the fifth Letter of Credit Facility has no expiration date and will remain in effect until the Company or the issuing bank gives 
notice of termination. Under the terms of the Letter of Credit Facilities, letters of credit can be issued for maximum terms ranging from 
one year up to three years. The Letter of Credit Facilities contain cash collateral requirements ranging from 100% to 105%.  Upon maturity 
or the earlier termination of the Letter of Credit Facilities, letters of credit that have been issued under the Letter of Credit Facilities 
remain outstanding with cash collateral in place through the respective expiration dates. 

As of December 31, 2011, there was a total of $15.9 million of letters of credit issued under the Letter of Credit Facilities, which was 
collateralized with $16.3 million of restricted cash. 

Notes Payable — Financial Services

On April 18, 2011, M/I Financial entered into a $50.0 million secured mortgage warehousing agreement, which was later amended on 
November  29,  2011  to  increase  the  capacity  to  $60.0  million  (the  “MIF  Mortgage  Warehousing Agreement”). The  MIF  Mortgage 
Warehousing Agreement expires on March 31, 2012 and is used to finance eligible residential mortgage loans originated by M/I Financial. 
M/I Financial pays interest on each advance under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement at a per annum rate equal to the greater 
of (i) the floating LIBOR rate plus 225 basis points and (ii) 4.0%. At December 31, 2011, M/I Financial had $52.6 million outstanding 
under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement, and was in compliance with all financial covenants of that agreement. 

Note Payable - Other

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had an outstanding mortgage note payable in the principal amount of $5.5 million and 
$5.9 million, respectively, which was secured by a mortgage on a building owned and substantially occupied by the Company, with a 
fixed interest rate of 8.117% and a maturity date of April 1, 2017.  The book value of the collateral securing this note was $10.9 million 
at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Senior Notes

As of December 31, 2011, we had $41.4 million of our 2012 Senior Notes and $200.0 million of our 2018 Senior Notes outstanding. The 
2012 Senior Notes and the 2018 Senior Notes are general, unsecured senior obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors 
and rank equally in right of payment with all our existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness. The 2012 Senior Notes are fully and 
unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The parent company has no independent 
assets or operations, and any subsidiaries of the parent company, other than the subsidiary guarantors of the 2012 Senior Notes, are minor.  
The 2018 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our subsidiaries that, as of the date 
of issuance of the notes, were guarantors under the Credit Facility.

The indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes and the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants that 
limit, among other things, the ability of the Company to pay dividends on common and preferred shares, or repurchase any shares.  If 
our "restricted payments basket," as defined in each of the indentures, is less than zero, we are restricted from making certain payments, 
including dividends, as well as from repurchasing any shares.  At December 31, 2011, the restricted payments basket was $(216.5) million 
under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes, and $(9.2) million under the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes. As a 
result of the deficit in our restricted payments basket under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes and the indenture governing 
our 2018 Senior Notes, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on our common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, 
and from repurchasing any of our common or preferred shares. These restrictions do not affect our compliance with any of the covenants 
contained in the Credit Facility. 

78

 
Maturities over the next five years with respect to the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

Year Ending December 31,

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Thereafter

Total

Debt Maturities
(In thousands)

94,049

—

—

—

—

205,521

299,570

$

$

Note 16.  Preferred Shares

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 2,000,000 non-cumulative preferred shares, par value $.01 per 
share.  On March 15, 2007, the Company issued 4,000,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/1000th of a 9.75% Series A Preferred 
Share, or 4,000 Preferred Shares in the aggregate (the “Preferred Shares”).  The aggregate liquidation value of the Preferred Shares is 
$100 million.  There were no dividends paid in 2011 or 2010.

As discussed above in Note 15, the indentures governing our 2012 Senior Notes and our 2018 Senior Notes contain provisions that restrict 
the payment of dividends to the amount of the “restricted payments basket,” as defined in each of the indentures.  At December 31, 2011, 
the restricted payments basket was $(216.5) million under the indenture governing our 2012 Senior Notes, and $(9.2) million under the 
indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes. As a result of the deficit in our restricted payments basket under the indenture governing 
our 2012 Senior Notes and the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on our 
common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, and from repurchasing any of our common or preferred shares. We will continue 
to be restricted from paying dividends or repurchasing shares until such time as (1) the restricted payments basket under the indenture 
governing our 2012 Senior Notes becomes positive or the 2012 Senior Notes are repaid in full, (2) the restricted payments basket under 
the indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes becomes positive or our 2018 Senior Notes are repaid in full, and (3) our Board of Directors 
authorizes us to resume dividend payments or repurchase shares.

Note 17.  Income Taxes

The benefit from income taxes consists of the following:

(In thousands)

Federal

State and local

Total

(In thousands)

Current

Deferred

Total

Years Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

3

$

(28)

(25)

$

(211)

$

(924)

(1,135)

$

(27,647)
(3,233)
(30,880)

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

(25)

$

—

(25)

$

(1,135)

$

—

(1,135)

$

(30,880)
—
(30,880)

$

$

$

$

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company’s effective tax rate was 0.07%, 4.1% and 33.2%, respectively. 
Reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate and consolidated benefit from income 
taxes are as follows:

(In thousands)

Federal taxes at statutory rate
State and local taxes – net of federal tax benefit

Change in unrecognized tax benefit

Manufacturing credit

Change in valuation allowance

Change in state NOL deferred asset, with corresponding change in valuation allowance

Other

Total

79

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

$

(11,866)
(19)

(254)

—

12,950

(1,280)

444

(25)

$

$

(9,591)
(601)

(1,782)

—

10,797

42

(1,135)

$

(32,546)
(2,101)
(1,294)
(1,300)
8,220

(1,859)
(30,880)

 
 
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. 
federal, state or local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007.  The Company is audited from time to time, and if any 
adjustments are made, they would be either immaterial or reserved.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized 
tax benefits is as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2011

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Settlements

Balance at December 31, 2011

 Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

1,601
—
39

(294)

—

$

3,383

$

—

99

(1,881)

—

1,346

$

1,601

$

4,677

—

139
(506)
(927)
3,383

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense.  The Company recognized 
$0.1 million in interest and penalties in 2011, 2010 and 2009.  The Company has an accrual of $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $1.3 million, 
respectively, for the payment of interest and the payment of penalties at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

The Company has taken positions in certain taxing jurisdictions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized 
tax benefits may significantly decrease within the next twelve months.  The possible decrease could result from the finalization of the 
Company's various state income tax audits.  State income tax audits are primarily concerned with apportionment-related issues. The 
estimated range of the reasonably possible decrease spans from a zero decrease to a decrease of less than $0.1 million related to lapse in 
statutes.

The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that comprise the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:

Warranty, insurance and other accruals

Inventory

State taxes

Net operating loss carryforward

Deferred charges

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Depreciation

Prepaid expenses

Total deferred tax liabilities

Less valuation allowance

Net deferred tax asset

December 31,

2011

2010

$

12,418

$

29,795

73

99,979

389

142,654

1,470

359

1,829

140,825

$

—

$

11,870

31,717

80

84,333

1,192

129,192

1,164

153

1,317

127,875

—

Deferred federal and state income tax assets primarily represent the deferred tax benefits arising from temporary differences between 
book and tax income which will be recognized in future years as an offset against future taxable income.  These assets were largely 
generated as a result of inventory impairments that the Company incurred in 2006 through 2011.  If, for some reason, the combination 
of future years' income (or loss), combined with the reversal of the timing differences, results in a loss, such losses can be carried back 
to prior years or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets.

The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We are 
required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more 
likely than not” standard.  In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.  A cumulative 
loss in recent years is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and also restricts the amount 
of reliance on projections of future taxable income to support the recovery of deferred tax assets. The Company's current and prior year 
losses present the most significant negative evidence as to whether the Company needs to reduce its deferred tax assets with a valuation 
allowance.  We are currently in a four-year cumulative pre-tax loss position. We currently believe the cumulative weight of the negative 
evidence exceeds that of the positive evidence and, as a result, it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize all of our 
deferred tax assets.  Therefore, in 2011 the Company has recorded an additional valuation allowance of $12.9 million, for a total valuation 
allowance recorded of $140.8 million, against its deferred tax assets. We do not expect to record any additional tax benefits in 2012 as 
our carryback under the current tax law has been exhausted. The accounting for deferred taxes is based upon an estimate of future results. 

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company's 
consolidated results of operations or financial position.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had a $0.6 million income tax receivable relating to the cash refund to be realized upon the carryback 
of certain 2011 expenses to 2001.  Of the $1.0 million income tax receivable at December 31, 2010, the company received $0.7 million 
in 2011. 

At December 31, 2011, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $80.9 million and federal credit 
carryforwards of $3.6 million.  These federal carryforward benefits will begin to expire in 2029. The Company also had state net operating 
loss benefits of $15.4 million, with $8.4 million expiring between 2022 and 2027, and $7.0 million expiring between 2028 and 2033.

NOTE 18. Business Segments

The  Company’s segment  information  is  presented  on  the  basis  that  the  chief  operating  decision  makers  use  in  evaluating  segment 
performance.  The Company’s chief operating decision makers evaluate the Company’s performance in various ways, including: (1) the 
results of our eleven individual homebuilding operating segments and the results of our financial services operations; (2) the results of 
our three homebuilding regions; and (3) our consolidated financial results.  We have determined our reportable segments as follows: 
Midwest  homebuilding,  Southern  homebuilding,  Mid-Atlantic  homebuilding  and  financial  services  operations.  The  homebuilding 
operating segments that are included within each reportable segment have similar operations and exhibit similar economic characteristics 
over the long-term.  Our homebuilding operations include the acquisition and development of land, the sale and construction of single-
family attached and detached homes, and the occasional sale of lots to third parties.  The homebuilding operating segments that comprise 
each of our reportable segments are as follows:

Midwest
Columbus, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Indianapolis, Indiana
Chicago, Illinois

Southern
Tampa, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas (1)

Mid-Atlantic
Washington, D.C.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina

(1) In April 2011, we acquired the assets of a privately-held homebuilder based in San Antonio, Texas.

Our financial services operations include the origination and sale of mortgage loans and title services primarily for purchasers of the 
Company's homes.

The following table shows, by segment, revenue, operating (loss) income, depreciation and amortization expense and interest expense 
for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, as well as the Company’s loss before income taxes for such periods.

(Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:

Midwest homebuilding
Southern homebuilding
Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
Financial services

Total revenue
Operating (loss) income:

Midwest homebuilding (a)
Southern homebuilding (a)
Mid-Atlantic homebuilding (a)
Financial services
Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses (b)

Total operating loss
Interest expense:

Midwest homebuilding
Southern homebuilding
Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
Financial services
Total interest expense
Other loss (c)
Loss before income taxes

81

Year Ended December 31,
2010

2009

2011

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

228,191
123,061
200,706
14,466
566,424

(6,396)
(5,314)
7,039
6,641
(20,867)
(18,897)

6,154
2,798
5,099
954
15,005
—
(33,902)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

295,096
89,896
217,148
14,237
616,377

3,294
(3,593)
7,004
6,508
(22,824)
(9,611)

3,689
1,520
3,262
944
9,415
(8,378)
(27,404)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

258,910
95,615
201,366
14,058
569,949

(17,590)
(41,092)
(7,500)
6,533
(23,932)
(83,581)

4,043
1,690
2,235
499
8,467
(941)
(92,989)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:

Midwest homebuilding

Southern homebuilding

Mid-Atlantic homebuilding

Financial services

Corporate

Total depreciation and amortization

Year Ended December 31,

2011

2010

2009

$

$

1,179

$

1,036

$

601

844

282

4,668

7,574

$

498

763

390

2,507

5,194

$

659

728

959

395

5,130

7,871

(a)  The years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs 
and the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs of $23.0 million, $13.2 million and $57.1 million, respectively.  For 2011, 2010 and 2009, these charges 
reduced operating income by $13.9 million, $3.9 million and $20.4 million in the Midwest region, $6.8 million, $4.5 million and $24.1 million in the Southern region, 
and $2.3 million, $4.8 million and $12.6 million in the Mid-Atlantic region, respectively.

(b)  The year ended December 31, 2009 includes the impact of severance charges of $1.0 million.  

(c)  Other loss is comprised of the loss on the early extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the sale of the Company's airplane during the first quarter 

of 2009.

The following tables shows, by segment, total assets and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs at December 31, 2011, and 2010:

(In thousands)

Midwest

Southern

Mid-Atlantic

and Unallocated

Total

Deposits on real estate under option or contract

$

252

$

1,516

$

907

$

Inventory (a)

Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs

Other assets

Total assets

200,760

5,157

3,865

89,586

5,200

2,858

173,751

—

9,861

$

210,034

$

99,160

$

184,519

$

—

—

—

170,772

170,772

$

2,675

464,097

10,357

187,356

$

664,485

At December 31, 2011

Corporate,

Financial Services

At December 31, 2010

Corporate,

Financial Services

(In thousands)

Midwest

Southern

Mid-Atlantic

and Unallocated

Total

Deposits on real estate under option or contract

$

1,027

$

85

$

853

$

Inventory (a)

Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs

Other assets

Total assets

212,159

5,929

5,187

69,652

4,660

1,719

167,161

—

4,283

$

224,302

$

76,116

$

172,297

$

—

—

—

189,179

189,179

$

1,965

448,972

10,589

200,368

$

661,894

(a) 

Inventory includes single-family lots, land and land development costs; land held for sale; homes under construction; model homes and furnishings; community 
development district infrastructure; and consolidated inventory not owned.

82

 
 
 
 
NOTE 19. Supplemental Guarantor Information

The Company's obligations under the 2018 Senior Notes are not guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries and therefore, the 
Company has disclosed condensed consolidating financial information in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial 
Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered. 

The following condensed consolidating financial information includes balance sheets, statements of operations and cash flow information 
for the parent company, the Guarantors, as defined and listed in the indenture for the 2018 Senior Notes (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), 
collectively, and for all other subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company (“the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”), collectively.  Each 
Guarantor Subsidiary is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of M/I Homes, Inc. and has fully and unconditionally guaranteed 
the 2018 Senior Notes, on a joint and several basis.  

There are no significant restrictions on the parent company's ability to obtain funds from its Guarantor Subsidiaries in the form of a 
dividend, loan, or other means. 

As of December 31, 2011, each of the Company's subsidiaries is a Guarantor Subsidiary, with the exception of subsidiaries that are 
primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, the origination of mortgages for resale, title insurance or similar financial 
businesses relating to the homebuilding and home sales business and certain subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned by the Company or 
another subsidiary.

In the condensed financial tables presented below, the parent company presents all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries as if they were 
accounted  for  under  the  equity  method. All  applicable  corporate  expenses  have  been  allocated  appropriately  among  the  Guarantor 
Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

Revenue

Costs and expenses:

  Land and housing

  Impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs

  General and administrative

  Selling

  Interest

Total costs and expenses

(Loss) income before income taxes

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

Equity in subsidiaries

Net (loss) income

Year Ended December 31, 2011

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

—

$

551,958

$

14,466

$

—

$

566,424

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

467,130

21,993

44,438

43,534

14,050

591,145

(39,187)

(1,784)

(33,877)

—

—

—

8,226

—

955

9,181

5,285

1,759

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

33,877

467,130

21,993

52,664

43,534

15,005

600,326

(33,902)

(25)

—

$

(33,877)

$

(37,403)

$

3,526

$

33,877

$

(33,877)

83

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

Revenue

Costs, expenses and other loss:

  Land and housing

  Impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs

  General and administrative

  Selling

  Interest

  Other loss

Total costs, expenses and other loss

(Loss) income before income taxes

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

Equity in subsidiaries

Net loss

(In thousands)

Revenue

Costs, expenses and other loss:

  Land and housing

  Impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs

  General and administrative

  Selling

  Interest

  Other loss

Total costs, expenses and other loss

(Loss) income before income taxes

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

Equity in subsidiaries

Net (loss) income

Year Ended December 31, 2010

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

—

$

602,140

$

14,237

$

—

$

616,377

—

—

—

—

—

8,378

8,378

511,408

12,538

45,929

48,084

8,471

—

626,430

(8,378)

(24,290)

—

(3,291)

(17,891)

—

—

—

8,029

—

944

—

8,973

5,264

2,156

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

511,408

12,538

53,958

48,084

9,415

8,378

643,781

(27,404)

(1,135)

17,891

—

$

(26,269)

$

(20,999)

$

3,108

$

17,891

$

(26,269)

Year Ended December 31, 2009

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

—

$

555,891

$

14,058

$

—

$

569,949

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

494,989

55,421

51,312

43,950

7,968

941

654,581

(98,690)

(32,485)

(62,109)

—

—

—

7,858

—

499

—

8,357

5,701

1,605

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

494,989

55,421

59,170

43,950

8,467

941

662,938

(92,989)

(30,880)

62,109

—

$

(62,109)

$

(66,205)

$

4,096

$

62,109

$

(62,109)

84

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Mortgage loans held for sale

Inventory

Property and equipment - net

Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs

Investment in subsidiaries

Intercompany

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

Customer deposits

Other liabilities

Community development district obligations

Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned

Note payable bank - financial services operations

Note payable - other

Senior notes

TOTAL LIABILITIES

Shareholders' equity

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

December 31, 2011

$

$

$

$

43,539

$

16,254

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

381,709

125,272

5,385

41,334

—

466,772

14,241

—

—

(115,058)

8,455

—

57,275

—

117

10,357

—

(381,709)

(10,214)

756

—

—

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

59,793

41,334

57,275

466,772

14,358

10,357

—

—

14,596

512,366

$

459,283

$

74,545

$

(381,709)

$

664,485

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

239,016

239,016

$

40,759

$

497

$

4,181

33,589

5,983

2,944

—

5,801

—

—

5,759

—

—

52,606

—

—

93,257

58,862

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

41,256

4,181

39,348

5,983

2,944

52,606

5,801

239,016

391,135

273,350

366,026

15,683

(381,709)

273,350

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

512,366

$

459,283

$

74,545

$

(381,709)

$

664,485

85

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Mortgage loans held for sale

Inventory

Property and equipment - net

Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs

Investment in subsidiaries

Intercompany

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

Customer deposits

Other liabilities

Community development district obligations

Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned

Note payable bank - financial services operations

Note payable - other

Senior notes

TOTAL LIABILITIES

Shareholders' equity

December 31, 2010

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

$

$

$

71,874

$

9,334

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

418,085

116,875

7,141

41,923

—

450,936

16,340

—

—

(102,884)

7,625

—

43,312

—

214

10,589

—

(418,085)

(13,991)

2,606

—

—

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

81,208

41,923

43,312

450,936

16,554

10,589

—

—

17,372

542,101

$

485,814

$

52,064

$

(418,085)

$

661,894

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

238,610

238,610

$

28,631

$

399

$

3,017

37,305

7,112

468

—

5,853

—

82,386

—

4,811

—

—

32,197

—

—

37,407

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

29,030

3,017

42,116

7,112

468

32,197

5,853

238,610

358,403

303,491

403,428

14,657

(418,085)

303,491

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

542,101

$

485,814

$

52,064

$

(418,085)

$

661,894

86

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Year Ended December 31, 2011

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Net cash used in operating activities

$

—

$

(27,734)

$

(6,227)

$

—

$

(33,961)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Change in restricted cash

Purchase of property and equipment

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

Proceeds from the sale of property

Distributions from Unconsolidated LLCs

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repayments of bank borrowings - net

Principal repayments of note payable-other and community 
   development district bond obligations

Intercompany financing

Debt issue costs

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Excess tax deficiency from stock-based payment arrangements

Net cash provided by financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,733)

—

1,500

233

—

—

—

—

(2,566)

(1,314)

(4,654)

—

—

(8,534)

—

(38)

—

—

(752)

(790)

—

20,409

(52)

8,135

(150)

—

—

7,933

(28,335)

71,874

—

(6,402)

(70)

—

—

13,937

6,920

9,334

$

43,539

$

16,254

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

(2,566)

(1,352)

(4,654)

—

(752)

(9,324)

20,409

(52)

—

(220)

1,500

233

21,870

(21,415)

81,208

59,793

87

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Year Ended December 31, 2010

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Net cash used in operating activities

$

—

$

(33,806)

$

(3,496)

$

—

$

(37,302)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Change in restricted cash

Purchase of property and equipment

Investments in and advances to Unconsolidated LLCs

Distributions from Unconsolidated LLCs

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repayment of senior notes, including transaction costs

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

Proceeds from bank borrowings - net

Principal repayments of note payable-other and community
  development district bond obligations

Intercompany financing

Debt issue costs

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements

Net cash provided by financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period

$

—

—

—

—

—

(166,088)

197,174

—

—

(23,517)

(7,568)

12

(13)

—

—

—

—

(19,585)

(1,480)

—

—

(21,065)

—

—

—

(325)

30,606

—

—

—

30,281

(24,590)

96,464

—

(80)

(1,229)

13

(1,296)

—

—

8,055

—

(7,089)

(306)

—

—

660

(4,132)

13,466

$

71,874

$

9,334

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

(19,585)

(1,560)

(1,229)

13

(22,361)

(166,088)

197,174

8,055

(325)

—

(7,874)

12

(13)

30,941

(28,722)

109,930

81,208

88

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Year Ended December 31, 2009

M/I Homes, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

—

$

55,159

$

13,322

$

—

$

68,481

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Change in restricted cash

Purchase of property and equipment

Proceeds from the sale of property

Investments in and advances to Unconsolidated LLCs

Distributions from Unconsolidated LLCs

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repayments of bank borrowings - net

Principal repayments of note payable-other and community
  development district bond obligations

Intercompany financing

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

Debt issue costs

Payments on capital lease obligations

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(50,415)

52,568

(2,122)

—

70

(101)

—

—

—

—

(19,155)

(3,975)

7,878

—

—

(15,252)

—

(33)

—

(5,003)

809

(4,227)

—

(10,936)

(10,782)

53,525

—

—

(91)

—

—

42,652

82,559

13,905

—

(3,110)

—

(196)

—

—

—

(14,242)

(5,147)

18,613

$

96,464

$

13,466

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(19,155)

(4,008)

7,878

(5,003)

809

(19,479)

(10,936)

(10,782)

—

52,568

(2,318)

(91)

70

(101)

28,410

77,412

32,518

$

109,930

89

Note 20.  Supplementary Financial Data

The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial and operating data for the quarterly periods indicated.

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Gross margin (a)

Net loss (b)

Loss per common share:

Basic  (b)

Diluted (b)

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Gross margin (a)

Net loss (b)

Loss per common share:

Basic  (b)

Diluted (b)

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

December 31,
2011
(Unaudited)

September 30,
2011
(Unaudited)

June 30,
2011
(Unaudited)

March 31,
2011
(Unaudited)

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

176,786

28,562

(2,976)

(0.16)

(0.16)

18,736

18,736

141,624

23,658

(4,718)

(0.25)

(0.25)

$

$

$

$

$

137,444

17,956

(9,144)

(0.49)

(0.49)

$

$

$

$

$

110,570

7,125
(17,039)

(0.92)
(0.92)

18,728

18,728

18,711

18,711

18,615

18,615

December 31,
2010
(Unaudited)

September 30,
2010
(Unaudited)

June 30,
2010
(Unaudited)

March 31,
2010
(Unaudited)

$
$

$

$

$

164,975
25,265

(11,057)

(0.60)

(0.60)

18,523

18,523

135,609
25,154

(2,070)

(0.11)

(0.11)

$
$

$

$

$

196,404
25,047

(4,807)

(0.26)

(0.26)

$
$

$

$

$

119,389
16,965
(8,335)

(0.45)
(0.45)

18,523

18,523

18,523

18,523

18,521

18,521

(a)  First, second, third and fourth quarters of 2011 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, which 
reduced gross margin by $10.9 million, $5.4 million, $1.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively.  These same charges reduced gross margin in the first, second, third 
and fourth quarters of 2010 by $3.1 million, $6.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

(b)  First, second, third and fourth quarters of 2011 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs and 
the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs.  These charges increased net loss by $6.9 million, $3.4 million, $1.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, 
and increased loss per common share for those same periods by $0.37, $0.18, $0.06 and $0.15.  First, second, third and fourth quarters of 2010 include the impact of 
charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs, and charges related 
to the repair of certain homes in Florida where certain of our subcontractors had purchased defective drywall that may be responsible for accelerated corrosion of 
certain metals in the home.  These charges increased net loss by $2.4 million, $4.0 million, $(0.3) million and $1.0 million, respectively, and increased loss per 
common share for those same periods by $0.13, $0.22, $(0.02) and $0.05.

Note 21.  Subsequent Events

On January 31, 2012, the Company entered into an Amendment (the "Amendment") to the Credit Facility.  Among other things, the 
Amendment amends the Credit Facility in the following respects: (1) extends the maturity date from June 9, 2013 to December 31, 2014; 
(2) permits the Company to increase the amount of the Credit Facility from $140 million to up to $175 million in the aggregate, contingent 
on obtaining additional commitments from lenders; (3) changes the interest coverage covenant in the Credit Facility to require the Company 
to maintain either (or a combination of) $25 million of cash pledged to the lenders or $25 million of excess availability under the Secured 
Borrowing Base (as defined in the Credit Agreement) if the Interest Coverage Ratio and ACFO Ratio (as each is defined in the Credit 
Agreement) are both less than 1.50; (4) provides that the aggregate commitment of the Credit Facility will begin to decrease in increments 
of $20 million on a quarterly basis, beginning September 30, 2013, if the Interest Coverage Ratio and ACFO Ratio are both less than 
1.50, provided that this provision does not apply if, at the time of determination, the aggregate commitments of the lenders are less than 
or equal to $80 million and the Company has maintained an ACFO Ratio of greater than 1.10 to 1.00 for the trailing two fiscal quarters; 
and (5) increases the maximum dollar amount of letters of credit that may be issued under the Credit Agreement from $25 million to $40 
million.

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL 

DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange 
Act) was performed by the Company's management, with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal 
financial officer, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act.  Based on that evaluation, the Company's principal executive 
officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of 
the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act).  The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance 
to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be 
effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

The Company’s management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, assessed the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, it used the 
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework.  Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2011, the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, 
our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report included on page 92 of this Annual Report on Form 
10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that have materially 
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

91

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of M/I Homes, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 
2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of  the  Treadway  Commission.   The  Company's  management  is  responsible  for  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  included  in  the  accompanying 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's 
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.   Our  audit  included  obtaining  an  understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal 
control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe 
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal 
executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, 
management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of 
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control 
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions 
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and 
that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of 
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition 
of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  the  inherent  limitations  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  including  the  possibility  of  collusion  or  improper 
management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, 
projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk 
that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures 
may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission.

We  have  also  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States),  the 
consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 
2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 27, 2012 

92

 
 
Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

PART III

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2012 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors and all employees of the Company.  The Code of 
Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website, http://mihomes.com.  We intend to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of 
Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply 
to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar 
functions, by posting such information on our website. Copies of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be provided free of charge 
upon written request directed to Investor Relations, M/I Homes, Inc., 3 Easton Oval, Suite 500, Columbus, OH 43219.

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2012 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 

SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2012 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2012 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2012 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders.

93

 
PART IV

Item 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Documents filed as part of this report.

(1)  The following financial statements are contained in Item 8:

Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010

and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page in
this report

53
54
55

56
57
58

(2) Financial Statement Schedules:

None required.

(3) Exhibits:

The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed as part of this report: 

Exhibit
Number

Description

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

4.1

4.2

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of M/I Homes, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No. 
1-12434).

Amendment to Article First of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of M/I Homes, Inc., dated 
January 9, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

Amendment to Article Fourth of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of M/I Homes, Inc., dated 
March 13, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-
K filed on March 15, 2007.

Amended and Restated Regulations of M/I Homes, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the 
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-12434).

Amendment to Article I(f) of the Amended and Restated Regulations of M/I Homes, Inc., incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 
2001 (File No. 1-12434).

Amendment to Article II(f) of the Amended and Restated Regulations of M/I Homes, Inc., incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2009.

Specimen certificate representing M/I Homes, Inc.'s common shares, par value $.01 per share, incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File No. 
33-68564.

Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2005, by and among M/I Homes, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. 
Bank National Association, as trustee of M/I Homes, Inc.'s 6.875% Senior Notes due 2012, incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 24, 2005.

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2005, by and among M/I Homes, Inc., the guarantors 
named therein and the initial purchasers named therein, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 24, 2005.

Specimen certificate representing M/I Homes, Inc.'s 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, par value $.01 per share, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 
15, 2007.

Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2010, by and among M/I Homes, Inc., the guarantors named therein and 
U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of M/I Homes, Inc.'s 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018, incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2010.

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2010, by and among M/I Homes, Inc., the guarantors 
named therein and the initial purchasers named therein, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2010.

M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, as amended and restated on November 20, 2007, incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on August 27, 2010 
(File No. 333-169074).

Amendment to the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, dated December 4, 2008, incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on August 27, 2010 
(File No. 333-169074).

Amendment to the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, dated September 14, 2009, incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on August 27, 2010 
(File No. 333-169074).

Credit Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2010, by and among M/I Homes, Inc., as borrower, the lenders party 
thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 
and The Huntington  National  Bank,  as  co-syndication  agents,  and  Fifth Third Bank  and  US  Bank  National 
Association, as co-documentation agents, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Amendment to Credit Agreement dated January 31, 2012, by and among M/I Homes, Inc., as borrower, the 
lenders party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders, incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 2012.

Credit Agreement by and among M/I Financial Corp., as borrower, the lenders party thereto and The Huntington 
National Bank, as administrative agent, dated as of April 27, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

Mortgage Warehousing Agreement dated April 18, 2011 by and among M/I Financial Corp., the lenders party 
thereto (currently Comerica Bank and The Huntington National Bank) and Comerica Bank, as administrative 
agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
April 20, 2011).

Master Letter of Credit Facility Agreement by and between U.S. Bank National Association and M/I Homes, 
Inc., dated as of July 27, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2009.

Pledge Agreement by and between Citibank, N.A. and M/I Homes, Inc., dated as of July 27, 2009, incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2009.

Letter of Credit Agreement by and between Regions Bank and M/I Homes, Inc., dated as of July 27, 2009, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 
30, 2009.

Credit Agreement by and between The Huntington National Bank and M/I Homes, Inc., dated as of July 27, 
2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
July 30, 2009.

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

10.23*

10.24*

10.25*

10.26*

Amended  and  Restated  Master  Letter  of  Credit  Facility  Agreement  by  and  between  U.S.  Bank  National 
Association and M/I Homes, Inc., dated as of August 16, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2010.

Continuing Agreement for Standby Letters of Credit by and between Citibank, N.A. and M/I Homes, Inc., dated 
as of August 16, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2010.

First Amendment to Letter of Credit Agreement by and between Regions Bank and M/I Homes, Inc., dated as 
of August 16, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 
8-K filed on August 17, 2010.

Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement by and between The Huntington National Bank and M/I Homes, Inc., 
dated as of August 16, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2010.

Continuing Letter of Credit Agreement by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and M/I Homes, 
Inc., dated as of June 4, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2010.

M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended, dated April 22, 1999, incorporated herein by reference 
to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 (File No. 
1-12434).

First Amendment to M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended, dated August 11, 1999, incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 1999 (File No. 1-12434).

Second Amendment to  M/I  Homes,  Inc.  1993  Stock  Incentive  Plan  as Amended, dated  February  13,  2001, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended June 30, 2002 (File No. 1-12434).

Third Amendment to M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended, dated April 27, 2006, incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March 31, 2006.

Fourth Amendment to M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended, effective as of August 28, 2008, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2008.

M/I Homes, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan, effective as of August 28, 2008, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2008.

M/I Homes, Inc. Amended and Restated Director Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of August 28, 2008, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2008.

M/I Homes, Inc. Amended and Restated Executives' Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of August 28, 
2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Agreement, dated as of September 24, 1997, by and among M/I Homes, Inc., 
Robert H. Schottenstein and Steven Schottenstein (as successor to Janice K. Schottenstein), as Trustee of the 
Robert H. Schottenstein 1996 Insurance Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company's 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 1-12434). 

Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Agreement, dated as of September 24, 1997, by and between M/I Homes, 
Inc. and Phillip Creek, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. 

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.27*

10.28*

10.29*

10.30*

10.31*

10.32*

10.33*

10.34*

21

23

24

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

Change of Control Agreement between M/I Homes, Inc. and Robert H. Schottenstein, dated as of July 3, 2008, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 
2008.

Change  of  Control  Agreement  between  M/I  Homes,  Inc.  and  Phillip  G.  Creek,  dated  as  of  July  3,  2008, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 
2008.

Change  of  Control Agreement  between  M/I  Homes,  Inc.  and  J.  Thomas  Mason,  dated  as  of  July  3,  2008, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 
2008.

M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Annual Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009.

M/I  Homes,  Inc.  2009  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan,  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  the 
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009.

First Amendment to M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009.

Form of Stock Units Award Agreement for Directors under the M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2009.

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Employees under the M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-
Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 
8-K filed on February 11, 2010.

Subsidiaries of M/I Homes, Inc.  (Filed herewith.)

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.  (Filed herewith.)

Powers of Attorney.  (Filed herewith.)

Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as 
Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)

Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)

Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)

Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant 
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) Exhibits.

Reference is made to Item 15(a)(3) above for a complete list of exhibits that are filed with this report.  The following is a list 
of exhibits, included in Item 15(a)(3) above, that are filed concurrently with this report.

Exhibit
Number
21

23

24

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

Description

Subsidiaries of M/I Homes, Inc.

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Powers of Attorney.

Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as 
Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant 
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. (Furnished herewith.)

(c) Financial statement schedules

None required.

98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to 
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 27th day of February 2012.

SIGNATURES

M/I Homes, Inc.
(Registrant)

By:

/s/Robert H. Schottenstein 
Robert H. Schottenstein
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf 
of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 27th day of February 2012.

NAME AND TITLE

/s/Robert H. Schottenstein
Robert H. Schottenstein
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/Phillip G. Creek
Phillip G. Creek
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/Ann Marie W. Hunker
Ann Marie W. Hunker
Vice President, Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

NAME AND TITLE

JOSEPH A. ALUTTO*
Joseph A. Alutto
Director

FRIEDRICH K. M. BÖHM*
Friedrich K. M. Böhm
Director

THOMAS D. IGOE*
Thomas D. Igoe
Director

J. THOMAS MASON*
J. Thomas Mason
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal
Officer, Secretary and Director

JEFFREY H. MIRO*
Jeffrey H. Miro
Director

NORMAN L. TRAEGER*
Norman L. Traeger
Director

SHAREN J. TURNEY*
Sharen J. Turney
Director

*The above-named directors of the registrant execute this report by Phillip G. Creek, their Attorney-in-Fact, pursuant to the powers of 
attorney executed by the above-named directors, which powers of attorney are filed as Exhibit 24 to this report.

By:

/s/Phillip G. Creek
Phillip G. Creek, Attorney-In-Fact

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 
ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN 

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 
and President 

PHILLIP G. CREEK 

Executive Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer 

J. THOMAS MASON 

Executive Vice President, 
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary 

DIRECTORS 
JOSEPH A. ALUTTO PH.D.  

Executive Vice President and Provost 
at The Ohio State University 

FRIEDRICH K.M. BÖHM  

Senior Partner and Chairman, White Oak Partners 

PHILLIP G. CREEK  

Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

THOMAS D. IGOE 

Retired Senior Vice President 
Bank One NA 

J. THOMAS MASON 

Executive Vice President, 
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary 

JEFFREY H. MIRO  
Partner 
Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP 

ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN 

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 
and President 

NORMAN L. TRAEGER  
Chairman 
The Discovery Group 

SHAREN J. TURNEY 

President and Chief Executive Officer 
Victoria’s Secret 

OTHER KEY OFFICERS 

PAUL S. ROSEN 
  President - M/I Financial 

FRED J. SIKORSKI 
  Region President  

DAVID L. MATLOCK 
  Region President 

CORPORATE INFORMATION 
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 

3 Easton Oval 
Columbus, Ohio 43219 
mihomes.com 

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING 

New York Stock Exchange (MHO) 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR 

Computershare Trust Company N.A. 
PO Box 43078 
Providence, RI 02240-3078 
(781) 575-3120 
www.computershare.com 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 

Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Columbus, Ohio 

ANNUAL MEETING 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held 
at 9:00 A.M. on May 8, 2012, at the offices of  
the Company, 3 Easton Oval, Columbus, Ohio 

NYSE  CERTIFICATION 

On May 23, 2011, Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief  
Executive Officer of the Company certificated to 
the New York Stock Exchange the most recent  
Annual CEO certification as required by 
Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock  
Exchange Listed Company Manual. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MHO - AR11