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NMI

nmih · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Industry Insurance - Specialty
Employees 201-500
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FY2013 Annual Report · NMI
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About NMI Holdings, Inc. 

NMI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NMIH), headquartered in Emeryville, California, provides 
private  mortgage  insurance  in  the  United  States  through  its  operating  subsidiary,  National 
Mortgage Insurance Corporation (National MI). National MI is a private mortgage insurance 
company enabling low down payment borrowers to realize home ownership while protecting 
lenders and investors against losses related to a borrower’s default. Additional information may 
be found at www.nationalmi.com

To Our Stockholders:

NMI Holdings, Inc. (“NMI”) and its primary subsidiary, National Mortgage Insurance Corporation 
(National MI) commenced operations in early 2012 with the purpose of establishing a leading 
mortgage insurance company by utilizing what we believe are the industry’s best underwriting 
practices and unsurpassed insurance terms of coverage for our customers and counterparties. The 
groundwork started in 2012 and continued throughout 2013, a transformative year for NMI. 

In 2013, we obtained Government Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) approval from both Fannie Mae and 
Freddie Mac, became licensed in 50 out of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions where we applied for a certificate 
of authority, wrote our first mortgage insurance policies, insured a $5.2 billion Fannie Mae pool of 
loans which was the first of its kind, hired a nationwide sales force and completed our initial public 
offering. In summary, during 2013, we successfully laid the foundation to address the majority of the 
mortgage insurance market. 

In 2013 and into 2014, we continue to make substantial progress on lender integrations and expect to 
begin insuring loans in the correspondent channels of several large national lenders in early 2014. The 
small and medium sized lenders, where the majority of mortgage insurance is originated, regularly sell 
loans to these large national lenders, making these approvals of critical importance in our ability to 
fully serve the market. Additionally, we expect to insure loans in the retail channel of these large 
national lenders concurrently or shortly after we are approved in their correspondent channels.

Our nationwide sales force has made considerable progress opening customer accounts, and as of the 
end of February 2014, approximately 60 lenders were sending us mortgage insurance applications and 
34 customers were generating new insurance written. One important step in boarding a new customer 
is obtaining a signed master policy agreement, the insurance agreement between a customer and 
National MI. As of the end of February 2014, we have approximately 400 signed master policy 
agreements, including 12 of the top 25 sellers of GSE loans with private mortgage insurance, as 
defined by Inside Mortgage Finance. Most of the lenders who have signed master policy agreements 
depend on correspondent channels in order to transact with National MI, and have not been able to 
send us loans prior to the opening of the aforementioned correspondent channel. In the coming 
quarters, we expect a substantial number of these lenders to convert to customers and generate new 
insurance written.

In addition to substantial progress with our customers, we expect to complete our regulatory goal of 
achieving nationwide licensing. Wyoming is the only remaining state where we have  
not received a license, and, having recently satisfied its remaining requirements, we expect to  
be licensed there shortly. 

Recent mortgage market data shows that total mortgage originations declined during the second half of 
2013. The latest estimates from Fannie Mae indicate a further decline in total mortgage originations 
from $1.8 trillion in 2013 to $1.3 trillion in 2014, primarily due to a significant reduction in 
refinancing activity. 

Despite this decline, we expect the primary mortgage insurance market to remain strong and total 
approximately $150 billion in 2014. Purchase mortgages are forecasted to increase approximately 15% 

to nearly $800 billion in 2014. The private mortgage insurance penetration rate is 3 to 4 times higher in 
a purchase market versus the refinance market, significantly offsetting the decline in refinance activity. 
Additionally, recent Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) pull back is expected to contribute to a 
larger private mortgage insurance opportunity, which should allow for private mortgage insurance to 
return closer to its historical market share level.

From a regulatory standpoint, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) and GSEs have 
concluded a year-long project to more closely align the provisions of each approved mortgage insurer’s 
master policy. The GSEs have accomplished this through the development of common principles that 
establish standards that each approved mortgage insurer must meet. National MI’s new master policy is 
expected to become effective July 1, 2014, depending on state approvals.

We have filed a new master policy with all state insurance regulators that conforms to these common 
principles. One of these principles addresses rescission relief and requires that an approved mortgage 
insurer’s master policy offer rescission relief to lenders on an insured loan after 36 months of 
payments, provided the borrower has had no more than two late payments. The GSEs’ principles also 
permit an insurer to offer rescission relief in less than 36 months, provided the insurer underwrites the 
loan. Because our value proposition is based on underwriting every loan, either through the delegated 
or non-delegated channel, we currently offer and will continue to provide rescission relief on all loans 
that we insure after 12 months of timely payments. This is currently a unique competitive differentiator 
that has resonated well with customers, especially with the large national accounts that have borne the 
brunt of the mortgage insurance industry’s historical rescission practices, many of which continue 
today. 

The GSEs and the FHFA have been working for some time on developing new capital standards for the 
mortgage insurance industry. We expect to receive the formal announcement and issuance of the new 
capital standards later this year. We believe that, for the foreseeable future, the capital standards 
developed by the GSEs and the FHFA will be an extremely important measure, given the GSEs are 
significant counterparties to the majority of the mortgage insurance being written today. While we do 
not know for certain, we expect the capital standards to take into account the risk associated with the 
policies being written, allowing more leverage on less risky products, and imposing more capital-
intensive requirements on higher risk products. However, we believe there will likely be an overall cap 
on a company’s statutory risk to capital ratio, regardless of one’s portfolio composition, of something 
lower than the current 25:1 maximum. We look forward to the new capital standards being 
implemented and expect to be compliant. 

We are very excited about our competitive position as we begin to fully address the majority of the 
mortgage insurance market and expand our presence. As we have said before, we believe we provide a 
differentiated and valuable product offering by underwriting every loan we insure and by delivering 
what we believe are superior terms of coverage, all backed by unquestionable capital strength. We 
believe our comprehensive offering will be most attractive to the largest lenders in the country.

We believe NMI is well-positioned to assist in making low down payment loan options available to 
borrowers to help them realize their dream of home ownership, protect lenders and investors against 
losses related to a borrower’s default, while increasing value for our stockholders for many years to 
come. Thank you for your support and confidence.

Bradley M. Shuster
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND  
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

March 2014

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report, including the letter to our stockholders included above, contains statements relating to events, 
developments or results that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future. These statements are “forward-looking 
statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, 
but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” 
“predicts,”  “potential,”  “should,”  “will,”  “estimate,”  “plans,”  “projects,”  “continuing,”  “ongoing,”  “expects,” 
“intends” and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements, which may include without limitation, 
projections regarding our future performance and financial condition, are made on the basis of management’s current 
views and assumptions with respect to future events. Any forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future 
performance and actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statement. These 
statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise 
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In the case of 
the letter to our stockholders included in this Annual Report, the forward-looking statements are current only as of 
March 26, 2014, the date on which we first made this Annual Report available to stockholders and, in the case of our 
2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) included below as part of this Annual Report, the forward-looking 
statements are current only as of March 12, 2014, the date on which we filed the Form 10-K. We operate in a changing 
environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risks that may materially 
affect us. The forward-looking statements, as well as our prospects as a whole, are subject to risks and uncertainties, 
including those set forth in the Risk Factors detailed in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

OR

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 001-36174

NMI Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

45-4914248

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2100 Powell Street, Emeryville, CA

(Address of principal executive offices)

94608

(Zip Code)

(855) 530-6642
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share

NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) 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 

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

NO 

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  

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such 
files).   YES  

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.   

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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

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  

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

As of June 30, 2013, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, there was no established public market for the registrant’s 
common stock and, therefore, the registrant cannot calculate the aggregate market value of its common stock held by non-affiliates as of such date.

The number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the registrant outstanding on March 7, 2014 was 58,065,326 shares.

 
 
 
 
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 
10-K to the extent stated herein. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant's fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2013.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward Looking Statements - Safe Harbor Provisions
PART I

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Properties

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Item 4.
PART II

Mine Safety Disclosures

Item 5.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder 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.
PART III

Other Information

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

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

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.
PART IV

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Item 15.
Signatures
Index to Financial Statement Schedules
Exhibit Index

3
5
5

33

54

54

54

54
55

55

56

57

88

89

115

115

115

116

116

116

116

116

117
120
122
i

2

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This  report  contains  forward-looking  statements.  Any  statements  about  our  expectations,  beliefs,  plans,  predictions, 
forecasts,  objectives,  assumptions  or  future  events  or  performance  are  not  historical  facts  and  may  be  forward-looking.  These 
statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” 
“may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and 
similar  words  or  phrases. Accordingly,  these  statements  are  only  predictions  and  involve  estimates,  known  and  unknown  risks, 
assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them. Our actual results 
could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of several factors more fully described 
in this report in Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors”, in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this report, including the exhibits hereto. 

Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be inaccurate. The inclusion of this forward-
looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations 
contemplated  by  us  will  be  achieved. We  have  based  these  forward-looking  statements  largely  on  our  current  expectations  and 
projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, operating results, business 
strategy  and  financial  needs.  There  are  important  factors  that  could  cause  our  actual  results,  level  of  activity,  performance  or 
achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-
looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our status as a recently organized corporation and lack of operating history;

receipt of a certificate of authority to act as a mortgage insurer in Wyoming;

retention of our existing certificates of authority in states where we have obtained them and our ability to remain a 
mortgage insurer in good standing in those states;

changes in the business practices of the GSEs, including modifications to their mortgage insurer eligibility requirements 
or decisions to decrease or discontinue the use of mortgage insurance;

our ability to remain a qualified mortgage insurer under the requirements imposed by the GSEs;

actions of existing competitors and potential market entry by new competitors;

changes to laws and regulations, including changes to the GSEs' role in the secondary mortgage market or other changes 
that could affect the residential mortgage industry generally or mortgage insurance in particular;

changes in general economic, market and political conditions and policies, interest rates, inflation and investment results 
or other conditions that affect the housing market or the markets for home mortgages or mortgage insurance; 

changes in the regulatory environment; 

our ability to implement our business strategy, including our ability to attract customers, implement successfully and 
on  a  timely  basis,  complex  infrastructure,  systems,  procedures,  and  internal  controls  to  support  our  business  and 
regulatory and reporting requirements of the insurance industry;

failure of risk management or investment strategy;

claims exceeding our reserves or amounts we had expected to experience;

failure  to  develop,  maintain  and  improve  necessary  information  technology  systems  or  the  failure  of  technology 
providers to perform;

ability to recruit, train and retain key personnel; and

emergence of claim and coverage issues.

All forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates of future results, and actual results may differ materially from 
expectations. You are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements which should be read in conjunction with 
the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this report. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of 
the date on which it is made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or 
circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  You should, however, 
review the risk factors we describe in the reports we will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") 
after the date of this report.

3

Unless expressly indicated or the context requires otherwise, the terms "we", "our", "us" and "Company" in this document  

refer to NMI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

4

PART I

Item 1. Business

While we intend to operate our business as described in this report, we are a new company without a significant operating 
history.  As a result of our experience, changes in market conditions and other factors, we may alter certain of our business methods, 
plans or strategies, such as the amount and types of mortgage insurance we underwrite.

General

NMI Holdings, Inc. ("NMIH" or the "Company") was formed in May 2011 and, through its subsidiaries, provides private 
mortgage guaranty insurance (which we refer to as "mortgage insurance" or "MI").  As used below, "we" and "our" refer to NMIH's 
consolidated operations.  MI protects mortgage lenders from all or a portion of default-related losses on residential mortgage loans 
made to home buyers who generally make down payments of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. By protecting lenders and 
investors from credit losses, we help facilitate the availability of mortgages to prospective, primarily first-time, U.S. home buyers, 
thus promoting homeownership and helping to revitalize our residential communities. MI also facilitates the sale of these mortgage 
loans in the secondary mortgage market, most of which are sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Our business strategy is to become 
a leading national MI company with our principal focus on writing insurance on high quality, low down payment residential mortgages 
in the United States. Following our formation, we focused our efforts on organizational development, capital raising and other start-
up related activities.  In November 2011, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MAC Financial Holding Corporation and 
its Wisconsin  licensed  insurance  subsidiaries,  Mortgage Assurance  Corporation,  Mortgage Assurance  Reinsurance  Inc  One  and 
Mortgage  Assurance  Reinsurance  Inc  Two,  each  a  Wisconsin  corporation,  which  we  renamed  National  Mortgage  Insurance 
Corporation (“NMIC”), National Mortgage Reinsurance Inc One (“Re One”) and National Mortgage Reinsurance Inc Two (“Re 
Two”), respectively.  We refer to this acquisition as the "MAC Acquisition".  In April 2012, we raised net proceeds of approximately 
$510 million from a private placement of our common stock (the "Private Placement") and completed the acquisition of MAC 
Financial and its insurance subsidiaries.  The proceeds from the Private Placement were and will be primarily used to capitalize our 
insurance subsidiaries and fund our operating expenses until our insurance subsidiaries generate positive cash flows. On September 
30, 2013, we merged MAC Financial Holding Corporation into NMIH, with NMIH surviving the merger, and we merged Re Two 
into NMIC, with NMIC surviving the merger.

In January 2013, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively the “GSEs”) approved NMIC as a qualified MI provider on 
loans purchased by the GSEs.  With our GSE Approval, our customers who originate loans insured by NMIC may sell such loans to 
the GSEs (as of April 1, 2013 for Freddie Mac and as of June 1, 2013 for Fannie Mae).  Our primary insurance subsidiary, NMIC, 
requires a certificate of authority, or insurance license, in each state or jurisdiction where we issue insurance policies.  We applied 
for a certificate of authority in each of the 50 states and D.C. in June 2012.  We are currently licensed in 49 states and D.C.  On 
November 8, 2013, we filed a final prospectus announcing the sale of 2.1 million shares of common stock through an initial public 
offering ("IPO").  The principal reason for conducting the IPO was to expedite an increase in the number of holders of our common 
stock to permit a listing of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market ("NASDAQ").  Obtaining a listing on the NASDAQ 
satisfied  certain  contractual  obligations  we  had  to  our  stockholders  under  a  Registration  Rights Agreement  we  entered  into  in 
connection  with  the  Private  Placement.    On  November  12,  2013,  the  underwriters  exercised  their  option  in  full  to  purchase  an 
additional 315,000 shares of common stock at a price of $13.00 per share, before underwriting discounts. The offering closed on 
November 14, 2013. Gross proceeds to us were $31.4 million.  Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $28 million, after 
an approximate 6% underwriting fee and other offering expenses and reimbursements pursuant to the underwriting agreement.  

Following our IPO, and to meet our obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, we filed a final prospectus on 
December 9, 2013 registering 51,101,434 Class A common shares.  These shares had previously been issued during our Private 
Placement.

Our principal office is located at 2100 Powell Street, 12th floor, Emeryville, CA 94608. Our main telephone number is 
(855) 530-NMIC (6642), and our website is www.nationalmi.com.  Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports 
on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge through our website 
as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.  In addition, a written copy of the 
Company's Business Conduct Policy, containing our code of ethics that is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, 
is also available on our website.  Information contained or referenced on our website is not incorporated by reference into, and does 
not form a part of, this report.

5

 
 
 
Overview of the Private Mortgage Insurance Industry 

The modern MI industry was established in the late 1950's to provide a private market alternative to federal government 
insurance programs, principally the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA"). MI covers losses of the insured institutions should 
homeowners default on their residential mortgage loans, up to pre-established coverage levels, reducing the loss to the insured 
institutions.  MI enables consumers, especially first-time homebuyers, to finance homes with less than a 20% down payment, thereby 
expanding homeownership opportunities.  Loans with less than 20% down payments are generally referred to as “low down payment” 
mortgages or loans.

The MI industry has from time to time experienced catastrophic losses similar to the losses recently experienced by the 
existing MI providers.  In the past, such losses have followed (i) severe regional or national recessions and attendant declines in 
property values in the regions affected and (ii) the lenders' development of new mortgage products to defer the impact on home 
buyers of adjustable rate mortgages with a below market teaser rate.  Prior to the 2005-2010 cycle of such losses, the last time that 
private mortgage insurers experienced substantial losses of this nature was in the mid-to-late 1980s.  The mortgage crisis in recent 
years had a profound negative effect on the operating results and capital position of the MI industry and some companies were forced 
into receivership and ceased writing new business.

Financial Crisis and Recovery

The severe economic downturn and housing market decline experienced during the recent financial crisis had a profound 
impact on our industry.  Legacy insurers experienced record high claims activity and sustained significant financial losses, resulting 
in depleted capital positions.  Since 2007, three private mortgage insurers ceased writing new business and exited the market, and 
several other insurers were forced to raise capital to repair their balance sheets and remain in operation.  Although certain remaining 
legacy insurers continue to deal with challenges, the ongoing improvement of housing market fundamentals and the high credit 
quality of post-crisis new business are expected to support improved growth and profitability in the private MI sector post-crisis. 

Following the financial crisis, mortgage lenders have significantly tightened their underwriting standards, generally limiting 
the availability of loans to borrowers with higher credit scores and low debt to income ratios who can fully document their income 
and assets.  From 2011 through 2013, the average borrower credit score on all mortgage loans originated in the United States and 
sold to the GSEs was 758, compared to 717 for the period from 2005 through 2007.  Banks have largely stopped offering loans with 
certain characteristics that generated high levels of defaults and losses during the financial crisis, including interest only and negative 
amortization loans.  We believe that prudent underwriting standards coupled with higher credit quality borrowers will result in lower 
mortgage default experience that will translate into fewer claims for the mortgage insurance industry on policies written in the post-
crisis period.

Prior to the recent financial crisis, private mortgage insurers accounted for the majority of the insured mortgage origination 
market. In 2007, private mortgage insurance represented approximately 77% of insured mortgages and covered approximately 16% 
of the total mortgage origination volume.  To stabilize the disruption in the housing market resulting from the financial crisis, the 
Federal government, among other things, significantly expanded its role in the mortgage insurance market.   Government agencies, 
including the Federal Housing Agency ("FHA") and the Veterans Administration ("VA"), began to insure an increasing percentage 
of the market as incumbent private insurers came under significant financial stress.  By 2009, private mortgage insurance represented 
approximately 15% of insured mortgages and covered approximately 4% of the total mortgage origination volume.

The private mortgage insurance industry has begun to recover, capturing an increasing share of the total insured market and 
thereby leading to higher private mortgage insurance penetration of the total mortgage origination market.  In the fourth quarter of 
2013, according to Inside Mortgage Finance, private mortgage insurance increased to approximately 38% of insured mortgages and 
covered approximately 10% of the total mortgage origination volume.  These gains have been driven in part by the improved financial 
position of legacy insurers, the influx of private capital into the sector to support new entrants like NMIC and the FHA's decision to 
increase its mortgage insurance premium rates and upfront fees multiple times since 2010.  We expect that, as the U.S. housing 
market continues to recover, the demand for private capital to insure mortgage risk and to facilitate secondary market loan sales will 
grow. As a result of this trend, we believe that private mortgage insurance will continue to increase its share of the insured mortgage 
market in the coming years. 

The two graphs below show the relative share of the insured mortgage market (excluding activity under the Federal 
Home Affordable Refinance Program ("HARP") covered by public and private participants, and private mortgage insurance 
penetration rates, which represent private mortgage insurance new insurance written ("NIW") to total U.S. residential mortgage 
origination volume.

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Source: Inside Mortgage Finance ©, February 21, 2014 www.insidemortgagefinance.com

Private MI NIW ($ in billions)

Source: Inside Mortgage Finance ©,  February 21, 2014 www.insidemortgagefinance.com

7

GSEs

The GSEs are the principal purchasers of the mortgages insured by MI companies, primarily as a result of their governmental 
mandate to provide liquidity in the secondary mortgage market.  Freddie Mac's and Fannie Mae's federal charters prohibit the GSEs 
from purchasing a low down payment loan, unless the loan is insured by a qualified mortgage insurer, the mortgage seller retains at 
least a 10% participation in the loan or the seller agrees to repurchase or replace the loan in the event of a default.  As a result, the 
nature of the private mortgage insurance industry in the United States is driven in large part by the requirements and practices of the 
GSEs, which include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the minimum capital levels required to be maintained by MI companies;

the underwriting standards that determine what loans are eligible for purchase by the GSEs, which can affect the quality of 
the risk insured by the mortgage insurer and the availability of mortgage loans;

the terms that the GSEs require to be included in MI policies for loans that they purchase;

the level of MI coverage, subject to the requirements of the GSEs' charters as to when MI is used as the required credit 
enhancement on low down payment mortgages;

the amount of loan level delivery fees (which result in higher costs to borrowers) that the GSEs assess on loans that require 
MI; and

the availability of different loan purchase programs from the GSEs that allow different levels of MI coverage.

The FHFA, as the GSEs' conservator, has the authority to control and direct the GSEs' operations and the FHFA's policy 

objectives can result in changes to the GSEs' requirements and practices.

Each GSE maintains qualified mortgage insurer eligibility requirements, which they have been in the process of revising 
since mid-2010.  The FHFA has announced its intent that the GSEs achieve uniformity in their respective requirements and that the 
requirements be finalized in the near term future.  Although the GSEs and FHFA have not publicly commented on the final content 
of the revised mortgage insurer requirements, we believe they will include a new capital adequacy framework.  The GSEs have 
announced to the MI industry that draft standards will be issued in 2014 and that there will be a public comment period prior to 
finalization of the standards.  Under the terms of our GSE Approval, the GSEs have already imposed capitalization, operational and 
reporting conditions on NMIC and our holding company.  It is difficult to predict whether any changes the GSEs might impose in 
their revised mortgage insurer eligibility requirements will have an effect on our business or the industry.

In addition, in connection with the FHFA's mandate that the GSEs align their mortgage insurer eligibility standards, the 
GSEs have imposed minimum standards for mortgage insurer master policies, including standards related to claim settlement and 
limitations on a mortgage insurer's rescission rights.  During 2013, we agreed to terms of a new master policy with the GSEs and 
are in the process of seeking state insurance regulatory approvals of the policy form.  We believe each of our competitors has also 
received GSE approval of its respective new policy and is likewise seeking state insurance regulatory approvals.  The GSEs have 
announced preliminarily that, on and after July 1, 2014, in order to be eligible for purchase by the GSEs, low down payment loans 
requiring MI must be insured under a new master policy that they have approved through their policy alignment initiative.

In 2013, the FHFA's policy direction of the GSEs resulted in new business opportunities for MI companies.  In its 2013 
strategic plan for the GSEs, the FHFA included a target of $30 billion of unpaid principal balance in multiple types of risk-sharing 
transactions for both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including the use of MI.  The $30 billion of unpaid principal balance refers to 
the outstanding loan amount for all loans under consideration in these transactions.  As discussed in this report, NMIC entered into 
a pool insurance agreement with Fannie Mae, pursuant to which NMIC initially insured approximately 22,000 residential mortgage 
loans with insurance-in-force (the aggregate unpaid principal balance) of $5.2 billion (as of September 1, 2013).  

The placement of the GSEs into the conservatorship of the FHFA has also increased the likelihood that the U.S. Congress 
will act to address the role and purpose of the GSEs in the U.S. housing market and potentially legislate structural and other changes 
to the GSEs and the functioning of the secondary mortgage market.  For additional discussion of GSE and housing finance reform, 
see below in "- Regulation - Other U.S. Regulation - Housing Finance Reform".

8

 
 
 
 
Mortgage Insurance

The U.S. residential mortgage market is one of the largest in the world with over $9.9 trillion of debt outstanding as of 
December 31, 2013, and includes a range of private and government sponsored participants.  Private industry participants include 
mortgage banks, mortgage brokers, commercial, regional and investment banks, savings institutions, credit unions, REITs, mortgage 
insurers and other financial institutions. Public participants include government agencies such as the FHA, VA and Ginnie Mae, and 
government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The overall U.S. residential mortgage market encompasses 
both primary and secondary markets.  The primary market consists of lenders originating home loans to borrowers, and includes 
loans made to support home purchases, which are referred to as purchase originations, and loans made to refinance existing mortgages, 
which are referred to as refinancing originations.  The secondary market includes institutions buying and selling mortgages in the 
form of whole loans or securitized assets, such as mortgage-backed securities. 

Residential MI protects mortgage lenders and investors in the event of borrower default, by reducing and, in some instances, 
eliminating the resulting credit loss to the insured institution.  By mitigating losses as a result of borrower default, mortgage insurance 
facilitates the origination of “low down payment” mortgages, which are mortgages to borrowers who make down payments of less 
than 20% of the value of the homes.  Mortgage insurance also may reduce the capital that financial institutions are required to hold 
against insured loans and facilitates the sale of low down payment mortgage loans in the secondary mortgage market, primarily to 
the  GSEs.    NMIC’s  residential  mortgage  insurance  products  will  primarily  provide  first  loss  protection  on  loans  originated  by 
residential mortgage lenders and sold to the GSEs and, to a lesser extent, on low down payment loans held by portfolio lenders.  
NMIC offers the two principal types of MI, “primary” and “pool” which we discuss further below.  We wrote our first primary 
insurance policy in April 2013 and we have entered into a pool coverage insurance transaction with Fannie Mae, which constitutes 
a significant percentage of our risk-in-force until our primary business writings reach a material level.  We ultimately expect that 
most of the insurance that we write in the future will be primary insurance.

Primary Mortgage Insurance 

Primary mortgage insurance provides mortgage default protection on individual loans at specified coverage percentages.  
Primary business is typically offered in one of two ways, either on a "flow" basis or in structured, bulk transactions.  Mortgage 
insurers place flow mortgage insurance coverage as loan originations occur, one loan at a time.  A structured, bulk transaction occurs 
when  mortgage insurance coverage is placed on more than one loan, and typically after the loans have been originated.  We currently 
offer primary mortgage insurance products on a flow basis to our customers.  Our maximum obligation to an insured with respect 
to a claim is generally determined by multiplying the coverage percentage selected by the insured by the loss amount on the defaulted 
loan.  The loss amount on an insured loan includes unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest and certain expenses associated with 
the default and subsequent foreclosure or sale of the property, all as specified in our master policy.  At the time of a claim, we will 
typically pay the coverage percentage of the claim amount specified in the primary policy, but have the option to (i) pay 100% of 
the claim amount and acquire title to the property, or (ii) in the event the property is sold prior to settlement of the claim, pay the 
insured's actual loss up to the maximum level of coverage.  We expect that most of our primary insurance will be written on first 
mortgage loans secured by owner occupied single-family homes, which are defined as one-to-four family homes and condominiums.  
To a lesser extent, we may also write primary insurance on first mortgages secured by non-owner occupied single-family homes, 
which are referred to in the home mortgage lending industry as investor loans, and on vacation or second homes. 

Primary insurance-in-force (“IIF”) is the unpaid principal balance of insured loans.  Primary risk-in-force (“RIF”) is the 
product of the coverage percentage multiplied by the unpaid principal balance.  Lenders that purchase our mortgage insurance select 
specific coverage levels for insured loans, from the coverage percentages that we offer.  For loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie 
Mac, the coverage percentage must comply with the requirements established by the particular GSE to which the loan is delivered.  
For other loans, the lender makes the determination.  We expect our risk across all policies written to approximate 25% of the primary 
IIF  but  will  vary  between  6%  and  35%  coverage.   We  charge  higher  premium  rates  to  account  for  the  risk  of  higher  coverage 
percentages, as higher coverage percentages generally result in higher amounts paid per claim. 

Depending on the loan and the lender, the premium payments for flow primary mortgage insurance coverage are typically 
borne by the borrower and paid to the lender.  Our industry refers to loans having this requirement as borrower paid mortgage 
insurance (“BPMI”).  If the borrower is not required to pay the premium, then the premium is paid by the lender, who may recover 
the premium through an increase in the note rate on the mortgage or higher origination fees.  Our industry refers to loans in which 
the premium is paid by the lender as lender paid mortgage insurance (“LPMI”).  In either case, the payment of premium to us is the 
responsibility of the insured (i.e., the lender) and not the borrower.  We currently expect that most of our primary insurance written 
will be BPMI, although this could change in the future.  

Our premium rates are based on rates that we have filed with the various state insurance departments.  To establish these 
rates, we use pricing models that assess risk across a spectrum of variables, including coverage percentages, loan-to-value ("LTV"), 

9

 
 
 
loan and property attributes, and borrower risk characteristics.  Premium rates cannot be changed after the issuance of coverage. 
Because we believe that over the long term, each region of the United States is subject to similar factors affecting risk of loss on 
insurance written, we generally utilize a nationally based, rather than a regional or local, premium rate policy for insurance written 
on a flow basis.

In general, premiums are calculated as basis points of the unpaid principal balance of an insured loan.  We have four distinct 

types of premium plans:

• 

• 

single — the insured pays all premium upfront at the time coverage is placed;

annual — the insured pays premium at the time coverage is placed for the first  12 months of coverage.  To maintain 
coverage, the insured subsequently pays renewal premiums for successive 12 month periods, with such renewals 
owed prior to the expiration of the then applicable 12 month period;

•  monthly — coverage begins and the insured pays premium for the first month of coverage on the loan close date. 

We subsequently bill the insured each month for the next month's coverage; and

•  monthly Advantage — coverage begins as of the loan close date, and when we receive notice of such close date, 
we subsequently bill the insured for the previous month of coverage and each month thereafter, the insured pays 
premium for the prior month of coverage.

In general, we may not terminate MI coverage except in the event there is non-payment of premiums or certain material 
violations of NMIC's mortgage insurance policies; although, as discussed below, the terms of our master policy restrict our rescission 
rights when certain criteria are met.  Mortgage insurance coverage is renewable at the option of the insured lender, at the renewal 
rate fixed when the loan was initially insured.  Lenders may cancel insurance written on a flow basis at any time at their option or 
because of mortgage repayment, which may be accelerated because of the refinancing of mortgages.  In the case of a loan purchased 
by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, the GSEs' guidelines generally provide that a borrower meeting certain conditions may require the 
mortgage servicer to cancel insurance upon the borrower's request when the principal balance of the loan is 80% or less of the 
property's current value.  The federal Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 (“HOPA”) also requires the automatic termination of 
BPMI on most loans when the LTV ratio (based upon the loan's amortization schedule) reaches 78%, and provides for cancellation 
of BPMI upon a borrower's request when the LTV ratio (based on the original value of the property) reaches 80%, upon satisfaction 
of the conditions set forth in the HOPA.  In addition, some states impose their own notice and cancellation requirements on mortgage 
loan servicers.

National MI TrueGuideSM and SafeGuardSM Solutions

We believe our products and services provide our lender customers with a transparent and efficient method of placing 
primary  mortgage  insurance.    Our  underwriting  guidelines,  National  MI  TrueGuideSM,  reflect  what  we  believe  are  clear  and 
straightforward eligibility requirements that are easy for our customers to follow.  In addition, we believe the terms of our master 
policy offer a unique approach to rescission relief, as compared to historical standards, that sets us apart from other MI companies.  
Existing MI companies have rescinded or denied coverage on a significant number of mortgage insurance policies in recent years.  
We believe this has strained the relationship between a number of the mortgage originators and some existing mortgage insurers, 
providing an opportunity for a new entrant to more effectively compete with existing providers.

Through our National MI SafeGuardSM solution, as set forth in National MI’s current master policy, after a borrower has 
made his or her first 18 monthly payments in a timely manner on a loan we insure, we have agreed that we will not rescind or cancel 
coverage of that loan for material borrower misrepresentation or underwriting defects.  In addition, if a borrower makes his first 18 
payments in a timely manner, we have agreed to limitations on our ability to initiate an investigation of fraud or misrepresentation 
by our insureds or any other party involved in the origination of an insured loan, which we collectively refer to in our master policies 
as a "First Party."  We refer to these provisions of our master policy as “rescission relief.”  We believe the standard approach used 
by most MI companies is to provide rescission relief with respect to underwriting defects and investigation of First Party fraud or 
misrepresentation after 36 months of full and timely consecutive monthly payments.  

On December 10, 2013, we announced that through a new version of our master policy and through an endorsement to our 
existing master policy, we will provide rescission relief after a borrower has timely made 12 consecutive monthly payments on a 
loan, rather than 18 months as provided in the current master policy.  In January 2014, we filed an endorsement to our existing Master 
Policy to provide rescission relief after 12 months to loans insured under the existing policy on or after the effective date of the 
endorsement in each state in which the property securing the insured mortgage is located.  We are also in the process of seeking state 
insurance regulatory approvals of the new policy form which contains the same 12 months rescission relief provisions that we offer 
in our existing endorsement.  We believe the terms of our insurance coverage described in our master policy have been and will 
continue to be favorably received by our customers.  We further believe that the new version of our master policy may result in us 

10

 
 
 
gaining incrementally more market share, with no material increase in our underwriting expenses or losses incurred, than if we 
remained at an 18-month standard for rescission relief.  Based on GSE requirements for the MI industry's implementation of new 
master policies, we expect that loans we insure will be covered by our new master policy, including the 12 months rescission relief 
provisions, on and after July 1, 2014.  The new master policy is pending final approvals from state insurance regulators.

Pool Insurance

Pool insurance is generally used as an additional “credit enhancement” or "risk-sharing" strategy for certain secondary 
market mortgage transactions.  Pool insurance generally covers the excess of loss on a defaulted mortgage loan that exceeds the 
claim payment under the primary MI coverage, if such loan has primary coverage, as well as the total loss on a defaulted mortgage 
loan that did not have primary coverage.  Pool insurance may have a stated aggregate loss limit for a pool of loans and may also 
have a deductible under which no losses are paid by the mortgage insurer until the insured's losses on the pool of loans exceed the 
deductible.  

As discussed above in "- Overview of the Private Mortgage Insurance Industry - GSEs", in 2013, the FHFA set goals for 
the GSEs to engage in $30 billion of risk sharing transactions in 2013.  As described below in Part II, Item 7, "Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Factors Affecting Our Operating Results - Start-up 
Operations - New Business Writings", NMIC entered into an agreement with Fannie Mae, pursuant to which NMIC agreed to insure 
approximately 22,000 loans with insurance-in-force (the aggregate unpaid principal balance) of $5.2 billion (as of September 1, 
2013).  The effective date of the agreement and the coverage was September 1, 2013.  Fannie Mae pays monthly insurance premiums 
in exchange for NMIC assuming net insurance risk of $93.1 million.  We received our first premium payment in September 2013.  
This pool transaction is unlike a typical pool transaction in that the loans which make up this particular pool do not have primary 
MI on them, as the LTVs of those loans at origination were below what would have resulted in the lenders requiring MI to be placed.  
The risk on this pool transaction represents approximately two-thirds of our risk-in-force as of December 31, 2013.  We expect this 
percentage to decrease as our primary flow business increases.

Customers

Our sales strategy is focused on attracting, as customers, mortgage originators in the United States that fall into two distinct 

categories, which we refer to as "National Accounts" and "Regional Accounts".  

We define National Accounts as the 37 most significant residential mortgage originators as determined by volume of their 
own originations as well as volume of insured business they may acquire from other originators.  These National Accounts generally 
originate loans through their retail channels as well as purchase loans originated by other entities, primarily mortgage originators 
who we would classify as Regional Accounts, as described below.  National Account lenders may sell their loans to the GSEs or 
private label secondary markets or securitize the loans themselves.  We plan to service these customers with a specialized team of 
National Account  sales  professionals  who  have  experience  supporting  and  developing  business  from  this  segment.    To  date, 
approximately 20 of the National Account customers have indicated that they intend to do business with us and we continue to work 
towards completing our customer boarding processes.  While we believe we have favorable relationships with the National Accounts 
who have indicated they will purchase MI from NMIC, there is no obligation to use NMIC as an MI provider and, as of the date of 
this report, we have received a limited amount of business from four of these National Accounts.  We continue to work with the other 
National Accounts to engage them as customers.

The Regional Accounts originate mortgage loans on a local or regional level throughout the country.  Some of these 
Regional Accounts have origination platforms that span across multiple regions; however, their primary lending focus is local.  
They sell the majority of their originations to National Accounts, but Regional Accounts may also retain loans in their portfolios 
or sell portions of their production directly to the GSEs.  Our nationwide and regional sales teams address the Regional Accounts 
segment of the market, and with the early efforts of these teams, we have been able to attract lenders in this segment who have 
agreed to purchase MI from NMIC.  Our future efforts will be focused on growing this segment of our customer base. Our ability 
to make progress penetrating Regional Accounts is primarily dependent on the following three factors:

•  Obtaining approval from National Account lenders to be an authorized MI provider enables Regional Accounts to sell 
loans with insurance from NMIC to those National Accounts.  Consequently, these approvals are critical to making inroads 
with Regional Accounts.  As discussed above, approximately 20 of the 37 National Accounts have indicated that they 
intend to do business with us.

•  Achieving connectivity with the largest loan servicing systems.  Many loan servicers, including large lenders and those 
in the industry who service loans originated by Regional Accounts, that do not maintain proprietary servicing systems 
rely primarily on the two most significant servicing systems, LPS MSP and Fiserv LoanServTM, to service their loans.  

11

 
 
In 2013, we completed integration with LPS MSP and Fiserv LoanServTM.  Attaining connectivity with these servicing 
systems is one of the important steps to enable both National and Regional Accounts to purchase MI from NMIC.

•  Achieving connectivity with leading third-party loan origination systems utilized by Regional Accounts, including Ellie 
Mae Encompass360®.  The Regional Accounts who originate loans using these third-party loan origination systems will 
be able to automatically select NMIC as an MI provider within those systems.  The progress we have made to date 
connecting with these loan origination systems is another significant achievement with respect to our readiness to engage 
with Regional Accounts.

The GSEs, as major purchasers of conventional mortgage loans in the United Sates, are the primary beneficiaries of our 

mortgage insurance coverage.  Revenues from our customers are expected to be generated in the United States only.  

Customers exceeding 10% of consolidated revenues

In 2013, the premiums paid to NMIC by each of Fannie Mae (pool transaction) and Quicken Loans Inc. exceeded 10% of 

our consolidated revenues.

Sales and Marketing and Competition

Sales and Marketing  

Our sales and marketing efforts are designed to help us establish and maintain in-depth, quality customer relationships. We 
organize our sales and marketing efforts based on our national and regional customer segmentation.  We seek to support our national 
and regional sales force, and improve our effectiveness in acquiring new customers, by raising our brand awareness through advertising 
and marketing campaigns, website enhancements, electronic communication strategies and sponsorship of industry and educational 
events.  NMIC's product development and marketing department has primary responsibility for creating and supporting our MI 
products.    Our  current  sales  resources  are  designed  to  optimize  our  opportunity  in  the  market  as  well  as  balance  our  expenses 
effectively.  In  2013,  we  built  our  sales  force  by  hiring  qualified  mortgage  professionals  that  generally  have  well-established 
relationships with industry leading lenders and significant experience in both MI and mortgage lending.  Our sales force is located 
throughout the United States to directly sell our mortgage insurance products to lenders.  

Competition  

Our competition includes other private mortgage insurers, governmental agencies that sponsor government-backed mortgage 
insurance programs and alternatives to credit enhancement products, such as piggy-back loans or other risk sharing arrangements.  
The MI industry is highly competitive.  We compete with other private mortgage insurers based on our financial strength, underwriting 
guidelines, product features, pricing, operational efficiencies, customer relationships, name recognition, reputation, the strength of 
management teams and field organizations, comprehensiveness of databases covering insured loans, the effective use of technology, 
innovation in the delivery and servicing of insurance products and our ability to execute.  During 2011, two mortgage insurers stopped 
writing new business and, based on public disclosures, these insurers approximated more than 20% of the MI industry volume in 
the first half of 2011.  We believe their new origination market share has since been redistributed among the other MI companies.

The U.S. MI industry currently consists of seven active private mortgage insurers, including NMIC, MGIC Investment 
Corporation (“MGIC”), Radian Guaranty Inc. (“Radian”), United Guaranty Corporation (“UGI”), a division of American International 
Group, Inc., Genworth Mortgage Insurance (“Genworth”), Essent Guaranty (“Essent”) and CMG Mortgage Insurance Company 
(“CMG”), the latter of which, up until the Arch Capital Group Ltd. ("Arch") acquisition, described below, had solely offered mortgage 
insurance to credit unions.  

The perceived increase in credit quality of loans that are being insured today, the deterioration of the financial strength 
ratings of the legacy mortgage insurance companies and the possibility of a decrease in the FHA's share of the mortgage insurance 
market may encourage additional new entrants. 

On January 30, 2014, Arch announced that it had completed the acquisition of CMG. Arch announced that CMG will be 
renamed Arch Mortgage Insurance Company and will enter the broader U.S. mortgage insurance marketplace, expanding CMG's 
sales operations beyond the credit union mortgage insurance market.  

Old Republic International Corp. of Chicago (“Old Republic”), the parent company of Republic Mortgage Insurance Co. 
(“RMIC”), one of the two MI companies that ceased writing new business in 2011, announced in 2013 that it plans to raise new 
funds in the capital markets and contribute up to $50 million itself, and, subject to regulatory and GSE approval, recapitalize RMIC 
to support its existing policies, pay off deferred claim obligations and exit supervision under North Carolina insurance regulations.  
If this occurs, RMIC has stated that it then could resume writing new business in 2014.  Old Republic further announced that at some 

12

    
 
 
 
time following the recapitalization, it will likely consider a disposition of its equity stake in RMIC. 

We and other private mortgage insurers also compete directly with federal and state governmental and quasi-governmental 
agencies that sponsor government-backed mortgage insurance programs, principally the FHA and, to a lesser degree, the VA. These 
agencies' market share during 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, was approximately 84%, 77%, 68% and 63%, respectively, of low down 
payment residential mortgages that were subject to governmental and private mortgage insurance. While declining from a high of 
approximately 85% in 2009, the market share of governmental agencies remains substantially above the low of approximately 23% 
in 2007, according to statistics reported by Inside Mortgage Finance. As noted above, the combined market share of the FHA and 
VA has decreased each year since 2010, a trend that we believe has been positive for the MI industry.  In our view, this decrease may 
have been influenced by increases in the cost of FHA insurance in recent years, stricter FHA guidelines, the inability of the borrower 
to cancel FHA mortgage insurance and the FHA pulling back from the market given its failure to meet its congressionally mandated 
capital requirements.

In addition to competition from the FHA and the VA, we and other private mortgage insurers face competition from state-
supported mortgage insurance funds in several states, including California and New York.  From time to time, other state legislatures 
and agencies may consider expanding the authority of their state governments to insure residential mortgages.

Underwriting

To qualify to receive mortgage insurance from us, a lender would first enter into our master policy agreement.  The master 
policy sets forth the general terms and conditions of our MI coverage.  Our primary mortgage insurance policies are issued through 
our delegated and non-delegated programs.  Through our underwriting solution, National MI TrueInsightSM , we intend to review 
every  loan  we  insure  through  both  our  delegated  and  non-delegated  channels.    National  MI  TrueInsightSM  solution  confirms 
underwriting eligibility, either prior to loan closing in the non-delegated channel or through a post-closing underwriting review in 
the delegated channel, which we refer to as our "Delegated Assurance Review" or "DAR" process.  DAR provides an underwriting 
review of each mortgage insurance decision made by our customers under their delegated authority.  Our DAR process differentiates 
us from other MI companies, which typically underwrite a sampling of policies originated through their delegated underwriting 
channels.  By underwriting each policy, we believe we can more effectively manage the risk characteristics in our portfolio and 
provide a high level of confidence to our lenders that valid claims will be paid.  We also expect this process will allow us to provide 
our customers with timely, value-added feedback on the risk characteristics of their loan originations. We believe our customer 
feedback received to date has been positive.

Non-Delegated Program  

Through our non-delegated channel, we underwrite the insurance application and provide a response to the lender, prior to 
the loan closing.  To obtain mortgage insurance on a loan, a master policyholder submits an insurance application to us, along with 
the borrower's mortgage application, an appraisal report from an independent, licensed appraiser, borrower credit report, employment 
and income verification, tax returns from self-employed borrowers, verification of funds sufficient to cover the expected down 
payment for the loan closing and purchase contract and any other documentation to support loan qualification for mortgage insurance.  
We  do  not  provide  primary  MI  in  instances  where  the  lender  has  waived  certain  documentation  requirements,  such  as  written 
verification of employment and proof of source of funds for closing.  Our underwriters review all materials submitted to us and 
render an insurance decision, typically within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the MI application volume.

In addition to our non-delegated underwriter employees located at our corporate headquarters and remotely across the 
country, we have entered into agreements with third-party underwriting service providers ("USP") under which they will underwrite 
the mortgage insurance decision on certain loans for NMIC, consistent with NMIC's underwriting guidelines and subject to the terms 
of the outsourcing agreements.  We expect our USPs will share in the daily underwriting of mortgage insurance applications submitted 
to us, depending on the volume and with targeted assignments of particular loans to particular USPs, to ensure timely response-times 
to lenders.  These USPs use AXIS, our insurance management system, and are trained to follow the same process outlined above 
that our own employees follow when they render an insurance decision.  Any underwriting decisions requiring escalation or a second 
review will be referred back to NMIC's management for decision making.

We have processes in place to manage the risk associated with outsourcing a component of our underwriting functions.  In 
collaboration with the USP's management team, an NMIC manager, on-site at the USP's premises, monitors the USP's day-to-day 
underwriting of mortgage insurance decisions.  We also review the qualifications of the USP's underwriters and provide system and 
guideline training to ensure the USP's underwriting philosophy is consistent with ours.  We perform regular quality control reviews 
of each USP's performance, and our agreements with the USPs require them to give us access to the results of their internal quality 
control  reviews.    Underwriters  with  unacceptable  performance  will  be  carefully  monitored  with  specific  action  plans,  and  our 
agreements provide for their timely replacement with 30 days' notice.

13

 
Delegated Program  

Through our delegated program, if deemed eligible by NMIC, certain loan originators may bind our mortgage insurance 
coverage following their own underwriting reviews.  We permit delegated underwriting with lenders that have a track record of 
originating quality mortgage loans.  The lenders are required to underwrite a mortgage insurance decision in accordance with NMIC's 
eligibility rules and approved underwriting guidelines.  If the lender believes a loan is eligible for mortgage insurance coverage from 
NMIC, it may bind the insurance coverage in accordance with the delegated authority conferred under our delegated underwriting 
program, as set forth in the terms of our master policy and related endorsements.  In order to bind coverage, the lender must provide 
a dataset to us to help demonstrate the loan meets our threshold eligibility rules.  In addition, as part of our National MI TrueInsight 
SM solution, or DAR process, delegated lenders are required to submit a full loan file (which contains all information and documentation 
required by the traditional underwriting process) to us within 60 days of the coverage effective date, and we will perform a post-
close underwriting review of the lender's underwriting decision for each insured loan.  We created the DAR process to provide us 
with confidence that loans we insure comply with our eligibility criteria and meet our underwriting guidelines.  This process also 
assists us with early identification of particular lender's underwriting defects that need attention and remediation going forward in 
order for those lenders to continue participating in our delegated program.  We believe that our delegated program's full underwriting 
file review and quality control process differentiates our process from the delegated underwriting process historically practiced by 
the MI industry and provides what we believe is valuable clarity to our lenders within the first several months of coverage.  If a loan 
is rated out of scope (uninsurable) during the DAR process, we cancel the insurance certificate and return any premiums we have 
received.

We utilize USPs with which we have outsourcing agreements to perform the majority of our post-close reviews of delegated 
decisions.  If one of our USPs determines that a loan is ineligible for coverage, an NMIC underwriting manager will review the 
results to determine if we agree with our vendor before giving notice of cancellation of coverage to our insured.  In addition to this 
review by an NMIC underwriting manager, NMIC's risk management departments will perform routine quality control reviews of 
a statistically relevant sample of each USP's post-close reviews to help ensure that we are receiving the quality of underwriting that 
we expect from these providers.

Underwriting and Risk Management Guidelines  

Our underwriting and risk management guidelines are based on what we believe to be the major factors that impact mortgage 

credit risk.  Such factors include but are not limited to the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the borrower's credit strength, including the borrower's credit history, debt-to-income ratios and cash reserves and 
the willingness of a borrower with sufficient resources to make mortgage payments when the mortgage balance 
exceeds the value of the home;

the loan product, which encompasses the LTV ratio, the type of loan instrument, including whether the instrument 
provides for fixed or variable payments and the amortization schedule, the type of property, the purpose of the 
loan and the interest rate;

origination practices of lenders;

the percentage coverage and size of insured loans; and

the condition of the economy, including housing values and employment, in the geographic area in which the 
property is located.

We believe that, excluding other factors, claim incidence increases:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

for loans with higher LTV ratios compared to loans with lower LTV ratios;

for loans to borrowers with higher debt-to-income ratios and lower FICO credit scores compared to  borrowers 
with lower debt-to-income ratios and higher FICO credit scores;

during periods of economic contraction and housing price depreciation, including when these conditions may not 
be nationwide, compared to periods of economic expansion and housing price appreciation;

for ARMs when the reset interest rate significantly exceeds the interest rate at loan origination;

for loans in which the original loan amount exceeds the GSEs' established conforming loan limit compared to loans 
below that limit; and

• 

for cash out refinance loans compared to purchase or rate and term refinance loans.

14

 
There may be other types of loan characteristics relating to the individual loan or borrower that also affect the risk potential 
for a loan.  In addition, the presence of multiple higher-risk characteristics in a loan materially increases the likelihood of a claim 
on such a loan unless there are other characteristics to lower the risk.

Exception Policies  

Our underwriting guidelines contain exception approval procedures that permit our underwriters to escalate to a higher level 
of management approval of MI applications for a loan that diverges from our established credit policy guidelines.  Any such exceptions 
must be made in accordance with our exception approval procedures.  Approvals to exceptions to credit policy guidelines will usually 
result from one or more compensating factors, such as an excellent credit profile, significant income, employment stability, or strong 
reserves.  In order to help ensure exceptions are limited to the criteria we set, we generate exception reports that track the number 
of exceptions by underwriter and rationale for each exception, which are reviewed by management in our risk management group.

Risk Management

In accordance with established policies and procedures, we identify, assess, monitor and manage the following enterprise 
risks in our MI business: credit risk, market risk and operations risk.  Management of these risks is an interdepartmental endeavor 
including specific operational responsibilities and ongoing senior management oversight.  In addition, our internal audit group which 
reports to the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors ("Board")  provides independent ongoing assessments of our management 
of these enterprise risks.

Credit Risk

We protect financial institutions against credit losses resulting from homeowner defaults on low down payment residential 
mortgage loans.  Low down payment lending carries high credit risk because borrowers who encounter financial difficulties may 
have little equity (net of transaction costs), if any, in their homes, and are therefore less likely to keep their mortgage payments 
current or have the ability to sell the property to avoid foreclosure.  Our insured loan portfolio's credit risk profile is measured by 
credit score, LTV, debt-to-income ratio, property type (e.g. single family home, condo or co-op), loan purpose (e.g. purchase or 
refinance), occupancy (e.g., owner-occupied) and other factors.  Management measures credit risk through reporting by segmentation 
of these key credit risk drivers.  Segmentation will include balances, risk in force, revenue, delinquencies, losses (claims paid), 
persistency, reserves, and average claim size and severity.  We will assess underwriting quality separately through quality assurance 
and quality control audits.  We plan to assess the portfolio's risk/reward characteristics, considering both quantitative and qualitative 
factors.

We employ the following methods to manage and mitigate credit risk in our insured loan portfolio:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Credit Policy, Underwriting Guidelines and Pricing;

Lender Approval, Monitoring and Management;

Underwriting and Servicing Quality Control Process;

Management and Board Risk Committees

Credit Policy, Underwriting Guidelines and Pricing

We manage our insurance portfolio's credit risk by the use of several loan eligibility matrices which describe the maximum 
LTV, minimum borrower credit score, maximum loan size, property type and occupancy status of loans that we will insure.  Our 
loan eligibility matrices as well as all of our detailed underwriting guidelines are contained in our Underwriting Guideline Manual 
that is publicly available on NMIC's website.  Our eligibility criteria and underwriting guidelines are designed to mitigate the layered 
risk inherent in a single insurance policy.  "Layered risk" refers to the accumulation of borrower, loan risk and property risk.  For 
example, we have higher credit score and lower maximum allowed LTV requirements for riskier property types, such as investor 
properties, compared to owner-occupied properties.

Another tool we use to manage our credit risk is to underwrite every loan we insure, not only loans that come through our 
non-delegated channel.  We also underwrite every loan coming through our delegated channel (the aforementioned “DAR” process).  
We believe that the prevailing standard of our competitors for many years has been to conduct partial quality assurance testing of 
loans that come through their delegated channels.  We believe the industry's historical practice exacerbated the negative impact of 
the recent mortgage crisis on legacy mortgage insurers because their partial quality control reviews did not adequately prevent the 
issuance of mortgage insurance through their delegated channels on ineligible, poor quality loans.  Our pricing policies also help 
mitigate credit risk in the form of higher premium rates for loan features or borrower characteristics associated with historically 
higher default rates.

15

Lender Approval, Monitoring and Management

We maintain prudent lender approval guidelines, including a requirement that a lender has experienced management, sound 
operations and underwriting controls, as well as appropriate escalation and exception policies and procedures.  Additionally, if a 
lender originates wholesale loans, we review how that lender manages and controls its authorized brokers.  We monitor our lender 
customers by analyzing trends of many factors, including, among others, early payment defaults or "EPDs", delinquency trends and 
geographic concentrations, primarily focusing on a lender's underwriting performance.  If we detect a trend that needs to be addressed, 
we identify the root cause of the issue and work to develop an agreed upon action plan with the lender, particularly for a lender which 
has delegated underwriting authority.  We will continually assess our lenders' trends, analyze their loan concentrations (e.g. LTVs, 
credit score, geography and loan purpose) and review their loan manufacturing processes in order to manage the underwriting quality 
of our lender customers.

Underwriting and Servicing Quality Control Process

We have an underwriting quality control group that operates separately from the new business underwriting group to perform  
quality control reviews.  The underwriting quality control group assesses non-delegated underwriting completed by both our employee 
and third-party vendor underwriters, and post-close underwriting reviews of delegated business completed by our third-party vendors.  
We perform quality control audits of insured loans identified through random, high risk and targeted selection criteria.  In addition, 
we intend to review loans that default within 12 months of their origination, which we refer to as EPDs.  Our quality control review 
is primarily intended to assess the quality of the underwriting decision, including the accuracy and adequacy of the information and 
documentation used to reach that decision.

We have also established a servicing quality control function to audit our internal insurance servicing and loss mitigation 

processes.  Selection criteria and reporting will be similar to that described above for underwriting quality control.  

We will provide relevant reporting to operations management and to senior management.  The findings from our quality 
control  processes  will  inform  and  shape  certain  risk  processes  such  as  underwriter  authority  delegation,  lender  monitoring  and 
guideline management.

Management and Board Risk Committees

We have a management risk committee, comprised of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief of Insurance 
Operations, Acting General Counsel and other officers as appropriate, to monitor our underwriting, pricing and risk management 
practices.  This committee will also monitor insured portfolio concentrations and portfolio performance.  We expect that this committee 
will continue to include a diverse mix of senior management to ensure that those responsible for execution are balanced with those 
responsible for oversight.  New products, material changes to existing products or material changes to underwriting guidelines or 
pricing will have to be approved by the management risk committee prior to release.

We also have a Board Risk Committee consisting of three independent board members who perform the same type of 
monitoring and oversight of risk management practices and portfolio performance that the Management Risk Committee performs. 

Market Risks

The risk profile of our business is also affected by the mortgage market and macroeconomic conditions.  Key drivers include 
regulatory and/or tax changes affecting the economics of residential mortgage lending; regulatory changes impacting the relative 
attractiveness of MI to our customers; and consumer attitudes about the relative attractiveness of real estate as an investment; structural 
changes to the industry made to reduce the role of the federal government and to develop a long-term plan for the GSEs.

We believe that the three primary market risks that we face are:

•  Declines in home prices.  A decline in home prices typically makes it more difficult for a borrower to sell or refinance 
his home, generally increasing the likelihood of a default followed by a claim if the borrower experiences a job loss or 
other life event which reduces his income or increases his expenses.  In addition, a decline in home prices typically 
increases the severity of any claim we may pay. 

•  Reductions in income or increases in borrower's expenses.  Borrowers able to make only small down payments often 
have more difficulty weathering financial hardships caused by unemployment or income reductions, or life events 
involving illness or divorce, because they may not have large amounts of personal savings or available credit.  Rising 
unemployment will increase the number of borrowers unable to remain current on their home mortgage and increase 
the number of new claims.

16

 
 
•  Higher interest rates.  An increase in interest rates typically leads to higher monthly payments for borrowers with 
existing adjustable rate mortgages as well as for borrowers hoping to purchase a home, the latter of which may have 
the effect of reducing the pool of potential borrowers available to purchase homes.  This can have the effect of increasing 
the likelihood of a claim on an insured loan in default for a borrower who experiences a job loss or other life event that 
reduces her income or increases her expenses.

We mitigate market risk in our insurance portfolio mainly by employing portfolio concentration limits.  We plan to limit 
our  exposure  to  product  types  that  have  experienced  the  most  volatile  performance  in  previous  economic  and  housing  market 
downturns.  For example, we have portfolio limits for 97% LTV loans, investor loans, cash-out refinances as well as several other 
borrower or loan attributes and certain state concentration levels that we wish to control.  If we see regional economic deterioration, 
in the form of rising unemployment, declining home prices or rising mortgage delinquency levels we would mitigate our risks in the 
affected areas by instituting distressed market policies.  We have no such distressed market policies currently, but should they be 
necessary in the future they could take the form of either 1) lower LTV and higher credit score requirements in the market areas 
experiencing economic or housing market distress, or 2) the elimination of certain product offerings entirely in distressed areas.

Operational Risk

Operational risks are inherent in our daily business activities.  Key operational risks include:  damage to physical assets, 
reliance on outside vendors, reliance on a complex information technology system, and employee fraud or negligence.  We manage 
operational risks through standard risk management practices such as hazard insurance policies, rigorous oversight of vendors, state 
of the art IT system redundancy and security practices, internal controls and segregation of duties.  The key controls to mitigate 
operational risks are reviewed by management, the Board and our Internal Audit Department. 

Servicing

Our Policy Servicing Department is responsible for various servicing activities related to master policy administration, 
premium billing and payment processing and certificate administration.  The department has servicing specialists that are assigned 
to the majority of our accounts to assist with day-to-day transactions and to assist in monitoring the servicer's portfolio to help keep 
it current and accurate.  The department has established policies and procedures that accommodate various methods for servicers to 
communicate loan and certificate information to us.  We are currently integrated with the two largest servicing systems, LPS and 
FiServ.  These servicing systems are used by the majority of our larger servicing accounts to exchange billing, payment, and certificate 
level information on a daily or monthly  basis.  We also have our own external facing servicing website which may be utilized by 
servicers to process the same servicing transactions that may be processed through LPS and FiServ.

Defaults and Claims; Loss Mitigation

Defaults and Claims  

The claim cycle on MI begins with our receipt of a Notice of Default ("NOD") for an insured loan from the loan servicer.  
Default is defined in NMIC's mortgage insurance policies as the failure by a borrower to pay when due a non-accelerated amount 
equal to the scheduled mortgage payment due under the terms of a loan or the failure by a borrower to pay all amounts due under a 
loan after the exercise of the due on sale clause of such loan.  Generally, the master policies require an insured to notify NMIC of a 
default no later than 10 days after the borrower becomes three payments in default, although most lenders notify us sooner. We do 
not consider a loan to be in default for the purposes of reporting defaults and default rates and setting reserves until we receive notice 
from the servicer that a borrower has failed to pay two regularly scheduled payments and is at least 60 days in default.  The incidence 
of default is affected by a variety of factors, including borrower income, unemployment, divorce and illness.  Defaults that are not 
cured result in a claim to us. Defaults may be cured by the borrower remitting all delinquent loan payments, paying off the loan in 
its entirety, loan modifications or by a sale of the property and satisfaction of all amounts due under the mortgage.  

Claims result from uncured defaults, approved pre-foreclosure sales, and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure.  Whether a claim 
results from an uncured default depends, in large part, on the borrower's equity in the home at the time of default, the borrower's or 
the lender's ability to sell the home for an amount sufficient to satisfy all amounts due under the mortgage and the willingness and 
ability of the borrower and lender to enter into a loan modification that provides for a cure of the default.  Various factors affect the 
frequency and amount of claims, including local housing prices, employment levels and interest rates. If a default is not cured and 
we receive a claim, any unearned premium collected from the time of default to the time of the claim payment is refunded to the 
insured along with the claim payment.

Under the terms of our master policy, the insured lender is required to file a claim for primary insurance with us within 60 
days after it has acquired title to the property securing the insured loan (typically through foreclosure) or when there has been an 
approved sale to a third party prior to foreclosure. Across the industry, it has historically taken, on average, approximately 12 months 

17

 
 
 
for a default that is not cured to develop into a paid claim. The rate at which claims are received and paid has slowed in recent years 
due to various state and lender foreclosure moratoriums and suspensions, servicing delays including as a result of attempts to modify 
loans, pursuit of mitigation opportunities and a lack of capacity in the court systems. 

Within 60 days after a claim has been filed and all documents required to be submitted to us have been delivered, we have 
the option of either (i) paying the coverage percentage specified for that loan, with the insured retaining title to the underlying property 
and receiving all proceeds from the eventual sale of the property, or (ii) paying 100% of the insured's loss on the loan in exchange 
for the lender's conveyance of good and marketable title to the property to us.  In the event we exercise the latter option, we will 
market and sell the property and retain all proceeds.

Claim activity is not evenly spread throughout the coverage period of a book of primary business.  Typically, relatively few 
claims are received during the first two years following issuance of coverage on a loan.  This is typically followed by a period of 
rising claim activity which, based on industry experience, has historically reached its highest level three to six years after loan 
origination.  Thereafter, the number of claims for a book year has historically declined at a gradual rate, although the rate of decline 
can be affected by conditions in the economy, including slowing home price appreciation or housing price depreciation and rising 
unemployment.  Persistency of our book, the condition of the economy, including unemployment, and other factors can affect the 
pattern of claim activity.   

Another important factor affecting losses is the amount of the average claim paid, which affects the claim amount as a 
proportion of total RIF, commonly referred to as claim severity. The main determinants of claim severity are the amount of the 
mortgage loan, the coverage percentage on the loan and local market conditions.

Loss Mitigation

Before paying a claim, we plan to review the loan and servicing files to determine the appropriateness of the claim amount.  
Our master policy provides that we can reduce or deny a claim if the servicer did not comply with its obligations required by our 
policy, including the requirement to mitigate our loss by performing reasonable loss mitigation efforts or, for example, diligently 
pursuing a foreclosure or bankruptcy relief in a timely manner.  We call such reduction of claims submitted to us “curtailments.”  In 
addition, the claims submitted to us sometimes include costs and expenses not covered by our insurance policies, such as mortgage 
insurance premiums, hazard insurance premiums for periods after the claim date and losses resulting from property damage that has 
not been repaired. These other adjustments are expected to reduce claim amounts by less than the amount of curtailments.

Under our master policies, insureds, typically through their servicers, must obtain prior approval from NMIC before agreeing 
to  execute  a  deed-in-lieu  of  foreclosure,  third-party  pre-foreclosure  sale  or  loan  modification.    Our  right  to  pre-approve  these 
transactions gives NMIC the ability to mitigate actual or potential loss on an insured loan by ensuring that properties are being 
marketed and sold at reasonable values and that, in the appropriate case,  borrowers are offered modified loan terms that are structured 
to help them sustain their loan payments.  Proceeds from approved third-party sales occurring before we settle a claim may be factored 
into the claim settlement and can often mitigate the claim amount we may pay.  In connection with our approval rights of a pre-
foreclosure sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transaction, our master policies also give NMIC the right to obtain a contribution from 
a borrower who has the appropriate financial capacity, either in the form of cash or a promissory note, to cover a portion of the loss. 

NMIC has agreed with Fannie Mae that Fannie Mae and its approved servicers have the right to approve, consistent with 
the terms of the delegation agreement, pre-foreclosure sales, deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure and loan modifications for all Fannie Mae 
owned loans that we insure.  Fannie Mae and its approved servicers will report all relevant information regarding these approvals 
to NMIC and proceeds from borrower contributions will be shared between Fannie Mae and us on a pro rata basis, as defined in our 
master policies.

Claim Reserves and Premium Deficiency Reserve

A significant period of time typically elapses between the time a borrower defaults on a mortgage payment, which is the 
event triggering our establishment of a claim reserve, and the eventual payment of the claim related to the uncured default.  To 
recognize the liability for unpaid claims related to outstanding reported defaults, or default inventory, we establish claim reserves in 
accordance with industry practice, representing the estimated percentage of defaults which may ultimately result in a claim, which 
is known as the claim rate, and the estimated severity of the claims which may arise from the defaults included in the default inventory.

We will also establish reserves to provide for the estimated costs of settling claims, general expenses of administering the 
claims settlement process, legal fees and other fees (“claim adjustment expenses”), and for claims and claim adjustment expenses 
from defaults that we estimate have occurred, but which have not yet been reported to us.  We refer to the latter as "IBNR" reserves.  
Consistent with industry accounting practices, NMIC does not establish claim reserves for estimated potential defaults that have not 
occurred but that may occur in the future.  For further discussion of our claim reserving policy and process, see Part II, Item  7, 

18

 
 
“Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates - Reserve 
for Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses.” 

The processes described above to calculate loss reserves and IBNR reserves are applied only to loans that have been in 
default at least 60 days.  At the end of each fiscal quarter, we also perform an analysis on our entire portfolio of insured loans, 
including performing loans, to determine if we are required to establish a premium deficiency reserve.  We would establish a premium 
deficiency reserve, if necessary, when the net present value of expected future claims and expenses exceeds the net present value of 
expected future premiums and existing reserves.  The evaluation of premium deficiency requires significant judgment by management 
and depends upon many assumptions, including assumptions regarding future macroeconomic conditions.

Reinsurance

Certain states limit the amount of risk a mortgage insurer may retain on a single loan to 25% of the borrower's indebtedness 
and as a result the portion of such insurance in excess of 25% must be reinsured.  NMIC uses reinsurance provided by Re One solely 
for purposes of compliance with statutory coverage limits.  Although we have no current plans to use reinsurance from unaffiliated 
third-party reinsurers, we may choose to purchase reinsurance coverage in the future to help manage certain risk exposures and as 
part of our capital management strategy.  Under the terms of the GSE Approvals, if we choose to use third-party reinsurance during 
the first three years from the date of the GSE Approvals, we are required to obtain the GSEs' prior written consent, and subsequent 
to the three year period from GSE Approval, may enter into reinsurance arrangements as long as they meet the then applicable GSE 
Eligibility Requirements. 

Information Technology Platform 

We are currently underwriting and servicing loans within our proprietary insurance management platform.  Additionally, 
we have invested in our infrastructure and technology through the acquisition, development and implementation of what we believe 
is an efficient, scalable platform that supports our current business activities and enables significant future growth. 

We utilize and develop technology to support future growth while realizing current operating efficiencies throughout our 
enterprise.  We adopted a technology strategy that utilizes major hardware, software and service providers with substantial industry 
experience and expertise.  As part of that strategy, we outsource many of our major information technology functions, including;

• 

• 

• 

• 

the development and maintenance of our enterprise technology platform; 

data center hosting, management, monitoring and support (SSAE 16 Type 1 compliant);

email and workforce collaboration; and

 human resource systems.  

This strategic approach enables our management and personnel resources to focus on customer-facing and forward looking 

enhancements rather than on system operations.  

Our IT systems architecture strategy incorporates Cloud (systems connected via the Internet) and Software as a Service 
(“SaaS”) technology in a number of areas to provide scalability and flexibility.  We believe this strategy facilitates access for our 
lender customers and enables our employees to work remotely in a secure manner.

We employ and support the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (“MISMO”) standard.  This is the 
standard data format used by the MI industry for data consistency throughout the systems process.  Our ongoing systems integrations 
with lenders and other business constituencies, such as servicers, are streamlined as a result of our application of the MISMO standard.  
As part of our underwriting process, we capture data from each mortgage insurance application, providing us with information for 
evaluating risk, back-testing expected performance and analyzing default patterns.

One of the most important components of our information technology platform is our insurance management system, which 
we refer to as AXIS.  We will continue to invest  resources, as necessary, to develop, enhance and maintain  AXIS to support our MI 
operations.   See Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Overview 
- Start-up Operations - Development of Our Insurance Management System ("AXIS") and Integration with Loan Origination Systems" 
for a discussion of the development of AXIS.

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Portfolio

Our investment portfolio and cash and cash equivalents are split between us and our insurance subsidiaries.  We contributed 
$220 million of cash to our insurance subsidiaries, primarily to NMIC, in June 2012.  We plan to retain the balance of our cash and 
investments at the holding company until needed to further capitalize our insurance subsidiaries.  We expect to diversify our portfolio 
across corporate, government and taxable municipal securities of various durations to attempt to minimize the risk of loss resulting 
from over concentration of assets in specific sectors or securities.  Diversification strategies are periodically reviewed. While our 
portfolio is managed day-to-day by a third-party investment management company, we maintain overall control over investment 
decisions based on our investment policies. Our third-party investment management company is Wells Capital Management, Inc.

Our investment policies and guidelines conform to the Wisconsin Administrative Code 6.20(5), which imposes investment 
restrictions on NMIC for the first five years from issuance of its certificate of authority, which occurred in 2009.  Additionally, all 
securities in the portfolio must be U.S. dollar-denominated and have the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") 
'1' or '2' designation or investment grade rating by Moody's, Standard & Poor's or Fitch at time of purchase.  Our investment policies 
and strategies are subject to change depending upon regulatory, economic and market conditions and our existing or anticipated 
financial condition and operating requirements, including our tax position.

Consistent with Wisconsin law, our investment policies emphasize preservation of capital, as well as total return. Based on 
our guidelines, our current investment portfolio is comprised entirely of cash and cash equivalents and fixed-income securities, all 
of which are investment grade and rated “A-” or higher. Our policy guidelines contain limits on the amount of credit exposure to 
any one issue, issuer and type of instrument.  We expect to preserve the liquidity of our portfolio through diversification and investment 
in publicly traded securities. We plan to maintain a level of liquidity commensurate with our perceived business outlook and the 
expected timing, direction and degree of changes in interest rates.

20

 
REGULATION

U.S. Mortgage Insurance Laws

GSE Qualified Mortgage Insurer Requirements

Pursuant to their charters, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchase residential mortgage loans insured by entities that they 
determine to be qualified MI companies.  Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have published comprehensive requirements to become 
and remain a qualified mortgage insurer (the “Eligibility Requirements”).  In light of the severe housing and economic downturn 
that began in mid-2007 and the resulting adverse impact to the MI industry, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac believed it was 
necessary to revise the Eligibility Requirements.  Fannie Mae issued new draft requirements dated August 5, 2010 and Freddie Mac 
issued new draft requirements dated June 30, 2010.  Freddie Mac subsequently issued revised draft eligibility requirements dated 
February 2011.  These draft requirements have not yet been finalized, however the FHFA, as regulator and conservator of the GSEs, 
has announced an intent to achieve uniformity of these requirements among the GSEs and to finalize these requirements in the near 
term future.

In addition to the Eligibility Requirements, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed capitalization, operational and 
reporting conditions in connection with their January 2013 approvals of NMIC as a qualified mortgage insurer.  Some of these 
conditions remain in effect for a three (3) year period from the date of GSE Approval while others do not expressly expire.  These 
conditions require, among other things, that NMIC:

• 

be initially capitalized in the amount of $200 million and that its affiliate reinsurance companies, Re One and Re Two 
(merged in 2013), be initially capitalized in the amount of $10 million each;

•  maintain minimum capital of $150 million;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

operate at a risk-to-capital ratio not to exceed 15:1 for its first three (3) years and then pursuant to the Eligibility Requirements;

insure only (i) GSE-eligible loans or (ii) loans that are GSE-eligible, other than as related to loan amount subject to additional 
portfolio limitation requirements;

obtain prior written approval to enter into any transaction involving the issuance of insurance on other than an individual 
loan “flow” basis;

have and maintain a fully operational business and technology platform;

not declare or pay dividends to affiliates or to NMIH for its first three (3) years, then in conformance with the Eligibility 
Requirements;

not enter into capital support agreements or guarantees for the benefit of, or purchase or otherwise invest in the debt of, 
affiliates without the prior written approval of the GSEs for its first three (3) years, then in conformance with the Eligibility 
Requirements;

not invest in or make loans to affiliates for its first three (3) years, then in conformance with the Eligibility Requirements;

not enter into reinsurance or other risk share arrangements without the GSEs' prior written approval for its first three (3) 
years, then in conformance with the Eligibility Requirements; and

• 

at the direction of one or both of the GSEs, re-domicile from Wisconsin to another state.

The conditional approvals also include certain additional conditions, limitations and reporting requirements that we anticipate 
will be included in the final Eligibility Requirements, such as limits on costs allocated to NMIC under affiliate expense sharing 
arrangements, risk concentration, rates of return, requirements to obtain a financial strength rating, provision of ancillary services 
(i.e., non-insurance) to customers, transfers of underwriting to affiliates, notification requirements regarding change of ownership 
and new five percent (5%) shareholders, provisions regarding underwriting policies and claims processing as well as certain other 
obligations.

State Insurance Regulation

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to comprehensive, detailed regulation both by our domiciliary and primary regulator, 
the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance ("Wisconsin OCI") and by state insurance departments in each state in which 
they are licensed.  As mandated by state insurance laws, mortgage insurers are generally single-line companies restricted to writing 
only MI business.  These regulations are principally designed for the protection of our insured policyholders rather than for the 

21

 
benefit of investors.  Although their scope varies, state insurance laws generally grant broad supervisory powers to insurance regulatory 
officials to examine insurance companies and interpret and/or enforce rules or exercise discretion affecting almost every significant 
aspect of the insurance business.

In general, state insurance regulation of our subsidiaries' businesses relates to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

licenses to transact business; 

policy forms;

premium rates;

insurable loans;

annual and other reports on our financial condition; 

the basis upon which assets and liabilities must be stated; 

requirements regarding loss, unearned premium and contingency reserves; 

•  minimum capital levels and adequacy ratios; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

affiliate transactions;

reinsurance requirements; 

limitations on the types of investment instruments which may be held in an investment portfolio; 

the size of risks and limits on coverage of individual risks which may be insured;

special deposits of securities; 

limits on dividends payable;

claims handling; and

conformance with the operating plan filed with each licensing state, unless modified by an approved amendment. 

State insurance receivership law, not federal bankruptcy law, would govern any insolvency or financially hazardous condition 
of our insurance subsidiaries.  The Wisconsin OCI has substantial authority to issue orders or seek and control a state insurance 
receivership proceeding to address the insolvency or a financially hazardous condition of an insurance company that it regulates.  
Under Wisconsin law, the Wisconsin OCI has substantial flexibility to restructure an insurance company in a receivership proceeding. 
Under Wisconsin law, the OCI is obligated to optimize the value of an insolvent insurer's estate for the benefit of its policyholders, 
whose claims are prioritized relative to the claims of shareholders. 

As an insurance holding company, we are registered with the Wisconsin OCI, the domiciliary state of NMIC and Re One, 
and must provide certain information to the Wisconsin OCI on an ongoing basis including insurance holding company annual audited 
consolidated financial statements.  We, as an insurance holding company, and each of our affiliates, are prohibited from engaging in 
certain  transactions  with  our  insurance  subsidiaries  without  submission  to,  and  in  some  instances,  prior  approval  by  applicable 
insurance departments. Like most states, Wisconsin regulates transactions between domestic insurance companies and their parents 
or affiliates.  Under Wisconsin law, all transactions involving us, or an affiliate, and an insurance subsidiary, must conform to certain 
standards including that the transaction is “reasonable and fair” to the insurance subsidiary.  Wisconsin law also provides that reports 
of certain transactions must be filed with the Wisconsin OCI at least 30 days before the transaction is entered into and that these 
transactions may be disapproved by Wisconsin OCI within that period.

Wisconsin's insurance regulations generally provide that no person may merge with or acquire control (which is defined as 
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether 
through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, by common management or otherwise) of us or our insurance subsidiaries 
unless the merger or transaction in which control is acquired has been approved by the Wisconsin OCI. Wisconsin law provides for 
a rebuttable presumption of control when a person owns or has the right to vote, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the voting 
securities  of  a  company.  Pursuant  to  applicable  Wisconsin  regulations,  voting  securities  include  securities  convertible  into  or 
evidencing the right to acquire securities with the right to vote.  For purposes of determining whether control exists, the Wisconsin 
OCI may aggregate the direct or indirect ownership of us by entities under common control with one another.  Accordingly, any 
investor that may be deemed to own 10% or more of our common stock or other securities that are considered to be voting securities, 
whether separately or through the aggregation of its ownership with that of its affiliates or other third parties whose holdings are 
required to be aggregated, should consult with its legal advisors to ensure that it complies with applicable requirements of Wisconsin 

22

law.  In addition, the insurance regulations of certain states require prior notification to the state's insurance department before a 
person acquires control of an insurance company licensed in such state.  An insurance company's licenses to conduct business in 
those states could be affected by any such change in control.  As of the date of this report, we are aware of one stockholder that owns 
more  than 10%  of  our  shares of  common  stock.  This  stockholder  has  filed a  disclaimer of  control  with the Wisconsin  OCI  in 
connection therewith, which the Wisconsin OCI has not disapproved.

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to Wisconsin statutory requirements as to maintenance of policyholders' surplus and 
payment of dividends.  The maximum amount of dividends that the insurance subsidiaries may pay in any 12-month period without 
approval by the Wisconsin OCI is the lesser of adjusted statutory net income or 10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the 
preceding calendar year end.  Adjusted statutory net income is defined for this purpose to be the greater of the following: 

a.  The net income of the insurer for the calendar year preceding the date of the dividend or distribution, minus realized capital 

gains for that calendar year; or 

b.  The aggregate of the net income of the insurer for the 3 calendar years preceding the date of the dividend or distribution, 
minus realized capital gains for those calendar years and minus dividends paid or credited and distributions made within 
the first 2 of the preceding 3 calendar years. 

Also under Wisconsin law our insurance subsidiaries may not pay any dividend or distribution before providing at least 30 
days'  notice  to  the  Wisconsin  OCI,  unless,  with  respect  to  non-extraordinary  dividends,  the  exception  of  Section  617.22(3)  is 
applicable.  Wisconsin law prohibits our insurance subsidiaries from paying any dividend or distribution unless it is fair and reasonable 
to the insurance subsidiary.  In addition to Wisconsin, other states may limit or restrict our insurance subsidiaries' ability to pay 
stockholder dividends.  For example, California and New York prohibit mortgage insurers licensed in such states from declaring 
dividends except from undivided profits remaining above the aggregate of their paid-in capital, paid-in surplus and contingency 
reserves.  In addition, it is possible that Wisconsin will adopt revised statutory provisions or interpretations of existing statutory 
provisions that will be more or less restrictive than those described above or will otherwise take actions that may further restrict the 
ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions or returns of capital.

Wisconsin law imposes certain additional restrictions on our insurance subsidiaries for the first 5 years after the dates of 

issuance of their certificates of authority, including:

•  The insurance subsidiaries must give the Wisconsin OCI up to 90 days', rather than 30 days', notice of a proposed 

dividend.

•  The insurance subsidiaries must give the Wisconsin OCI up to 60 days' notice of any proposed substantive change 
in their business plans.  The Wisconsin OCI may disapprove the proposed changes, and the insurance subsidiaries 
must conform at all times to their filed business plans.

•  The insurance subsidiaries' directors and officers may be disapproved by the Wisconsin OCI.

•  The insurance subsidiaries' investments are restricted unless otherwise approved by the Wisconsin OCI.

We believe that we are in compliance with these requirements.

MI companies licensed in Wisconsin are required to establish contingency loss reserves for purposes of statutory accounting, 
with annual contributions equal to the greater of (i) 50% of net earned premiums or (ii) minimum policyholders’ position divided 
by seven. These amounts cannot be withdrawn for a period of 10 years, except as permitted by insurance regulations. With prior 
approval from the Wisconsin OCI, an MI company may make early withdrawals from the contingency reserve when incurred losses 
exceed 35% of net premiums earned in a calendar year.

Under applicable Wisconsin law, as well as that of 15 other states, a mortgage insurer must maintain a minimum amount 
of statutory capital relative to the risk in force in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write new business.  We refer to these 
requirements as the "risk-to-capital requirement".  While formulations of minimum capital may vary in certain jurisdictions, the most 
common measure applied allows for a maximum permitted risk-to-capital ratio of 25 to 1. Wisconsin has formula-based limits that 
typically result in limits slightly higher than the 25 to 1 ratio.  In its agreement with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, 
NMIH agreed, consistent with the conditions of the GSE Approval, to downstream additional capital from time to time, as needed, 
to maintain NMIC's risk-to-capital ratio at or below 15 to 1.  Our operation plan filed with the Wisconsin OCI and other state insurance 
departments in connection with NMIC's applications for licensure includes the expectation that NMIH will downstream additional 
capital if needed so that NMIC does not exceed an 18 to 1 risk-to-capital ratio.  We may in the future seek state insurance department 
approvals, as needed, of an amendment to NMIC's business plan to increase the permitted ratio to the Wisconsin regulatory maximum 
of 25 to 1.  If one or more states do not approve the change in our plan of operation, we may be at a competitive disadvantage 
compared to other MI companies that are not limited to these lower maximum risk-to-capital ratio requirements. 

23

We compute our risk-to-capital ratio on a separate company statutory basis, as well as for our combined insurance operations.  
The risk-to-capital ratio is our net risk in force divided by our statutory capital.  Our net risk in force includes both primary and pool 
risk in force, and excludes risk on policies that are currently in default and for which loss reserves have been established. The net 
risk in force includes direct and assumed risk, less risk ceded and less risk already reserved.  Wisconsin requires a mortgage  insurer 
to maintain a "minimum policyholders' position" as calculated in accordance with the applicable regulations.  Policyholders' position, 
which is also known as statutory capital, is the sum of statutory policyholders' surplus (which increases as a result of statutory net 
income and contributions and decreases as a result of statutory net loss and dividends paid), and the statutory contingency reserve.  
Under  statutory accounting rules,  the contingency reserve is  reported as  a  liability on  the statutory  balance sheet; however, for 
purposes of statutory capital and risk-to-capital ratio calculations, it is included as a capital component.

Most states, including Wisconsin, have anti-inducement and anti-rebate laws applicable to mortgage insurers, which prohibit 
mortgage insurers from inducing lenders to enter into insurance contracts by offering benefits not specified in the policy, including 
rebates  of  insurance  premiums.    For  example,  Wisconsin  prohibits  a  mortgage  insurer  from  allowing  any  commission,  fee, 
remuneration, or other compensation to be paid to, or received by, any insured lender, including any subsidiary or affiliate, officer, 
director, or employee of any insured, any member of their immediate family, any corporation, partnership, trust, trade association in 
which any insured is a member, or other entity in which any insured or any such officer, director, or employee or any member of 
their immediate family has a financial interest.

MI premium rates are also subject to state regulation to protect policyholders against the adverse effects of excessive, 
inadequate or unfairly discriminatory rates and to encourage competition in the insurance marketplace.  Any increase in premium 
rates must be justified, generally on the basis of the insurer's loss experience, expenses and future trend analysis.  The general mortgage 
default experience may also be considered.  Premium rates are subject to review and challenge by state regulators.

Statutory Accounting

The statutory financial statements of NMIC are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by 

the Wisconsin OCI.

The Wisconsin OCI recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Wisconsin for 
determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company and for determining its solvency 
under the Wisconsin Insurance Statutes.  The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (“NAIC”) Accounting Practices 
and Procedures manual, in the version currently in effect, (“NAIC SAP”) has been adopted as a component of prescribed or permitted 
practices by the State of Wisconsin.  The state has adopted certain prescribed accounting practices that differ from those found in 
NAIC SAP.  Specifically, Wisconsin domiciled companies record changes in the contingency reserve through the income statement 
as an underwriting deduction.  In NAIC SAP, changes in the contingency reserve are recorded directly to unassigned surplus.

The Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance has the right to permit other specific practices that deviate from prescribed 

practices.

A reconciliation of net income and capital and surplus between NAIC SAP and practices prescribed and permitted by the 

State of Wisconsin is shown below:

National Mortgage Insurance Corporation

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

NET LOSS

(1) State basis (Page 4, Line 20, Columns 1 & 3)

(2) State Prescribed Practices that increase/(decrease) NAIC SAP

Change in contingency reserves

(3) NAIC SAP (1 - 2 = 3)

SURPLUS

(4) State basis (Page 3, Line 37, Columns 1 & 2)

(5) State Prescribed Practices that increase/(decrease) NAIC SAP

(6) NAIC SAP (4 - 5 = 6)

$

$

$

$

(In Thousands)

(32,695) $

(1,740)
(30,955) $

18

—

18

180,310

—

180,310

$

$

210,004

—

210,004

The statutory basis statements of our insurance subsidiaries determine those subsidiaries' ability to make dividend payments 

to our holding company, NMIH.

24

 
 
 
 
 
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  Statutory  Accounting Principles  requires  management  
to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the reported amounts of assets and liabilities.  It also requires disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the 
period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Combined Statutory Balances

Net Loss

Surplus (Deficit)

Contingency Reserve

Year ended December 31, 2013

Year ended December 31, 2012

$

Period from May 19, 2011 to December 31, 2011

Licensing Process Overview

(33,307) $
(18)
(598)

(In Thousands)

189,698 $

220,004
(1,450)

2,314

—

—

NMIC requires a certificate of authority, or insurance license, in each state or jurisdiction in which it issues insurance 
policies.   As discussed below in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations - Start-up Operations - State Licensing", NMIC is currently licensed in 49 states and D.C., and it has not yet received a 
certificate of authority in Wyoming.

Other U.S. Regulation

Certain federal laws directly affect private mortgage insurers.  Private mortgage insurers are also impacted indirectly by 
federal legislation and regulation affecting mortgage originators and lenders, purchasers of mortgage loans, such as the GSEs, and 
governmental insurers such as the FHA and VA.  For example, changes in federal housing legislation and other laws and regulations 
may affect the demand for MI and therefore may have a material effect on our business.  As discussed below, since the GSEs were 
placed into the conservatorship of the FHFA in 2008, there has been ongoing policy debate regarding the roles of the GSEs, the 
government and private capital in the U.S. housing finance system, and legislation has been proposed in both the House and Senate 
that if enacted would have differing impacts on the current role of mortgage insurance as credit enhancement.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 amended certain provisions of the 
Truth In Lending Act ("TILA"), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the "Exchange Act") that may have a significant impact on our business prospects.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 
("CFPB"), a Federal agency created by the Dodd-Frank Act, is charged with implementation and enforcement of these provisions.  
In 2013, the CFPB published its final ability to repay rule defining Qualified Mortgages (QM) which went into effect in January 
2014,  and Federal Banking Regulators are in the process of finalizing a rule on Qualified Residential Mortgages (QRM), both of 
which are discussed further below.  In 2013, the CFPB also published residential mortgage servicing rules providing amendments 
to Regulation Z (TILA) and Regulation X (RESPA).

We believe that a strong, viable private MI market is a critical component of the U.S. housing finance system. Mortgage 
insurance provides private capital to mitigate mortgage credit risk within the system, supports increased levels of homeownership, 
offers  liquidity  and  process  efficiencies  for  lenders,  and  provides  consumers  with  lower-cost  products  and  increased  choice  of 
mortgage and homeownership options. We meet frequently with regulatory agencies, including our state insurance regulators and 
the FHFA, the GSEs, our customers and other industry participants to promote the role and value of private mortgage insurance and 
exchange views on the U.S. housing finance system.  We believe we have a good relationship with our domiciliary regulator and 
often share our views on current matters regarding the MI industry.  We actively participate in industry discussions regarding potential 
changes to the MI regulatory environment.  We intend to continue to promote legislative and regulatory policies that support a viable 
and competitive private MI industry and a well-functioning U.S. housing finance system.

We are further impacted by broader regulation of residential mortgage transactions.  Mortgage origination and servicing 
transactions are subject to compliance with various federal and state consumer protection laws, including RESPA, the Equal Credit 
Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the TILA, the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998, the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970 
(“FCRA”), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and others.  Among other things, these laws and their implementing regulations 
prohibit payments for referrals of settlement service business, require fairness and non-discrimination in granting or facilitating the 
granting of credit and insurance, govern the circumstances under which companies may obtain and use consumer credit information, 
establish  standards  for  cancellation  of  borrower-paid  mortgage  insurance,  define  the  manner  in  which  companies  may  pursue 
collection activities, require disclosures of the cost of credit and provide for other consumer protections.  The application of certain 
of these laws may depend on whether charges for mortgage insurance are included in determining whether the loan charges exceed 
a specified level that triggers application of the consumer protections.

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
Housing Finance Reform

Since the GSEs were placed into the conservatorship of the FHFA in 2008, there has been ongoing policy debate regarding 
the roles of the GSEs, the Federal government and private capital in the U.S. housing finance system.  The Federal government 
currently plays a dominant role in the U.S. housing finance system through the GSEs and the FHA, VA and Ginnie Mae.  There is 
broad policy consensus toward the need for private capital to play a larger role and government credit risk to be reduced.  However, 
to date there has been a lack of consensus with regard to the specific changes necessary to return a larger role for private capital and 
how small the eventual role of government should become.  The placement of the GSEs into the conservatorship of the FHFA has 
increased the likelihood that the U.S. Congress will act to address the role and purpose of the GSEs in the U.S. housing market and 
potentially legislate structural and other changes to the GSEs and the functioning of the secondary mortgage market.  Such changes, 
if they come to pass, could have a profound impact on our business.

In February 2011, the U.S. Department of the Treasury reported its recommendations regarding options for ending the 
conservatorship of the GSEs, and while the Treasury's recommendations do not provide any definitive timeline for GSE reform, the 
recommendations include substantially reducing the government's footprint in housing finance.   With respect to long-term reform, 
the Treasury's proposal outlined three options for a future housing finance system, each of which differs in both the structure and 
scale of the Federal government's future role:

•  Recommendation  One:  Privatized  system  of  housing  finance  with  the  Federal  government's  role  limited  to  providing 
assistance for narrowly targeted groups of borrowers, leaving the vast majority of the mortgage market to the private sector; 

•  Recommendation Two:  Similar to One, but with ability for the Federal government to scale up to a larger share of the 

market if private capital withdraws in times of financial stress; and

•  Recommendation Three:  Similar to Two, but with assistance to low- and moderate-income borrowers and with the Federal 
government providing catastrophic reinsurance behind private capital for securities of a targeted range of mortgages.

          Since  2011,  there  have  been  numerous  legislative  proposals  that  are  premised  on  a  Recommendation Three  model,  with 
government providing a backstop or guarantee for mortgage-backed securities for some portion of the market and are intended to 
wind down the GSEs in a piecemeal fashion.  In addition, there were several broader, comprehensive housing finance reform proposals 
introduced in Congress, which have been designed to eliminate the GSEs, while replacing them with a new mortgage financing 
system.  The proposals vary greatly with regard to the government's role in the housing market, and more specifically, with regard 
to the existence of an explicit or implicit government guarantee.  Under a Recommendation Three model, MI could have a role in 
providing private capital to reduce taxpayer credit risk where government provides a backstop or guarantee.

Several proposals have been and are currently being considered by Congress.  On July 24, 2013, the House Financial Services 
Committee passed H.R. 2767, "The Protecting American Taxpayers and Homeowners Act of 2013" (the "PATH Act"), a comprehensive 
secondary market reform plan similar to Recommendation One including a very limited risk-bearing role for government and winding 
down of the GSEs, as well as extensive reforms to the FHA.  Legislation in the Senate is likely to be influenced by, among other 
things, proposed bipartisan legislation co-authored by Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Mark Warner (D-VA), titled S. 1217, "The 
Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act" (the "Corker-Warner Bill").  The Corker-Warner Bill sets a framework for 
GSE and secondary market reform that includes winding down the GSEs over a five year period and the creation of a new entity, 
the  Federal  Mortgage  Insurance  Corporation,  or  FMIC,  as  a  successor  to  FHFA  with  responsibility  for  running  a  catastrophic 
government insurance fund for certain mortgage-backed securities and regulating the operation of the secondary market.  Among its 
provisions, properly underwritten mortgages meeting certain conditions, including private mortgage insurance on loans with LTVs 
in excess of 80%, will be eligible to be securitized with the catastrophic government guarantee provided by FMIC.  On March 11, 
2014, the leaders of the Senate Banking Committee, Senators Tim Johnson and Mike Crapo, outlined plans for legislation that they 
intend to introduce "in the coming" days" to wind down the GSEs.  Under the proposal, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be 
wound down and replaced with a new government reinsurer called the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation ("FMIC"), which 
would provide assistance only after private creditors had taken a hit.  The plan anticipates that the FMIC would be financed by fees 
on lenders who want the government backstop.  The prospects for passage of housing finance and GSE reform legislation continue 
to remain uncertain in both the House and Senate.

During  the  third  fiscal  quarter  of  2013,  President  Obama  publicly  addressed  housing  finance  and,  among  other 
announcements, issued a set of core principles for housing finance reform which endorsed a Recommendation Three model intended 
to ensure widespread and consistent access to 30-year fixed rate mortgages as the role of the GSEs is eventually transitioned out of 
the housing finance system. The Obama Administration also endorsed intermediate steps to transition to a new housing finance 
system, including systematically reducing the government's credit risk exposure at the GSEs through two key approaches, (i) a capital 
markets approach in which private investors take on the risk of the portfolio's first losses, and (ii) an insurance approach in which 
well capitalized and regulated private institutions insure a portfolio of mortgages against default and collect insurance premiums.

26

 
 
 
 
FHA Reform

We compete with the single-family mortgage insurance programs of the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA"), which 
is part of HUD.  The FHA's role in the mortgage insurance industry is also significantly dependent upon regulatory developments.   
In 2012, an FHA reform bill, H.R. 4264 "The FHA Emergency Fiscal Solvency Act of 2012," passed the House of Representatives 
and came close to passage in the Senate.  In July 2013, the House Financial Services Committee passed the PATH Act, which contains 
among its provisions extensive reforms to the FHA, including an increase to the minimum capital reserve ratio to 4%, a 5% minimum 
borrower down payment, mandated minimum premiums and increased ability to change premiums, increased authority for the FHA 
to seek indemnification from lenders for improperly originated loans and requires the implementation of loan level risk sharing 
agreements. In addition, on July 31, 2013, the Senate Banking Committee passed S. 1376 "The FHA Solvency Act of 2013," which 
among other changes, raises the minimum capital reserve ratio to 3%, sets certain minimum and maximum premiums and grants 
authority for higher premiums than currently permitted, and strengthens the authority of the FHA to seek indemnifications from 
lenders for improperly originated loans. Despite areas of similarity, such as provisions to strengthen the solvency of the FHA Mutual 
Mortgage Insurance Fund’s (“MMIF”), there are significant differences between the PATH Act and the FHA Solvency Act of 2013.  
Each year, FHA is required to perform an actuarial projection on its insurance portfolio and report the results to Congress.  On 
December 13, 2013, HUD made a report to Congress that the FHA’s MMIF's net worth improved from last year’s estimate, from 
negative $16.3 billion to negative $1.3 billion.  In addition, HUD reported that the MMIF's capital ratio is -0.11% but is expected to 
return to a required capital reserve ratio of 2% by 2015, 2 years sooner than earlier projections.  Although the MMIF's outlook has 
improved considerably, Congress will continue to consider legislation to reform the FHA.  The prospects for passage of FHA reform 
legislation in either the House or Senate, and how differences in proposed reforms between the House and Senate might be resolved 
in any final legislation, remain uncertain.  If FHA reform were to raise FHA premiums, tighten FHA credit guidelines, make other 
changes which make lender use of the FHA less attractive, or implement credit risk sharing between the FHA and private mortgage 
insurers, these changes may be beneficial to our business.  However, there can be no assurance that any FHA reform legislation will 
be enacted into law, and what provisions may be contained in final legislation, if any. 

Qualified Mortgage Regulations

The Dodd-Frank Act contains the ability to repay ("ATR") mortgage provisions, which govern the obligation of lenders to 
determine the borrower's ability to pay when originating a mortgage loan.  The CFPB issued final ATR regulations on January 10, 
2013 and amendments on May 29, 2013, July 10, 2013 and September 13, 2013 implementing detailed requirements on how lenders 
must establish a borrower's ability to repay a covered mortgage loan.  The ATR rule went into effect on January 10, 2014.  A subset 
of mortgages within the ATR rule is known as a "qualified mortgage" ("QM").  For a mortgage loan to be a QM, the rule first prohibits 
certain loan features, such as negative amortization, points and fees in excess of 3% of the loan amount, and terms exceeding 30 
years.  The rule also establishes underwriting criteria for QMs including that a borrower must have a total debt-to-income ratio of 
less than or equal to 43%.  The ATR rule provides that a covered first mortgage loan meeting the QM definition bearing an annual 
percentage rate no greater than 1.5% plus a prevailing market rate is regarded as complying with ATR requirements, while if a loan 
bears an annual percentage rate of greater than 1.5% plus a prevailing market rate, it will carry a rebuttable presumption of compliance 
with the ATR rule.  QMs under the rule benefit from a statutory presumption of compliance with the ATR rule, thus potentially 
mitigating the risk of the liability of the creditor and assignees of the loan under TILA.  Because of the QM evidentiary standards 
for proof of compliance, we anticipate that most loans originated after the ATR rule goes into effect will be QMs.

The rule also provides a temporary category of QMs that have more flexible underwriting requirements so long as they 
satisfy the general product feature requirements of QMs and so long as they meet the underwriting requirements of the GSEs or those 
of HUD, Department of Veterans Affairs or Rural Housing Service (collectively, “Other Federal Agencies”).  The temporary category 
of QMs that meet the underwriting requirements of the GSEs will phase out upon the earlier to occur of the end of conservatorship 
of the GSEs or January 10, 2021.  The rules for the Other Federal Agencies will terminate when they issue their own qualified 
mortgage rules, respectively.  On December 11, 2013, HUD announced its own final rule defining a "Qualified Mortgage" that would 
be insured, guaranteed or administered by FHA, which went into effect on January 10, 2014.  HUD's Qualified Mortgage definition 
is less restrictive than the CFPB's definition in certain respects, including that (i) it has no borrower DTI limit, and (ii) it has a higher 
pricing threshold for loans to fall into the "safe harbor" category of QM loans rather than the "rebuttable presumption" category of 
QM loans.  We expect that most lenders will be reluctant to make loans that do not qualify as QMs because absent full compliance 
with the ATR rule, such loans will not be entitled to a "safe-harbor" presumption of compliance with the ability-to-pay requirements.

The ATR regulation may impact the mortgage insurance industry in several ways.  First, the ATR regulation will have a 
direct impact on establishing a subset of borrowers who can meet the regulatory QM standards and will have a direct effect on the 
size of the mortgage market in any given year once the regulations become effective.  Second, under the ATR regulation, if the lender 
requires the borrower to purchase MI, then the MI premiums are included in monthly mortgage costs in determining the borrower's 
ability to repay the loan.  The demand for MI may decrease if, and to the extent that, monthly MI premiums make it less likely that 
a loan will qualify for QM status, especially if MI alternatives, such as piggy-back loans, are relatively less expensive than MI.

27

 
 
 
 
Third, under the ATR regulation, mortgage insurance premiums that are payable at or prior to consummation of the loan 
are includible in points and fees for purposes of determining QM status unless, and to the extent that, such up-front premiums (“UFP”) 
are (i) less than or equal to the UFP charged by the FHA, and (ii) are automatically refundable on a pro rata basis upon satisfaction 
of the loan.  (The FHA currently charges UFP of 1.75% on all residential mortgage loans, but it has the authority to change its UFP 
from time to time.)  As inclusion of MI premiums towards the 3% cap will reduce the capacity for other points and fees in covered 
transactions,  mortgage  originators  will  be  less  likely  to  purchase  single  premium  MI  products  to  the  extent  that  the  associated 
premiums are deemed to be points and fees.  As a result, we believe that the ATR rule may increase demand for monthly and annual 
MI products relative to single premium products.

Qualified Residential Mortgage Regulations

The Dodd-Frank Act generally requires an issuer of an asset-backed security or a person who organizes and initiates an 
asset-backed transaction (a “securitizer”) to retain at least 5% of the risk associated with securitized mortgage loans, although in 
some cases the retained risk may be allocated between the securitizer and the mortgage originator.  This risk retention requirement 
does not apply to mortgage loans that are Qualified Residential Mortgages (“QRMs”) or that are insured by the FHA or another 
federal agency.  By exempting QRMs from the risk-retention requirement, the cost of securitizing these mortgages would be reduced, 
thus providing a market incentive for the origination of loans that are exempt from the risk-retention requirement.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires certain federal regulators, including the SEC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 
("FDIC"), the OCC and (as to residential mortgage transactions) HUD and FHFA, to promulgate regulations providing for minimum 
credit risk-retention requirements in securitizations of residential mortgage loans that do not meet the definition of QRM.  In March 
2011, federal regulators issued the proposed credit risk retention rule, which the regulators re-proposed with certain revisions on 
August 28, 2013.  The initial proposed rule suggested a maximum LTV of 80% in purchase transactions, 75% in rate and term 
refinance transactions, and 70% in cash-out refinancings, along with other restrictions such as limits on a borrower's debt-to-income 
ratio.  The suggested LTV figures did not give consideration to MI in computing LTV.  According to the re-proposal, the majority 
of  commenters,  including  securitization  sponsors,  housing  industry  groups,  mortgage  bankers,  lenders,  consumer  groups,  and 
legislators opposed the agencies' original QRM proposal, recommending instead that almost all mortgages without features such as 
negative amortization, balloon payments, or teaser rates should qualify for an exemption from risk retention.  Some commenters 
expressed support for additional factors, such as less stringent LTV restrictions and reliance on MI for high-LTV loans.  The re-
proposed rule did not carry forward the minimum LTV requirements and other specific restrictions.  Instead, the federal regulators 
proposed that whether a particular loan transaction is a QRM, and thus not subject to the credit risk retention requirement, should 
be determined by reference to the “qualified mortgage” (QM) rule, discussed above.  That is, if a residential mortgage loan is a QM 
loan, the loan would be considered a QRM loan.  The federal regulators requested comment on whether the common definition of 
QRM should be limited to “safe harbor” QM loans or QM loans that satisfy either the “safe harbor” or “rebuttable presumption” 
QM standard.

Under this part of the re-proposed rule, because of the capital support provided by the U.S. government, the GSEs during 
their conservatorship would not be subject to the Dodd-Frank Act credit risk retention requirements.  Changes in the conservatorship 
status of the GSEs or capital support provided to the GSEs by the U.S. government could impact the manner in which the credit risk 
retention rules apply to the GSEs.  If the QRM rule is finalized in accordance with the federal regulators' re-proposal, it is difficult 
to predict the impact on the non-GSE loan securitization market and the demand for MI within this market.

The federal regulators in the re-proposal also presented an alternative approach to defining QRM, referred to as “QM plus.”  
Under this alternative, only certain types of residential mortgage loans, such as first-lien loans secured by 1-to-4 family principal 
dwelling units, could be considered QRM transactions.  To be eligible for QRM status, the loan would have to be free of certain loan 
terms and have an LTV at closing no greater than 70%.  Junior liens under the QM plus alternative would be permitted only in non-
purchase money loan transactions and if permitted, would need to be included in the 70% LTV calculation.   Under this alternative, 
mortgage insurance would not reduce the minimum LTV requirement.  In addition, loans that achieve a QM status because they meet 
the CFPB's QM requirements for GSE-eligible transactions would not be considered QRM transactions under the alternative proposal.  
Changes in final regulations regarding treatment of GSE eligible mortgage loans could impact the manner in which the credit risk 
retention rule applies to GSE securitizations.  

We, and the industry, continue to evaluate the expected impact of the re-proposed QRM rule on the MI industry, and such 
potential impact depends on, among other things, (i) the final definition of QRM and its requirements for LTV, loan features and 
debt-to-income ratio, (ii) whether the final definition will affect the size of the high-LTV mortgage market and (iii) the extent to 
which the mortgage purchase and securitization activities of the GSEs become a smaller portion of the overall mortgage finance 
market and securitizations subject to the risk retention requirements and the QRM exemption become a larger part of the mortgage 
market.

28

 
 
Basel III

In  1988,  the  Basel Committee on  Banking  Supervision  developed the  Basel Capital Accord  (“Basel I”),  which  set  out 
international benchmarks for assessing banks' capital adequacy requirements.  In June 2005, the Basel Committee issued an update 
to Basel I (as revised in November 2005, “Basel II”), which, among other factors, governs the capital treatment of MI purchased by 
domestic and international banks in respect of their origination and securitization activities.  In November 2010, the United States 
agreed to a new capital framework known as Basel III.  This new capital framework will replace the Basel II capital rules, which 
have not yet been implemented for U.S. depository institutions or holding companies.  The Basel III framework will apply to the 10 
to 12 largest U.S. banking organizations, as well as banking companies that have significant international operations.  It may also 
be imposed on non-banking financial companies that are determined by the relevant regulators to present systemic risks to the U.S. 
financial system.  The Basel III framework refines the Basel II risk-based structure by requiring the use of highly stressed scenarios 
in determining the appropriate levels of risk undertaken by banks, and it will also increase the required minimum capital ratios.  The 
Basel III framework restricts the instruments that can count toward meeting the capital requirements, placing greater emphasis on 
common equity and retained earnings.  Finally, Basel III will impose a new minimum liquidity standard on banking organizations. 

The phase in period for the Basel III regime for larger banking organizations will begin in 2014 and for community banks 
in 2015.  The final regulations increase the amount of capital and the quality of the capital required to be held by banks.  In addition, 
the capital rules will continue to risk-weight assets based on internal models that use inputs such as the probability of default and 
the bank's expected loss given a default.  The final version of the regulations continues the current treatment for the risk weighting 
of  residential mortgage  assets  and  the  treatment  of  mortgage  insurance  as  reducing  the  risk  weighting  on  mortgages  where  the 
borrower has made a down payment of less than 10% of the value of the residential property.  The draft Basel III regulations proposed 
by the regulators in 2012 would have increased the risk weightings of residential mortgage assets and did not require that MI be 
factored into the calculation of the risk weightings.  In addition, the final regulations increase the risk weighting for mortgage servicing 
assets held by banks and require the mortgage servicing assets above certain levels be deducted from the calculation of Tier I equity.  
Since most low down payment mortgages originated today are either sold to the GSEs or insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the 
VA, we cannot predict what, if any, impact to the MI industry the Basel III regulations will have.  Since a significant percentage of 
the mortgages insured by the MI industry are serviced by banks or bank-owned mortgage companies, the changes in risk weighting 
for mortgage servicing assets and the deductions from Tier I equity capital for mortgage servicing assets above certain levels could 
cause shifts in the amounts of mortgages serviced by banks and bank affiliates or subsidiaries relative to non-banking organizations.  
It is difficult to predict the impact these shifts may have on the quality of the servicing of insured mortgages or the ultimate impact 
on the MI industry.

Mortgage Servicing Rules

The Dodd-Frank Act amended and expanded upon mortgage servicing requirements under TILA and RESPA.  The CFPB 
was required to amend Regulation Z (TILA) and Regulation X (RESPA) to conform these regulations to the statutory requirements.  
The CFPB issued final regulations on January17, 2013, amendments to the final regulations on July 10, 2013 and an interim final 
rule on October 15, 2013 implementing these detailed new mortgage servicing requirements.  These rules went into effect on January 
10, 2014.  Included within these rules are new or enhanced requirements for handling escrow accounts, responding to borrower 
assertions of error and inquiries from borrower, special handling of loans that are in default, and loss mitigation in the event of 
borrower default.  A provision of the required loss mitigation procedures prohibits the loan holder or servicer from commencing 
foreclosure until 120 days after the borrower's delinquency.  Violation of the loss mitigation rules, largely mandating special notices, 
handling and processing procedures (with deadlines) based on borrower submissions, may subject the servicer to private rights of 
action under RESPA.  Such actions or threats of such actions could cause delays in and increase costs and expenses associated with 
default servicing, including foreclosure.  Complying with the new rules, especially the rules that apply to loans in default, could 
cause the servicing of mortgage loans to become more burdensome and costly than it is today.  As to servicing of mortgage loans 
covered by our insurance policies, these rules could contribute to delays in and increased costs associated with realization upon 
collateral and have an adverse impact on the cost and resolution of claims.

Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 ("HOPA")

HOPA provides for the automatic termination, or cancellation upon a borrower's request, of "borrower-paid MI", as defined 
in HOPA, upon satisfaction of certain conditions.  HOPA requires that lenders give borrowers certain notices with regard to the 
automatic termination or cancellation of borrower-paid mortgage insurance.  These provisions apply to borrower-paid MI for purchase 
money, refinance and construction loans secured by the borrower's principal dwelling.  FHA and VA loans are not covered by HOPA.  
Under HOPA, automatic termination of borrower-paid MI would generally occur when the mortgage is first scheduled to reach an 
LTV of 78% of the home's original value, assuming that the borrower is current on the required mortgage payments.  A borrower 
who has a “good payment history,” as defined by HOPA, may generally request cancellation of borrower-paid MI when the LTV is 
first scheduled to reach 80% of the home's original value or when actual payments reduce the loan balance to 80% of the home's 

29

 
 
original value, whichever occurs earlier.  If borrower-paid MI coverage is not canceled at the borrower's request or by the automatic 
termination provision, the mortgage servicer must terminate such MI coverage by the first day of the month following the date that 
is the midpoint of the loan's amortization, assuming the borrower is current on the required mortgage payments.

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974

RESPA will apply to most residential mortgages insured by us.  MI generally may be considered to be a “settlement service” 
for purposes of RESPA under applicable regulations.  Subject to limited exceptions, RESPA prohibits persons from giving or accepting 
anything of value in connection with the referral of a settlement service.  RESPA authorizes the CFPB to bring civil enforcement 
actions, and also provides for criminal penalties and private rights of action.  RESPA also affects how we structure ancillary services 
that we may provide to our customers, if any, including underwriting services and risk-share arrangements.  RESPA, in addition, 
imposes various duties and obligations on mortgage servicers.

Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975

Most originators of mortgage loans are required to collect and report data relating to a mortgage loan applicant's race, 
nationality, gender, marital status, and census tract to the CFPB under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 (“HMDA”). 
Mortgage insurers are not required pursuant to any law or regulation to report HMDA data, although, under the laws of several states, 
mortgage insurers are currently prohibited from discriminating on the basis of certain protected classifications.  Certain mortgage 
insurers have, through the former industry trade group, Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (“MICA”), entered voluntarily 
into  an  agreement  with  the  Federal  Financial Institutions  Examinations Council  to  report  the  same  data  on  loans  submitted for 
insurance as is required for most mortgage lenders under HMDA.  Although not a signatory to the agreement, NMIC intends to 
comply with its terms in the future.

SAFE Act (Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing)

As  part  of  transfer  of  authority  under  the  Dodd-Frank Act,  the  CFPB  became  responsible  for  federal  jurisdiction  over 
mortgage loan originators.  The CFPB exercised its rulemaking authority over depositories and non-depositories under the Secure 
and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, or SAFE Act by promulgating Regulation G and Regulation H, respectively, 
on December 19, 2011.  The CFPB set forth minimum qualifications requirements for loan originators as part of the Regulation Z 
loan originator compensation rule issued on January 20, 2013.  The SAFE Act requires mortgage loan originators to be licensed and/
or registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (the "Registry").  The Registry is a database established 
by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators.  Among other things, 
the  database  was  established  to  support  the  licensing  of  mortgage  loan  originators  by  each  state.   As  part  of  this  licensing  and 
registration process, loan originators who are employees of institutions other than depository institutions or certain of their subsidiaries 
that are regulated by a Federal banking agency, must generally be licensed under the SAFE Act guidelines enacted by each state in 
which they engage in loan originator activities and registered with the Registry.  The SAFE Act generally prohibits employees of a 
depository  institution  (including  certain  of  their  subsidiaries  that  are  regulated  by  a  Federal  banking  agency)  from  originating 
residential mortgage loans without first registering with the Registry and maintaining that registration.  We do not believe that the 
SAFE Act applies to our employees and/or third party service providers who review loan files in connection with underwriting 
mortgage insurance applications for the purpose of making mortgage insurance decisions.  If, however, the SAFE Act is interpreted 
to apply to our underwriters or other employees or contractors, we would take steps to comply, which would increase our costs.

Mortgage Insurance Tax Deduction

In 2006, Congress enacted the private mortgage insurance tax deduction in order to foster homeownership.  The deduction 
was enacted on a temporary basis and it expired at the end of 2011.  In January 2013, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief 
Act, which extended the private mortgage insurance tax deduction retroactively for one year and prospectively for one year until 
December 31, 2013.  In 2012, legislation was also introduced that would make the private mortgage insurance deduction permanent.  
The proposed legislation may be reintroduced in the 113th Congress and considered as a part of the comprehensive tax reform debate.  
We cannot predict whether the tax deduction will be made permanent and if not, whether it will be further extended following its 
expiration on December 31, 2013.

Privacy and Information Security 

We provide mortgage insurance products and services to financial institutions with which we have business relationships.  
In the normal course of providing our products and services, we may receive non-public personal information regarding such financial 
institutions’ customers.  The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 ("GLB") and related state and federal regulations implementing its 
privacy  and  safeguarding  provisions  impose  privacy  and  information  security  requirements  on  financial  institutions,  including 
obligations to protect and safeguard consumers’ non-public personal information.  GLB and its implementing regulations are enforced 

30

 
 
 
by state insurance regulators and state attorneys general, and by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and the CFPB.  In 
addition, many states have enacted privacy and data security laws which impose compliance obligations beyond GLB, including 
obligations to protect social security numbers and provide notification in the event that a security breach results in a reasonable belief 
that unauthorized persons may have obtained access to consumer non-public personal information.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, or FCRA, imposes restrictions on the permissible use of credit report 
information.  FCRA has been interpreted by some FTC staff to require mortgage insurance companies to provide “adverse action” 
notices to consumers in the event an application for mortgage insurance is declined on the basis of a review of the consumer’s credit.  
We provide such notices when required.

Anti-Discrimination Laws

The  Equal  Credit  Opportunity Act,  or  ECOA,  requires  creditors  and  insurers  to  handle  applications  for  credit  and  for 
insurance in accordance with specified requirements and prohibits discrimination in lending or insurance based on prohibited factors 
such as gender, race, ethnicity, age and familial status.  The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender 
and other prohibited bases in connection with housing-secured credit transactions.  The U.S. Department of Justice has investigated 
at least one mortgage insurer since 2012 in connection with alleged Fair Housing Act violations associated with mortgage insurance 
underwriting.

Implications of and Elections Under the JOBS Act 

As a company that had gross revenues of less than $1 billion during its last fiscal year, we are an “emerging growth company,” 
as defined in the JOBS Act (an “EGC”).  We will retain that status until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we 
have total annual gross revenues of $1,000,000,000 (as indexed for inflation in the manner set forth in the JOBS Act) or more; (ii) 
the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common stock pursuant to an effective 
registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"); (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous 
3-year period, issued more than $1,000,000,000 in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large 
accelerated filer,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act or any successor thereto.  We expect to retain our status as an 
EGC through year end 2014.  We believe there is a substantial possibility that our ability to take advantage of any of the JOBS Act 
elections will cease by the end of 2014, depending in large part on the market value of our equity at that time, as we believe that we 
will no longer meet all of the requirements to be considered an EGC at that point. 

As an EGC:

•  we  are exempted  from  compliance  with  Section  404(b)  of  Sarbanes-Oxley,  which  otherwise  would  have 

required our auditors to attest to and report on our internal control over financial reporting;

•  we are not required to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standard until such date as a private company 
(i.e., a company that is not an “issuer” as defined by Section 2(a) of Sarbanes-Oxley) is required to comply with such new 
or revised accounting standard. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable with another public company 
which is neither an EGC nor an EGC which has opted out of using the extended transition period;

•  we may elect to not comply with Item 402 of Regulation S-K, which requires extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosure 
regarding  executive  compensation,  but  instead  disclose  the  more  limited  information  required  of  a  “smaller  reporting 
company”;

•  we are exempted from the following additional compensation-related disclosure provisions that were imposed on U.S. public 
companies pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act: (i) the advisory vote on executive compensation required by Section 14A(a) 
of the Exchange Act, (ii) the requirements of Section 14A(b) of the Exchange Act relating to stockholder advisory votes on 
“golden parachute” compensation, (iii) the requirements of Section 14(i) of the Exchange Act as to disclosure relating to 
the relationship between executive compensation and our financial performance, and (iv) the requirement of Section 953
(b)(1)of  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  which  will  require  disclosure  as  to  the  relationship  between  the  compensation  of the 
Company's chief executive officer and median employee pay.

Since we are not required, among other things, to file reports under Section 13 of the Exchange Act or to comply with certain 
provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley and the Dodd-Frank Act and certain provisions and reporting requirements of or under the Securities 
Act and the Exchange Act or to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards as long as we are an EGC, the JOBS Act 
has the effect of reducing the amount of information that we are required to provide for the foreseeable future.

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Employees 

As of December 31, 2013, we had 141 full-time employees.  None of our employees are parties to a collective bargaining 
agreement.  We utilize a third-party professional employer organization to manage our human resource and payroll administration 
and related compliance requirements.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as all of the other information contained in this report, 
including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, before deciding to invest in our common stock.  The 
occurrence of any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, operating 
results and cash flow. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your 
investment. 

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Cautionary Note Regarding 
Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated in these forward-
looking statements, including any such statements made in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations."

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business Generally 

We  are  a  new  company  that,  prior  to  receipt  of  GSE Approval  in  January  2013,  did  not  engage  in  any  substantive 
insurance operations. Therefore, we do not have a track record or operating history on which investors may rely for purposes of 
projecting our future operating results.

We are a new company that received GSE Approval in January 2013.  We did not engage in any substantive operations 
(including writing MI) prior to receipt of GSE Approval and, therefore, do not have a track record or operating history on which 
investors may rely for purposes of projecting future operating results.  Having a short insurance operating history, we are subject to 
substantial business and financial risks and could suffer significant losses, all of which are difficult to predict.  We are continuing to 
develop business relationships, develop and implement our technology platform, gain customers, establish operating procedures, 
continue to hire staff and complete other tasks appropriate for the conduct of our intended business activities.  Our success will also 
be dependent upon our ability to implement the operating procedures we have established, and continue to develop the internal 
controls (including the timely and successful implementation of information technology systems and programs) to effectively support 
our business and our regulatory and reporting requirements.  In addition to the foregoing, as a new company with limited insurance 
operating history, we do not have all the necessary licenses and authorizations to operate the insurance business described in this 
prospectus in all of the United States.  As of the date of this report, we have obtained certificates of authority to write MI business 
in 49 states and D.C.  We do not yet have a certificate of authority in Wyoming.  Further, industry conditions may change in a manner 
that adversely affects the development or profitability of our business, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in 
our efforts to develop our business in a timely manner, if at all.

We have reported net losses since our inception, expect to continue to report annual net losses in the near term, and 

cannot assure you when we will achieve profitability.

We have reported net losses since our inception.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, we reported a net loss of $55.2 
million and for the year ended December 31, 2012, we reported a net loss of $27.5 million.  We currently expect to continue to report 
annual net losses in the near term, the size of which will depend primarily on the amount of insurance business we can transact and 
the returns generated from our investment portfolio. We expect that cash and investments and projected cash flows from operations 
will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated growth by providing capital to increase our insurance company surplus 
as well as for payment of operating expenses through 2015, at which point we currently expect we will need to raise additional 
capital. Any such capital raise may be in the form of debt, preferred equity, or common equity and may be senior to our common 
stock and may result in dilution to you. No assurance as to the ultimate availability, costs or other terms of any such additional capital 
can be given at this time.  We cannot assure you when, or if, we will achieve profitability.  Conditions that could delay our profitability 
primarily include our ability to attract and retain a diverse customer base, fully develop and implement our enterprise technology 
platform, maintain GSE eligibility and our certificates of authority from state insurance departments, and to a lesser extent, include 
increasing unemployment rates, decreasing housing values, unfavorable GSE reform and unfavorable resolution of ongoing legal 
proceedings.

As a participant in the mortgage lending and MI industry, we rely on e-commerce and other technologies to conduct 
business with our customers.  Our inability to meet the technological demands of customers could adversely impact our business, 
financial condition and operating results.

As a participant in the mortgage lending and MI industry, we rely on e-commerce and other technologies to provide and 
expand our products and services. Customers require us to provide certain products and services in a secure manner, electronically 
via the Internet or electronic data transmission, and we will process a significant amount of our new insurance written and claims 
electronically.  Accordingly, we are investing resources in establishing and maintaining electronic connectivity with customers 
and, more generally, in e-commerce and technological advancements.  In order to integrate electronically with mortgage lenders, 

33

we will need to continue to activate customers that utilize the largest and leading servicing system providers, LPS MSP and Fiserv 
LoanServ™, leveraging the integrations we have completed with these providers, and connect our systems to the industry's leading 
third-party loan origination systems.  As discussed below in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations - Start-up Operations - Customer Development," we have completed integration with LPS 
MSP and Fiserv LoanServTM and have integrated with certain leading third-party loan origination systems, including Ellie Mae 
Encompass360®.  We expect this integration process may take a significant amount of time before it is complete.  We are also 
working  to  integrate  directly  with  those  lenders  that  maintain  their  own,  proprietary  loan  origination  and  servicing  system 
technologies, recognizing that the time-lines for these integrations are heavily dependent upon the lenders' internal technology 
resources. Our inability to continue to make progress with these e-commerce connections could negatively impact our ability to 
attract as customers the larger mortgage lenders who rely on these connections to do business. Many customers require us to have 
such connectivity in place as a precursor to doing business with them.  Our business, financial condition and operating results may 
be adversely impacted if we do not successfully establish these arrangements or otherwise keep pace with the technological demands 
of customers.

If we, together with third parties with whom we have contracted, are unable to develop, enhance and maintain our 
technology  platform  with  respect  to  the  products  and  services  we  offer,  our  business  and  financial  performance  could  be 
significantly harmed.

As discussed above in this report, we have developed an enterprise technology platform designed to support our mortgage 
insurance operations.  If our technology platform fails to perform in the manner we expect, our business, financial condition and 
operating results will be significantly harmed.  Further, if we are unable to timely and effectively enhance our platform when 
necessary to support our current and future business functions, our business would be negatively impacted. Furthermore, such 
system development and enhancement efforts are critical to having and maintaining a fully operational business and technology 
platform, as specifically required in our approval conditions from the GSEs.  Until we reach a significant volume of mortgage 
insurance applications through our policy acquisition system, and even if we reach a significant volume, we cannot be assured that 
we will not experience difficulties.  The success of our business will be dependent on our ability to resolve any issues identified 
with our technology platform during operations and to make timely improvements.  could have an adverse impact on our business, 
financial condition and operating results.  Further, we will need to match or exceed the technological capabilities of our competitors 
over time. We cannot predict with certainty the cost of such maintenance and improvements, but failure to make such improvements 
and any significant shortfall in any technology enhancements or negative variance in the time-line in which system enhancements 
are delivered could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

In addition, we have contracted with a number of third parties in connection with the development and operation of the 
platform and rely on these third parties to competently perform their obligations in a timely manner. Any failure to maintain 
acceptable arrangements with these third parties, or the failure of any of these third parties to perform and/or deliver in an acceptable 
and timely manner, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

We may not receive, or be able to retain, licenses in all states, which would hamper our ability to issue MI on a nationwide 

basis. 

In addition to GSE Approval, in order to transact MI on a nationwide basis NMIC must receive certificates of authority in 
each of the 50 states and D.C.  As of the date of this prospectus, NMIC has obtained certificates of authority in 49 states and D.C.  
NMIC has not yet received a certificate of authority in Wyoming.  On March 7, 2014, we received a letter from the Wyoming Insurance 
Department ("WY DOI") notifying us that our application for a certificate of authority in Wyoming has been recommended for 
approval subject to NMIC posting a statutory deposit with the Wyoming Insurance Commissioner, which is customary for mortgage 
insurance companies.  Although it appears likely based on written correspondence from the WY DOI that we will soon obtain a 
certificate of authority in Wyoming, there can be no assurance when the certificate of authority will ultimately be issued or if it will 
even be issued at all.  The WY DOI has considerable discretion as to whether to grant us a certificate of authority.  Unless and until 
we are successful in obtaining a license in Wyoming, our mortgage insurance business will be confined to those states where we 
have been issued certificates of authority and where our forms and rates have been approved.  In addition, certain lenders may require 
that we hold certificates of authority in all states before they are willing to do business with us, which could also have an adverse 
effect on the volume of business we are able to write.

Our mortgage insurance master policies contain restrictions on our ability to rescind coverage for fraud and underwriting 
defects,  and  if  we  were  to  fail  to  timely  discover  any  such  fraud  or  underwriting  defects,  our  rights  of  rescission  would  be 
significantly limited, and we could suffer increased losses as a result of paying claims on loans with unacceptable risk profiles. 

On December 10, 2013, we announced that through a new version of our master policy and through an endorsement to our 
existing master policy, we will provide rescission relief after a borrower has timely made 12 consecutive monthly payments on a 

34

 
loan, rather than 18 months as provided in the current master policy.  The new master policy and endorsement are pending final 
approvals from some state insurance regulators.  Under our current mortgage insurance policies, after a borrower has timely made 
18 consecutive monthly payments on a loan we insure, we have agreed that we will not rescind or cancel coverage of that loan for 
borrower fraud or underwriting defects.  In addition, upon the borrower attaining 18 full and timely consecutive monthly payments, 
we have agreed to limitations on our ability to initiate an investigation of fraud or misrepresentation by our insureds or any other 
party involved in the origination of an insured loan, which we collectively refer to in our master policies as a "First Party."   Although 
we have processes in place to review every loan we insure, we may not discover fraud and/or underwriting defects prior to a borrower 
making the 18th payment, or after we implement the new terms of coverage, after the 12th payment.  If this were to occur, we would 
be contractually prohibited from exercising our rights of rescission for borrower fraud; our rights to investigate potential First Party 
fraud or misrepresentation would be significantly curtailed; and we may be obligated to pay claims on certain loans with unacceptable 
risk profiles or which failed to meet our underwriting guidelines at the time of origination.  As a result, we could suffer significant 
unexpected losses, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.

We are outsourcing the underwriting of our mortgage insurance on certain loans to third-party service providers.  If 
these service providers fail to adequately perform their underwriting services or place our coverage on loans we would deem 
ineligible, we could experience increased losses on loans underwritten by them and our customer relationships could be negatively 
impacted. 

If our underwriting service providers fail to adequately perform their underwriting services, such as mishandling of customer 
inquiries or an inability to underwrite a sufficient volume of applications per day, we may lose opportunities to place mortgage 
insurance coverage on particular loans, our reputation may suffer, and customers may choose not to do business with us at all.  In 
addition, if our underwriting service providers place our coverage on loans that are ineligible for coverage under our underwriting 
guidelines, our risk of loss will be increased on those loans or the premiums we charge will be inadequate to the risk presented.  We 
do not have the right under our mortgage insurance policies to cancel coverage of an ineligible loan as a result of an underwriting 
vendor's inappropriate decision.  Further, other than being able to terminate our contracts with these service providers, we do not 
have explicit monetary contractual remedies against these service providers in the event we are obligated to pay claims on ineligible 
loans that they improperly agreed to insure on our behalf.  If these service providers fail to adequately perform their underwriting 
services or consistently place coverage on ineligible loans, we could experience increased losses on loans underwritten by them and 
our customer relationships could be negatively impacted, which would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition 
and operating results.

We currently intend to perform a post-close underwriting review of every loan that has been insured through our delegated 
mortgage insurance program within the first months of coverage, which will increase our costs of doing business and could 
negatively impact our ability to compete.  In addition, a delegated lender could commit us to insure loans with unacceptable risk 
profiles before we discover and remedy the problem. 

Our delegated underwriting program permits lenders who are approved by us to bind coverage on our behalf, so long as the 
insurance decision is consistent with applicable eligibility and underwriting criteria.  Historically, delegated underwriting of mortgage 
insurance by lenders has been perceived by both lenders and MI companies as affording mutually beneficial efficiencies to the 
mortgage underwriting process.  Compared to the prevailing delegated programs of our competitors, our delegated program is costlier 
and less efficient for us and our customers.  The terms of coverage that apply to loans insured under our delegated program require 
the lenders to submit complete loan origination files to us within 60 days of the coverage effective dates.  To comply with the loan 
file delivery requirement, our customers' processes would likely need to be modified, which will require the expenditure of greater 
resources on their part and could have the effect of driving our customers to choose our competitors' products over ours.  In addition, 
we intend to conduct a post-close underwriting review (with the assistance of third-party service providers) of every loan insured 
under our delegated program to determine whether such loans meet applicable eligibility and underwriting criteria.  While we believe 
our timely post-close review will afford greater certainty of coverage to our customers, this process could significantly increase our 
costs of doing business compared to our competitors.  For these reasons, the structure of our delegated program could negatively 
impact our ability to compete, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

NMIC is required to maintain minimum capital under its agreements with the GSEs and certain states, and if NMIC 
falls below these capital requirements or exceeds certain risk-to-capital ratios, we could be required to cease writing business in 
these states and would likely lose our GSE eligibility, either of which would adversely impact our business, financial condition 
and operating results.

As a condition of GSE Approval, we have agreed with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to limit NMIC's risk-to-capital ("RTC") 
ratio to no greater than 15 to 1 for the first three years of operations (expiring December 31, 2015) and at all times to maintain total 
statutory capital of at least $150 million.  After that date, we agree to comply with the risk-to-capital ratios that are imposed in the 
GSEs' then existing eligibility requirements.  In addition, our operation plan filed with our principal regulator, the Wisconsin Office 

35

of the Commissioner of Insurance ("Wisconsin OCI") and other state insurance departments in connection with NMIC's applications 
for licensure includes the expectation that we will downstream additional capital, if needed, so that NMIC does not exceed an 18 to 
1  risk-to-capital  ratio.    Further,  as  part  of  our    process  of  obtaining  certificates  of  authority,  NMIC  entered  into  risk-to-capital 
agreements with the California Insurance Department, the Missouri Department of Insurance, the New York State Department of 
Financial Services, the Ohio Department of Insurance and the Texas Commissioner of Insurance. These agreements require NMIC 
to maintain a risk-to-capital ratio not to exceed 20 to 1 until January 2016.  Finally, in connection with obtaining a certificate of 
authority in Florida, NMIH, consistent with conditions of the GSE Approval, has agreed to downstream additional capital from time 
to time, as needed, to maintain NMIC's risk-to-capital ratio at or below 15 to 1.  If our business grows faster (i.e. our risk-in-force 
grows faster than expected) or is less profitable than expected (i.e. our revenues do not generate the return we expect), our actual 
RTC ratios over the short to mid-term could exceed our expected RTC ratios and could begin to approach the limits to which we are 
subject, which could require us to raise additional capital or enter into alternative arrangements to reduce our risk-in-force ("RIF"), 
including through reinsurance.  With respect to each policy, primary RIF is the product of an insured loan's coverage percentage (the 
level of insurance protection) specified in the policy multiplied by that loan's unpaid principal balance.  We can give no assurance 
that our efforts to raise capital or reduce our RIF would be successful.  If we are unable to raise additional capital or enter into 
alternative arrangements to reduce our RIF, we may exceed the GSE and/or state-imposed capital requirements.  If this were to occur, 
we may lose our GSE eligibility and/or may be required to cease transacting new business in these states, which would substantially 
impair our business and adversely impact our financial position and operating results.

Our insurance subsidiary is subject to state insurance department capital adequacy requirements, which if breached, 

could result in NMIC being required to cease writing new business or lose GSE eligibility. 

NMIC's principal regulator is the Wisconsin OCI.  Under applicable Wisconsin law, as well as that of 15 other states, a 
mortgage insurer must maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to the risk-in-force  in order for the mortgage insurer 
to continue to write new business.  We refer to these requirements as the “risk-to-capital" requirement or "RTC" requirement. While 
formulations of minimum capital may vary in each jurisdiction that has such a requirement, the most common measure applied allows 
for  a  maximum  permitted  RTC  ratio  of  25  to  1.   Wisconsin  and  certain  other  states,  including  California  and  Illinois,  apply  a 
substantially similar requirement referred to as minimum policyholders' position.  Accordingly, if we fail to meet the capital adequacy 
requirements in one or more states, we could be required to suspend writing business in some or all of the states in which we do 
business.

Our inability to timely attract and retain the largest mortgage originators as customers could negatively impact our ability 

to achieve our business goals. 

The success of our mortgage insurance business is highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain as customers the 
largest mortgage originators in the United States. To that end, we have identified 36 lenders and classified them as our National 
Accounts.  These National Accounts generally represent the nation's largest home mortgage lenders.  These lenders originate loans 
through their retail channels, as well as purchase loans from other originators, including the smaller correspondent lenders.  Within 
the National Accounts, there are approximately five national mortgage originators who we consider critical to the achievement of 
our business goals because of their dominant market share.  As a result of their size and market share, these entities originate a 
significant majority of low down payment mortgages in the United States and, therefore, influence the size of the MI market. In 
order to insure low down payment loans originated by these five largest originators, we must first obtain their respective approvals 
as an authorized MI provider, including their review and approval of our terms of coverage set forth in our master policies.  We 
must also achieve connectivity with their loan origination systems and servicing platforms.  The process of obtaining such approvals 
and integrating our systems is time-consuming and requires the dedication and coordination of significant resources by us and the 
lenders.  There is no assurance we will receive approvals from these lenders to do MI business in this channel in a timely manner 
or at all.  If we cannot timely obtain such approvals, or fail to obtain and retain one or more approvals, our business, financial 
condition and operating results could be adversely impacted.

If we ultimately gain these entities as customers, we cannot be certain that any loss of business from a single lender would 
be replaced from other new or existing lending customers in the industry.  Such lending customers may decide to write business only 
with certain mortgage insurers based on their views with respect to an insurer's pricing, underwriting guidelines, loss mitigation 
practices, financial strength or other factors.  Our customers may choose to diversify the mortgage insurers with which they do 
business, which could negatively affect our level of new insurance written and our market share.  In addition, our master policies do 
not, and by law cannot, require our customers to do business with us.  The loss of business from a significant customer could have 
an adverse effect on the amount of new business we are able to write, and consequently, our financial condition and operating results.

36

The mortgage market is dominated by the largest mortgage originators.  We have identified thirty-six lenders as critical 
to our success and termed these lenders our National Accounts.  If these lenders experience disruptions to their ability to 
originate mortgage loans, our business and financial performance could suffer.

Maintaining business relationships and new origination volumes with these National Accounts, particularly those who we 
believe to be the largest five originators, once they become customers, will be critical to the success of our business.  The economic 
downturn and challenging market conditions of the recent past have adversely affected the financial condition of a number of them.  
If the U.S. economy fails to fully recover or re-enters a recessionary period, these lenders could again become subject to serious 
financial constraints that may jeopardize the viability of their business plans or their access to additional capital, forcing them to 
consider alternatives such as bankruptcy or consolidation with others in the industry.  If this were to happen to any of our National 
Accounts the overall health of the U.S. mortgage origination market would be negatively impacted.  The loss of business from a 
significant customer could have an adverse effect on the amount of new business we are able to write, and consequently, our financial 
condition and operating results.

There can be no assurance that the GSEs will continue to treat us as a qualified mortgage insurer in the future. 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed certain capitalization, operational and reporting conditions in connection with 
their recent approvals of NMIC as a qualified mortgage insurer.  Some of these conditions remain in effect for a three-year period 
from the date of GSE Approval, while others do not expressly expire.  Even though we have received GSE Approval to be a qualified 
mortgage insurer, there can be no assurance that the GSEs will continue to treat us as a qualified mortgage insurer in the future or, 
alternatively, they could, in their own discretion, require additional limitations and/or conditions on certain of our activities and 
practices in order to remain qualified.  Such additional requirements or conditions could limit our operating flexibility and the areas 
in which we may write new business.  The GSEs, as major purchasers of conventional mortgage loans in the United States, will 
likely be the primary beneficiaries of our MI coverage.  If, in the future, either or both of the GSEs were to cease to consider us a 
qualified mortgage insurer and, therefore, cease accepting our MI products, our business, financial condition and operating results 
would be adversely impacted.

Under the terms of the GSE Approval, either or both of the GSEs could require us to redomicile from Wisconsin to 

another state, which, if required, could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Under the terms of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's respective approvals of NMIC as a qualified mortgage insurer, each 
GSE has the right to require NMIC to redomicile to another state approved by such GSE.  If either or both of the GSEs were to 
require that NMIC redomicile to another state, the process to redomicile would likely be time consuming, and redomicile is subject 
to approval by both current and proposed state insurance regulators.  NMIC's primary insurance regulator is currently the Wisconsin 
OCI.  If NMIC were required to redomicile to another state acceptable to the GSEs, NMIC's primary insurance regulator would 
change and become the insurance regulator in the new state of domicile.  If this were to occur, there is no assurance that NMIC would 
develop a favorable relationship with the new regulator.  A requirement to redomicile could slow or prevent the successful execution 
of our plan of operations, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.  

We expect to face intense competition for business in our industry from existing MI providers and potentially from new 
entrants.  If we are unable to compete effectively, we may not be able to gain market share and our business may be adversely 
affected.

The MI industry is highly competitive.  We compete with other private mortgage insurers based on our financial strength, 
underwriting guidelines, product features, pricing, operating efficiencies, customer relationships, name recognition, reputation, the 
strength of management teams and field organizations, comprehensiveness of databases covering insured loans, effective use of 
technology and innovation in the delivery and servicing of insurance products and ability to execute.  However, the existing MI 
companies, many of which have larger operations than us and/or are part of larger diversified companies, have established relationships 
and infrastructure, personnel and other resources than we are anticipated to have during our initial years of operation.  In addition, 
we believe there is a substantial likelihood that one or more additional companies will enter the industry, as discussed above in Part 
1, Item 1, "Business - Sales and Marketing and Competition," and provide products similar to those that we provide.  In addition, 
the perceived increase in credit quality of loans that are being insured today, the deterioration of the financial strength ratings of the 
existing mortgage insurance companies and the possibility of a decrease in the FHA's share of the mortgage insurance market may 
encourage additional new entrants.  During 2011, two mortgage insurers stopped writing new business and, based on public disclosures, 
these insurers approximated more than 20% of the MI industry volume in the first half of 2011.  We believe their new origination 
market share has since been redistributed among the other MI companies.  

If our information technology systems are inferior to our competitors', existing and potential customers may choose our 
competitors' products over ours.  If we are unable to compete effectively against our competitors and attract our target customers, 
our revenue may be adversely impacted and we may not be able to gain market share.  Increased competition could result in fewer 
37

 
submissions of policy applications to us and therefore result in premiums written being lower than expected, which could adversely 
impact our growth and profitability.

In its agreement with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, NMIH agreed, consistent with the conditions of the GSE 
Approval, to downstream additional capital from time to time, as needed, to maintain NMIC's risk-to-capital ratio at or below 15 to 
1.  Our operation plan filed with the Wisconsin OCI and other state insurance departments in connection with NMIC's applications 
for licensure includes the expectation that NMIH will downstream additional capital if needed so that NMIC does not exceed an 18 
to 1 risk-to-capital ratio.  We may in the future seek state insurance department approvals, as needed, of an amendment to NMIC's 
business plan to increase the permitted ratio to the Wisconsin regulatory maximum of 25 to 1 (or to whatever lower RTC may be 
required by the GSEs).  If one or more states do not approve the change in our plan of operation, we may be at a competitive 
disadvantage compared to other MI companies that are not limited to these lower maximum risk-to-capital ratio requirements.  If 
this were to occur our business could be adversely impacted.

Our underwriting and risk management policies and practices may not anticipate all risks and/or the magnitude of 

potential for loss as the result of unforeseen risks.

We have established underwriting and risk management policies and practices that seek to mitigate our exposure to borrower 
default risk in our insured loan portfolio by anticipating future risks and the magnitude of those risks.  We believe the major factors 
that impact mortgage credit risk include but are not limited to the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the borrower's credit strength, including the borrower's credit history, debt-to-income ratios and cash reserves and 
the willingness of a borrower with sufficient resources to make mortgage payments when the mortgage balance 
exceeds the value of the home;

the loan product, which encompasses the LTV ratio, the type of loan instrument, including whether the instrument 
provides for fixed or variable payments and the amortization schedule, the type of property, the purpose of the 
loan and the interest rate;

origination practices of lenders;

the percentage coverage on insured loans;

the size of loans insured; and

the condition of the economy, including housing values and employment, in the geographic area in which the 
property is located.

We believe that, excluding other factors, claim incidence increases:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

for loans with higher LTV ratios compared to loans with lower LTV ratios;

for loans with higher debt-to-income ratios;

for loans to borrowers with lower credit scores compared to loans to borrowers with higher credit scores;

during periods of economic contraction and housing price depreciation, including when these conditions may not 
be nationwide, compared to periods of economic expansion and housing price appreciation;

for adjustable rate mortgages (or, "ARMs") when the reset interest rate significantly exceeds the interest rate of 
loan origination;

for loans in which the original loan amount exceeds the GSEs' established conforming loan limit compared to loans 
below that limit; and

for cash out refinance loans compared to purchase or rate and term refinance loans.

There may be other types of loan characteristics relating to the individual loan or borrower that also affect the risk potential 
for a loan. In addition, the presence of multiple higher-risk characteristics in a loan materially increases the likelihood of a claim on 
such a loan unless there are other characteristics to lower the risk.

The frequency and severity of claims we incur will be uncertain and will depend largely on general economic conditions, 
including rates of unemployment and home prices. Given the uncertainties caused by the slow pace of economic recovery and recent 
instability in the housing and mortgage markets and, to the extent that a risk is unforeseen or is underestimated in terms of magnitude 
of loss, these policies and practices may not completely insulate us from the effects of those risks. If our risk management policies 
and practices do not correctly anticipate risk or the potential for loss we may underwrite business for which we have not charged 

38

 
premium commensurate with the risk or we may establish our reserves at a rate that does not accurately approximate our actual 
ultimate loss payments.  Either one of these could result in severe adverse material results.

Our insurance in force may be concentrated in specific geographic regions and could make our business highly susceptible 

to downturns in local economies, which could be detrimental to our financial condition.

We will seek to diversify our insured loan portfolio geographically; however, the availability of business might lead to 
concentrations in specific regions in the United States, which could make our business highly susceptible to economic downturns 
in these regions.  As discussed below in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations - Start-up Operations - New Business Writings," NMIC entered into a pool insurance agreement with Fannie Mae 
pursuant to which NMIC agreed to insure approximately 22,000 loans with approximately 28% of the borrowers located in California.  
A deterioration in local or national economic conditions in the mortgage market and other economic conditions, including home 
prices, levels of unemployment and interest rates or an increase in default rates in specific geographical areas or generally could 
have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial position.

Actual premiums and investment earnings may not be sufficient to cover claim payments and our operating costs.

We set premiums at the time a policy is issued based on our expectations regarding likely performance over the term of the 
policy. Our  premiums are subject to approval by state regulatory agencies, which can delay or limit our  ability to increase  our 
premiums.  Generally, we will not be able to cancel the MI coverage or adjust renewal premiums during the life of an MI policy.  As 
a result, higher than anticipated claims generally will not be able to be offset by premium increases on policies in force or mitigated 
by our non-renewal or cancellation of insurance coverage.  While we believe our initial capital, premiums and investment earnings 
will provide a pool of resources sufficient to cover expected loss payments and have made estimates regarding loss payments and 
potential claims, the ultimate number and magnitude of claims we experience cannot be predicted with certainty and the actual 
premiums and investment earnings may not be sufficient to cover losses and/or our operating costs.  An increase in the number or 
size of claims, compared to what we anticipate, could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.  We may not be 
able to achieve the results that we expect, and there can be no assurance that losses will not exceed our total resources.

Adverse investment performance may affect our financial results and ability to conduct business.

Our investment portfolio consists primarily of highly rated debt obligations. Our investments are subject to market-wide 
risks and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities. Changing and unprecedented market conditions could 
materially impact the future valuation of securities in our investment portfolio, which may cause us to impair, in the future, some 
portion of those securities.  Volatility or illiquidity in the markets in which we hold positions may cause certain other-than-temporary 
impairments within our portfolio, which could have a significant adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and operating 
results. 

Income from our investment portfolio is one of our primary sources of cash flow to support our operations and claim 
payments.  If we improperly structure our investments to meet those future liabilities or have unexpected losses, including losses 
resulting from the forced liquidation of investments before their maturity, we may be unable to meet those obligations.  NMIC's 
investments and investment policies are subject to state insurance laws, which results in our portfolio being predominantly limited 
to highly rated fixed income securities.  Interest rates on our fixed income securities are near historical lows.  If interest rates rise 
above the rates on our fixed income securities, the market value of our investment portfolio would decrease.  Any significant decrease 
in the value of our investment portfolio would adversely impact our financial condition.

In addition, compared to historical averages, interest rates and investment yields on highly rated investments have generally 
declined, which has the effect of limiting the investment income we can generate.  We depend on our investments as a source of 
revenue, and a prolonged period of low investment yields would have an adverse impact on our revenues and could potentially 
adversely affect our operating results.

We may be forced to change our investments or investment policies depending upon regulatory, economic and market 
conditions, and our existing or anticipated financial condition and operating requirements, including the tax position, of our business.  
Our investment objectives may not be achieved. Although our portfolio consists mostly of highly-rated investments and complies 
with applicable regulatory requirements, the success of our investment activity is affected by general economic conditions, which 
may  adversely  affect  the  markets  for  credit  and  interest-rate-sensitive  securities,  including  the  extent  and  timing  of  investor 
participation in these markets, the level and volatility of interest rates and, consequently, the value of fixed-income securities. 

39

Estimating future claims and the timing of future claims is inherently uncertain and requires significant judgment, and 

as a result, our claim estimates may vary widely and are dependent on a number of factors.

Estimating future claims and the timing of future claims is inherently uncertain and requires significant judgment.  Our 
expectations regarding future claims may change significantly over time.  Our future claims and ability to meet applicable capital 
adequacy requirements could be affected by a variety of factors.  Such factors include, among others:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

current and future economic conditions, including continued slow economic recovery from the most recent recession 
or the potential of the U.S. economy to reenter a recessionary period, borrower access to credit, levels of unemployment, 
interest rates and home prices;

the level of defaults, the claim rates on loans in default and the claim severity within NMIC's mortgage insurance 
portfolio;

potentially negative economic changes in geographic regions where our insurance in force may be more concentrated;

the rate at which our MI portfolio remains in force (persistency rate);

future levels of new insurance written (and the profitability of such business), which will impact future premiums 
written and earned and future losses; 

the performance of our investment portfolio and the extent to which issuers of the fixed-income securities that we own 
default on principal and interest payments or the extent to which we are required to impair portions of the portfolio as 
a result of deteriorating capital markets;

our limited operating history, which adds to the speculative nature of our loss estimates; and

our operating performance for at least the next few years, which likely will continue to be an unreliable indicator of 
future performance due to the nature of the MI business and our expectation that our claims incidence is expected to 
be lower as a result of the typical distribution of claims over the life of a book resulting in fewer defaults during the 
first two to three years after loans are originated.

Many of these factors are outside of our control and difficult to predict.  In addition, some of these factors are subjective 
and not subject to specific quantitative standards.  Due to the inherent uncertainty and significant judgment involved in the numerous 
assumptions required in order to estimate our losses, our loss estimates may vary widely.  If we incorrectly estimate the factors that 
drive our losses, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely impacted. 

We will establish loss reserves when we are notified that a loan we insure is in default for at least 60 days, based on 
management's estimate of claim rates and claim sizes, which will be subject to uncertainties and will be based on assumptions 
about certain estimation parameters that may be volatile.  As a result, our actual ultimate claim payments may materially exceed 
the amount of our loss reserves.  

We are a new company that recently commenced transacting mortgage insurance in April 2013.  We do not anticipate a 
material level of losses (relative to written premiums or stockholders' equity) in the first few years of our operations.  Our practice, 
consistent with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for the MI industry, will be to establish loss reserves 
only for loans at least 60 days in default.  We will also establish reserves for estimated losses incurred on loans that have been in 
default for at least 60 days that have not yet been reported to us by the servicers (this is often referred to as incurred but not reported 
or “IBNR”).

The establishment of loss and IBNR reserves is subject to inherent uncertainty and will require significant judgment by 
management.  We plan to establish loss reserves using our best estimates of claim rates, i.e., the percent of loan defaults that ultimately 
result in claim payments, and claim amounts, i.e., the dollar amounts required to settle claims, to estimate the ultimate losses on 
loans reported to us as being at least 60 days in default as of the end of each reporting period.  We will estimate IBNR by analyzing 
historical lags in default reporting to determine a specific number of IBNR claims in each reporting period.  Our estimates of claim 
rates  and  claim  sizes  will  be  strongly  influenced  by  prevailing  economic  conditions,  for  example  current  rates  or  trends  in 
unemployment, housing price appreciation and/or interest rates, and our best judgments as to the future values or trends of these 
macroeconomic factors.  If prevailing economic conditions deteriorate suddenly and/or unexpectedly, our estimates of loss reserves 
could be materially understated, which may adversely impact our financial condition and operating results.  Because loss and IBNR 
reserves are based on estimates and judgments, there can be no assurance that even in a stable economic environment, actual claims 
paid by us will not be substantially different than our loss and IBNR reserves for such claims.  Our business, operating results and 
financial condition will be adversely impacted if, and to the extent, our actual losses are greater than our loss and IBNR reserves.

40

We may be required to establish a premium deficiency reserve if the net present value of our premiums and reserves is 

less than the net present value of our loss payments and expenses

In addition to establishing loss reserves for loans in default, under GAAP, we are required to establish a premium deficiency 
reserve, or PDR, for our mortgage insurance products if the amount by which the net present value of expected future losses for a 
particular product and the expenses for such product exceeds the net present value of expected future premiums and existing reserves 
for such product.  We evaluate whether a premium deficiency exists at the end of each fiscal quarter.  Our evaluation of premium 
deficiency is based on our best estimates of future losses, expenses and premiums.  This evaluation depends upon many significant 
assumptions, including assumptions regarding future macroeconomic conditions, and therefore, is inherently uncertain and may 
prove to be inaccurate.  There can be no assurance that premium deficiency reserves will not be required in future periods after we 
commence writing insurance business.  If this were to occur, our business, financial condition and operating results would be adversely 
impacted.

As a condition of obtaining approval from Freddie Mac to be a qualified mortgage insurer, we are required to obtain an 
insurance financial rating by July 31, 2015, and if we fail to obtain a rating by the deadline, we may lose our Freddie Mac approval 
status.  Further, our failure to obtain a rating may negatively impact our ability to attract and retain certain lenders as customers 
or to transact business in the private label (non-GSE) mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) market.

As a condition of our approval from Freddie Mac to be a qualified mortgage insurer, we are required to obtain a rating from 
a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization by July 31, 2015.  While we have commenced the process of obtaining such 
a rating, we are still in the exploratory phase and have not yet engaged any particular rating agency to obtain a rating.  If we fail to 
obtain a rating by July 31, 2015, we may lose our Freddie Mac approval status, which would adversely affect our business, financial 
condition and operating results.  

We believe many lenders who hold mortgages in portfolio and choose to obtain MI on the loans may assess a mortgage 
insurer's financial strength rating as a factor in their choice of an MI provider.  As a result, failure to obtain a rating may impact our 
ability to attract and/or retain certain lenders as customers.  In addition, if MI is again utilized as a form of credit enhancement in 
connection  with  the  issuance  of  private-label  MBS,  our  failure  to  obtain  a  rating  or  inability  to  obtain  a  rating  better  than  our 
competitors could harm our prospects of transacting business in the private label MBS market.

If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, or to retain those personnel we have 

already recruited, our business may be adversely affected.

We believe that our growth and future success will depend in large part on the services and skills of our management team 
and our ability to motivate and retain these individuals and other key personnel, which include members of our Finance, Sales, Legal, 
Risk, Insurance Operations and IT departments.  We intend to pay competitive salaries, bonuses and equity-based rewards in order 
to attract and retain such personnel, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in such endeavors.  The loss of key 
personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition or operating results.

The mix of business we write affects our revenue stream and the likelihood of losses occurring.

Even when housing values are stable or rising, mortgages with certain characteristics have higher probabilities of claims. 
These characteristics include loans with LTV ratios over 95% (or in certain markets that have experienced declining housing values, 
over 90%), FICO credit scores, with lower scores tending to have higher probabilities of claims, or higher total debt-to-income ratios, 
as well as loans having combinations of these higher risk factors and thus have layered risk.  In general, we charge higher premiums 
for loans with higher risk characteristics.  There is, however, no guarantee that our premiums will compensate us for the losses we 
incur on loans with higher risk characteristics.  From time to time, in response to market conditions, we may change the types of 
loans that we insure and the guidelines under which we insure them, and in doing so, the concentration of insured loans with higher 
risk characteristics in our portfolio may increase.  In addition, we may make exceptions to our underwriting guidelines on a loan-
by-loan basis and for certain customer programs.  We expect any exceptions to be very limited and on a case-by-case basis.  Even 
though underwriting that falls outside of our guidelines would be on a case-by-case basis, we could incur greater than expected 
claims and claim payments on this business, which could negatively impact our revenues and operating results.

41

 
 
We may not be able to effectively manage our growth. 

Our future operating results depend to a large extent on our ability to successfully manage our growth. Our growth has 
placed, and it may continue to place, significant demands on our operations and management.  Our current plan is dependent upon 
our ability to: 

• 

• 

• 

continue to implement and improve our operational, credit, financial, management and other internal risk controls and 
processes and our reporting systems and procedures in order to manage a growing number of client relationships; 

scale our technology platform; and

attract and retain management talent.

We  may  not  successfully  implement  improvements  to,  or  integrate,  our  management  information  and  control  systems, 
procedures and processes in an efficient or timely manner and may discover deficiencies in existing systems and controls.  In particular, 
our controls and procedures must be able to accommodate an increase in loan volume in various markets and the infrastructure that 
comes with new customers.  If we are unable to manage future expansion in our operations, we may experience compliance and 
operational problems, be required to slow the pace of growth, or have to incur additional expenditures beyond current projections 
to support such growth, any one of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results. 

We rely on our systems and employees, and any errors or fraud could materially and adversely affect us. 

We are exposed to many types of operational risk, including the risk of fraud by employees and outsiders, clerical record-
keeping errors and transactional errors.  Our business is dependent on our employees as well as third parties to process a large number 
of increasingly complex transactions.  We could be materially and adversely affected if one of our employees causes a significant 
operational breakdown or failure, either as a result of human error or where an individual purposefully sabotages or fraudulently 
manipulates our operations or systems.  Third parties with which we do business also could be sources of operational risk to us, 
including breakdowns or failures of such parties' own systems or employees.  Any of these occurrences could result in our diminished 
ability to operate our business, potential liability to customers, reputational damage and regulatory intervention, which could result 
in a material adverse effect on our financial position and operating results.

We are dependent on our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party servicer providers, 
and termination of third-party contracts, systems failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could have a material adverse 
effect on us.

Our  business  is  highly  dependent  on  the  successful  and  uninterrupted  functioning  of  our  information  technology  and 
telecommunications systems and third-party service providers.  We outsource many of our major information technology functions, 
including for the development and operation of our enterprise technology platform, data center hosting and management, email and 
collaboration, and human resource systems.  The failure of any of these third parties to perform and/or deliver on a timely basis, or 
the failure of these systems, either individually or collectively, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement 
on which any of our systems is based, could interrupt our operations.  Because our information technology and telecommunications 
systems interface with and depend on third parties, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity 
or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions.  If significant, sustained or repeated, a system failure or service denial 
could compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, and/or subject us 
to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition and operating results.

The security of our information technology may be compromised and confidential information could be inappropriately 

disclosed.

As part of our business, our computer systems process and retain large amounts of personal information of the borrowers 
whose mortgages we insure.  The security of our computer systems and networks, and those functions that we may outsource, may 
be subject to cyber threats that could result in failures, unauthorized access or disruptions in our business.  Additionally, our employees 
and vendors may use portable computers or mobile devices which can be stolen, lost or damaged.  Despite our efforts to ensure the 
integrity of our systems and information, it is possible that we may not be able to anticipate or to implement effective preventive 
measures against all cyber threats, particularly because the techniques used change frequently or are not recognized until launched, 
and because security attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources.  Those parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce 
employees, customers or other users of our systems to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or that of 
our customers.  We maintain technology errors and omissions coverage to limit our exposure in the event an incident occurs.  This 
insurance provides coverage for (i) claims related to, among other things, unauthorized network or computer access, unintentional 
disclosure or misuse of personally identifiable information in our possession, unintentional failure to disclose a breach and (ii) certain 

42

costs related to privacy notification, crisis management and business interruption.  While we maintain such coverage, any compromise 
of the security of our information technology systems that results in the loss of personally identifiable information may result in loss 
of customer business, would be costly and time-consuming, could expose us to liability for damages, harm our reputation, subject 
us to regulatory scrutiny or expose us to civil litigation, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition 
and operating results.  Further, our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover any claims or costs associated with an incident 
that may occur in the future.

If servicers fail to adhere to appropriate servicing standards or experience disruptions to their businesses, our losses 

could unexpectedly increase.

We depend on reliable, consistent third-party servicing of the loans that we insure.  Among other things, our mortgage 
insurance policies require our insureds and their servicers to timely submit premium and monthly insurance-in-force and default 
reports and utilize commercially reasonable efforts to limit and mitigate loss when a loan is in default.  If these servicers fail to adhere 
to such servicing standards and fail to limit and mitigate loss when appropriate, our losses may unexpectedly increase.  In addition, 
if one or more servicers were to experience adverse effects to its business, such servicers could experience delays in their reporting 
and premium payment requirements.  Without reliable, consistent third-party servicing, our insurance subsidiaries may be unable to 
correctly record new loans as they are underwritten, receive and process payments on insured loans and/or properly recognize and 
establish loss reserves on loans when a default exists or occurs but is not reported to us.  Significant failures by large servicers or 
disruptions in the servicing of mortgage loans covered by our insurance policies would adversely impact our business, financial 
condition and operating results.

The occurrence of natural or man-made disasters or a pandemic could adversely affect our business, financial condition 

and operating results.

We could be exposed to various risks arising out of natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes 
and man-made disasters, including acts of terrorism, military actions and pandemics.  For example, a natural or man-made disaster 
or  a  pandemic  could  lead  to  unexpected  changes  in  persistency  rates  as  policyholders  and  contract  holders  who  are  directly  or 
indirectly affected by the disaster may be unable to meet their contractual obligations, such as payment of premiums on our insurance 
policies, interest payments due on our invested assets, and mortgage payments on loans insured by our MI policies.  The continued 
threat of terrorism may cause significant volatility in global financial markets, and a natural or man-made disaster or a pandemic 
could trigger an economic downturn in the areas directly or indirectly affected by the disaster.  These consequences could, among 
other things, result in a decline in business and increased claims from those areas, as well as an adverse effect on home prices in 
those areas, which could result in increased loss experience in our business.  Disasters or a pandemic also could disrupt public and 
private infrastructure, including communications and financial services, which could disrupt our normal business operations.  In 
addition, a disaster or a pandemic could adversely affect the value of the assets in our investment portfolio if it affects companies' 
ability to pay us principal or interest on their securities.

Our holding company structure and certain regulatory and other constraints, including adverse business performance, 

could affect our ability to satisfy our obligations and potentially require us to raise more capital.

We serve as the holding company for our insurance subsidiaries, which are mono-line insurance companies restricted to 
writing residential MI business only, and we do not have any significant operations of our own.  As a result, our principal sources 
of funds will be income from our investment portfolio, dividends and other distributions from our insurance subsidiaries, including 
permitted payments under our tax and expense-sharing arrangements, and funds that may be raised from time-to-time in the capital 
markets.  Our dividend income is limited to upstream dividend payments from our mono-line insurance subsidiaries, which dividends 
are restricted by agreements with the GSEs and various state insurance departments and by Wisconsin law.  Under agreements with 
the GSEs, we are not permitted to extract dividends from our insurance subsidiaries until December 31, 2015.  In addition, NMIC 
has agreed with various state insurance regulators to restrict dividend payments until January 2016.  In general, dividends in excess 
of prescribed limits are deemed “extraordinary” and require approval of the Wisconsin OCI.  For a further discussion of state insurance 
regulatory dividend limitations, see above in Item 1, “Business - Regulation - U.S. Mortgage Insurance Laws - State Insurance 
Regulation.” As a result of these dividend limitations, we will not receive dividend income from our subsidiaries for several years, 
if at all.  In addition, the expense-sharing arrangements between us and our insurance subsidiaries, as amended, have been approved 
by the Wisconsin OCI, but such approval may be revoked at any time.  If this were to occur, payments to us could be curtailed or 
limited which would adversely impact our business and operating results.

Our principal liquidity demands include funds for: (i) the payment of certain corporate operating expenses; (ii) capital 
support for our MI subsidiaries; and (iii) potential payments to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and local taxing and licensing 
authorities.  Under the terms of the GSE Approvals, we are required to make additional capital contributions to NMIC in order to 
support a minimum surplus of $150 million and maintain a risk-to-capital ratio under 15 to 1 through December 31, 2015.  We could 

43

be required to provide additional capital support for NMIC and Re One if additional capital is required pursuant to insurance laws 
and regulations or by the GSEs.  If we were unable to meet our obligations, our insurance subsidiaries could lose GSE Approval 
and/or be required to cease writing business in one or more states, which would adversely impact our business, financial condition 
and operating results.

 Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including our ability to successfully write new business and 
establish premium rates at levels sufficient to cover losses, expenses and allow us to achieve profitability, which may be delayed or 
never occur.  To the extent that the funds generated by our ongoing operations and initial capitalization are insufficient to fund future 
operating requirements or to achieve a return on capital attractive to investors, we may need to raise additional funds, including 
through equity or debt financings or reinsurance, or curtail our growth.  We cannot be sure that we will be able to raise equity or debt 
financing on terms favorable to us and our stockholders and in the amounts that we require, or at all.  If we cannot obtain adequate 
capital, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

We, as well as certain of our officers, are party to a lawsuit, which if determined adverse to us and our officers could 

have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

  We,  as  well  as  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer,  Chief  Sales  Officer  and Vice  President  of  Sales 
Operations, Analytics & Planning, are defendants in a lawsuit titled: Germaine L. Marks, as Receiver of PMI Mortgage Insurance 
Co. , et al v. NMI Holdings, Inc. et al., filed on August 8, 2012 in California Superior Court, Alameda County (the "PMI Complaint").  
The PMI Complaint, as amended, alleges breach of fiduciary duty, breach of loyalty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty 
and  loyalty,  misappropriation  of  trade  secrets,  conversion,  breach  of  proprietary  information  agreement,  breach  of  separation 
agreement, intentional interference with contractual relations and unfair competition.  The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief as well as 
unspecified monetary damages.  We and the individual defendants believe these claims are without merit and have filed answers 
denying all allegations.  The court has set the trial date for September 29, 2014.  

On January 30, 2014, Arch announced the closing of its acquisition of CMG and certain assets of PMI Mortgage Insurance 
Co. ("PMI").  The terms of the February 7, 2013 Asset Purchase Agreement ("APA") between Arch and PMI provide that effective 
as of the closing of that transaction, PMI shall transfer and assign to Arch all causes of action being pursued in the PMI Complaint.  
The APA further provides that within thirty (30) days after the closing of the transaction, Arch shall have its attorney file appropriate 
pleadings  and  other  documents  and  instruments  with  the  court  requesting  that  PMI  be  removed  as  a  party  plaintiff  in  the  PMI 
Complaint and that Arch be substituted as the real party in interest.  Although Arch has not yet filed any such request with the Court, 
the plaintiff is now described in pleadings as “Plaintiff and Real Party in Interest Arch U.S. MI Services, Inc.”

There is no assurance that we and the individual defendants will prevail in the lawsuit.  If the lawsuit is determined adversely 
to us, the court could grant injunctive relief to the plaintiffs preventing NMIC from conducting insurance operations and/or subject 
us to significant monetary damages.  In addition, if the lawsuit is determined adversely to any of our employees, we may be required 
to remove and replace those employees under the terms of agreements NMIC and/or NMIH entered into with each of the Alabama 
Department of Insurance, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the Texas Commissioner of Insurance and the New York State 
Department of Financial Services, as a condition of NMIC obtaining certificates of authority in those states.  If we were required to 
replace any of our employees, our business and reputation could be significantly impaired, which could result in an adverse effect 
on our financial position and operating results.

Risk Factors Relating to the Mortgage Insurance Industry and Its Regulation

The implementation of the Basel III Capital Accord may affect the use of MI by and, our ability to conduct business 

with, certain banks.

In  1988,  the  Basel Committee on  Banking  Supervision  developed the  Basel Capital Accord  (“Basel I”),  which  set  out 
international benchmarks for assessing banks' capital adequacy requirements.  In June 2005, the Basel Committee issued an update 
to Basel I (as revised in November 2005, “Basel II”), which, among other factors, governs the capital treatment of MI purchased by 
domestic and international banks in respect of their origination and securitization activities.  In November 2010, the United States 
agreed to a new capital framework known as Basel III.  This new capital framework will replace the Basel II capital rules, which 
have not yet been implemented for U.S. depository institutions or holding companies.  The Basel III framework will apply to the 10 
to 12 largest U.S. banking organizations, as well as banking companies that have significant international operations.  It may also 
be imposed on non-banking financial companies that are determined by the relevant regulators to present systemic risks to the U.S. 
financial system.  The Basel III framework refines the Basel II risk-based structure by requiring the use of highly stressed scenarios 
in determining the appropriate levels of risk undertaken by banks, and it will also increase the required minimum capital ratios.  The 
Basel III framework restricts the instruments that can count toward meeting the capital requirements, placing greater emphasis on 
common equity and retained earnings.  Finally, Basel III will impose a new minimum liquidity standard on banking organizations. 

44

The phase in period for the Basel III regime for larger banking organizations will begin in 2014 and for community banks 
in 2015.  The final regulations increase the amount of capital and the quality of the capital required to be held by banks.  In addition, 
the capital rules will continue to risk-weight assets based on internal models that use inputs such as the probability of default and 
the bank's expected loss given a default.  The final version of the regulations continues the current treatment for the risk weighting 
of  residential mortgage  assets  and  the  treatment  of  mortgage  insurance  as  reducing  the  risk  weighting  on  mortgages  where  the 
borrower has made a down payment of less than 10% of the value of the residential property.   In addition, the final regulations 
increase the risk weighting for mortgage servicing assets held by banks and require the mortgage servicing assets above certain levels 
be deducted from the calculation of Tier I equity.  Since most low down payment mortgages originated today are either sold to the 
GSEs or insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA, we cannot predict what, if any, impact to the MI industry the Basel III 
regulations will have.  Since a significant percentage of the mortgages insured by the MI industry are serviced by banks or bank-
owned mortgage companies, the changes in risk weighting for mortgage servicing assets and the deductions from Tier I equity capital 
for mortgage servicing assets above certain levels could cause shifts in the amounts of mortgages serviced by banks and bank affiliates 
or subsidiaries relative to non-banking organizations.  It is difficult to predict the impact these shifts may have on the quality of the 
servicing of insured mortgages or the ultimate impact on the MI industry.

Implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act could negatively impact private mortgage insurers and the amount of insurance 
they can write, including if the definition of Qualified Residential Mortgage (“QRM”) results in a reduction of the number of 
low down payment loans available to be insured. 

The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted by Congress in July 2010, expands federal oversight of consumer financial products and 
services, including mortgage loans.  The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB as the central federal supervisory, rulemaking and 
enforcement regulator with jurisdiction over bank and non-bank providers of consumer financial products and services.  The Dodd-
Frank Act also authorized the formation of the Federal Insurance Office, charging it with, among other things, monitoring all aspects 
of the insurance industry (excluding certain insurance lines other than MI), including the identification of gaps in regulation of 
insurers that could contribute to financial crisis.  As discussed below in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Factors Expected to Affect Results as our Mortgage Insurance Operations Grow - 
Qualified Residential Mortgage Rule," the Dodd-Frank Act requires certain federal regulators to promulgate regulations providing 
for minimum credit risk-retention requirements in securitizations of residential mortgage loans that do not meet the definition of 
“qualified residential mortgages” (QRM).  In March 2011, federal regulators issued the proposed credit risk retention rule, which 
the regulators re-proposed with certain revisions on August 28, 2013.  The initial proposed rule suggested maximum LTV ratios, 
along with other restrictions such as to borrowers' debt-to-income ratios, and did not give consideration to MI in computing LTV.  
The re-proposed rule did not carry forward the minimum LTV requirements and other specific restrictions.  Instead, the federal 
regulators proposed that whether a particular loan transaction is a QRM, and thus not subject to the credit risk retention requirement, 
should be determined by reference to the “qualified mortgage” (QM) rule under the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z. That is, 
if a residential mortgage loan is a QM loan, the loan would be considered a QRM loan.  The federal regulators requested comment 
on whether the common definition of QRM should be limited to “safe harbor” QM loans or QM loans that satisfy either the “safe 
harbor” or “rebuttable presumption” QM standard.

We, and the MI industry, continue to evaluate the expected impact of the re-proposed QRM rule on our industry, and such 
potential impact depends on, among other things, (i) the final definition of QRM and its requirements for LTV, loan features and 
debt-to-income ratio, (ii) whether the final definition will affect the size of the high-LTV mortgage market and (iii) the extent to 
which the mortgage purchase and securitization activities of the GSEs become a smaller portion of the overall mortgage finance 
market and securitizations subject to the risk retention requirements and the QRM exemption, become a larger part of the mortgage 
market.  If the final QRM rule adopted by the federal regulators materially reduces the size of the high-LTV mortgage market and 
therefore the population of loans eligible for MI, our business could be adversely affected.

Under this part of the re-proposed rule, because of the capital support provided by the U.S. government, the GSEs during 
their conservatorship would not be subject to the Dodd-Frank Act credit risk retention requirements.  Changes in the conservatorship 
status of the GSEs or capital support provided to the GSEs by the U.S. government could impact the manner in which the credit risk 
retention rules apply to the GSEs.  Changes in final regulations regarding treatment of GSE eligible mortgage loans could impact 
the manner in which the credit risk retention rule applies to GSE securitizations.  If, in the future, the GSEs become subject to the 
credit risk retention requirements, or if the portion of the mortgage market that the GSEs either purchase or securitize diminishes, 
the MI industry, as well as the amount of new insurance that we may write, may be adversely affected.

The federal regulators in the re-proposal presented an alternative approach to defining QRM, referred to as “QM plus.”  
Under this alternative, only certain types of residential mortgage loans, such as first-lien loans secured by 1-to-4 family principal 
dwelling units, could be considered QRM transactions. To be eligible for QRM status, the loan would have to be free of certain loan 
terms and have an LTV at closing that does not exceed 70%.  Junior liens under the QM plus alternative would be permitted only in 
non-purchase money loan transactions and if permitted, would need to be included in the 70% LTV calculation.   Under this alternative, 

45

 
 
 
 
 
credit insurance, including MI, would not reduce the minimum LTV requirement. In addition, loans that achieve a QM status because 
they meet the CFPB's QM provisions for GSE-eligible transactions would not be considered QRM transactions under the alternative 
proposal. If the federal regulators adopt a final QRM rule that is similar to the QM plus proposal and such final rule does not give 
consideration to MI in computing LTV, the attractiveness of MI may be reduced, and the MI industry and our business could be 
adversely impacted.

Our  business  prospects  and  operating  results  could  be  adversely  impacted  if,  and  to  the  extent  that,  the  Consumer 
Financial Protection Bureau's final ability to repay rules defining a qualified mortgage reduce the size of the origination market. 

The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB to regulate the offering and provision of consumer financial products and services 
under federal law, including residential mortgages.  As discussed below in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Factors Expected to Affect Results as our Mortgage Insurance Operations Grow 
- Qualified Mortgage Rule," the Dodd-Frank Act authorized the CFPB to issue regulations governing a loan originator's determination 
that, at the time a loan is originated, the consumer has a reasonable ability to repay the loan ("ATR").  The CFPB issued final ATR 
regulations on January 10, 2013 and amendments on May 29, 2013, July 10, 2013 and September 13, 2013 implementing detailed 
requirements on how lenders must establish a borrower's ability to repay a covered mortgage loan.  The ATR rule went into effect  
for residential mortgage loan applications received on or after January 10, 2014.  

A subset of mortgages within the ATR rule are known as "qualified mortgages" ("QMs").  The Dodd-Frank Act provides a 
statutory presumption that a borrower will have the ability to repay a loan if the loan has the characteristics that meet the definition 
of QM, potentially mitigating the risk of liability of the creditor and assignee of the creditor for special ATR remedies under the 
Truth in Lending Act.  One of the characteristics of a lawful QM transaction is that the "points and fees" payable in connection with 
the transaction should not exceed 3% of the total loan amount.  The ATR rule provides that a covered first mortgage loan meeting 
the QM definition bearing an annual percentage rate no greater than 1.5% plus a prevailing market rate is regarded as complying 
with ATR requirements, while if a loan bears an annual percentage rate of greater than 1.5% plus a prevailing market rate, it will 
carry a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the ATR rule.  We expect that most lenders will be reluctant to make loans that 
do not qualify as QMs because they will not be entitled to such protection against civil liability under the Dodd-Frank Act.  As a 
result, we believe ATR regulations will have a direct impact on establishing a subset of borrowers who can meet the regulatory 
standards and will have a direct effect on the size of the residential mortgage market in any given year once the regulations become 
effective.  We expect that the majority of our new insurance written will be on loans that will meet the QM definition, and therefore 
do not believe such limitations would materially affect our business.  However, it is difficult to predict with any certainty how lenders' 
origination practices will change as a result of the QM rule and whether any such changes would have a negative impact on the MI 
industry.  Our business prospects and operating results could be adversely impacted if, and to the extent that, the QM regulations 
reduce the size of the origination market.

In addition, there are certain aspects of the ATR regulations that could have an adverse impact on mortgage insurers.  Under 
the QM regulations, if the lender requires the borrower to purchase MI, then the MI premiums are included in monthly mortgage 
costs in determining the borrower's ability to repay the loan.  The demand for MI may decrease if, and to the extent that, monthly 
MI premiums make it less likely that a loan will qualify for QM status, especially if MI alternatives (discussed below in "—The 
amount of insurance we may be able to write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives to MI.") are 
relatively less expensive than MI. 

In addition, under the QM regulations, mortgage insurance premiums that are payable at or prior to consummation of the 
loan are includible in points and fees unless, and to the extent that, such up-front premiums (“UFP”) are (i) less than or equal to the 
UFP charged by the FHA, and (ii) are automatically refundable on a pro rata basis upon satisfaction of the loan.  (The FHA currently 
charges UFP of 1.75% on all residential mortgage loans, but it has the authority to change its UFP from time to time.)  The QM rule 
includes a limitation on points and fees in excess of 3% of the total loan amount.  As inclusion of MI premiums towards the 3% cap 
will reduce the capacity for other points and fees in covered transactions, mortgage originators may be less likely to purchase single 
premium MI products to the extent that the associated premiums are deemed to be points and fees.  As a result, we believe that the 
QM rule may increase demand for monthly and annual MI products relative to single premium products, which may have an adverse 
impact on our business, financial condition and operating results to the extent that profitability of single premium products exceeds 
that of monthly and annual MI products.

46

 
 
Changes  in  the  business  practices  of  the  GSEs,  including  a  decision  to  modify  the  mortgage  insurer  eligibility 
requirements or decrease or discontinue the use of MI, federal legislation that changes their charters or a restructuring of the 
GSEs could reduce our revenues or increase our losses. 

We currently expect that the significant majority of our insurance written will be on loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie 
Mac.  As discussed above in Item 1, "Business - Overview of the Private Mortgage Insurance Industry - GSEs," the requirements 
and practices of the GSEs impact the operating results and financial performance of MI companies.  Changes in the charters or 
business practices of Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae could reduce the number of mortgages they purchase that are insured by us and 
consequently diminish our franchise value.  The GSEs could be directed to make such changes by the Federal Housing Finance 
Agency ("FHFA"), which was appointed as their conservator in September 2008 and has the authority to control and direct the 
operations of the GSEs.  

The appointment of the FHFA as conservator may increase the likelihood that the business practices of the GSEs change 
in ways that could negatively impact the mortgage insurance industry and have an adverse effect on us.  Each GSE maintains qualified 
mortgage insurer eligibility requirements, which they have been in the process of revising since mid-2010.  The FHFA has announced 
its intent that the GSEs achieve uniformity in their respective requirements and that the requirements be finalized in the near term 
future.  Although the GSEs and FHFA have not publicly commented on the final content of the revised mortgage insurer requirements, 
we believe they will include a new capital adequacy framework.  Under the terms of our GSE Approval, the GSEs have already 
imposed certain capitalization, operational and reporting conditions on NMIC.  It is difficult to predict whether any changes the 
GSEs might impose in their revised mortgage insurer eligibility requirements will have an effect on our business. See also Part II, 
Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Factors Expected to Affect 
Results as our Mortgage Insurance Operations Grow - GSE Reform."

In addition, in connection with the FHFA's mandate that the GSEs align their mortgage insurer eligibility standards, the 
GSEs have imposed minimum standards for mortgage insurer master policies, including standards related to limitations on rescission 
rights.  The new standards will be implemented in 2014, and to comply with the GSEs' master policy requirements we and our 
competitors have filed new master policies with state insurance regulators.  As discussed above, our master policy includes coverage 
terms that we believe are more favorable to our customers than our competitors', particularly our rescission relief provisions.  While 
we do not believe the GSEs' master policy standards will require other mortgage insurers to provide the same coverage terms as we 
do, the fact that the GSEs have imposed master policy standards could make it more difficult for us to distinguish ourselves from 
our competitors.  

 The placement of the GSEs into the conservatorship of the FHFA has also increased the likelihood that the U.S.  Congress 
will act to address the role and purpose of the GSEs in the U.S. housing market and potentially legislate structural and other changes 
to the GSEs and the functioning of the secondary mortgage market.  In February 2011, the U.S. Department of the Treasury reported 
its recommendations regarding options for ending the conservatorship of the GSEs, and while it does not provide any definitive 
timeline for GSE reform, it does recommend substantially reducing the government's footprint in housing finance.

Since 2011, there have been numerous legislative proposals, including in the current Congressional session, that are intended 
to wind down the GSEs in a piecemeal fashion. Among other changes, these bills, if ultimately enacted, would gradually reduce the 
GSE maximum portfolio size, prohibit the GSEs from engaging in any new activities or businesses and repeal the GSE affordable 
housing goals.  In addition, there were several comprehensive housing finance reform proposals introduced in Congress. Each of 
these proposals has been designed to eliminate the GSEs, while most of them would also replace the GSEs with a new mortgage 
financing system.  The proposals vary greatly with regard to the government's role in the housing market, and more specifically, with 
regard to the existence of an explicit or implicit government guarantee.  During the third fiscal quarter of 2013, President  Obama 
endorsed bipartisan mortgage reform legislation pending in the Senate and in the House of Representatives which would, as part of 
the proposed bills, eliminate and/or replace Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and have private investors (in lieu of the government) bear 
the risk undertaken by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  This legislation currently pending in Congress would have differing impacts 
on the role  of  the GSEs in the housing finance market, including their elimination, and the current role of mortgage insurance as 
credit enhancement, including its reduction or elimination, all of which could have an adverse effect on our revenue, operating results 
or financial condition.  We cannot predict whether any mortgage reform legislation will be passed by the Senate or the House of 
Representatives, the changes such reform would introduce or the effect the legislation would have on private mortgage insurers 
including NMIC.

As a result of the matters referred to above, it is uncertain what role the GSEs, FHFA and private capital, including MI, will 
play in the domestic residential housing finance system in the future or the impact of any such changes on our business.  In addition, 
the timing of the impact on our business is uncertain.  Any changes to the charters or statutory authorities of the GSEs would require 
Congressional  action  to  implement,  and  it  is  difficult  to  estimate  when  Congressional  action  would  be  final  and  how  long  any 
associated phase-in period may last.

47

The U.S. MI industry is subject to regulatory risk and has been subject to increased scrutiny by insurance and other 

regulatory authorities.

The U.S. MI industry and our insurance subsidiaries are and will be subject to substantial federal and state regulation, which 
has increased in recent years as a result of the recent financial crisis.  Increased federal or state regulatory scrutiny could lead to new 
legal precedents, new regulations or new practices, or regulatory actions or investigations, which could adversely affect our financial 
condition and operating results.  In addition, given the recent significant losses incurred by many insurers in the mortgage and 
financial guaranty industries, our insurance subsidiaries may be subject to heightened scrutiny by insurance regulators.  State insurance 
regulatory authorities could take actions, including making changes to capital requirements, that could have a material adverse effect 
on us.  Further, failure to comply with the various federal and state regulations promulgated by federal consumer protection authorities 
and state insurance regulatory authorities could lead to enforcement or disciplinary action, including the imposition of penalties and 
the revocation of our authorization to operate. See above in Item 1, “Business - Regulation.”

The NAIC has formed a working group to explore, among other things, whether the risk-to-capital requirements applicable 
to mortgage insurers should be overhauled.  We, along with other MI companies are working with the Mortgage Guaranty Insurance 
Working Group of the Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC (the “Working Group”).  The Working Group will determine 
and make a recommendation to the Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC as to what changes, if any, the Working Group 
believes are necessary to the solvency regulation of MI companies, including changes to the Mortgage Guaranty Insurers Model Act 
(Model #630).  The Working Group is in the early stages of discussion and the ultimate outcome of these discussions and any potential 
actions taken by the NAIC cannot be predicted at this time.  If the Working Group proposes that the NAIC adopt more stringent 
capital requirements, this could ultimately lead to NMIC being obligated to hold more capital for its insured business, which would 
reduce our profitability compared to the profitability we expect under the existing capital requirements.

A downturn in the U.S. economy or a decline in the value of borrowers' homes from their value at the time their loans 

close may result in more homeowners defaulting and could increase our losses. 

Losses  result from  events that  reduce a borrower's  ability to  continue to  make mortgage  payments, such  as  increasing 
unemployment and whether the home of a borrower who defaults on his or her mortgage can be sold for an amount that will cover 
unpaid principal and interest and the expenses of the sale.  In general, favorable economic conditions reduce the likelihood that 
borrowers will lack sufficient income to pay their mortgages and also favorably affect the value of homes, thereby reducing and in 
some cases even eliminating a loss from a mortgage default.  Deterioration in economic conditions generally increases the likelihood 
that borrowers will not have sufficient income to pay their mortgages and can also adversely affect housing values, which in turn 
can decrease the willingness of borrowers with sufficient resources to make mortgage payments to do so when the mortgage balance 
exceeds the value of the home.  Housing values may decline even absent deterioration in economic conditions due to declines in 
demand for homes, which in turn may result from changes in buyers' perceptions of the potential for future appreciation, rising 
interest rates, restrictions on mortgage credit due to more stringent underwriting standards, liquidity issues affecting lenders or other 
factors, such as the phase-out of the mortgage interest deduction.  In recent years, the residential mortgage market in the United 
States  experienced a variety of worsening economic conditions, and housing values have only recently begun to stabilize.  If our 
loss projections are inaccurate, our loss payments could materially exceed our recorded loss reserves resulting in an adverse effect 
on our financial position and operating results.  Also, if unemployment rates materially exceed and home price trends materially 
differ from our forecasts, our underwriting standards may prove inadequate to shield us from materially increased losses.

If interest rates decline, house prices appreciate or mortgage insurance cancellation requirements change, the length 

of time that our policies remain in force could decline and result in a decrease in our actual versus projected revenue.

In each year, most of our premiums will be from insurance that has been written in prior years. As a result, the length of 
time insurance remains in force, which is also generally referred to as persistency, is a significant determinant of our revenues. The 
factors affecting the length of time our insurance remains in force include:

• 

the level of current mortgage interest rates compared to the mortgage  rates on the insurance in force, which affects the 
vulnerability of the insurance in force to refinancings (i.e., lower current interest rates make it more attractive for 
borrowers to refinance and receive a lower interest rate); and

•  mortgage insurance cancellation policies of mortgage investors along with the current value of the homes underlying 

the mortgages in the insurance in force.

Current mortgage interest rates are at or near historic lows. Future premiums on our insurance in force represent a material 
portion of our claims paying resources. We are unsure what the impact on our revenues will be as mortgages are refinanced, because 
the number of policies we write for replacement mortgages may be more or less than the terminated policies associated with the 

48

refinanced mortgages.  Our revenues might be negatively impacted if there is a higher than expected level of refinance activity on 
loans we insure in the future.

The amount of insurance we may be able to write could be adversely affected if lenders and investors select alternatives 

to MI. 

If lenders and investors select alternatives to MI, our business could be adversely affected.  These alternatives to MI include, 

but are not limited to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

lenders using government mortgage insurance programs, including those of the FHA and the VA;

state-supported mortgage insurance funds in several states, including California and New York;

lenders and other investors holding mortgages in portfolio and self-insuring;

investors using credit enhancements other than MI, using other credit enhancements in conjunction with reduced levels 
of MI coverage, or accepting credit risk without credit enhancement; 

lenders originating mortgages using “piggy-back” structures to avoid MI, such as a first mortgage with an 80% LTV 
and a second mortgage with a 10%, 15% or 20% LTV (referred to as 80-10-10, 80-15-5 or 80-20 loans, respectively) 
rather than a first mortgage with an LTV above 80% that has MI; and 

• 

if borrowers pay cash versus securing mortgage financing, which has occurred with greater frequency in recent years.

Any of these alternatives to MI could reduce or eliminate the need for our product, could cause us to lose business and/or 
could limit our ability to attract the business that we would prefer to underwrite.  In particular, since 2008 government mortgage 
insurance programs, principally the FHA, have captured a significant share of the insured loan market.  Government mortgage 
insurance programs are not subject to the same capital requirements, risk tolerance or business objectives that we and other private 
MI companies are, and therefore, generally have greater financial flexibility in setting their pricing, guidelines and capacity, which 
could  put  us  at  a  competitive  disadvantage.    On  December  11,  2013,  HUD  announced  its  own  final  rule  defining  a  "Qualified 
Mortgage" that would be insured, guaranteed or administered by FHA, which went into effect on January 10, 2014 and which is less 
restrictive than the CFPB's definition in certain respects, including that (i) it has no borrower DTI limit, and (ii) it has a higher pricing 
threshold for loans to fall into the "safe harbor" category of QM loans rather than the "rebuttable presumption" category of QM loans.   
Because of this, it is possible that lenders will prefer FHA-insured loans to loans insured by MI.  In addition, loans insured under 
FHA and other Federal government-supported mortgage insurance programs are eligible for securitization in Ginnie Mae securities, 
which may be viewed by investors as more desirable than Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities due to the explicit backing of 
Ginnie Mae securities by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Federal government.  While declining from a high of approximately 
85% in 2009, the market share of governmental agencies remains substantially above the low of approximately 23% in 2007, according 
to statistics reported by Inside Mortgage Finance.  If the FHA or other government-supported mortgage insurance programs maintain 
or increase their share of the mortgage insurance market, our business and industry could be negatively affected. 

The degree to which lenders or borrowers may select these alternatives now, or in the future, is difficult to predict. As one 
or more of the alternatives described above, or new alternatives that enter the market, are chosen over MI, our revenues could be 
adversely impacted. The loss of business in general or the specific loss of more profitable business could have a material adverse 
effect on our financial position and operating results.

49

If the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations declines, the amount of insurance that we may be able 

to write could decline, which would reduce our revenues.

Our revenues, in part, depend on the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations and may be negatively 
affected if the volume declines. The factors that affect the volume of low down payment mortgage originations include, among other 
things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

restrictions on mortgage credit due to more stringent underwriting standards, more restrictive regulatory requirements 
and liquidity issues affecting lenders;

the level of home mortgage interest rates and deductibility of mortgage interest for income tax purposes;

the health of the real estate industry and the national economy as well as the conditions in regional and local economies;

housing affordability;

population trends, including the rate of household formation;

the rate of home price appreciation, which in times of heavy refinancing can affect whether refinance loans have LTVs 
that require MI; and

•  U.S. government housing policy encouraging loans to first-time homebuyers.

A decline in the volume of low down payment home mortgage originations could decrease demand for MI, decrease our 

new insurance written and therefore reduce our revenues and have an adverse effect on our operating results.

The U.S. MI industry is, and as a participant we will be, subject to litigation risk generally.

The MI industry faces litigation risk in the ordinary course of operations, including the risk of class action lawsuits and 
administrative enforcement by federal agencies.  Litigation and enforcement actions relating to capital markets transactions and 
securities-related matters in general has increased as a result of the recent financial crisis.  Consumers are bringing a growing number 
of lawsuits against home mortgage lenders and settlement service providers.  Mortgage insurers have been involved in litigation 
alleging violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (“RESPA”) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”).  
RESPA generally precludes mortgage insurers from paying referral fees to mortgage lenders for the referral of MI business.  This 
limitation also can prohibit providing services or products to mortgage lenders free of charge, charging fees for services that are 
lower than their reasonable or fair market value, and paying fees for services that mortgage lenders provide that are higher than their 
reasonable or fair market value, in exchange for the referral of MI business services.  Violations of the referral fee limitations of 
RESPA may be enforced by the federal CFPB, as well as by private litigants in class actions.  In the past, a number of lawsuits have 
challenged the actions of private mortgage insurers under RESPA, alleging that the insurers have violated the referral fee prohibition 
by entering into captive reinsurance arrangements or providing products or services to mortgage lenders at improperly reduced prices 
in return for the referral of MI.  In addition to these private lawsuits, other MI companies received Civil Investigative Demands 
(“CID”) from the CFPB as part of its investigation to determine whether mortgage lenders and mortgage insurance providers engaged 
in acts or practices in connection with their captive mortgage insurance arrangements in violation of the RESPA, the Consumer 
Financial Protection Act and the Dodd-Frank Act.  In 2013, the CFPB entered into consent orders with five other MI companies 
settling the CFPB's allegations related to those MI companies' respective captive arrangements.  Under the consent orders, each 
company agreed to discontinue the challenged captive reinsurance practices, pay monetary penalties and be subject to ongoing 
monitoring by the CFPB.  We do not currently have any captive reinsurance arrangements, and are not currently subject to RESPA-
related inquiries by the CFPB or other regulators or RESPA-related litigation.  However, should we become a party to such an inquiry 
or action, the ultimate outcome is difficult to predict and it is possible that any outcome could be negative to us specifically or the 
industry in general and such a negative outcome could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position and operating results.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock 

We do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the near future, and payment of any declared dividends 

may be delayed.

As a condition of GSE Approval, the GSEs have prohibited NMIC from paying a dividend to us before December 31, 2015.  
NMIC has also agreed with various state insurance regulators to restrictions on the payment of dividends until January 2016.  After 
the expiration of these periods, we must obtain prior approval from the GSEs for the payment of any dividend by NMIC and we will 
have to obtain permission from our state of domicile regulator, the Wisconsin OCI or any successor domestic regulator, for the 
payment of any extraordinary dividend.  Without the payment of dividends from NMIC to us, it may be difficult for us to pay dividends 
to stockholders.  

50

 
We have not declared or paid dividends in the past, and we do not expect to pay dividends in the near future.  Further, we 
do not have earnings from which dividends may be paid.  In our early years, to the extent we have earnings, we intend to retain such 
earnings to expand our business.  As a result, only appreciation in the price of our common stock, which may never occur, will 
provide a return to investors.  Any future declaration and payment of dividends by our Board will depend on many factors, including 
general economic and business conditions, our strategic plans, our financial results and condition, legal requirements and other factors 
that our Board deems relevant.  In addition, we may enter into credit agreements or other debt arrangements in the future that will 
restrict our ability to declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock.

The market price of our common stock could decline due to the large number of outstanding shares of our common 

stock eligible for future sale.

As of March 7, 2014, we had 58,065,326 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.  Of the outstanding shares 
of our common stock, the shares held by a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to be an affiliate of 
ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning 
of Rule 144 of the Securities Act may be eligible for resale in the public market under Rule 144 under the Securities Act subject to 
applicable restrictions under Rule 144.  Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market in the future, or the 
perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. These sales could also make 
it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future, at a time and place that we deem appropriate.

In addition, we have filed a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register an aggregate of 5.5 
million  shares  of  our  common  stock  for  issuance  under  our  2012  Stock  Incentive  Plan.   Any  shares  issued  in  connection  with 
acquisitions, the exercise of stock options or otherwise would dilute the percentage ownership held by investors who purchase our 
shares.

Future issuances of shares of our common stock may depress our share price and might dilute the book value of our 

common stock and reduce your influence over matters on which stockholders vote.

Our Board has the authority, without action or vote of our stockholders, to issue all or any part of our authorized but unissued 
shares of common stock, including shares that may be issued to satisfy our obligations under our incentive plans, and securities and 
instruments that are convertible into our common stock.  Such stock issuances could be made at a price that reflects a discount or a 
premium from the then-current trading price of our common stock and might dilute the book value of our common stock or result 
in a decrease in the per share price of our common stock.

Future issuance of debt or preferred stock, which would rank senior to our common stock upon our liquidation, may 

adversely affect the market value of our common stock.

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by issuing debt, including bank debt, commercial paper, 
medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes or classes of shares of preferred stock.  Our preferred stock, if issued, could have 
a preference on liquidating distributions or a preference on dividend payments that would limit amounts available for distribution 
to holders of shares of our common stock.  Accordingly, upon our liquidation, holders of our debt securities and preferred stock and 
lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of shares of our common 
stock.  In addition, if we incur debt in the future, our future interest cost could increase and adversely affect our liquidity, cash flow 
and operating results.

Our decision to issue debt or preferred stock will depend on market conditions and other factors, some of which will be 
beyond our control.  We cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of such future issuances.  Holders of our common 
stock bear the risk of such future issuances of debt or preferred stock reducing the market value of our common stock.

The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of an investment in our common 

stock to decline.

Because our IPO occurred recently, our common stock has limited trading history, and the market price of our common 
stock may fluctuate substantially and be highly volatile, which may make it difficult for stockholders to sell their shares of our 
common stock at the volume, prices and times desired.  There are many factors that will impact the market price of our common 
stock, including, without limitation:

• 

• 

general market conditions, including price levels and volume and changes in interest rates;

national, regional and local economic or business conditions;

51

 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal 
Reserve;

our actual or projected financial condition, liquidity, operating results, cash flows and capital levels; 

changes in, or failure to meet, our publicly disclosed expectations as to our future financial and operating performance;

publication of research reports about us, our competitors or the financial services industry generally, or changes in, or 
failure to meet, securities analysts' estimates of our financial and operating performance, or lack of research reports by 
industry analysts or ceasing of coverage;

•  market valuations, as well as the financial and operating performance and prospects, of similar companies;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

future issuances or sales, or anticipated issuances or sales, of our common stock or other securities convertible into or 
exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock;

expenses incurred in connection with changes in our stock price, such as changes in the value of the liability reflected 
on our financial statements associated with outstanding warrants; 

the potential failure to establish and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting; 

additions or departures of key personnel;

our failure to satisfy the continued listing requirements of the NASDAQ;

our failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and 

our treatment as an “emerging growth company” under the federal securities laws.

The  stock  markets  in  general  have  experienced  substantial  volatility  that  has  often  been  unrelated  to  the  operating 
performance of particular companies. These types of broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common 
stock. In the past, stockholders have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against companies following periods of 
volatility in the market price of their securities. Any similar litigation against us could result in substantial costs, divert management's 
attention and resources and harm our business or operating results.

We are an emerging growth company and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies 

may make our common stock less attractive to investors.  

As a company that had gross revenues of less than $1 billion during its last fiscal year, we are an EGC.  As an EGC, we are 
relieved from certain significant requirements, including, among other things, the requirement to (i) file reports under Section 13 of 
the Exchange Act, (ii) comply with certain provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley and the Dodd-Frank Act and certain provisions and reporting 
requirements of or under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act or (iii) comply with new or revised financial accounting standards 
as long as we are an EGC, which, under the JOBS Act, has the effect of reducing the amount of information that we are required to 
provide for the foreseeable future.  For example, as an EGC, we are exempt from complying with Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley, 
which otherwise would have required our auditors to attest to and report on our internal control over financial reporting.  These 
reduced disclosure requirements may make our common stock less attractive to investors.  To the extent that other companies do 
not, or cannot, take advantage of the benefits under the JOBS Act, this distinction may make our common stock less attractive to 
investors.  

Provisions contained in our organizational documents, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could delay or prevent a 

change of control of us, which could adversely affect the price of shares of our common stock. 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering 
more  difficult  or  discouraging  an  acquisition  deemed  undesirable  by  our  Board.  Our  corporate  governance  documents  include 
provisions that:

• 

• 

provide that special meetings of our stockholders generally can only be called by the chairman of the Board or the 
president or by resolution of the Board; 

provide our Board  the ability to issue undesignated preferred stock, the terms of which may be established and the 
shares of which may be issued without stockholder approval, and which may grant preferred holders super voting, 
special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences superior to the rights of the holder of common stock;

• 

provide our Board the ability to issue common stock and warrants within the amount of authorized capital; 

52

• 

• 

provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock with respect to such series of preferred 
stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or 
special meeting of our stockholders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders;

provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates 
for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders, generally must provide timely advance notice of their 
intent in writing and certain other information not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the meeting; and

• 

eliminate the ability of stockholders to act by consent in lieu of a meeting.

These provisions, alone or together, could delay hostile takeovers and changes of control of the Company or changes in our 

management.

As  a  Delaware  corporation,  we  are  also  subject  to  anti-takeover  provisions  of  Delaware  law.  The  Delaware  General 
Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) provides that stockholders are not entitled the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors 
unless a corporation's certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative 
voting in the election of directors. 

We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a public Delaware corporation 
from engaging in a business combination (as defined in such section) with an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any 
person who beneficially owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of such corporation or any person affiliated with such 
person) for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such 
time, the board of directors of such corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the 
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming 
an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of such corporation at the time the 
transaction commenced (excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock 
owned by the interested stockholder) the voting stock owned by directors who are also officers or held in employee benefit plans in 
which the employees do not have a confidential right to tender or vote stock held by the plan); or (iii) on or subsequent to such time 
the business combination is approved by the board of directors of such corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by 
the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of such corporation not owned by the interested stockholder. 

In  addition,  Wisconsin's  insurance  regulations  generally  provide  that  no  person  may  acquire  control  of  us  unless  the 
transaction in which control is acquired has been approved by the Wisconsin OCI. The regulations provide for a rebuttable presumption 
of control when a person owns or has the right to vote more than 10% of the voting securities. In addition, the insurance regulations 
of other states in which NMIC and/or Re One are licensed insurers require notification to the state's insurance department a specified 
time before a person acquires control of us. If regulators in these states disapprove the change of control, our licenses to conduct 
business in the disapproving states could be terminated. 

Any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law or under the Wisconsin insurance regulation 
that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium 
for their shares of common stock, and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for shares of our common 
stock. 

53

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

We entered into an office facility lease in Emeryville, California, effective July 1, 2012 for a term of two years. This facility 
is approximately 24,000 square feet and fully furnished.  In October 2013, we amended our facility's lease to (i) add approximately 
23,000 square feet of furnished office space and (ii) extend the facility's lease period through October 31, 2017, which allows for 
expansion based on near-term projected staffing growth.  We do not own or lease any other facilities.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

On August 8, 2012, Germaine Marks, as Receiver, and Truitte Todd, as Special Deputy Receiver, of PMI Mortgage Insurance 
Co., an Arizona insurance company in receivership, filed a complaint (the “PMI Complaint”) against the Company, NMIC and certain 
named individuals, in California Superior Court, Alameda County (the "Court").  The PMI Complaint, as amended, alleges breach 
of fiduciary duty, breach of loyalty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty and loyalty, misappropriation of trade secrets, 
conversion, breach of proprietary information agreement, breach of separation agreement, intentional interference with contractual 
relations and unfair competition.  The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief as well as unspecified monetary damages.  We and the individual 
defendants believe these claims are without merit and have filed answers denying all allegations. We and the individual defendants 
intend to defend ourselves vigorously.  

On January 30, 2014, Arch announced the closing of its acquisition of CMG and certain assets of PMI.  The terms of the 
February 7, 2013 Asset Purchase Agreement ("APA") between Arch and PMI provide that effective as of the closing of that transaction, 
PMI shall transfer and assign to Arch all causes of action being pursued in the PMI Complaint.  The APA further provides that within 
thirty (30) days after the closing of the transaction, Arch shall have its attorney file appropriate pleadings and other documents and 
instruments with the court requesting that PMI be removed as a party plaintiff in the PMI Complaint and that Arch be substituted as 
the real party in interest.  Although Arch has not yet filed any such request with the Court, the plaintiff is now described in pleadings 
as “Plaintiff and Real Party in Interest Arch U.S. MI Services, Inc.”

If the lawsuit is determined adversely to us, the Court could subject us to significant monetary damages and/or enter an 
injunction that might include preventing NMIC from conducting insurance operations.  In addition, if the lawsuit is determined 
adversely to any of our employees, we may  be required to remove and replace those employees under the terms of agreements NMIC 
and/or NMIH entered into with each of the Alabama Department of Insurance, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the Texas 
Commissioner of Insurance and the New York State Department of Financial Services, as a condition of NMIC obtaining certificates 
of authority in those states.  The Court has set the trial date for September 29, 2014.

Because the litigation and related discovery are ongoing, we do not have sufficient information to determine or predict the 
ultimate outcome or estimate the range of possible losses, if any.  Accordingly, no provision for litigation losses has been included 
in our financial statements. 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol "NMIH."  At March 7, 2014, there were 58,065,326 shares 
of our Class A common stock outstanding and approximately 48 holders of record. There are no shares of our Class B common stock 
outstanding. On November 8, 2013, we filed a final prospectus announcing the sale of approximately 2.4 million shares of common 
stock through our IPO and began trading on the NASDAQ We used the net proceeds received by us for working capital and other 
general corporate purposes.  Prior to our IPO, we had approximately 55.6 million shares of common stock outstanding for which 
there was no established public market and, therefore, no public trading activity for any periods before the fourth quarter of 2013.

The following table shows the high and low sales prices of our common stock on the NASDAQ for the financial quarters 

indicated:

4th Quarter

2013

High

Low

$

14.15

$

12.00

No dividends on our common stock have previously been declared or paid, and we do not expect to declare or pay dividends 
in the near future.  For information on our ability to pay dividends, see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations - Factors That Impact Holding Company Operations" and Item 8, "Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes 9 and 14."

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock during 2013.

Common Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class A Common Stock from November 8, 
2013 (our first trading day on the NASDAQ) until December 31, 2013, with the cumulative total stockholder return on the Russell 
2000 Index and a mortgage insurance company index ("Peer Index").  Prior to November 2013, there was no established public 
market for our securities. The Peer Index consists of Essent Group, Ltd., MGIC Investment Corporation and Radian Group, Inc.  The 
graph plots the changes in value of an initial $100 investment over the indicated time periods, assuming all dividends are reinvested 
quarterly.  The total stockholder’s returns are not necessarily indicative of future returns.  Information contained or referenced in the 
stock performance graph below is being furnished with this report and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the 
Exchange Act or deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act.

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11/8/13

11/15/13

11/22/13

11/29/13

12/6/13

12/13/13

12/20/13

12/27/13

12/31/13

NMI Holdings, Inc.

$

100 $

100 $

99 $

100 $

94 $

85 $

86 $

90 $

Russell 2000 Index

Peer Group Index (ESNT,
MTG, RDN)

100

100

101

101

102

104

104

106

103

108

101

106

104

108

106

110

91

106

110

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The information in the following table should be read in conjunction with the information included in Item 7, "Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and notes 
thereto included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net realized investment gains
(Loss) Gain from change in fair value of warrant liability

Total Revenues

Losses incurred

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

Other underwriting and operating expenses

Net Loss

Basic and diluted loss per share

Weighted average common shares outstanding

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Assets

Unearned premiums

Reserve for insurance claims and claims expenses

Shareholders' Equity

Book value per share
Selected Ratios

Loss ratio

Expense ratio

Combined ratio

Risk-to-capital ratio
Other Data

New primary insurance written

New primary risk written

New pool risk written

Direct primary insurance in force

Direct primary risk in force

Direct pool risk in force

2013

2012

2011

(In Thousands, except for share data and ratios)

$

2,095

$

— $

4,808

186
(1,529)
5,560

—

1

60,743
(55,184)

6

—
278

284

—

—

27,775
(27,491)

1,349

(1,349)

(0.99) $

(0.73) $

(13,490.00)

56,005,326

37,909,936

100

2013

2012

2011

(In Thousands, except for share data and ratios)

409,088

$

4,864

$

55,929

481,219

1,446

—

463,217

485,855

542,768

—

—

488,748

(1,349)

7.98

$

8.81

$

(13,490.00)

$

$

$

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

210

—

—

—%

2,900

2,900

0.7:1

—%

—

—

—

$

162,172

$

— $

36,516

93,090

161,731

36,516

93,090

—

—

—

—

—

—%

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

56

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

The  following  analysis  of  our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  our 
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included below in Item 8 of this report and the Risk Factors included above in 
Part I, Item 1A of  this report.  In addition, investors should review the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements" 
above.

Overview 

NMI Holdings, Inc. ("NMIH" or the "Company") was formed in May 2011 and, through its subsidiaries, provides private 
mortgage guaranty insurance (which we refer to as "mortgage insurance" or "MI").  As used below, "we" and "our" refer to NMIH's 
consolidated operations.   MI protects mortgage lenders from all or a portion of default-related losses on residential mortgage loans 
made to home buyers who generally make down payments of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. By protecting lenders and 
investors from credit losses, we help facilitate the availability of mortgages to prospective, primarily first-time, U.S. home buyers, 
thus promoting homeownership and helping to revitalize our residential communities. MI also facilitates the sale of these mortgage 
loans in the secondary mortgage market, most of which are sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Our business strategy is to become 
a leading national MI company with our principal focus on writing insurance on high quality, low down payment residential mortgages 
in the United States. Following our formation, we focused our efforts on organizational development, capital raising and other start-
up related activities.  In November 2011, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MAC Financial Holding Corporation and 
its Wisconsin  licensed  insurance  subsidiaries,  Mortgage Assurance  Corporation,  Mortgage Assurance  Reinsurance  Inc  One  and 
Mortgage  Assurance  Reinsurance  Inc  Two,  each  a  Wisconsin  corporation,  which  we  renamed  National  Mortgage  Insurance 
Corporation (“NMIC”), National Mortgage Reinsurance Inc One (“Re One”) and National Mortgage Reinsurance Inc Two (“Re 
Two”), respectively.  In April 2012, we raised net proceeds of approximately $510 million from a private placement of our common 
stock (the "Private Placement") and completed the acquisition of MAC Financial Holding Corporation and its insurance subsidiaries. 
The proceeds from the Private Placement were and will be primarily used to capitalize our insurance subsidiaries and fund our 
operating expenses until our insurance subsidiaries generate positive cash flows. On September 30, 2013, we merged MAC Financial 
Holding Corporation into NMIH, with NMIH surviving the merger, and we merged Re Two into NMIC, with NMIC surviving the 
merger.

In January 2013, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively the “GSEs”) approved NMIC as a qualified MI provider on 
loans purchased by the GSEs.  With our GSE Approval, our customers who originate loans insured by NMIC may sell such loans to 
the GSEs (as of April 1, 2013 for Freddie Mac and as of June 1, 2013 for Fannie Mae).  Our primary insurance subsidiary, NMIC, 
requires a certificate of authority, or insurance license, in each state or jurisdiction where we issue insurance policies.  We applied 
for a certificate of authority in each of the 50 states and D.C. in June 2012.  We are currently licensed in 49 states and D.C.

On November 8, 2013, we filed a final prospectus announcing the sale of approximately 2.1 million shares of common 
stock through our IPO.  The principal reason for conducting the IPO was to expedite an increase in the number of holders of our 
common stock to permit a listing of our common stock on the NASDAQ.  Obtaining a listing on the NASDAQ satisfied certain 
contractual obligations we had to our stockholders under a Registration Rights Agreement we entered into in connection with the 
Private Placement.  On November 12, 2013, the underwriters exercised their option in full to purchase an additional 315,000 shares 
of common stock at a price of $13.00 per share, before underwriting discounts. The offering closed on November 14, 2013. Gross 
proceeds  to  us  were  $31.4  million.    Net  proceeds  from  the  offering  were  approximately  $28  million,  after  an  approximate  6% 
underwriting fee and other offering expenses and reimbursements pursuant to the underwriting agreement.  

Following our IPO, and to meet our obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, we filed a final prospectus on 
December 9, 2013 registering 51,101,434 Class A common shares. These shares had previously been issued during our Private 
Placement.

 Through our primary mortgage insurance subsidiary, NMIC, a monoline MI company, and its affiliated reinsurance company, 

Re One, we provide residential MI in the United States.  We are one of seven companies in the U.S. who offer such insurance. 

We believe the MI industry has significant barriers to entry due to the substantial capital necessary to fund operations and 
satisfy GSE requirements, the need for a customer-integrated operating platform capable of issuing and servicing mortgage insurance 
policies, the competitive positions and established customer relationships of existing mortgage insurance providers, and in order to 
conduct MI business nationwide, the need to obtain and maintain insurance licenses in all 50 states and D.C.  Additionally, the 
resource commitment required by customers, and larger lenders in particular, to connect to a new mortgage insurance platform, such 
as ours, is significant, and absent a critical need, such as the capital constraints in the MI industry during the financial crisis, they 
have historically, in our view, been reluctant to make such an investment. We were formed at a time when the severe dislocation in 
the private mortgage insurance industry caused by the financial crisis created a need for newly capitalized mortgage insurers and 
this has facilitated our efforts to establish relationships with lenders.

57

 
 
Since the Company's inception, our efforts to build our MI business have included, among other things, building an executive 
management team and hiring other key officers and directors and staff, building our operating processes, designing and developing 
our business and technology applications, environment and infrastructure, and obtaining state licenses and GSE approval.  

NMIC  works  to  differentiate  itself  primarily  by  prompt  and  predictable  underwriting,  thereby  aiming  to  provide  our 
customers with a higher degree of confidence of coverage than our competitors provide.  We have established risk management 
controls throughout our organization that we believe will support our continued financial strength.  As a newly capitalized mortgage 
insurer, we have the ability to write new business without the burden of risky legacy exposures and believe our current capital supports 
our current business writing strategy while staying within the regulatory guidelines imposed by state insurance departments and the 
GSEs.  

Our financial results to date have been primarily driven by expenditures related to our business development activities, and 
to a lesser extent, by our investment activities.  Since we commenced writing MI on a limited test basis in April 2013, we have 
become a fully operational MI company, with $161.7 million of primary insurance-in-force and $5.1 billion of pool insurance in 
force as of December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had primary risk-in-force of $36.5 million 
compared to primary risk-in-force of $1.2 million at September 30, 2013.  Pool risk-in-force for the year ended December 31, 2013 
was $93.1 million.

We discuss the following in turn below:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the significant conditions and factors that have affected our operating results, including the costs associated with the key 
start-up activities in which we were engaged and development of our investment portfolio;

the factors we expect will impact our future results as our mortgage insurance business continues to grow, and certain 
issues impacting our holding company, NMIH;

our sources and uses of liquidity and capital resources;

our operating results, which were primarily driven by our start up activities, and the composition of our NIW and IIF; 
and

critical accounting estimates that require management to exercise significant judgments, often as a result of the need to 
make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Operating Expenses from Start Up Activities

Our expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, were $60.7 million, $27.8 million and $1.3 million, 
respectively, and consist largely of expenses associated with start up activities, including payroll and related expenses, share-based 
compensation and professional fees. The costs that we have incurred to date represent the culmination of our start-up activities. As 
such, they do not reflect the same types of expenses that an MI company with an established insurance portfolio after many years 
of operations would be expected to incur. We anticipate that, as our insurance writings grow and our sale activities increase, our 
underwriting expenses in future periods will be considerably higher than in the periods presented to date.

Although we expect our year-over-year expenses to increase as we grow our business, we ultimately expect that the majority 
of our operating expenses will be relatively fixed in the long term.  As our business matures and we deploy the majority of our capital, 
we are targeting our expense ratio (expenses to premiums written) to fall into a range of 20% to 25%.  During the first few years of 
operation, our expense ratio is expected to be significantly higher than this range given the low levels of premium written compared 
to our "fixed" costs customary to operating a mortgage insurance company.  We believe that we will have an efficient expense structure 
providing us with greater flexibility.  We do not expect to achieve operating profitability through at least 2014.  Additionally, we are 
targeting an average unlevered return on equity in the mid-teens over time. 

We discuss below the significant start up activities that have driven our results to date.

Start-up Operations

Since the closing of our Private Placement, we engaged in the following activities, which culminated in writing mortgage 

insurance business beginning in April 2013:

•  we obtained certificates of authority for NMIC from state insurance regulators to write mortgage insurance in 49 states 

and D.C.;

• 

in January 2013, NMIC obtained approvals from the GSEs as a qualified mortgage insurer;

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•  we made substantial progress in the design, development and implementation of our information technology platform 

and are actively using the applications today to transact business with customers;

•  we established customer relationships with mortgage originators; and

•  we have attracted and retained our employee base and support systems.

State Licensing

NMIC applied for a certificate of authority in each of the 50 states and D.C. in June 2012.  As of the date of this report, 
NMIC has obtained certificates of authority in 49 states and D.C.  NMIC has not yet received a certificate of authority in Wyoming.  
On March 7, 2014, we received a letter from the Wyoming Insurance Department ("WY DOI") notifying us that our application for 
a certificate of authority in Wyoming has been recommended for approval subject to NMIC posting a statutory deposit with the 
Wyoming Insurance Commissioner, which is customary for mortgage insurance companies.  See Part I, Item 1A,  "Risk Factors - 
We may not receive, or be able to retain, licenses in all states, which would hamper our ability to issue MI on a nationwide basis."

Many states also require approval of NMIC's insurance rates and/or policy forms before it may issue insurance policies in 
such states.  NMIC currently has effective rates and effective policy forms in each of the 49 states and D.C. in which NMIC has 
received certificates of authority.

As conditions of obtaining licenses in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Texas, NMIC 
entered into agreements with the Alabama Department of Insurance ("ALDOI"), the California Insurance Department (“CADOI”), 
the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation ("FLDOI"), the Missouri Department of Insurance (“MODOI”), the New York State 
Department  of  Financial  Services  (“NYDOI”),  the  Ohio  Department  of  Insurance  ("OHDOI")  and  the Texas  Commissioner  of 
Insurance (“TXDOI”).  The agreements with the CADOI, FLDOI, MODOI, NYDOI, OHDOI and TXDOI, provide, among other 
things, that:

•  NMIC (i) refrain from paying any dividends; (ii) retain all profits; and (iii) other than in Florida, maintain a risk-to-capital 

ratio not to exceed 20 to 1, for three years from the date of GSE Approval (i.e., until January 2016); and

• 

certain start-up compensation expenses and equity compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock units 
("RSUs") shall not be allocated to or assumed as a cost or expense by NMIC.

In its agreements with the FLDOI and NYDOI, NMIC is required to obtain the FLDOI's and NYDOI's respective prior 
written approvals to significantly deviate from the plan of operations and/or financial projections that were submitted to the FLDOI 
and NYDOI in connection with NMIC's license applications in those states.  In addition, if the lawsuit brought by PMIC's Receiver 
is determined adversely to any of our officers who are named as defendants in the lawsuit (including our Chief Executive Officer, 
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Sales Officer and Vice President of Sales Operations, Analytics & Planning), we may be required to 
remove and replace those officers under the terms of the agreements with the ALDOI, FLDOI, NYDOI and TXDOI, as a condition 
of NMIC obtaining certificates of authority in those states.  

In connection with NMIC's license applications in California, Missouri and New York, NMIH entered into agreements with 
the CADOI, MODOI and NYDOI requiring NMIH to contribute capital to NMIC as necessary to maintain NMIC's risk-to-capital 
ratio at or below 20 to 1 for three years from the date of GSE Approval.  In the agreement with the FLDOI, NMIH agreed, consistent 
with conditions of the GSE Approval, to downstream additional capital from time to time, as needed, to maintain NMIC's risk-to-
capital ratio at or below 15 to 1.  In addition, our operation plan filed with the Wisconsin OCI and other state insurance departments 
in connection with NMIC's applications for licensure includes the expectation that NMIH will downstream additional capital, if 
needed, so that NMIC does not exceed an 18 to 1 risk-to-capital ratio. Re One is also a party to the agreement with the CADOI.  
Additionally, and as part of the approval process with the GSEs, we are required for the first three years of operations (expiring 
December 31, 2015) to maintain NMIC's risk-to-capital ratio at no greater than 15 to 1 and at all times to maintain NMIC's total 
statutory capital of at least $150 million.  For further discussion of the GSE Approvals, see "—GSE Approvals," below.

Capital Position

In addition to the requirement that NMIC adhere to the above minimum capital requirements, in 16 states, NMIC is also 
subject to regulatory minimum capital requirements based on its insured risk-in-force.  While formulations of this minimum capital 
may vary in each jurisdiction, the most common measure allows for a maximum permitted risk-to-capital ratio of 25 to 1.  As a new 
entrant to the MI business, our insurance writings to date have been minimal compared to the volume of insurance we expect to write 
as our business grows in the near future.  

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As of December 31, 2013, NMIC's primary risk-in-force was approximately $36.5 million on a total of 653 policies in force 
and pool risk-in-force was approximately $93.1 million on a total of approximately 22,000 loans.  Based on NMIC's reported total 
statutory capital of $182 million at December 31, 2013, NMIC's risk-to-capital ratio was 0.6:1, significantly below the contractual 
and regulatory maximum risk-to-capital thresholds.  As our insurance writings grow and our risk-in-force increases, our risk-to-
capital ratio will increase and NMIC's risk-to-capital metrics will become more important to an evaluation of its compliance with 
all of the capital requirements to which it is subject.  State insurance regulators and the GSEs are currently examining their respective 
risk-to-capital ratio requirements to determine whether in light of the recent financial crisis, changes are needed to more accurately 
assess mortgage insurers' ability to withstand stressful economic conditions.  

The NAIC has formed a working group to explore, among other things, whether the risk-to-capital requirements applicable 
to mortgage insurers should be overhauled.  We, along with other MI companies are working with the Mortgage Guaranty Insurance 
Working  Group  of  the  Financial  Condition  (E)  Committee  of  the  NAIC.  The  Working  Group  will  determine  and  make  a 
recommendation to the Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC as to what changes, if any, the Working Group believes are 
necessary to the solvency regulation for MI companies, including changes to the Mortgage Guaranty Insurers Model Act (Model 
#630).  We have participated in the Working Group since early 2013 and continue to advocate for a strong capital model, as the 
industry migrates from a risk-to-capital metric to a more traditional risk-based capital approach.  The discussions are ongoing and 
the ultimate outcome of these discussions and any potential actions taken by the NAIC cannot be predicted at this time.  However, 
given our current strong capital position and having no exposure to risk written in the 2005 through 2008 book years (which we 
consider to be some of the poorest performing books of business ever written by the MI industry), we believe that NMIC will be 
able to fully comply with any new capital requirements at the time they are enacted.

In late 2013, the FHFA  informed the MI industry that the GSEs have jointly developed new qualified mortgage insurer 
eligibility standards that will be issued in draft form for public comment in 2014.  However, in January, 2014, the FHFA informed 
the MI industry that issuance of the new MI eligibility standards in draft form had been delayed by FHFA's Director Mel Watt in 
order to permit Director Watt to review the draft standards.  FHFA has not announced when the draft standards will be issued.

 GSE Approvals

The GSEs are the principal purchasers of mortgages insured by MI companies, primarily as a result of their legislative 
mandate to provide liquidity in the secondary mortgage market.  Consequently, the ability to successfully commence mortgage 
insurance operations in the U.S. is largely dependent on obtaining approvals from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as a qualified MI 
provider.  Following the Company's Private Placement in April 2012, NMIC's key focus was to secure approvals from the GSEs.  In 
January 2013, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each approved NMIC as a qualified mortgage insurer.  We expect that the significant 
majority of insurance we will write will be for loans sold to the GSEs.  With the GSE Approval, our customers who originate loans 
insured by NMIC may sell such loans to the GSEs (as of April 1, 2013 for Freddie Mac and as of June 1, 2013 for Fannie Mae).  For 
additional discussion of the conditions we agreed to in connection with obtaining GSE Approval, see  Part I, Item 1, "Business - 
Regulation - GSE Qualified Mortgage Insurer Requirements."

Development of Our Insurance Management System (“AXIS”) and Integration with Loan Origination Systems 

AXIS

We are currently underwriting and servicing loans within our AXIS platform.  Having a fully functional, cost efficient and 
scalable insurance management system is critical to our ability to conduct business with customers that control the majority of the 
mortgage insurance market.   We continue to develop AXIS, which is primarily comprised of two modules:  (i) underwriting and (ii) 
billing, servicing, and default and claims management.

The underwriting module currently in production was acquired in connection with the MAC Acquisition in April 2012.  We 
have made investments in this module and have upgraded it from the time of the acquisition and believe it is capable of supporting 
our anticipated mortgage insurance volume through at least the end of 2014.  During the fourth quarter of 2013, in order to reduce 
future operating costs, improve operational efficiencies and achieve a more flexible and enhanced user experience for loan originators, 
we decided to further enhance our underwriting module.  The new design and development of this underwriting module started in 
late 2013 with deployment expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2014.  We continue to accept MI commitments from all of our 
customers and expect the new module to be viewed as an enhanced user experience by our customers. This upgrade does not impact 
our ability to service existing or new customers.

The  currently  deployed  billing,  servicing,  default  and  claims  module  was  designed  and  developed  during  2013  and 
successfully deployed in late 2013 and early 2014.  The module generates and processes premium bills and statements, processes 
monthly premium payments, and performs service transfers, principal balance updates and cancellations, among other functions.  
AXIS is integrated with the two largest servicing system providers, facilitating an automated and efficient process between us and 

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
our customers related to all aspects of billing and servicing our policies.  Integrating with the two largest servicing system providers 
was integral to many of our customers who require this automation prior to doing business with us.  AXIS also accepts and processes 
NODs, allowing us to automatically track claim time-lines for adherence to the terms and conditions of our insurance policies and 
provide timely feedback and metrics to internal groups, among other functions.  

Both modules replaced similar modules acquired as part of the MAC Acquisition.  This was done to reduce future operating 
costs, improve operational efficiencies and achieve a more flexible and enhanced user experience for customers.  We expect the 
software portion of the MAC Acquisition will be fully amortized by the end of 2014 when the new underwriting module is deployed.

Loan Origination Systems

Our fully operational, cost efficient and scalable AXIS platform is critical to our ability to integrate with third party and 
proprietary loan origination systems and to our ability to address the majority of the mortgage insurance market.  Loan origination 
systems provide the functionality to automate the mortgage loan origination process, including point of sale support, processing, 
settlement  services,  document  preparation  and  tracking,  underwriting,  closing  and  funding.    We  continue  to  work  through  the 
integration process with additional lenders and third party loan origination systems.

Customer Development

As discussed above in Part I, Item 1, "Business - Sales and Marketing and Competition - Sales and Marketing," we organize 
our sales and marketing efforts based on our national and regional customer segmentation.  Our sales strategy is focused on attracting 
as customers mortgage originators in the United States that fall into two distinct categories, which we refer to as "National Accounts" 
and "Regional Accounts".  

We define National Accounts as the 37 most significant residential mortgage originators as determined by volume of their 
own originations as well as volume of insured business they may acquire from other originators.  These National Accounts generally 
originate loans through their retail channels as well as purchase loans originated by other entities, primarily mortgage originators 
who we would classify as Regional Accounts, as described below.  National Account lenders may sell their loans to the GSEs or 
private label secondary markets or securitize the loans themselves.  We plan to service these customers with a specialized team of 
National Account sales people who have experience sourcing business from this segment.   To date, approximately 20 of the National 
Accounts have indicated that they intend to do business with us, and we continue to work towards completing our customer boarding 
processes.  We believe we have favorable relationships with the approximately 20 National Accounts who have indicated they will 
purchase MI from NMIC.  As of the date of this report, we have received a limited amount of business from four of these national 
account providers and have continued to work with the other National Accounts to engage them as customers.  We expect to begin 
insuring loans in the correspondent channels of two large National Accounts in the near term future.

The Regional Accounts originate mortgage loans on a local or regional level throughout the country.  Some of these 
Regional Accounts have origination platforms that span across multiple regions; however, their primary lending focus is local.  
They sell the majority of their originations to National Accounts, but Regional Accounts may also retain loans in their portfolios 
or sell portions of their production directly to the GSEs.  Our nationwide and regional sales teams address the Regional Accounts 
segment of the market, and with the early efforts of these teams, we have been able to attract lenders in this segment who have 
agreed to purchase MI from NMIC.  Our future efforts will be focused on growing this segment of our customer base.  Our ability 
to make progress penetrating Regional Accounts is primarily dependent on the following three factors:

•  Obtaining approval from National Account lenders to be an authorized MI provider enables Regional Accounts to sell 
loans with insurance from NMIC to those National Accounts.  Consequently, these approvals are critical to making inroads 
with Regional Accounts.  As discussed above, approximately 20 of the 37 National Accounts have indicated that they 
intend to do business with us.

•  Achieving connectivity with the largest loan servicing systems.  Many loan servicers, including large lenders and those 
in the industry who service loans originated by Regional Accounts, that do not maintain proprietary servicing systems 
rely primarily on the two most significant servicing systems, LPS MSP and Fiserv LoanServTM, to service their loans.  
In 2013, we completed integration with LPS MSP and Fiserv LoanServTM.  Attaining connectivity with these servicing 
systems is one of the important steps with respect to both National and Regional Accounts purchasing MI from NMIC.

•  Achieving connectivity with leading third-party loan origination systems utilized by Regional Accounts, including Ellie 
Mae Encompass360®.  The Regional Accounts who originate loans using these third-party loan origination systems will 
be able to automatically select NMIC as an MI provider within those systems.  The progress we have made to date 
connecting with these loan origination systems is another significant achievement with respect to our readiness to engage 
with Regional Accounts.

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Competition  

The MI industry is highly competitive and includes other private mortgage insurers, governmental agencies that sponsor 
government-backed mortgage insurance programs and alternatives to credit enhancement products, such as piggy-back loans. See 
Part I, Item 1, "Business - Sales and Marketing and Competition - Competition," for additional discussion of our competitors.

The MI industry has recently been in a state of flux, with some existing companies exiting and new companies entering the 
space.  In addition to ourselves, in 2010 another new MI company was formed and started writing MI.  One existing company that 
had been serving credit unions only was acquired and announced its intent to expand operations to serve the entire mortgage market.  
In addition, an existing MI company that had previously stopped writing MI business has announced its intent to attempt to resume 
its MI operations.  Given this dynamic, we expect that there will be pressure in the coming years for industry participants to establish, 
grow or maintain their market share and that many MI companies will respond to this pressure by lowering their rates, which will 
in turn put pressure on the rest of the industry. 

We believe that our strong capital position and clear terms of coverage convey upon us an advantage in the marketplace. 
We expect that this advantage will translate to achieving our pro-rata market share on a faster than normal timeline.  Our competitors' 
market share of the private MI industry for the year ended December 31, 2013 varied from a low of approximately 3% to a high of 
approximately 28%.  In general, we expect the total origination market to decline in 2014.  However, within the total market of low-
down payment loan originations, we expect the overall private MI penetration rate to increase as the FHA continues to scale back. 
See "- Factors Expected to Affect Results as Our Mortgage Insurance Operations Grow - Competition with FHA," below.

Employees

We believe our Company is an attractive, stable place of employment, given that we are a well-capitalized insurance company 
that has made significant progress in commencing business in the MI marketplace, allowing us to attract what we believe to be high-
quality talent.  We believe that our growth and future success will depend in large part on our services and the skills of our management 
team and our ability to motivate and retain these individuals and other key personnel.  As of December 31, 2013, we had significantly 
developed our employee base to support our regional and national sales teams, policy acquisition and servicing, IT, and all other 
back-office functions.  Based on the execution of our business plan, we hired a substantial number of employees since raising our 
initial capital in April 2012 and expect to continue to add additional staff throughout the first half of 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, 
we had 141 total full-time employees.

New Business Writings

NMIC commenced, on a limited test basis, writing insurance business in April 2013.  As of December 31, 2013, NMIC has 
primary insurance-in-force of $161.7 million and $36.5 million of primary risk-in-force, representing 653 loans.  We expect NMIC's 
insurance-in-force and risk-in-force to increase over the coming months as our operations continue to mature.

During the second fiscal quarter of 2013, NMIC bid on a pool insurance transaction proposed by Fannie Mae.  As discussed 
previously, the FHFA set targets for reducing the GSEs' mortgage risk in 2013.  One of the methods available to the GSEs was to 
utilize MI companies as insurers of particular groups, or pools, of loans.  In July 2013, we were notified that Fannie Mae had selected 
NMIC for this pool transaction.  NMIC entered into an agreement with Fannie Mae, pursuant to which NMIC initially insured 
approximately 22,000 loans with insurance-in-force of $5.2 billion (as of September 1, 2013).  The effective date of the agreement 
and the coverage was September 1, 2013, and in September 2013, we received our first monthly premium payment from Fannie 
Mae.  The agreement has an expected term of 10 years from the coverage effective date. 

The risk-in-force to NMIC is $93.1 million which represents the amount between a deductible payable by Fannie Mae on 
initial losses and a stop loss, above which, losses are borne by Fannie Mae.  NMIC provides this same level of risk coverage over 
the term of the agreement.  In addition, the agreement contains counterparty requirements that specify the amount of capital NMIC 
will need to maintain to support the agreement, which is equal to the amount of primary net risk-in-force on this pool.  The capital 
we are required to maintain to support this risk will decline over the 10-year term of the agreement as the loans in the pool amortize.  
NMIC will be paid monthly premiums by Fannie Mae based on a fixed premium rate and the aggregate outstanding unpaid principal 
balance of loans in the pool.  Similar to other monthly products, we will record the premium received on a monthly basis as written 
premium.  In addition, all of the premium will be recorded as earned in the month received, with no unearned premium reserve 
established.

All of the loans in the pool were originated between July 1 and December 31, 2012.  In order for a loan to have been and 
remain eligible for coverage under the agreement, it must have been current as of the coverage effective date and not have had a 30-
day delinquency prior to the coverage effective date.  The maximum LTV of the loans in the pool is 80% and the weighted average 
LTV of the loans in the pool is 77%, which is below the typical LTV of low-down payment loans we would expect to insure through 

62

 
 
our flow channel, which we anticipate will have average LTVs at origination of between 85% and 95%.  The average LTV of the 
loans in the pool was calculated based on the loans' origination values and the unpaid principal balances as of February 1, 2013, the 
date as of which the bid data was prepared. Because the LTVs are below 80%, the loans which make up this particular pool do not 
have primary MI on them. The average credit score at origination of borrowers in the pool is 764 which is considered to be an 
excellent credit score by the three major credit bureaus.  All of the loans in the pool are 30-year, fixed rate mortgages and were made 
to borrowers whose incomes we believe were fully documented, with approximately 29% of those borrowers located in California.  
Based on the foregoing attributes, we believe that NMIC has insured a high quality loan pool.  Related premiums and IIF will decline 
over the 10-year term of the agreement as loans in the pool amortize over time.

Development of our Investment Portfolio

Our net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $4.8 million compared to  $6 thousand for the year 
ended December 31, 2012 and $0 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  During the first quarter of 2013, we began investing our 
cash holdings in fixed income securities which provide a higher yield than cash.  We continued to invest our cash holdings in fixed 
income securities during the remainder of2013.  As of December 31, 2013, we consider our portfolio to be in conformity with our 
investment guidelines. The principal factors affecting our investment income include the size of our portfolio and its net yield.  As 
measured by amortized cost (which excludes changes in fair market value, such as those resulting from changes in interest rates), 
the size of our investment portfolio is mainly a function of capital raised, cash generated from (or used in) operations, such as net 
premiums received, and investment earnings.

Consistent with Wisconsin law, our investment policies emphasize preservation of capital, as well as total return. Based on 
our guidelines, our current investment portfolio is comprised entirely of cash and cash equivalents and fixed-income securities, all 
of which are investment grade and rated “A-” or higher. Our policy guidelines contain limits on the amount of credit exposure to 
any one issue, issuer and type of instrument.  We expect to preserve the liquidity of our portfolio through diversification and investment 
in publicly traded securities. We plan to maintain a level of liquidity commensurate with our perceived business outlook and the 
expected timing, direction and degree of changes in interest rates. 

Factors Expected to Affect Results as Our Mortgage Insurance Operations Grow

We expect that as our insurance business develops, our results of operations will be affected by the following factors.

Premiums Written and Earned

In our industry, a “book” is a group of loans that an MI company insures in a particular period, normally a calendar year.  
We set premiums at the time a policy is issued based on our expectations regarding likely performance over the term of coverage.  
We expect the average premium rate we charge on our monthly primary flow MI policies, which we expect to comprise the majority 
of our business, to be comparable with the rates charged by the industry in general.

Premiums written and earned in a year are generally influenced by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

new insurance written, which is the new insurance-in-force (aggregate principal amount of the mortgages) that are insured 
during a period.  Many factors affect new insurance written, including, among others, the volume of low down payment 
home  mortgage  originations  (which  tend  to  be  generated  to  a  greater  extent  in  purchase  financings  as  compared  to 
refinancings)  and  the  competition  to  provide  credit  enhancement  on  those  mortgages,  which  includes  primarily 
competition from the FHA and other private mortgage insurers; 

cancellations, which reduce insurance-in-force.  Cancellations due to refinancings are affected by the level of current 
mortgage interest rates compared to the mortgage rates on our insurance-in-force.  Refinancings are also affected by 
current home values compared to values when the loans became insured and the terms on which mortgage credit is 
available.  To a lesser extent, we expect our future cancellations to be impacted by rescissions, which require us to return 
any premiums received related to the rescinded policy, and policies canceled due to claim payment, which require us to 
return any premium received subsequent to the date the insured mortgage defaults.  Finally, cancellations are affected by 
home price appreciation, which may give homeowners the right to cancel the MI on their loans.  Based on current market 
conditions, we expect our MI policies to have a persistency rate of between 80% and 85%;

premium rates, which are based on the risk characteristics of the loans insured, the percentage of coverage on the loans, 
competition from other mortgage insurers, and general industry conditions; and

premiums ceded under reinsurance agreements. The only reinsurance agreements we currently have in place are between 
NMIC and Re One and they are for the sole purpose of allowing NMIC to comply with certain statutory regulations 
regarding the amount of risk an MI company may retain on any single MI policy.

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  Mortgage Insurance Earnings and Cash Flow Cycle

In general, the majority of any underwriting profit (i.e., the earned premium revenue minus claims and expenses, excluding 
investment income) that a book generates occurs in the early years of the book, with the largest portion of the underwriting profit 
for that book realized in the first year.  The earnings we record and the cash flow we receive varies based on the type of MI product 
and premium plan our customers select.  We offer monthly, annual and single premium payment plans.  We currently expect that the 
majority of lenders who purchase MI from us will select one of our monthly premium plans.

Claims Incurred

Claims incurred are the current expense that is booked within a particular period to reflect actual and estimated claim 
payments that we believe will ultimately be made as a result of insured loans that are in default.  As explained under “Critical 
Accounting Estimates,” we do not recognize an estimate of claim expense for loans that are not in default. Claims incurred are 
generally affected by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the state of the economy, including unemployment, which affects the likelihood that borrowers may default on their loans;

declines in housing values, as such declines may negatively affect loss mitigation opportunities on loans in default, as 
well as increase the likelihood that borrowers will default when the value of the home is below or perceived to be below 
the mortgage balance;

the product mix of insurance-in-force, with loans having higher risk characteristics generally resulting in higher defaults 
and claims;

the size of loans insured, with higher average loan amounts tending to increase claims incurred;

the loan-to-value ratio, with higher average loan-to-value ratios tending to increase claims incurred;

the percentage of coverage on insured loans, with higher percentages of insurance coverage tending to result in higher 
incurred claim amounts than lower percentages of insurance coverage;

higher debt-to-income ratios, which tend to increase incurred claims;

the rate at which we rescind policies.  Because of tighter underwriting standards generally in the mortgage lending industry 
and the terms of our master policy, we expect that our level of rescission activity will be lower than recent rescission 
activity experienced by the MI industry; and

the distribution of claims over the life of a book.  Historically, the first two to three years after loans are originated are a 
period of relatively low claims, with claims increasing substantially for several years subsequent and then declining.  
Factors, such as persistency of the book, the condition of the economy, including unemployment and housing prices, and 
others, can affect this pattern.  See “Mortgage Insurance Earnings and Cash Flow Cycle.”

We expect that claims incurred for the first two to three years of our operations will be relatively low for the following 

reasons:

•  we underwrite every loan and we believe that this will lower our incurred claims;

• 

as stated above, the typical distribution of claims over the life of a book results in fewer defaults during the first two to 
three years after loans are originated, usually peaking in years three through six and declining thereafter;

•  we expect that the frequency of claims on our initial primary books of business should be between 3% and 4% of mortgages 
insured over the life of the book.  For claims that we may receive, we expect the severity of the claim to be between 85% 
and 95% of the coverage amount.  Based on these expectations, we believe that the loss ratio over the life of each book 
will be between 20% and 25% of earned premiums.  Because we expect the claims on insured mortgages to develop over 
time, we believe that the reported loss ratio in our first 2-3 years of operation will be less than 10% of earned premiums; 
and

• 

under the pool insurance agreement between NMIC and Fannie Mae, as discussed above in this report, NMIC is responsible 
for claims only to the extent they exceed a deductible.

We developed our estimates of the expected frequency and severity of claims based on statutory filings by many of our 
competitors, which contain historical book year performance, as well as an industry dataset which consists of nearly 150 million 
mortgages and 80 data fields per mortgage, gathered over the past 17 years.  As state-regulated entities, mortgage insurers are required 
to file actuarial justifications for premium rate changes in many states, many of which are publicly available and include historical 

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information on claim frequency and severity.  Historical performance data from similar underwriting, house price, and interest rate 
periods were compared to today to determine a range of expected performance.

Qualified Residential Mortgage Rule

The Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted by Congress in July 2010, requires a securitizer to retain at least 5% of the credit 
risk associated with securitized mortgage loans.  In some cases the retained risk may be allocated between the securitizer and the 
mortgage originator.  This risk retention requirement does not apply to mortgage loans that are Qualified Residential Mortgages 
(“QRMs”) or that are insured by the FHA or another federal agency.  By exempting QRMs from the risk-retention requirement, the 
cost of securitizing these mortgages would be reduced, thus providing a market incentive for the origination of loans that are exempt 
from the risk-retention requirement.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires certain federal regulators, including the SEC, the FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the 
Currency ("OCC") and (as to residential mortgage transactions) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") and 
FHFA, to promulgate regulations providing for minimum credit risk-retention requirements in securitizations of residential mortgage 
loans that do not meet the definition of QRM.  In March 2011, federal regulators issued the proposed credit risk retention rule, which 
the regulators re-proposed with certain revisions on August 28, 2013.  The initial proposed rule suggested a maximum LTV of 80% 
in purchase transactions, 75% in rate and term refinance transactions, and 70% in cash-out refinancings, along with other restrictions 
such as limits on a borrower's debt-to-income ratio.  The suggested LTV figures did not give consideration to MI in computing LTV.  
According to the re-proposal, the majority of commenters, including securitization sponsors, housing industry groups, mortgage 
bankers, lenders, consumer groups, and legislators opposed the agencies' original QRM proposal, recommending instead that almost 
all mortgages without features such as negative amortization, balloon payments, or teaser rates should qualify for an exemption from 
risk retention.  Some commenters expressed support for additional factors, such as less stringent LTV restrictions and reliance on 
MI for high-LTV loans.  The re-proposed rule did not carry forward the minimum LTV requirements and other specific restrictions.  
Instead, the federal regulators proposed that whether a particular loan transaction is a QRM, and thus not subject to the credit risk 
retention requirement, should be determined by reference to the “qualified mortgage” (QM) rule under the Truth in Lending Act and 
Regulation Z, discussed below.  That is, if a residential mortgage loan is a QM loan, the loan would be considered a QRM loan.  The 
federal regulators requested comment on whether the common definition of QRM should be limited to “safe harbor” QM loans or 
QM loans that satisfy either the “safe harbor” or “rebuttable presumption” QM standard.

Under this part of the re-proposed rule, because of the capital support provided by the U.S. government, the GSEs during 
their conservatorship would not be subject to the Dodd-Frank Act credit risk retention requirements.  Changes in the conservatorship 
status of the GSEs or capital support provided to the GSEs by the U.S. government could impact the manner in which the credit risk 
retention rules apply to the GSEs.  If the QRM rule is finalized in accordance with the federal regulators' re-proposal, it is difficult 
to predict the impact on the size of the non-GSE loan securitization market and the demand for MI within this market.

The federal regulators in the re-proposal also presented an alternative approach to defining QRM, referred to as “QM plus.”  
Under this alternative, only certain types of residential mortgage loans, such as first-lien loans secured by 1-to-4 family principal 
dwelling units, could be considered QRM transactions.  To be eligible for QRM status, the loan would have to be free of certain loan 
terms and have an LTV at closing no greater than 70%.  Junior liens under the QM plus alternative would be permitted only in non-
purchase money loan transactions and if permitted, would need to be included in the 70% LTV calculation.  Under this alternative, 
mortgage insurance would not reduce the minimum LTV requirement.  In addition, loans that achieve a QM status because they meet 
the CFPB QM requirements for GSE-eligible transactions would not be considered QRM transactions under the alternative proposal.  
Changes in final regulations regarding treatment of GSE eligible mortgage loans could impact the manner in which the credit risk 
retention rule applies to GSE securitizations.  

We, and the industry, continue to evaluate the expected impact of the re-proposed QRM rule on the MI industry, and such 
potential impact depends on, among other things, (i) the final definition of QRM and its requirements for LTV, loan features and 
debt-to-income ratio, (ii) whether the final definition will affect the size of the high-LTV mortgage market and (iii) the extent to 
which the mortgage purchase and securitization activities of the GSEs become a smaller portion of the overall mortgage finance 
market and securitizations subject to the risk retention requirements and the QRM exemption, become a larger part of the mortgage 
market. 

65

 
Qualified Mortgage Rule

The Dodd-Frank Act contains the ability to repay ("ATR") mortgage provisions, which govern the obligation of lenders to 
determine the borrower's ability to pay when originating a mortgage loan.  The CFPB issued final ATR regulations on January 10, 
2013 and amendments on May 29, 2013, July 10, 2013 and September 13, 2013 implementing detailed requirements on how lenders 
must establish a borrower's ability to repay a covered mortgage loan.  The ATR rule went into effect on January 10, 2014.  A subset 
of mortgages within the ATR rule are known as "qualified mortgages" ("QMs").  For a mortgage loan to be a QM, the rule first 
prohibits certain loan features, such as negative amortization, points and fees in excess of 3% of the loan amount, and terms exceeding 
30 years.  The rule also establishes underwriting criteria for QMs including that a borrower must have a total debt-to-income ratio 
of less than or equal to 43%.  The ATR rule provides that a covered first mortgage loan meeting the QM definition bearing an annual 
percentage rate no greater than 1.5% plus a prevailing market rate is regarded as complying with ATR requirements, while if a loan 
bears an annual percentage rate of greater than 1.5% plus a prevailing market rate, it will carry a rebuttable presumption of compliance 
with the ATR rule.  QMs under the rule benefit from a statutory presumption of compliance with the ATR rule, potentially mitigating 
the risk of the liability of the creditor and assignee of the creditor under the Truth in Lending Act.  Because of the QM evidentiary 
standard that gives presumption of compliance, we anticipate that most loans originated after the ATR rule goes into effect will be 
QMs.

The rule also provides a temporary category of QMs that have more flexible underwriting requirements so long as they 
satisfy the general product feature requirements of QMs and so long as they meet the underwriting requirements of the GSEs or those 
of HUD, Department of Veterans Affairs or Rural Housing Service (collectively, “Other Federal Agencies”).  The temporary category 
of QMs that meet the underwriting requirements of the GSEs will phase out upon the earlier to occur of the end of the conservatorship 
of the GSEs or January 10, 2021.  The rules for the Other Federal Agencies will terminate when they issue their own qualified 
mortgage rules, respectively.  On December 11, 2013, HUD announced its own final rule defining a "Qualified Mortgage" that would 
be insured, guaranteed or administered by FHA, which went into effect on January 10, 2014.  We expect that most lenders will be 
reluctant to make loans that do not qualify as QMs because absent full compliance with the ATR rule, such loans will not be entitled 
to the presumptions about compliance with the ability-to-repay requirements.

The ATR regulation may impact the mortgage insurance industry in several ways.  First, the ATR regulation will have a 
direct impact on establishing a subset of borrowers who can meet the regulatory QM standards and will have a direct effect on the 
size of the mortgage market in any given year, once the regulations become effective.  Second, under the ATR regulation, if the lender 
requires the borrower to purchase MI, then the MI premiums are included in monthly mortgage costs in determining the borrower's 
ability to repay the loan.  The demand for MI may decrease if, and to the extent that, monthly MI premiums make it less likely that 
a loan will qualify for QM status, especially if MI alternatives, such as piggy-back loans, are relatively less expensive.

Third, under the ATR regulation, mortgage insurance premiums that are payable at or prior to consummation of the loan 
are includible in points and fees for purposes of determining QM status unless, and to the extent that, such up-front premiums (“UFP”) 
are (i) less than or equal to the UFP charged by the FHA, and (ii) are refundable on a pro rata basis upon satisfaction of the loan.  
(The FHA currently charges UFP of 1.75% on all residential mortgage loans, but it has the authority to change its UFP from time to 
time.)  As inclusion of MI premiums towards the 3% cap will reduce the capacity for other points and fees in covered transactions, 
mortgage originators may be less likely to purchase single premium MI products to the extent that the associated premiums are 
deemed to be points and fees.  As a result, we believe that the ATR rule may increase demand for monthly and annual MI products 
relative to single premium products.

GSE Reform

The FHFA is the conservator of the GSEs and has the authority to control and direct their operations. The increased role 
that the federal government has assumed in the residential mortgage market through the GSE conservatorship may increase the 
likelihood that the business practices of the GSEs change in ways that affect the MI industry.  In addition, these factors may increase 
the likelihood that the charters of the GSEs are changed by new federal legislation.  The Dodd-Frank Act required the U.S. Department 
of the Treasury to report its recommendations regarding options for ending the conservatorship of the GSEs.  This report was released 
in February 2011 and while it does not provide any definitive timeline for GSE reform, it does recommend using a combination of 
federal housing policy changes to wind down the GSEs, shrink the government's footprint in housing finance, and help bring private 
capital  back  to  the  mortgage  market.    Since  2011,  there  have  been  numerous  legislative  proposals,  including  in  the  current 
Congressional session, intended to scale back the GSEs, however, no legislation has been enacted to date.  

In the second quarter of 2012, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reported profits for the first time since the fourth quarter 
of 2006.  Also, the second quarter of 2012 was the first time that neither of the GSEs had to request financial support from the U.S. 
Treasury.  Based on continued improvements in the housing market, as of December 31, 2013, Fannie Mae had posted profits for 
eight consecutive quarters.  Through December 31, 2013, Fannie Mae had paid $121.1 billion in dividends to the U.S. Treasury.  

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
Freddie Mac also reported that for 2013 it has paid $71.3 billion in cash dividends to the U.S. Treasury, slightly exceeding their cash 
draws from the U.S Treasury.  The payouts do not constitute a repayment of the money the U.S. government used to maintain Fannie 
Mae’s solvency during the housing crisis.  The Treasury continues to hold $117.1 billion in senior preferred Fannie Mae shares.  
Under the terms of the preferred stock investment agreements between the U.S. Treasury and the GSEs, all GSE profits are remitted 
to the U.S. Treasury, and as such the return to profitability of the GSEs has become a source of revenues to the Federal government 
at a time of large Federal deficits.  The profitability of the GSEs, and the active interest of investors in GSE securities which would 
benefit from a recapitalization of the GSEs, may impact the pace and direction of housing finance reform.  For further discussion of 
housing finance reform, see Part I, Item 1, "Business - Regulation - Other U.S. Regulation - Housing Finance Reform."

Competition with FHA

The FHA, which is part of HUD, substantially increased its share of the total combined private and governmental mortgage 
insurance market beginning in 2008.  We believe that the FHA's market share increased, in part, because private mortgage insurers 
tightened their underwriting guidelines (which led to increased utilization of the FHA's programs) and because of increases in the 
amount of loan level delivery fees that the GSEs assess on loans (which result in higher costs to borrowers).  We believe that federal 
legislation and programs that were adopted as emergency measures to support the declining housing market provided the FHA with 
greater flexibility in establishing new products and resulted in increased market share for the FHA.  During 2011, the FHA's market 
share began to gradually decline.  In part, we believe the decline in market share has been driven by multiple increases in the FHA's 
mortgage insurance premium rates and upfront fees since 2010, as well as greater availability of private capital with new entrants 
to the MI sector, such as us.  We believe that the FHA's current premium pricing, when compared to our current premium pricing 
(and considering the effects of GSE pricing changes), allows us to be competitive with the FHA.

We believe the MI industry will continue to recover market share from the FHA as it pulls back and permits more private 
capital to return to the market.  On December 6, 2013, HUD announced that beginning on January 1, 2014, the FHA will reduce the 
maximum size of residential mortgage loans that it will insure in nearly 650 counties.  The new national maximum loan limit for 
certain "high-cost" areas will be reduced from $729,750 to $625,500.  The current national standard loan limit for areas where housing 
costs are relatively low will remain unchanged at $271,050.  Areas are eligible for FHA loan limits above the national standard limit, 
and up to the national maximum level, based on median area home prices.  According to HUD's news release, the higher limits that 
had been in place for six years were established by the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 as emergency measures to assure that mortgage 
credit was widely available during a time when private lending options were severely constrained.  FHA's Commissioner Carol 
Galante  acknowledged  that  as  the  housing  market  continues  its  recovery,  the  FHA  lowering  its  loan  limits  is  an  important  and 
appropriate step as private capital returns to portions of the market.  We cannot predict, however, the FHA's share of new insurance 
written in the future due to, among other factors, different loan eligibility terms between the FHA and the GSEs; future increases in 
guarantee fees charged by the GSEs; changes to the FHA's annual premiums; and the total profitability that may be realized by 
mortgage lenders from securitizing loans through the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae") when compared 
to securitizing loans through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

The FHA's role in the mortgage insurance industry is also significantly dependent upon regulatory developments. The U.S. 
Congress is considering reforms of the housing finance market, which includes consideration of the future mission, size and structure 
of the FHA.  Each year, FHA is required to perform an actuarial projection on its insurance portfolio and report the results to Congress.  
On December 13, 2013, HUD made a report to Congress that the FHA’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund’s (“Fund”) net worth 
improved from the prior year’s estimate, from negative $16.3 billion to negative $1.3 billion.  In addition, HUD reported that the 
Fund’s capital ratio is -0.11% but is expected to return to a required capital reserve ratio of 2% by 2015, 2 years sooner than earlier 
projections.  Although the Fund’s outlook has improved considerably, Congress continues to consider legislation to reform the FHA.  

In the Federal Budget released on March 4, 2014, the Obama administration predicted that the FHA will not need any further  
federal subsidies.  For the federal fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, the FHA had drawn $1.7 billion from the Treasury, the first 
time it had ever needed to draw funds.  If FHA reform were to raise FHA premiums, tighten FHA credit guidelines, make other 
changes which make lender use of FHA less attractive, or implement credit risk sharing between FHA and private mortgage insurers, 
these changes may be beneficial to our business.  However, there can be no assurance that any FHA reform legislation will be enacted 
into law, and even if there is reform legislation, it is uncertain what provisions may be contained in any final legislation, if any. 
Therefore, the future impact on our business is uncertain. 

As a result of the foregoing, it is uncertain what role the GSEs, FHA and private capital, including MI, will play in the 
domestic residential housing finance system in the future or the impact of any such changes on our business. In addition, the timing 
of the impact on our business is uncertain. Most meaningful changes would require Congressional action to implement, and it is 
difficult to estimate when Congress would take action, and if it did, how long it would take for such action to be final and how long 
any associated phase-in period may last.  Considering the recent financial turnaround or the perceived turnaround of the GSEs, the 
timing of any of these changes becomes more difficult to assess.

67

 
Factors that Impact Holding Company Operations

NMIH serves as the holding company for our insurance subsidiaries and does not have any significant operations of its 
own.  NMIH's principal liquidity demands include funds for: (i) the payment of certain corporate expenses and reimbursable expenses 
of its insurance subsidiaries; (ii) capital support for our mortgage insurance subsidiaries; (iii) potential payments to the IRS; and (iv) 
the payment of dividends, if any, on its common stock. 

Our  future  capital  requirements  depend  on  many  factors,  including  our  ability  to  successfully  write  new  business  and 
establish premium rates at levels sufficient to cover claims and operating costs. To the extent that the funds generated by our ongoing 
operations and capitalization are insufficient to fund future operating requirements, we may need to raise additional funds through 
financing activities or curtail our growth and reduce our expenses. 

In order to support a minimum surplus of $150 million and maintain a risk-to-capital ratio under 15 to 1 through December 
31, 2015 at NMIC, NMIH may be required to make additional capital contributions to NMIC.  NMIH could be required to provide 
additional capital support for NMIC and Re One if additional capital is required pursuant to state insurance laws and regulations, by 
the GSEs or the rating agencies.  As of December 31, 2013, NMIC's and Re One's total statutory capital was approximately $182 
million and $10 million, respectively.  As of December 31, 2013, we had $36.5 million in primary risk-in-force and $93.1 million 
in pool risk-in-force.

In  addition  to  investment  income,  dividends  from  NMIC  and  permitted  payments  under  our  tax-  and  expense-sharing 
arrangements with our subsidiaries are NMIH's principal sources of operating cash. The expense-sharing arrangements between 
NMIH and our insurance subsidiaries, as amended, have been approved by applicable state insurance departments, but such approval 
may be changed or revoked at any time.  NMIC's ability to pay dividends to NMIH is subject to various conditions imposed by the 
GSEs and by insurance regulations requiring insurance department approval.  In general, dividends in excess of prescribed limits 
are deemed “extraordinary” and require insurance regulatory approval.  Additionally, under agreements with the GSEs, NMIH is not 
permitted to extract dividends from our insurance subsidiaries until December 31, 2015 and under agreements with various state 
insurance regulators, is not permitted to extract dividends from our insurance subsidiaries until January 2016.

NMIH is not subject to any limitations on its ability to pay dividends except those generally applicable to corporations, 
such as NMI Holdings, Inc., that are incorporated in Delaware.  Delaware corporation law provides that dividends are only payable 
out of a corporation's capital surplus or (subject to certain limitations) recent net profits.  As of December 31, 2013, NMIH's capital 
surplus was $463 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our MI companies' principal operating sources of liquidity will be premiums that we receive from policies and income 
generated by our investment portfolio.  Our MI companies' primary liquidity needs include the payment of claims on our MI policies, 
operating expenses, investment expenses and other costs of our business.

We raised net proceeds of $510 million in our Private Placement, which we have primarily used to fund our operations.  We 
contributed $210 million to NMIC, whereupon NMIC contributed $10 million to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Re Two.  In addition, 
we contributed $10 million to Re One.  On September 30, 2013, we merged Re Two into NMIC with NMIC surviving the merger. 

As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $465 million in cash and investments of which $265 million was held at 
our holding company.  As of December 31, 2013, the amount of restricted net assets held by our consolidated insurance subsidiaries 
totaled approximately $193 million of our consolidated net assets of approximately $463 million.

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:

NMI Holdings, Inc.

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by:

Operating Activities

Investing Activities

Financing Activities

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the Year Ended
December 31,

For the Year Ended
December 31,

2013

2012

(In Thousands)

For the Period May
19, 2011 (inception)
to December 31,

2011

$

$

68

(36,311) $
(419,949)
26,334
(429,926) $

(14,596) $
(9,809)
510,260

485,855

$

(205)

—

205

—

Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was higher compared to the same period in 2012 
due primarily to significant hiring of management and staff personnel beginning in May 2012 through year end 2013 and professional 
costs incurred in conjunction with our state licensing process and litigation support, offset somewhat by collected premiums during 
2013. 

Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the period from May 19, 2011 (inception) 
to December 31, 2011 was higher due to the ramp up of operations in 2012 following the receipt of proceeds from the Private 
Placement in April 2012.  Prior to the completion of the Private Placement, our activities were focused on organizational development, 
capital raising and other start-up related activities.

Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was higher compared to the same period in 2012 
as a result primarily of investing our cash holdings in fixed income securities starting in the first quarter of 2013.  We continued to 
invest our cash holdings in fixed income securities during the remainder of 2013 as we sought to balance and optimize our portfolio 
consistent with our investment policy.  

Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted primarily of the purchase of short-term 
investments held on deposit with various states, purchases of software and equipment and the MAC Acquisition.  There were no 
cash flows from investing activities during the period from May 19, 2011 (inception) to December 31, 2011.

Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 consisted primarily of net proceeds from our 
IPO in November 2013, offset somewhat by taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards.  Cash provided by 
financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted of net proceeds from the issuance of common stock through our 
Private Placement.  Cash provided by financing activities during the period from May 19, 2011 (inception) to December 31, 2011 
consisted of proceeds from a line of credit secured to fund the organizational development and Private Placement and other start-up 
activities until completion of the Private Placement.

We expect that cash and investments and projected cash flows from operations will provide us with sufficient liquidity to 
fund our anticipated growth by providing capital to increase our insurance company surplus as well as for payment of operating 
expenses through 2015, at which point we currently expect to consider various capital options.  We expect that as our insurance-in-
force grows, the premium revenue we receive will increase.  However, if our risk-in-force or our expenses materially exceed our 
expectations or our risk-to-capital ratio is expected to exceed 15 to 1, we may have to consider our capital options sooner to support 
our growth.  In addition, we may seek to raise additional capital to leverage our fixed expenses in order to achieve a return on capital 
attractive to investors.  We expect to leverage and manage our fixed operating expenses so that they grow at a much slower rate than 
sales over the coming years.  Following 2014, as we anticipate an increase in our volume of MI business, we expect to see our costs 
increase primarily within underwriting and sales; however, we expect to see only marginal increases in what we consider our corporate 
related costs (i.e., management, finance, legal, risk and information technology) as these areas of the business were required to be 
in place before we could generate significant revenue.  We believe we will not need to incur significant additional fixed costs to be 
able to successfully service an increased volume of business with our existing structure, thereby growing revenue and producing 
greater levels of operating profits with marginal increases in such fixed costs.  Eventually, we will need to expand our fixed cost 
structure in order to service an even greater level of business.  We may choose to generate additional liquidity through the issuance 
of a combination of debt or equity securities, as well as consider our reinsurance options.

69

Mortgage Insurance Results 

Prior to the completion of our Private Placement, our activities were focused on organizational development, capital raising 
and other start-up related activities.  Additionally, for the period from May 19, 2011 through the majority of 2013, our efforts were 
primarily directed toward attracting an executive management team and other key officers and directors, hiring staff, building our 
operating processes, designing and developing our business and technology applications, environment and infrastructure, and securing 
state licensing and GSE Approval for our mortgage insurance subsidiaries. Since we commenced writing MI on a limited test basis 
in April 2013, we have become a fully operational MI company, with direct premiums written of $3.5 million and primary insurance 
-in-force of $161.7 million and pool insurance-in-force of $5.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013.

National Mortgage Insurance Corporation & National Mortgage
Reinsurance Inc One - Combined Results

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012

For the Period May
19, 2011 (inception)
to December 31, 2011

Revenues

Direct premiums written

(Increase) decrease in unearned premium

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Other revenue

Total Revenues

Expenses

Insurance claims and claims expenses, net

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

Other underwriting and operating expenses

Total Expenses

Net Loss

Total investment portfolio

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Software and equipment, net

Other assets

Total Assets

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Other liabilities

Total Liabilities

Total Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$

$

(In Thousands)

$

— $

—

—

4

—

4

—

—

3,541
(1,446)
2,095

2,050
(3)
4,142

—

1

36,423

36,424
(32,282) $

1,200

1,200
(1,196) $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

$

$

$

$

(In Thousands)

180,024

$

4,864

$

19,496

—

1,302

4,716

215,138

—

5,107

3,638

205,538

$

228,747

$

— $

— $

10,717

1,579

12,296

193,242

—

133

133

228,614

205,538

$

228,747

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

We have funded our operations primarily through funds raised through our Private Placement in which we received net 
proceeds of approximately $510 million. Following the Private Placement, NMIH capitalized its mortgage insurance subsidiaries 
with $220.0 million.

During May 2013, we recorded our first premium revenue.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, we had net premiums 
written and earned of approximately $2 million.  As of December 31, 2013, we had 653 primary policies in force and approximately 
22,000 pool policies in force.

70

 
 
 
Primary and Pool Insurance and Risk in Force

Primary Insurance In Force

Pool Insurance in Force

Total Insurance in Force

Primary Risk In Force

Pool Risk in Force

Total Risk in Force

2013

161,731

5,098,517

5,260,248

36,516

93,090

129,606

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

December 31,

2012

(In Thousands)

2011

— $

—

— $

— $

—

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

Primary insurance may be written on a flow basis, in which loans are insured in individual, loan-by-loan transactions, or 
may be written on a bulk basis, in which each loan in a portfolio of loans is individually insured in a single, bulk transaction. MI 
may also be written in a pool policy, where a group of loans (or pool) are insured under a single contract. Pool insurance may have 
a stated aggregate loss limit for a pool of loans and may also have a deductible under which no losses are paid by the insurer until 
losses on the pool of loans exceed the deductible. Primary new insurance written was $162.2 million for the year ended December 
31,  2013.    Pool  new  insurance  written  was  $5.2  billion  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013.  Combined  risk-in-force  as  of 
December 31, 2013 was $129.6 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, we have direct premiums written of $3.5 million compared to direct premiums 
written of $0 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.  We commenced writing MI in April 2013 through NMIC. The 
primary driver of the increase in premiums written was the pool agreement with Fannie Mae, under which the MI coverage became 
effective September 1, 2013, as well as an increase in our primary insurance written which occurred during the fourth quarter of 
2013.  We expect that related pool premiums will decline over the 10-year term of the agreement as loans in the pool amortize over 
time.  We also expect our primary business writings to continue to increase as we engage with more customers.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, we have no claim reserves.  The probability of a default within the first months of 
loan age, for loans of the quality we have insured, is not statistically significant.  Given that IBNR itself is historically a small 
percentage of actual reported defaults, the probability of an IBNR default is also not statistically significant.  We expect to establish 
a claim reserve during 2014.

We have incurred significant net losses since our inception. Our net losses were $55.2 million and $27.5 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, compared to a net loss of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 
2011.  The primary drivers of the increased net losses between periods were the hiring of management and staff personnel and external 
and professional costs incurred in conjunction with our state licensing and GSE Approval processes.  Additionally, we entered into 
a two-year lease in July 2012 for our principal location of operations and in October 2013, extended the terms of this lease through 
October 31, 2017.  These expenses were slightly offset by increased investment income during the year ended December 31, 2013, 
as we began investing our cash following GSE Approval in mid-January 2013, and premiums received, particularly during the fourth 
quarter of 2013.

Employee  compensation  represents  the  majority  of  our  operating  expense,  which  includes  both  cash  and  share-based 
compensation.  Our payroll and related expense was $28.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $11.6 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2012 and $0 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  As part of our compensation plan, certain employees 
were granted stock options and RSUs under our 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, which was not in place prior to 2012.  As a result, our 
share-based  compensation  expense  was  $10.4  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013,  $6.1  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2012 and $0 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  We account for our stock options and RSUs under the Financial 
Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 
718”), which requires all compensation expense from share-based payments to be measured and recognized in the financial statements 
at their grant date fair values.  

Our total assets, comprised largely of cash and investments, were $481.2 million as of December 31, 2013 compared to 
total assets of $542.8 million and $0.2 million, as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The reduction in 
2013 compared to 2012 was driven by operating costs and the payout of the restricted cash (approximately $40 million) related to 
the MAC Acquisition in 2013, partially offset by proceeds from our IPO and premium income.  The primary driver of the increase 
in total assets in 2012 compared to 2011 was the proceeds from the Private Placement in April 2012.

71

 
 
 
 
 
Our accounts payable and accrued expenses were $10.1 million as of December 31, 2013, $8.7 million at December 31, 
2012, and $1.4 million at December 31, 2011.  The balances at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were comprised primarily 
of accrued bonuses and accrued expenses compared to the December 31, 2011 balance, which only consisted of accrued expenses 
related to start-up activities.

Prior to GSE Approval, we held most of our assets in cash, and our investments consisted of U.S. Treasury Notes, which 
were purchased for the sole purpose of complying with certain state licensing conditions.  These states required NMIC to place 
various amounts on deposit with the states as a prerequisite for obtaining a certificate of authority in those states.  Other mortgage 
guaranty insurers also have placed similar deposits.  As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, in those states with the a 
statutory deposit requirement, we had placed on deposit aggregate amounts of $7.0 million and $4.9 million respectively, in the form 
of U.S Treasury Notes and cash.

New Insurance Written, Insurance in Force, and Risk in Force

We manage our portfolio credit risk by using several loan eligibility matrices which describe the maximum LTV, minimum 
borrower credit score, maximum loan size, property type and occupancy status of loans that we will insure.  Our loan eligibility 
matrices, as well as all of our detailed underwriting guidelines, are contained in our Underwriting Guideline Manual that is publicly 
available on our website.  Our eligibility criteria and underwriting guidelines are designed to mitigate the layered risk inherent in a 
single insurance policy.  "Layered risk" refers to the accumulation of borrower, loan risk and property risk.  For example, we have 
higher credit score and lower maximum allowed LTV requirements for riskier property types, such as investor properties, compared 
to owner-occupied properties.

Another tool we use to manage our credit risk is to underwrite every loan we insure, including loans coming through our 
delegated channel (the aforementioned “DAR” process).  See Part 1, Item 1, "Business - Underwriting."  We believe the prevailing 
standard of the MI industry has been to conduct partial quality assurance testing of loans that come through their delegated channels.  
We believe the industry's practice has exacerbated the negative impact of the recent mortgage crisis on legacy mortgage insurers 
because their partial quality control reviews did not adequately prevent the issuance of mortgage insurance through their delegated 
channels on ineligible, poor quality loans.  Our pricing policies also help mitigate credit risk in the form of higher premium rates for 
loan features or borrower characteristics associated with historically higher default rates.

These risk principles form the basis of NIW for 2013.  Since we recently began writing MI in April 2013, our portfolio does 
not yet reflect our expected distribution of maximum LTV, minimum borrower credit score, maximum loan size, property type and 
occupancy status of loans that we will insure, as well as the concentrations within states and metropolitan statistical areas ("MSAs").  
We expect to move toward our optimal balance in our portfolio as we continue to write more business. We will continuously monitor 
these concentration balances and readjust them, as necessary.  Our total NIW of $5.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013 
was driven by our Fannie Mae pool transaction, which represented $5.2 billion in NIW. 

Our NIW and RIF for the year ended December 31, 2013 was made up of approximately 81% and 78%, respectively, of 
credit scores at or above 740, which is generally considered to be a high quality credit score. We expect that such good credit quality 
loans will tend to lower claim incidence we experience for the insurance written in 2013.  Generally, insuring loans made to borrowers 
with lower credit scores tends to result in a higher frequency of claims.  As we continue to increase our insurance writings, we expect 
to continue to seek out and insure high credit quality mortgages.

72

 
 
As of December 31, 2013

Total Portfolio by FICO Score

NIW

IIF

RIF

(Dollars in Thousands)

Primary

>= 740

680 - 739

620 - 679

<= 619

Total Primary

Pool

>= 740

680 - 739

620 - 679

<= 619

Total Pool

Total

>= 740

680 - 739

620 - 679

<= 619

Total Portfolio

$

113,907

70.2% $

113,741

70.3% $

47,102

1,163

—

29.0

0.8

—

46,827

1,163

—

29.0

0.7

—

25,783

10,459

274

—

70.6%

28.6

0.8

—

162,172

100.0

161,731

100.0

36,516

100.0

4,186,844

832,755

152,065

—

81.0

16.1

2.9

—

4,127,451

821,852

149,214

—

81.0

16.1

2.9

—

75,195

15,146

2,749

—

80.8

16.2

3.0

—

5,171,664

100.0

5,098,517

100.0

93,090

100.0

4,300,751

879,857

153,228

—

80.6

16.5

2.9

—

4,241,192

868,679

150,377

—

80.6

16.5

2.9

—

100,978

25,605

3,023

—

77.9

19.8

2.3

—

$ 5,333,836

100.0% $ 5,260,248

100.0% $

129,606

100.0%

RIF on defaulted loans

$

—

As of December 31, 2013

Percentage of RIF by Loan Type

Fixed

Adjustable rate mortgages:

Less than five years

Five years and longer

Total Primary

Primary

Pool

91.3%

100.0%

—

8.7

—

—

100.0%

100.0%

The following chart reflects our RIF by LTV.  In general, the lower the LTV the lower the likelihood of a default, and for 
loans that default, a lower LTV generally results in a lower severity for any claim, as the borrower has a higher amount of equity in 
the property.

73

 
Primary

% of Total
LTV

Policy Count

RIF

(Dollars in Thousands)

Pool

% of Total
LTV

Policy Count

As of December 31, 2013

Total RIF by LTV

95.01% and above

90.01% to 95.00%

85.01% to 90.00%

80.01% to 85.00%

80.00% and below

$

RIF

324

16,777

15,031

4,384

—

0.9%

4

$

45.9

41.2

12.0

—

255

241

153

—

Total RIF

$

36,516

100.0%

653

$

As of December 31, 2013

Average Primary Loan Size and Coverage by FICO

>= 740

680 - 739

620 - 679

<= 619

—

—

—

—

—%

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

93,090

93,090

100.0

100.0%

21,921

21,921

Loan Size

Coverage

(Dollars in Thousands)

$

253

237

194

—

23.0%

23.4

22.3

—

The following charts show the distribution by state of our IIF and RIF, on a primary and a pool basis.  The majority of our 
IIF and RIF was added during the last four months of 2013.  As a result, the state concentrations that existed for the year ended 
December 31, 2013 are not necessarily representative of the state concentrations that we will have once our insurance portfolio 
matures.  We expect to maintain a diverse insurance portfolio, and we will carefully monitor and manage our exposure to any one 
state, in either our primary or pool writings.  Our current state concentration is a reflection of our acquisition of new customers, 
which acquisition may lend itself to state concentrations that we find less than ideal.  Over the next year, when we expect to add 
many new customers, we will gain greater flexibility to manage our state concentration levels. 

As of December 31, 2013

Top 10 Primary IIF and RIF by State

1. California

2. Michigan

3. Virginia

4. Texas

5. New Jersey

6. Arizona

7. Pennsylvania

8. Maryland

9. Florida

10. Illinois

Total

IIF

RIF

18.2%

17.6%

8.4

5.4

4.5

4.4

4.2

4.1

3.8

3.7

3.6

9.1

5.0

4.1

4.3

4.3

4.1

3.1

4.0

3.9

60.3%

59.5%

74

 
As of December 31, 2013

Top 10 Pool IIF and RIF by State

1. California

2. Texas

3. Colorado

4. Washington

5. Virginia

6. Massachusetts

7. Illinois

8. New York

9. Florida

10. New Jersey

Total

Primary

IIF

RIF

28.5%

27.9%

5.5

3.9

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.7

2.9

2.8

2.7

5.6

3.9

3.9

3.7

3.6

3.7

2.9

2.9

2.7

61.3%

60.8%

December 31, 2013

September 30, 2013

June 30, 2013

March 31, 2013

(Dollars in Thousands)

$

$

3,560

4,604

22

26.0%

—

$

$

1,045

1,045

6

24.6%

—

—

—

—

—%

—

New insurance written

Insurance in force (end of period)

$

$

157,568

161,731

$

$

Policies in force
Weighted-average coverage (1)
Loans in default (count)

653

22.6%

—

(1)  End of period risk in force divided by insurance in force.

Investment Operations

Upon  GSE Approval,  we  invested  our  investment  portfolio  according  to  our  investment  guidelines.  The  pre-tax  net 
investment income yield was approximately 1.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The pre-tax investment income yields are 
calculated based on amortized cost of the investments.  We believe that the yield on our investment portfolio likely will change over 
time based on potential changes to the interest rate environment, the duration or mix of our investment portfolio, or other factors.

The sectors of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, at December 31, 2013 appear in the table 

below: 

1. Corporate debt securities

2. U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies

3. Asset-backed securities

4. Cash and cash equivalents

5. Municipal bonds

Total

Percentage of
Portfolio's Fair Value

47%

23

16

12

2

100%

75

 
The ratings of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2013 were:

AAA

AA

A

Investment grade

Below investment grade

Total

Investment Portfolio
Ratings

15%

31

54

100

—

100%

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 

December 31, 2012 are shown below.

December 31, 2013

Amortized
Cost

Unrealized
Gains

Unrealized
Losses (1)

Fair
Value

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government agencies

$

108,067

$

— $

(In Thousands)

Municipal bonds

Corporate debt securities

Asset-backed securities

Total Bonds

Short-term investments

Total Investments

As of December 31, 2012

Short-term investments

Total Investments

$

$

$

12,017

221,899

74,152

416,135

39,695

1

157

114

272

—

455,830

$

272

$

(1,461) $
(85)
(4,799)
(974)
(7,319)
—
(7,319) $

106,606

11,933

217,257

73,292

409,088

39,695

448,783

Amortized
Cost

Unrealized
Gains

Unrealized
Losses (1)

Fair
Value

4,863

4,863

$

$

(In Thousands)

1

1

$

$

— $

— $

4,864

4,864

There were no investment holdings in 2011.

(1) There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income at December 31, 2013, 2012, 

or 2011.

December 31, 2013

Due in one year or less

Due after one through five years

Due after five through ten years

Due after ten years

Asset-backed securities

Total Bonds

Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value

(In Thousands)

— $

260,855

65,687

15,441

74,152

—

257,501

63,440

14,855

73,292

416,135

$

409,088

$

$

All investments held at December 31, 2012 had a scheduled maturity of one year or less.

76

 
 
At December 31, 2013, the investment portfolio had gross unrealized losses of approximately $7.3 million.  For those 
securities in an unrealized loss position, the length of time the securities were in such a position, as measured by their month-end 
fair values, is as follows:

December 31, 2013

Less Than 12 Months

12 Months or Greater

Total

U.S. Treasury Securities and
Obligations of U.S. government
agencies

Municipal bonds

Corporate debt securities

Assets-backed securities

Total Bonds

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

(In Thousands)

$

106,606 $

4,915

187,714

58,225

$

357,460 $

(1,461) $
(85)
(4,799)
(974)
(7,319) $

— $

— $

106,606 $

(1,461)

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,915

187,714

58,226

— $

— $

357,460 $

(85)

(4,799)

(974)

(7,319)

There were no unrealized losses as of December 31, 2012.

Net investment income is comprised of the following:

Bonds

Cash equivalents

Other

Investment income

Investment expenses

Net Investment Income

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012

For the Period May
19, 2011 (inception)
to December 31, 2011

(In Thousands)

$

$

5,289

$

—

2

5,291
(483)
4,808

$

4

2

—

6

—

6

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

77

 
 
Fair Value Measurements 

Fair value measurements for items measured at fair value included the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:

December 31, 2013

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

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

(In Thousands)

Fair Value

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government
agencies

$

49,484

$

57,122

$

— $

106,606

Municipal bonds

Corporate debt securities

Asset-backed securities

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Assets

Warrant liability

Total Liabilities

December 31, 2012

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government
agencies

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Assets

Warrant liability

Total Liabilities

—

—

—

55,929

11,933

217,257

73,292

—

—

—

—

—

11,933

217,257

73,292

55,929

$

$

105,413

$

359,604

$

— $

465,017

—

— $

—

— $

6,371

6,371

$

6,371

6,371

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

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

(In Thousands)

Fair Value

$

$

$

4,864

526,194

531,058

$

$

—

— $

— $

—

— $

—

— $

— $

—

— $

4,842

4,842

$

4,864

526,194

531,058

4,842

4,842

There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2013 or 2012.

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the 

beginning and ending balances for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Balance at December 31, 2012

Change in fair value of warrant liability included in earnings

Balance at December 31, 2013

Balance at December 31, 2011

Initial fair value of warrant liability

Change in fair value of warrant liability included in earnings

Balance at December 31, 2012

78

Warrant Liability

(In Thousands)

4,842

1,529

6,371

Warrant Liability

(In Thousands)

—

5,120

(278)

4,842

$

$

$

$

 
 
 
The fair value of the warrants issued to FBR and MAC Financial Ltd. (which are now held by the former stockholders of 
MAC Financial Ltd. as a result of its liquidation) was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, 
including consideration of any potential additional value associated with pricing protection features.  The volatility assumption used, 
39.0%, was derived from the historical volatility of the share price of a range of publicly-traded companies with business types 
similar to ours.  No allowance was made for any potential illiquidity associated with the private trading of our shares. We revalue 
the warrant liability quarterly using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model in combination with a binomial model and a Monte-Carlo 
simulation model to value the pricing protection features within the warrant.  As of December 31, 2013, the assumptions used in the 
option pricing model were as follows: a common stock price as of December 31, 2013 of $12.73, risk free interest rate of 2.25%, 
expected life of 6.58 years and a dividend yield of 0%.  The loss from change in fair value for the twelve months ending December 31, 
2013 is primarily due to an increase in the price of our common stock as compared to December 31, 2012.  The warrants have an 
exercise price of $10.00. The remaining contractual term on the warrants is 8.3 years.

There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs as of December 31, 2011.

Share Based Compensation

The 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) was approved by the Board on April 16, 2012, and authorized 5.5 million shares 
to be reserved for issuance under the Plan with 3.85 million shares available for stock options and 1.65 million shares available for 
RSU grants.  Options granted under the Plan are non-qualified stock options and may be granted to employees, directors and other 
key persons of the Company.  The exercise price per share for the common stock covered by the Plan shall be determined by the 
Board at the time of grant, but shall not be less than the fair market value on the date of the grant.  The term of the stock option grants 
will be fixed by the Board, but no stock option shall be exercisable more than 10 years after the date the stock option is granted.  The 
vesting period of the stock option grants will also be fixed by the Board at the time of grant and generally is for a three year period.

A summary of option activity in the plan during the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:

Option Activity

Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

(Shares in Thousands)

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2012

2,547

$

10.00

$

Options granted

Less: Options forfeited

Less: Options canceled

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2013

Option Activity

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2011
Options granted

Less: Options forfeited

Less: Options canceled

532
(15)
(1)
3,063

11.78

10.00

10.00

$

10.31

$

Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

(Shares in Thousands)

— $

— $

2,829
(282)
—

10.00

10.00

—

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2012

2,547

$

10.00

$

3.86

4.57

3.84

3.84

3.98

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

—
3.87

3.88

—

3.86

As of December 31, 2013, there were no option exercises, and approximately 743,000 and zero options were exercisable 

as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

The remaining weighted average contractual life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 was 8.5 years.  As of 
December 31, 2013, there was $3.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. The remaining 
weighted average contractual life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 was 9.4 years.  As of December 31, 2012, there 
was $6.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options.  

79

 
 
 
 
The estimated grant date fair values of the stock options granted during 2013 were calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation 

model. See "- Critical Accounting Estimates—Share-Based Compensation," below.

A summary of RSU activity in the plan during the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2012

Restricted stock units granted

Less: Restricted stock units vested

Less: Restricted stock units forfeited

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2011

Restricted stock units granted

Less: Restricted stock units forfeited

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2012

Shares

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

(Shares in Thousands)

1,429

$

76
(263)
—

1,242

$

7.35

12.03

6.79

—

7.75

Shares

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

(Shares in Thousands)

— $

1,667
(238)
1,429

$

—

7.35

7.35

7.35

In February 2013, the Board approved a modification to the vesting terms of approximately 400,000 granted and non-vested 
RSUs held by our employees. The modification to the vesting terms removed the market condition leaving the RSUs subject to a 
service  condition  only. The  modification  resulted  in  a  change  in  the  period  over  which  compensation  costs  are  recognized  and 
prospective recognition of incremental compensation cost. Incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair value 
of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before its terms are modified using relevant valuation 
inputs as of the modification date.

At December 31, 2013, the 1.2 million shares of granted and non-vested RSUs consisted of 0.5 million shares that are 
subject to both a market and service condition and 0.7 million shares that are subject only to service conditions. The non-vested 
RSUs subject to both a market and service condition vest in one-half increments upon the achievement of certain market price goals 
and continued service. Non-vested RSUs subject only to a service condition vest over a service period ranging from 1 to 3 years.  
The fair value of RSUs subject to market and service conditions is determined based on a Monte Carlo simulation model at the date 
of grant. The fair value of RSUs subject only to service conditions are valued at our stock price on the date of grant less the present 
value of anticipated dividends.

The estimated grant date fair values of the RSUs granted in 2012 that are subject to both a market and service condition 
were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on the average outcome of 150,000 simulations.  See "Critical Accounting 
Estimates—Share-Based Compensation."

The  remaining  weighted  average  contractual  life  of  non-vested  RSUs  as  of  December 31,  2013  was  4.0  years. As  of 

December 31, 2013, there was $4.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs. 

On April  5,  2013  approximately  263,000  RSUs  containing  a  market  condition  vested  resulting  in  an  acceleration  of 

compensation expense of $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2013.

Taxes

We are a U.S. taxpayer and are subject to a statutory U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of approximately 35%.  Our 
holding company files a consolidated U.S. federal and various state income tax returns on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries.  As 
we deploy our capital and achieve profitability, we plan to invest a portion of our investment portfolio in tax-exempt municipal 
securities, which investment may have the effect of lowering our effective tax rate below 35%.  Our effective income tax (benefit) 
rate on our pre-tax loss was 0% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.  During those 
periods, the benefit from income taxes was eliminated or reduced by the recognition of a valuation allowance which was recorded 
to reflect the amount of the deferred taxes that may not be realized.  The Company does not yet have sufficient history to provide 

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a basis for reliable future net income projections.  If the valuation allowance is reduced in the future, we would recognize an income 
tax benefit for accounting purposes in the period in which the valuation allowance is reduced.  See Item 8, "Financial Statements 
and Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 10 - Income Taxes."

There is a tax sharing agreement between NMIH and its subsidiaries, dated August 23, 2012.  Under this agreement, each 
of the parties mutually agrees to file a consolidated federal income tax return for 2012 and subsequent tax years, with NMIH as the 
direct tax filer.  The tax liability of each insurer that is party to the agreement is limited to the amount of liability it would incur if 
it filed a separate tax return.  All settlements under this agreement between NMIH and any subsidiary that is party to the agreement 
shall be made within 30 days of the filing of the applicable federal corporate income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service 
("IRS"), including subsequent amended filings and IRS adjustments, except when a refund is due to an insurer, in which case 
payment shall be made to the insurer within 30 days after NMIH's receipt of the applicable tax refund.  

Under current guidance, when evaluating a tax position for recognition and measurement, an entity shall presume that the 
tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The interpretation 
adopts a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach, a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition, 
and a measurement attribute that is the greatest amount of benefit that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely of being realized. 
As of December 31, 2013 and as of December 31, 2012, we had no reserve for unrecognized tax benefits.   

Excluded from deferred tax assets is $1.5 million of excess stock compensation for which any benefit realized will be 

recorded to stockholders' equity.  

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $65.3 million, which expire from 
2029 to 2033 and state net operating loss carryforwards of $30.5 million, which expire from 2032 to 2033.  Section 382 of the 
Internal  Revenue  Code  ("Section  382")  imposes  annual  limitations  on  a  corporation's  ability  to  utilize  its  net  operating  losses 
("NOLs") if it experiences an “ownership change.”  As a result of the MAC Acquisition, $7.3 million of NOLs are subject to annual 
limitations of $0.8 million through 2016, then $0.3 million through 2029.  

As the Company has limited underwriting operations and premium generation and therefore has no history to provide a 
basis for reliable future income projections, a valuation allowance of $35.8 million and $8.2 million was recorded at December 31, 
2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, to reflect the amount of the deferred taxes that may not be realized.

The net deferred tax liability of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2013 is due to the acquisition of indefinite-lived intangibles 
in the MAC Acquisition for which a benefit has been reflected in the acquired net operating loss carry forwards.  The deferred tax 
liability recorded in connection with the MAC Acquisition effectively increased goodwill that resulted from the transaction.  Our 
financial statements reflect a valuation allowance with respect to our gross deferred tax assets less capitalized software.  If the 
valuation reserve is reduced at some future date, we would recognize an income tax benefit for accounting purposes in the period 
in which the valuation allowance is reduced.  For a further discussion,  see below in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 10 - Income Taxes."

81

 
 
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

We  had  no  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  at  December 31,  2013.    Contractual  obligations  at  December 31,  2013  are 

summarized in the table that follows.

Contractual obligations

Long-term debt obligations

Capital lease obligations

Operating lease obligations

Purchase obligations

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the
Registrant's Balance Sheet under GAAP

Total

Geographic Dispersion

    Less than 1 year

      1-3 years

      3-5 years

  More than 5 years

$

$

— $

—

—

1,570

1,829

—

3,399 $

(In Thousands)

— $

—

—

4,900

439

—

5,339 $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

We intend to build a geographically diverse portfolio without geographic concentrations that might expose us to undue risk.  
Risk will be managed by establishing targets and limits for new origination mix and/or portfolio limits. Therefore, aside from the 
impact of market restrictions (discussed above), we desire that our insurance origination mix by state be consistent with the overall 
distribution of mortgage insurance originations.  

On an ongoing and recurring basis, we plan to evaluate changing market conditions to determine if it is appropriate to 
establish, tighten, loosen or eliminate lending restrictions established by geographic area.  The evaluation is expected to include 
factors such as historical performance and the historical performance of other market participants, forward-looking projections for 
key  risk  drivers,  estimated  impact  on  loss  performance,  and  existing  portfolio  concentrations.  Consistent  with  our  governance 
processes, the geographic concentrations will be monitored on an ongoing basis and changes to market restrictions will be reviewed 
and approved.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We use accounting principles and methods that conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States 
("GAAP").  Where GAAP specifically excludes mortgage insurance we follow general industry practices.  We are required to apply 
significant judgment and make material estimates in the preparation of our financial statements and with regard to various accounting, 
reporting and disclosure matters.  Assumptions and estimates are required to apply these principles where actual measurement is not 
possible or practical.  These critical accounting policies and estimates are summarized below.

Revenue Recognition 

In the MI industry, a “book” is a group of loans that an MI company insures in a particular period, normally a calendar year.  
We set premiums at the time a policy is issued based on our expectations regarding likely performance over the term of coverage.  
The policies we write are guaranteed renewable contracts at the policyholder's option on a single, annual or monthly premium basis.  
We generally have no ability to re-underwrite or reprice these contracts.  However, we review every loan and through this review 
process  confirm  underwriting  eligibility,  either  prior  to  loan  closing  in  the  non-delegated  channel  or  through  a  post-closing 
underwriting review in the delegated channel.  Based on this review, we may re-price.  Premiums written on a single premium basis 
and an annual premium basis are initially deferred as unearned premium reserve and earned over the policy term.  Premiums written 
on policies covering more than one year are amortized over the policy life in accordance with the expiration of risk which is the 
anticipated claim payment pattern based on industry experience.  Premiums written on annual policies are earned on a monthly pro 
rata basis.  Premiums written on monthly policies are earned as coverage is provided.  Premiums written on pool transactions are 
earned over the period that coverage is provided.  Upon cancellation of a policy, all premium that is non-refundable is immediately 
earned.  Any refundable premium is returned to the policyholder.  Premiums returned to policyholders are recorded as a reduction 
of written and earned premiums in the current period, which affects premiums written and earned in those periods.

82

 
 
 
Reserve for Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses

We wrote our first MI business in April 2013.  We do not anticipate a material level of claims (relative to written premiums 
or stockholder equity) in the first few years of our operations.  Our practice is to establish claim reserves only for loans in default.  
We do not consider a loan to be in default for claim reserve purposes until we receive notice from the servicer that a borrower has 
failed to make two (2) regularly scheduled payments and is at least 60 days in default.  Default is defined in NMIC's mortgage 
guaranty insurance policies as the failure by a borrower to pay when due an amount equal to the scheduled mortgage payment due 
under the terms of a loan or the failure by a borrower to pay all amounts due under a loan after the exercise of the due on sale clause 
of such loan.  In addition to reserves on reported defaults, we establish reserves for estimated claims incurred on loans that have 
been in default for at least 60 days that have not yet been reported to us by the servicers, often referred to as IBNR.

Consistent with industry accounting practices, for purposes of establishing claim reserves, we consider our MI policies to 
be short-duration contracts and, as such, we will adhere to the general claim reserving principles contained in ASC Topic 944, 
Financial Services — Insurance ("ASC 944"), even though that standard expressly excludes mortgage insurance from its guidance. 
Like other mortgage insurers, however, we will not establish claim reserves for anticipated future claims on insured loans that are 
not currently in default.

The  establishment  of  claim  and  IBNR  reserves  is  subject  to  inherent  uncertainty  and  requires  significant  judgment  by 
management.  We establish claim reserves using our best estimates of claim rates, i.e., the percent of loan defaults that ultimately 
result in claim payments, and claim amounts, i.e., the dollar amounts required to settle claims, to estimate the ultimate claims on 
loans reported to us as being at least 60 days in default as of the end of each reporting period.  We estimate IBNR by analyzing 
historical lags in default reporting to determine a specific number of IBNR claims in each reporting period.  Our actuary utilizes 
internal and external data to estimate lags in notice of default reporting.  We believe that given recent tightening of GSE guidelines 
lag times have decreased.  Additionally, our estimates of claim rates and claim sizes are strongly influenced by prevailing economic 
conditions, for example current rates or trends in unemployment, house price appreciation and/or interest rates, and our best judgment 
as to the future values or trends of these macroeconomic factors. If prevailing economic conditions deteriorate suddenly and/or 
unexpectedly, our estimates of claim reserves could be materially understated, which may adversely impact our financial condition 
and operating results.  Because claim and IBNR reserves are based on estimates and judgments, there can be no assurance that even 
in a stable economic environment, actual claims paid by us will not be substantially different than our claim and IBNR reserves for 
such claims.  

Changes in claim reserves can materially affect our consolidated net income or loss. It is possible that even a relatively 
small change in estimated claim rate or a relatively small percentage change in estimated claim amount could have a significant 
impact on reserves and, correspondingly, on operating results.  The claim reserving process is complex and subjective and, therefore, 
our ultimate liabilities may vary significantly from our estimates.

Fair Value Measurements 

The following describes the valuation techniques used by us to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as 

of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

We established a fair value hierarchy by prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The 
hierarchy  gives  the  highest  priority  to  unadjusted  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities  (Level  1 
measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy 
under this standard are described below:

•  Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement 

date for identical assets or liabilities;

•  Level 2 - Prices or valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets 

and liabilities; and

•  Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities 
include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or 
similar  techniques,  as  well  as  instruments  for  which  the  determination  of  fair  value  requires  significant  management 
judgment or estimation.

The level of market activity used to determine the fair value hierarchy is based on the availability of observable inputs 

market participants would use to price an asset or a liability, including market value price observations.

83

 
 
Assets classified as Level 1 and Level 2

To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent 
pricing sources have been utilized.  One price is provided per security based on observable market data.  To ensure securities are 
appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing 
sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue 
valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded.  A 
variety of inputs are utilized by the independent pricing sources including benchmark yields, reported trades, non-binding broker/
dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including data published 
in market research publications. Inputs may be weighted differently for any security, and not all inputs are used for each security 
evaluation.    Market  indicators,  industry  and  economic  events  are  also  considered.    This  information  is  evaluated  using  a 
multidimensional pricing model. Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, 
which include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information and data changes, and directional moves compared to market 
moves.  This model combines all inputs to arrive at a value assigned to each security.  We have not made any adjustments to the 
prices obtained from the independent pricing sources; however, we do perform quality checks and review the prices received.

Liabilities classified as Level 3

The warrants held by FBR and MAC Financial Ltd. (which are now held by its former stockholders after completion of 
its liquidation) are valued using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model in combination with a binomial model and Monte-Carlo 
simulation model used to value the pricing protection features within the warrant. Variables in the model include the risk-free  
rate of return, dividend yield, expected life and expected volatility of the Company's stock price. 

ASC 825, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires all entities to disclose the fair value of their 
financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to 
estimate fair value.

Investment Portfolio

We classify our entire investment portfolio as available-for-sale and report it at fair value.  The related unrealized gains or 
losses, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income 
in stockholders' equity.  We expect to hold short-term investments with maturities of greater than three and less than 12 months when 
purchased, and such investments will be carried at fair value. Any realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined 
on a specific-identification basis.  We expect that our investment income will consist primarily of interest.  We plan to recognize 
interest income on an accrual basis.  Net investment income would represent interest income, net of investment expenses.

The guidance regarding the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"), requires that an 
OTTI of a debt security be separated into two components when there are credit-related losses associated with the impaired debt 
security for which we assert that we do not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not that we will not be 
required to sell the security before recovery of our cost basis.  Under this guidance the amount of the OTTI related to a credit loss 
is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the OTTI related to other factors (such as changes in interest rates or market conditions) 
is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).  In instances where no credit loss exists but it is more likely than 
not that we would have to sell the debt security prior to the anticipated recovery, the decline in fair value below amortized cost is 
recognized as an OTTI in earnings.  In periods after recognition of an OTTI on debt securities, we plan to account for such securities 
as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost 
basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings.  For debt securities for which OTTI are recognized in earnings, the difference between 
the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected would be accreted or amortized into net investment income. 

Each fiscal quarter we perform reviews of our investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below 
amortized cost are considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable guidance.  In evaluating whether a decline in fair 
value is other-than-temporary, we may consider several factors including, but not limited to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our intent to sell the security and whether it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security before 
recovery;

extent and duration of the decline;

failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments;

change in rating below investment grade; and

adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.

84

 
Under the current guidance, a debt security impairment is deemed other-than-temporary if either it is intended that the 
security be sold or it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security before recovery or we do not expect to 
collect cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of the security.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs 

Costs  directly  associated  with  the  successful  acquisition  of  mortgage  insurance  policies,  consisting  of  employee 
compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred insurance policy 
acquisition costs.  Deferred insurance policy acquisition costs arising from each book of business are charged against revenue in the 
same proportion that the underwriting profit for the period of the charge bears to the total underwriting profit over the life of the 
policies.  The underwriting profit and the life of the policies are estimated and are reviewed quarterly and updated when necessary 
to  reflect  actual  experience  and  any  changes  to  key  variables  such  as  persistency  or  loss  development.    Because  our  insurance 
premiums are earned over time, changes in persistency result in deferred insurance policy acquisition costs being amortized against 
revenue over a comparable period of time.

If a premium deficiency exists, we reduce the related deferred insurance policy acquisition costs by the amount of the 
deficiency or to zero through a charge to current period earnings.  If the deficiency is more than the deferred insurance policy 
acquisition costs balance, we then establish a premium deficiency reserve equal to the excess, by means of a charge to current period 
earnings.

Premium Deficiency Reserve 

After our claim reserves are established, we will perform a premium deficiency calculation each fiscal quarter using best 
estimate assumptions as of the testing date.  Per ASC 944, a premium deficiency reserve shall be recognized if the sum of expected 
claim costs and claim adjustment expenses, expected dividends to policyholders, unamortized acquisition costs, and maintenance 
costs exceeds related unearned premiums.  The calculation of premium deficiency reserves requires the use of significant judgment 
and estimates to determine the present value of future premiums and present value of expected claims and expenses on our business.  
The  present  value  of  future  premiums  relies  on,  among  other  things,  assumptions  about  persistency  and  repayment  patterns  on 
underlying loans.  The present value of expected claims and expenses depends on assumptions relating to severity of claims and 
claim rates on current defaults, and expected defaults in future periods.  These assumptions may also include an estimate of expected 
rescission activity.  Assumptions used in calculating the deficiency reserves can be affected by volatility in the current housing and 
mortgage  lending  industries.  To  the  extent  premium  patterns  and  actual  claim  experience  differ  from  the  assumptions  used  in 
calculating the premium deficiency reserve, the differences between the actual results and our estimate will affect future period 
earnings.  In considering the potential sensitivity of the factors underlying our best estimate of premium deficiency reserves, it is 
possible that even a relatively small change in estimated claim rate or a relatively small percentage change in estimated claim amount 
could have a significant impact on the premium deficiency reserve, should one be needed, and, correspondingly, on our operating 
results.

Income Taxes 

We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.  The liability 
method measures the expected future tax effects of temporary differences at the enacted tax rates applicable for the period in which 
the deferred asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled.  Temporary differences are differences between the tax basis of an 
asset or liability and its reported amount in the consolidated financial statements that would result in future increases or decreases 
in taxes owed on a cash basis compared to amounts already recognized as tax expense in the consolidated statement of operations. 
We evaluate the need for a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis.  In the course of our review, we assess 
all available evidence, both positive and negative, including future sources of income, tax planning strategies, future contractual cash 
flows and reversing temporary differences.  Additional valuation allowance benefits or charges could be recognized in the future 
due to changes in management's expectations regarding the realization of tax benefits. 

85

 
 
 
 
  Warrants

In conjunction with the MAC Acquisition and funding of our start-up costs, we issued warrants to FBR and MAC Financial 
Ltd (which are now held by its former stockholders after completion of its liquidation).  We account for warrants to purchase our 
common shares in accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other Options and ASC 815-40 Derivatives and Hedging 
- Contracts in Entity's Own Equity.  Our outstanding warrants may be settled by us using either (i) a physical settlement method or 
(ii) cashless exercise, where shares that are issued upon exercise of the warrants are reduced, to cover the cost of the exercise, in lieu 
of the holder remitting a cash payment of the exercise price.  The warrants expire on the 10th anniversary after the date the warrant 
was issued, after which they are not exercisable.  The exercise price and the number of warrants are subject to anti-dilution provisions 
whereby the existing exercise price is adjusted downward, and the number of warrants increased, for events that may not be dilutive.  
The adjustment may be in excess of any dilution suffered.  As a result, the warrants are classified as a liability.  We revalue the 
warrants at the end of each reporting period and any change in fair value is reported in the statements of operations in the period in 
which the change occurred.  The fair value of the warrants is calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model in combination 
with a binomial model and a Monte Carlo simulation model used to value the pricing protection features within the warrant.  Variables 
in the model include the fair value of the stock, risk-free rate of return, dividend yield, expected life and expected volatility of the 
Company's stock price.

Share-Based Compensation

We adopted ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).  ASC 718 addresses accounting for share-based 
awards and recognizes compensation expense, measured using grant date fair value, over the requisite service or performance period 
of the award.  Share-based payments include stock options and RSUs grants under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.  The fair value of 
stock option grants issued are determined based on an option pricing model which takes into account various assumptions that are 
subjective.  Key assumptions used in the stock option valuation include the the fair value of the stock on the grant date, the expected 
term of the equity award taking into account the contractual term of the award, the effects of expected exercise and post-vesting 
termination behavior, expected volatility, expected dividends and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the award.  RSU 
grants to employees contain a market and service condition. The fair value of RSU grants to employees prior to our IPO was determined 
using a Monte Carlo Simulation model at the date of grant. Following the IPO, fair value was determined based on closing price on 
the grant date.  Restricted grants to non-employee directors are valued at our stock price on the date of grant less the present value 
of anticipated dividends. Expense is recognized over the required service period, which is generally a three-year vesting period for 
the options (vesting in one-third increments per year).

The estimated grant date fair values of the stock options granted during 2013 and 2012 were calculated using the Black-

Scholes valuation model based on the following assumptions:

Expected life

Risk free interest rate

Dividend yield

Expected stock price volatility

Projected forfeiture rate

2013

2012

6 years

6 years

0.98% - 1.12%

0.85% - 1.12%

0.00%

39.00%

1.00%

0.00%

39.00%

1.00%

Expected Life - is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration 
to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. We use the simplified method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting 
Bulletin No. 107 to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data is not available and the 
options meet the requirements set out in the Bulletin. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. 

Risk Free Interest Rate - is the U.S. Treasury rate for the date of the grant having a term approximating the expected life of 

the option. 

Dividend Yield - is calculated by dividing the expected annual dividend by our stock price at the valuation date. 

Expected Stock Price Volatility — is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. 
At the time of grant, our common shares trading history was less than six months, which was not sufficient to calculate an expected 
volatility representative of the volatility over the expected lives of the options. As a substitute for such estimate, we used historical 
volatilities of a set of comparable companies in the industry in which we operate.

86

 
 
 
Projected Forfeiture Rate - is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or canceled before 

becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.

Restricted Stock Units

The estimated grant date fair values of the RSUs granted in 2012 that are subject to both a market and service condition 
were calculated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model based on the average outcome of 150,000 simulations using the following 
assumptions:

•  Expected life - 5.0 years 

•  Risk free interest rate - 0.86% 

•  Dividend yield - 0.00% 

•  Expected stock price volatility - 39.00% 

• 

Projected forfeiture rate - 1.00% 

In February 2013, the Board approved a modification to the vesting terms of approximately 400,000 granted and non-vested 
RSUs held by our employees. The modification to the vesting terms removed the market condition leaving the RSUs subject to a 
service  condition  only. The  modification  resulted  in  a  change  in  the  period  over  which  compensation  costs  are  recognized  and 
prospective recognition of incremental compensation cost. Incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair value 
of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before its terms are modified using relevant valuation 
inputs as of the modification date.

87

 
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We own and manage a large portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities.   Investment income is one of our primary 
sources of cash flow supporting operations and claim payments.  The assets within the investment portfolio are exposed to the same 
factors  that  affect  overall  financial  market  performance.   While  our  investment  portfolio  is  exposed  to  factors  affecting  global 
companies and markets worldwide, because the company insures loans only in the United States, it is most sensitive to fluctuations 
in the drivers of U.S. markets.  

We manage market risk via a defined investment policy implemented by our treasury function with oversight from our 
Board's Risk Committee.  Important drivers of our market risk exposure monitored and managed by us include but are not limited 
to:

•  Changes to the level of interest rates.  Increasing interest rates may reduce the value of certain fixed-rate bonds held in the 
investment portfolio.  Higher rates may cause variable rate assets to generate additional income.  Decreasing rates will have 
the reverse impact.  Significant changes in interest rates can also affect persistency and claim rates to the extent that the 
investment portfolio must be restructured to better align it with future liabilities and claim payments.  Such restructuring 
may cause investments to be liquidated when market conditions are adverse.

•  Changes to the term structure of interest rates.  Rising or falling rates typically change by different amounts along the yield 

curve.  These changes may have unforeseen impacts on the value of certain assets.  

•  Market volatility/changes in the real or perceived credit quality of investments.  Deterioration in the quality of investments, 
identified through changes to our own or third party (e.g., rating agency) assessments, will reduce the value and potentially 
the liquidity of investments.

•  Concentration Risk.  If the investment portfolio is highly concentrated in one asset, or in multiple assets whose values are 
highly correlated, the value of the total portfolio may be greatly affected by the change in value of just one asset or a group 
of highly correlated assets. 

•  Prepayment Risk.  Bonds may have call provisions that permit debtors to repay prior to maturity when it is to their advantage.  

This typically occurs when rates fall below the interest rate of the debt.

We did not have any market risk at December 31, 2012 as a result of our portfolio being primarily comprised of cash prior 
to receiving GSE approval in January 2013.  The only investments held were short-term securities. At December 31, 2013, the 
duration of our fixed income portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was 3.15 years, which means that an instantaneous 
parallel shift (movement up or down) in the yield curve of 100 basis points would result in a change of 3.15% in fair value of our 
fixed income portfolio.  Excluding cash, our fixed income portfolio duration was 3.46 years, which means that an instantaneous 
parallel shift (movement up or down) in the yield curve of 100 basis points would result in a change of 3.46% in fair value of our 
fixed income portfolio.

88

 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - BDO USA LLP

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2013

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

90

91

92

93

94

95

89

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders
NMI Holdings, Inc.
Emeryville, CA

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NMI Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the 
related consolidated statement of comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in 
the period ended December 31, 2013 and for the period from May 19, 2011 (inception) to December 31, 2011. In connection with 
our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index.  These 
financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on these financial statements and schedules 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal 
control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing 
audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of 
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, 
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used 
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedules.  
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of NMI Holdings, Inc. at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years 
in the period ended December 31, 2013 and for the period from May 19, 2011 (inception) to December 31, 2011, in conformity with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements 
taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

San Francisco, CA.

March 12, 2014 

90

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Assets

Investments, available-for-sale, at fair value:

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

(In Thousands, except for share data)

Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $416,135 and $0 as of December 31, 2013
and December 31, 2012, respectively)

$

409,088

$

Short-term investments

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Accrued investment income

Prepaid expenses

Restricted cash

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net

Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets

Software and equipment, net

Premiums receivable

Other assets

Total Assets

Liabilities

Unearned premiums

Reserve for insurance claims and claims expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Placement fee payable

Purchase consideration payable

Warrant liability, at fair value

Deferred tax liability

Total Liabilities

Commitments and Contingencies

Shareholders' Equity

Common stock - Class A shares, $0.01 par value,
58,052,480 and 55,250,100 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013
and December 31, 2012, respectively (250,000,000 shares authorized)

Common stock - Class B shares, $0.01 par value, 0 and 250,000 shares issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (250,000
authorized)

Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Accumulated deficit

Total Shareholders' Equity

$

$

$

$

—

409,088

55,929

2,001

1,519

—

90

3,634

8,876

19

63

481,219

1,446

—

10,052

—

—

6,371

133

18,002

581

—

553,707
(7,047)
(84,024)
463,217

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$

481,219

$

—

4,864

4,864

485,855

6

417

40,338

—

3,634

7,550

—

104

542,768

—

—

8,707

38,305

2,033

4,842

133

54,020

553

2

517,032

1

(28,840)

488,748

542,768

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

91

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Year Ended December 31,

2013

2012

For the Period May
19, 2011 (inception)
to December 31, 2011

(In Thousands, except for share data)

Revenues

Premiums written

Direct

Net premiums written

Increase in unearned premium

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net realized investment gains

(Loss) Gain from change in fair value of warrant liability

Total Revenues

Expenses

Insurance claims and claims expenses, net

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
Other underwriting and operating expenses

Total Expenses

Net Loss

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (net of tax)

Net unrealized holding (losses) gains for the period included in
accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (net of tax)

Total Comprehensive Loss

Loss per share

Basic and diluted loss per share

$

$

$

$

3,541

$

— $

3,541
(1,446)
2,095

4,808

186
(1,529)
5,560

—

1
60,743

—

—

—

6

—

278

284

—

—
27,775

60,744
(55,184) $

27,775
(27,491) $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
1,349

1,349

(1,349)

—

—

(7,047)
(7,047)
(62,231) $

1

1

(27,490) $

(1,349)

(0.99) $

(0.73) $

(13,490.00)

Weighted average common shares outstanding

56,005,326

37,909,936

100

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

92

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock

Class A

Class B

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
capital

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Accumulated
Deficit

Total

(In Thousands)

Balance, May 19, 2011
(inception)

Issuance of common stock

Net loss

Balance, December 31, 2011

Balance, December 31, 2011

Issuance of Class A shares of
common stock

Issuance of Class B shares of
common stock

Issuance of common stock
related to acquisition of
subsidiaries

Share-based compensation
expense

Change in unrealized
investment gains/losses

Net loss

— $

*

—

— $

— $

—

*

—

—

—

55,000

551

—

250

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

—

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

— $

—

—

— $

—

(1,349)

— $

— $

— $

— $

(1,349) $

—

*

(1,349)

(1,349)

— $

— $

— $

— $

(1,349) $

(1,349)

—

250

—

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

—

—

508,419

—

2,498

6,115

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

508,970

2

2,500

6,115

1

(27,491)

(27,491)

Balance, December 31, 2012

55,250 $

553

250 $

2 $

517,032 $

1 $

(28,840) $

488,748

Balance, January 1, 2013

55,250 $

553

250 $

2 $

517,032 $

1 $

(28,840) $

488,748

Issuance of Class A shares of
common stock related to
restricted stock units

Issuance of Class A shares of
common stock related to
initial public offering (net of
expenses of $3,483)

Conversion of Class B shares
of common stock into Class
A shares of common stock

Share-based compensation
expense

Change in unrealized
investment gains/losses

Net loss

137

2,415

250

—

—

—

1

25

2

—

—

—

—

—

(250)

—

—

—

—

(1,579)

—

27,887

(2)

—

—

—

—

10,367

—

—

—

—

—

—

(7,048)

—

(1,578)

—

—

—

—

27,912

—

10,367

(7,048)

—

(55,184)

(55,184)

Balance, December 31, 2013

58,052 $

581

— $

— $

553,707 $

(7,047) $

(84,024) $

463,217

* 

At inception, we issued 100 common shares with a par value of $0.01 to FBR & Co. in consideration of their investment of $1 in the 
Company, which are not visible in this schedule due to rounding.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

93

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012

For the Period May
19, 2011 (inception)
to December 31, 2011

$

(55,184) $

(27,491) $

(1,349)

(In Thousands)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net loss

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:

Share-based compensation expense
Warrants issued in connection with line of credit
Loss (gain) from change in fair value of warrant liability
Net realized investment gains
Loss on impairment
Depreciation and other amortization
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accrued investment income
Unearned premiums
Prepaid expenses
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net
Premiums receivable
Other assets
Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Purchase of short-term investments

Purchase of fixed maturities, available-for-sale

Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments

Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities, available-for-sale

Purchase of software and equipment
Acquisition of subsidiaries

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
(Payments) Proceeds on line of credit

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
Issuance of common stock

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Restricted Cash
Noncash Financing Activities

10,367
—
1,529
(186)
—
8,116

(2,001)
1,446
(1,102)
(90)
(19)
46
767

6,115
1,620
(278)
—
1,200
3

(6)
—
(234)
—
—
(78)
4,553

(36,311)

(14,596)

(510)

(559,875)

5,374

141,754

(6,692)
—

(419,949)

—

(1,578)
27,912

26,334

(429,926)

485,855

(4,862)

—

—

—

(2,447)
(2,500)

(9,809)

(205)

—
510,465

510,260

485,855

—

$

$

55,929

$

485,855

$

— $

40,338

$

Conversion of Class B shares of common stock into Class A shares of
common stock
Acquisition of subsidiaries

Warrants issued in connection with acquisition of subsidiaries

Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of subsidiaries

2

—

—

—

3,500

2,500

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

94

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
(183)
—
—
(27)
1,354

(205)

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

205

—
—

205

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

NMI Holdings, Inc. ("NMIH"), a Delaware corporation, was formed in May 2011 with the intention of providing private 
mortgage guaranty insurance through a wholly owned insurance subsidiary. From May 2011 through March 2013, our activities were 
limited to raising capital, seeking to acquire the assets and approvals necessary to become a private mortgage guaranty insurance 
provider and hiring personnel. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NMI Holdings, Inc. and 
its wholly owned subsidiaries,  MAC Financial Holding Corporation, National Mortgage Insurance Corporation ("NMIC"), previously 
named Mortgage Assurance Corporation, National Mortgage Reinsurance Inc One ("Re One"), previously named Mortgage Assurance 
Reinsurance Inc One, and National Mortgage Reinsurance Inc Two ("Re Two"), previously named Mortgage Assurance Reinsurance 
Inc Two.  In April  2013,  we,  through  our  primary  insurance  subsidiary,  wrote  our  first  mortgage  guaranty  insurance  policy.  On 
September 30, 2013, we merged Re Two into NMIC with NMIC surviving the merger and MAC Financial Holding Corporation 
merged into NMI Holdings, Inc., with NMI Holdings, Inc. surviving the merger.

On  November  30,  2011,  we  entered  into  an  agreement  with  MAC  Financial  Ltd.  to  acquire  MAC  Financial  Holding 
Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries,  Mortgage Assurance  Corporation,  Mortgage Assurance  Reinsurance  Inc  One  and  Mortgage 
Assurance Reinsurance Inc Two, for $8.5 million in cash, common stock and warrants plus the assumption of $1.3 million in liabilities . 
In addition, we incurred $0.1 million in tax liabilities as a result of the acquisition of certain indefinite-lived intangibles. The MAC 
Acquisition was completed in April 2012.

In April 2012, we offered and sold 55.0 million shares of common stock at an issue price of $10.00 per share in our Private 
Placement. Gross proceeds from the Private Placement were $550.0 million.  Net proceeds from the Private Placement, after an 
approximate 7% underwriting fee and other offering expenses, were approximately $510 million.  The fee was escrowed for the 
benefit of FBR Capital Markets and Co. ("FBR") and was released to FBR upon our receipt of approval from Federal National Home 
Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") ("GSE Approval"). 

Under the terms of the Private Placement, we had until January 17, 2013 to obtain GSE Approval ("GSE Approval Deadline").  
NMIC was approved as an eligible mortgage guaranty insurer by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, on January 15, 2013 and January 
16, 2013, respectively, which approvals are conditioned upon NMIC maintaining certain conditions. For a further discussion of these 
conditions, see "Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies."

In November 2013, we completed an initial public offering of 2.4 million shares of our common stock and our common 
stock began trading on the NASDAQ on November 8, 2013, under the symbol “NMIH.” For a further discussion see "Note 3, Common 
Stock Offerings."

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of NMIH and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All 
intercompany transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and our 
accounts are maintained in US dollars. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to 
make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities as of the balance sheet date. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of income and expenses for the reporting period. 
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Basic net loss per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, while diluted net loss per 
share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents that would be issuable 
upon the exercise of stock options, other stock-based compensation arrangements, and the dilutive effect of outstanding warrants. 
As a result of our net losses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 5,303,394 and 4,414,165 shares of our 
common stock equivalents issued under stock-based compensation arrangements and warrants, respectively, were not included in 
the calculation of diluted net loss per share as of such dates because they were anti-dilutive. 

2. Summary of Accounting Principles

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider items such as certificates of deposit and money market funds with original maturities of 90 days or less to be 

cash equivalents. 

There was no restricted cash as of December 31, 2013; however, we had restricted cash as of December 31, 2012.  The 
restricted cash balance was comprised of two escrow accounts that were initially funded on April 24, 2012, in connection with our 

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Private Placement, with an agreement that the funds would be released to FBR and MAC Financial Ltd. upon GSE Approval. On 
January 23, 2013, after receipt of GSE approval, the restricted cash was released from escrow.

Investments

We have designated our investment portfolio as available-for-sale and report it at fair value.  The related unrealized gains 
and losses are, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive 
(loss) income in shareholders' equity.  Net realized investment gains and losses are reported in income based upon specific identification 
of securities sold.

Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Net investment income is recognized when earned 
and includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the effective yield 
method and is net of investment management fees and other investment related expenses.  For asset-backed securities and any other 
holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments 
required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments.

Each quarter we evaluate our investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below amortized cost were 
considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable guidance. In evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other-than-
temporary, we consider several factors including, but not limited to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery;

severity and duration of the decline in fair value;

the financial condition of the issuer;

the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments;

recent credit downgrades of the applicable security or the issuer below investment grade; and

adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.

Under the current guidance, a debt security impairment is deemed other than temporary if (i) we either intend to sell the 
security, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery or (ii) we do not expect to collect 
cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of the security. In the event of the decline in fair value of a debt security, a 
holder of that security that does not intend to sell the debt security and for whom it is more likely than not that such holder will be 
required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis is required to separate the decline in fair value into (a) 
the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of total decline in fair value related 
to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings as OTTI with the amount related to other factors recognized in accumulated other 
comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. In periods after recognition of an OTTI on debt securities, we account for such securities 
as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost 
basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings. For debt securities for which OTTI were recognized in earnings, the difference between 
the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be accreted into net investment income. The determination 
of OTTI is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of the loss realization.

Revenue Recognition 

In the mortgage guaranty insurance industry, a “book” is a group of loans that an MI  company insures in a particular period, 
normally a calendar year.  We set premiums at the time a policy is issued based on our expectations regarding likely performance 
over the term of coverage. The policies we write are guaranteed renewable contracts at the policyholder's option on a single, annual 
or monthly premium basis. We generally have no ability to re-underwrite or reprice these contracts. However, we review every loan 
and through this review process confirm underwriting eligibility, either prior to loan closing in the non-delegated channel or through 
a post-closing underwriting review in the delegated channel. Based on this review, we may re-price. Premiums written on a single 
premium  basis  and  an  annual  premium  basis  are  initially  deferred  as  unearned  premium  reserve  and  earned  over  the  policy 
term.  Premiums written on policies covering more than one year are amortized over the policy life in accordance with the expiration 
of risk which is the anticipated claim payment pattern based on industry experience.  Premiums written on annual policies are earned 
on a monthly pro rata basis.  Premiums written on monthly policies are earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on pool 
transactions are earned over the period that coverage is provided.  Upon cancellation of a policy, all premium that is non-refundable 
is immediately earned. Any refundable premium is returned to the policyholder. Premiums returned to policyholders are recorded 
as a reduction of written and earned premiums in the current period. The actual return of premium for all periods affects premiums 
written and earned in those periods.  

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended December 31, 2013, one insured represented 97% of our NIW. At December 31, 2013, approximately 
28% of our IIF was concentrated in California. We commenced mortgage guaranty insurance operations in April of 2013. As such, 
our insurance-in-force and customer concentrations are not representative of those concentrations that will exist when our insurance 
portfolio is more mature. Furthermore, given the relatively small size of the portfolio, small concentrations can appear to be larger 
than normal.  

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Costs directly associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage guaranty insurance policies, consisting of certain 
selling expenses and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred  policy acquisition 
costs ("DAC"). For each book year of business, these costs are amortized to income in proportion to estimated gross profits over the 
estimated life of the policies.  

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired from a business 
combination. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, we test goodwill for impairment during the third 
quarter each year or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. We have not identified any impairments of goodwill 
through December 31, 2013.

Our intangible assets consist of state licenses and GSE applications which have indefinite lives. We test indefinite-lived 
intangible assets for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment 
exist. We do not believe that the indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired as of December 31, 2013.

Software and Equipment

Software and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization and depreciation. Amortization and depreciation 
are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets ranging typically from 3 to 7 
years,  unless  factors  indicate  a  shorter  useful  life.   Amortization  of  software  and  depreciation  of  equipment  commences  at  the 
beginning of the month following the placement of the assets into use by us. We have reduced the useful life of our insurance 
management system. For further detail see "Note 7, Software and Equipment."

Warrants

We account for warrants to purchase our common shares in accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other 
Options and ASC 815-40 Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity. Our outstanding warrants, issued to FBR and 
former stockholders of MAC Financial Ltd., may be settled by us using either (i) physical settlement method or (ii) cashless exercise, 
where shares that are issued upon exercise of the warrants are reduced, to cover the cost of the exercise, in lieu of the holder remitting 
a cash payment of the exercise price. The warrants expire and are not exercisable on the 10th anniversary after the date the warrant 
was issued. The exercise price and the number of warrants are subject to anti-dilution provisions whereby the existing exercise price 
is adjusted downward, and the number of warrants increased, for events that may not be dilutive. The adjustment may be in excess 
of any dilution suffered. As a result, the warrants are classified as a liability. We revalue the warrants at the end of each reporting 
period and any change in fair value is reported in the statements of operations in the period in which the change occurred. The fair 
value of the warrants is calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model in combination with a binomial model and a Monte 
Carlo simulation model used to value the pricing protection features within the warrant.

Share-Based Compensation

We account for stock compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. This addresses 
accounting for share-based awards and recognition of compensation expense, measured using grant date fair value, over the requisite 
service or performance period of the award.  Share-based payments include RSUs and stock option grants under the 2012 Stock 
Incentive Plan. The fair value of stock option grants issued are determined based on an option pricing model which takes into account 
various assumptions that are subjective. Key assumptions used in the stock option valuation include the expected term of the equity 
award taking into account the contractual term of the award, the effects of expected exercise and post-vesting termination behavior, 
expected volatility, expected dividends and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the award. RSU grants to employees 
contain a market condition and/or service condition. The fair value of RSU grants to employees with a market condition is determined 
based on a Monte Carlo simulation model at the date of grant. RSU grants to employees with a service condition and RSU grants to 
non-employee directors are valued at our stock price on the date of grant less the present value of anticipated dividends.

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Offering and Incorporation Expenses

Offering expenses incurred in connection with our capitalization were recorded as a reduction of paid-in-capital at closing. 
These costs include certain investment banking fees, legal fees, printer fees and audit fees. Any incorporation and organizational 
expenses not related to the raising of capital are expensed as incurred and are included in the statement of operations.

Reserve for Insurance Claims and Claims Expenses

We establish reserves to recognize the estimated liability for insurance claims and claim expenses related to defaults on 
insured mortgage loans. Our method, consistent with industry practice, is to establish claims reserves only for loans in default. We 
are a new company and have only recently commenced transacting mortgage guaranty insurance. We have not received any primary 
NODs, and thus have not established any primary reserves for claims or IBNR for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011. 
Additionally, we entered into a pool insurance transaction with Fannie Mae, effective September 1, 2013. For this pool transaction, 
any claims reserve potentially established would be in excess of the transaction's deductible, which represents the amount payable 
by Fannie Mae on initial claims. The consideration of the deductible would serve to delay the recording of any claim reserve until 
estimated claims exceed the deductible amount. In addition, all of the loans in the pool have LTVs below 80%. As a result, the 
potential for any one default to result in a loss to the insured is mitigated. We have not established any pool reserves for claims or 
IBNR for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011. See "Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies", for more information 
on this pool transaction.

Premium Deficiency Reserves

After our insurance claim reserves are established, we will perform a premium deficiency calculation each fiscal quarter 
using best estimate assumptions as of the testing date. Per ASC 944, a premium deficiency reserve shall be recognized if the sum of 
expected  claim  costs  and  claim  adjustment  expenses,  expected  dividends  to  policyholders,  unamortized  acquisition  costs,  and 
maintenance costs exceeds related unearned premiums.  Because we have not established any reserves, as discussed above, we have 
also determined that no premium deficiency reserves were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC 740 - Income Taxes. The liability method 
measures the expected future tax effects of temporary differences at the enacted tax rates applicable for the period in which the 
deferred asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Temporary differences are differences between the tax basis of an asset 
or liability and its reported amount in the consolidated financial statements that will result in future increases or decreases in taxes 
owed on a cash basis compared to amounts already recognized as tax expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

We evaluate the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. In the course of our 
review, we assess all available evidence, both positive and negative, including future sources of income, tax planning strategies, 
future contractual cash flows and reversing temporary differences.  Additional valuation allowance benefits or charges could be 
recognized in the future due to changes in our expectation regarding the realization of tax benefits.  Uncertain tax positions taken or 
expected to be taken in a tax return by us are recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position 
would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.  There are no tax uncertainties that are expected to result in significant 
increases or decreases to unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve month period.

In assessing the valuation of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of 
the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future 
taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

Recent Accounting Standards Updates Adopted

Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities 

In January 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update clarifying that the scope of Update 2011-11, Balance 
Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, applies to derivatives accounted for in accordance with Topic 
815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, 
and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with Section 210-20-45 or Section 
815-10-45 or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement.  The amendments are effective for fiscal 
years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this guidance in January 
2013 did not have any effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update addressing the reporting of reclassifications out of 
accumulated other comprehensive income. The Update requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of 
accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in the statement of operations if the amount being reclassified 
is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be 
reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures 
required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The adoption of this guidance in December 2013 did not 
have any impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 

Reclassifications

Certain items in the financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and for the periods ending December 31, 2012 and 
December 31, 2011 have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. There was no effect on net income or 
shareholders' equity previously reported.

Subsequent Events

On January 24, 2014, NMIC's principal regulator declined to disapprove of the faculative pool excess share reinsurance 

agreement with Re One, which was effective September 1, 2013.

On January 30, 2014, Arch announced the closing of its acquisition of CMG and certain assets of PMI.  The terms of the 
February 7, 2013 Asset Purchase Agreement ("APA") between Arch and PMI provide that effective as of the closing of that transaction, 
PMI shall transfer and assign to Arch all causes of action being pursued by PMI in the PMI Complaint.  The APA further provides 
that within thirty (30) days after the closing of the transaction, Arch shall have its attorney file appropriate pleadings and other 
documents and instruments with the court requesting that PMI be removed as a party plaintiff in the PMI Complaint and that Arch 
be substituted as the real party in interest.  Although Arch has not yet filed any such request with the Court, the plaintiff is now 
described in pleadings as “Plaintiff and Real Party in Interest Arch U.S. MI Services, Inc.”

We have considered subsequent events through the date of this filing.

3. Common Stock Offerings

We entered into a purchase/placement agreement with FBR on April 17, 2012 and offered and sold an aggregate of 55,000,000 
of our Class A common shares resulting in net proceeds of approximately $510 million.  In accordance with the terms of the Private 
Placement, we placed approximately 93% (or $476 million) of our net proceeds from this Private Placement into investment accounts 
established for the purpose of preserving such proceeds, on a short-term basis, prior to approval from at least one of the GSEs, as 
an eligible mortgage guaranty insurance provider to the GSE. As provided in our certificate of incorporation, this amount was not 
to be disbursed (used for operating activities) until the earlier of (i) receipt by us of GSE Approval or (ii) our liquidation.  Approximately 
$35 million of the net proceeds were available for paying the cash portion of the MAC Acquisition and to pay off the FBR line of 
credit.  The remaining balance of approximately $32 million was placed in an operating account for the purpose of funding our 
operations through the time of GSE Approval.

The initial purchaser's discount and placement fee of $38.3 million was comprised of $19.5 million in common stock and 
$18.8 million in cash.  On October 24, 2012, FBR sold the aforementioned common stock and proceeds of $19.5 million were retained 
in an escrow account until we received GSE Approval. 

In January 2013, following GSE Approval, the escrow funds were released and distributed to FBR (its initial purchasers' 

discount and placement fees from the escrow account) and to MAC (its cash portion of the MAC Acquisition), respectively.

On November 8, 2013, we filed a final prospectus announcing the sale of 2.1 million shares of common stock through an 
initial public offering. The underwriters of the offering were granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 315,000 shares 
of common stock from us at an initial public offering price of  $13.00, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-
allotments.  The principal reason for conducting the public offering was to expedite an increase in the number of holders of our 
common stock to permit a listing of our common stock on the NASDAQ. Obtaining a listing on the NASDAQ satisfied certain 
contractual obligations we had to our stockholders under a Registration Rights Agreement. 

On November 12, 2013, the underwriters exercised their option in full to purchase an additional 315,000 shares of common 
stock at a price of $13.00 per share, before underwriting discounts.  The offering closed on November 14, 2013. Gross proceeds to 
us were $31.4 million.  Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $28 million, after an approximate 6% underwriting fee 
and other offering expenses and reimbursements pursuant to the underwriting agreement.

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Acquisition of MAC

On November 30, 2011, we entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement with MAC Financial Ltd. to acquire MAC 
Financial Holdings Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively "MAC"). The transaction closed shortly after the 
closing of the common stock Private Placement described above.  Under the agreement, the total initial consideration paid for MAC 
was $8.5 million consisting of $2.5 million in cash, $2.5 million in our common stock, and warrants to acquire our common stock 
valued at $3.5 million.  The consideration (net of expenses paid on MAC's behalf) was held in an escrow account until we received 
GSE Approval, upon which time it was released to MAC Financial Ltd.  The total purchase consideration was allocated to the acquired 
assets and liabilities as follows:

April 24, 2012

Current assets

Intangibles

Capitalized software

Goodwill

Subtotal

Current liabilities and deferred tax liabilities

Estimated fair value of net assets acquired

(In Thousands)

52

1,590

5,000

3,244

9,886

(1,386)

8,500

$

$

Pursuant to the terms of the stock purchase agreement, we assumed $1.3 million of MAC's existing liabilities, which related 
to outstanding payment obligations under its vendor contracts with CDW, LLC, Milliman, Inc., and Intellect/SEEC, Inc. and incurred 
$0.1 million in tax liabilities as a result of the acquisition of certain indefinite-lived intangibles. All other liabilities which existed at 
closing were the sole obligation of MAC Financial Ltd.  As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the total amount of cash 
held in escrow (net of expenses paid on MAC's behalf) was $0 and $2.0 million, respectively.

Included in the acquired intangibles of $1.6 million are operational manuals valued at $1.2 million which at the time of 
acquisition, were a key deliverable in our GSE application and were expected to be placed in service following GSE Approval.  
Subsequently, the processes and procedures underlying the operational manuals were reengineered to be substantially different as 
defined by our current management.  Therefore, at December 31, 2012, we determined the carrying value of operational manuals 
would not be recovered and the manuals could not be sold and would be disposed of, and as a result, we assessed the fair value at 
zero and recognized a loss on impairment of $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.

5. Investments

Fair Values and Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments

As of December 31, 2013

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government agencies

Municipal bonds

Corporate debt securities

Asset-backed securities

Total bonds

Short-term investments

Total Investments

Amortized
Cost

Gross Unrealized

Gains

(Losses)

(In Thousands)

Fair
Value

$

108,067

$

— $

12,017

221,899

74,152

416,135

39,695

1

157

114

272

—

$

455,830

$

272

$

(1,461) $
(85)
(4,799)
(974)
(7,319)
—
(7,319) $

106,606

11,933

217,257

73,292

409,088

39,695

448,783

100

 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of December 31, 2012

Short-term investments

Total Investments

Amortized
Cost

Gross Unrealized

Gains

(Losses)

Fair
Value

$

$

4,863

4,863

$

$

(In Thousands)

1

1

$

$

— $

— $

4,864

4,864

Scheduled Maturities as of December 31, 2013 

The amortized cost and fair values of available for sale securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown 
below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations 
with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Because most asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their 
lives, they are listed below in separate categories.

Due in one year or less

Due after one through five years

Due after five through ten years

Due after ten years

Asset-backed securities

Total Bonds

Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value

(In Thousands)

— $

260,855

65,687

15,441

74,152

—

257,501

63,440

14,855

73,292

416,135

$

409,088

$

$

All investments held at December 31, 2012 had a scheduled maturity of one year or less. The Company held no investments 

at December 31, 2011.

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) on Investments

Corporate Bond

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies

Mortgage-backed security

Total Net Realized Investment Gains

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013

(In Thousands)

$

$

323

(87)

(50)

186

There were no realized investment gains or losses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Aging of Unrealized Losses

At December 31, 2013, the investment portfolio had gross unrealized losses of approximately $7 million. We did not consider 
these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2013. We based our conclusion on the following facts (i) 
the unrealized losses were generally caused by interest rate or credit spread movements since the purchase date; (ii) we did not intend 
to sell these investments and; (iii) we did not believe that it was more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments 
before recovery of our amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity; therefore, we did not consider these investments to be other-
than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013. For those securities in an unrealized loss position, the length of time the securities 
were in such a position is as follows:

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Less Than 12 Months

12 Months or Greater

Total

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

(In Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013

U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S.
government agencies

Municipal bonds

Corporate debt securities

Assets-backed securities

$

106,606 $

(1,461) $

— $

— $

106,606 $

4,915

187,714

58,225

(85)

(4,799)

(974)

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,915

187,714

58,225

(1,461)

(85)

(4,799)

(974)

(7,319)

Total Bonds

$

357,460 $

(7,319) $

— $

— $

357,460 $

At December 31, 2012, the investment portfolio had no unrealized losses.

Net investment income is comprised of the following:

Fixed maturities

Cash equivalents

Other

Investment income

Investment expenses
Net Investment Income

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012

For the Period May
19, 2011 (inception)
to December 31, 2011

(In Thousands)

$

$

5,289

$

—

2

5,291
(483)
4,808

$

4

2

—

6

—
6

$

$

—

—

—

—

—
—

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were approximately $7 million and $5 million, respectively, of 
cash and investments in the form of U.S. Treasury securities on deposit with various state insurance departments to satisfy regulatory 
requirements. 

6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following describes the valuation techniques used by us to determine the fair value of financial instruments held at 

December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

We established a fair value hierarchy by prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The 
hierarchy  gives  the  highest  priority  to  unadjusted  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities  (Level  1 
measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy 
under this standard are described below:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement 
date for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 - Prices or valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and 
liabilities; and

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities 
include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or 
similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment 
or estimation.

The level of market activity used to determine the fair value hierarchy is based on the availability of observable inputs 

market participants would use to price an asset or a liability, including market value price observations.

102

 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Assets classified as Level 1 and Level 2

To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent 
pricing sources have been utilized. One price is provided per security based on observable market data.  To ensure securities are 
appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing 
sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued 
or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded.  A variety of 
inputs are utilized by the independent pricing sources including benchmark yields, reported trades, non-binding broker/dealer quotes, 
issuer spreads, two sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including data published in market research 
publications. Inputs may be weighted differently for any security, and not all inputs are used for each security evaluation. Market 
indicators, industry and economic events are also considered. This information is evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model.  
Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, which include reviewing tolerance reports, 
trading information and data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. This model combines all inputs to arrive 
at a value assigned to each security.  We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources.

Liabilities classified as Level 3

The warrants outstanding are valued using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model in combination with a binomial model 
and Monte Carlo simulation used to value the pricing protection features within the warrants.  Variables in the model include the 
risk-free rate of return, dividend yield, expected life and expected volatility of our stock price.  We assess any potential value associated 
with pricing protection features using internal models and management estimation.

ASC 825, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires all entities to disclose the fair value of their 
financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to 
estimate fair value. 

The following is a list of those assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value by hierarchy level as of December 31, 

2013 and December 31, 2012:

Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
As of December 31, 2013

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government agencies

Municipal bonds

Corporate debt securities

Asset-backed securities

Cash and cash equivalents
Total Assets

Warrant liability

Total Liabilities

Fair Value Measurements Using

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

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

(In Thousands)

$

$

$

49,484

$

57,122

$

— $

—

—

—

55,929
105,413

$

—

— $

11,933

217,257

73,292

—
359,604

$

— $

— $

—

—

—

—
— $

6,371

6,371

$

$

Fair Value

106,606

11,933

217,257

73,292

55,929
465,017

6,371

6,371

103

 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
As of December 31, 2012

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government agencies

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Assets

Warrant liability

Total Liabilities

Fair Value Measurements Using

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

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Fair Value

$

$

$

4,864

526,194

531,058

$

$

—

— $

(In Thousands)

— $

—

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

— $

4,842

4,842

$

$

4,864

526,194

531,058

4,842

4,842

The following is a roll-forward of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value for the year ended December 31, 2013:

Year Ended December 31, 2013
Level 3 Instruments Only

Balance, January 1, 2013

Change in fair value of warrant liability included in earnings

Balance, December 31, 2013

Warrant Liability

(In Thousands)

$

$

4,842

1,529

6,371

The fair value of the warrants issued to FBR and MAC Financial Ltd. was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes option-pricing model, including consideration of any potential additional value associated with pricing protection features.  
The volatility assumption used, 39.0%, was derived from the historical volatility of the share price of a range of publicly-traded 
companies with similar types of business to that of ours.  No allowance was made for any potential illiquidity associated with the 
private trading of our shares. We revalue the warrant liability quarterly using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model in combination 
with a binomial model and a Monte-Carlo simulation model used to value the pricing protection features within the warrant.  As of 
December 31, 2013 the assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows: a common stock price as of December 31, 
2013 of $12.73, risk free interest rate of 2.25%, expected life of 6.58 years and a dividend yield of 0%.

The carrying value of other selected assets on our consolidated balance sheet approximates fair value.

7. Software and Equipment

Software and equipment consist largely of capitalized software purchased in connection with the MAC Acquisition which 
had a fair value of $5.0 million at the date of acquisition.  Software and equipment, net of accumulated amortization and depreciation, 
as of December 31, consist of the following:

Software

Equipment

Leasehold improvements

Less accumulated amortization and depreciation

Software and equipment, net

$

$

2013

2012

(In Thousands)

14,140

$

7,268

285

—

(3)

$

7,550

542

141
(5,947)
8,876

Amortization and depreciation expense for the years ended  December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $5.9 million and $3,000, 

respectively. 

104

 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In connection with the MAC Acquisition in April 2012, we purchased an insurance management system.  Given the time 
required to upgrade the underwriting module of the system, we made the business decision during the second quarter of 2013 to 
pursue the development of a new module to support (i) policy servicing and billing and (ii) default and claims management within 
a new insurance management system.  We refer to this new insurance management platform as "AXIS", of which this new module 
is a component.  The new policy servicing, billing and default and claims management module was deployed for production use in 
November 2013. 

Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2013, in order to reduce future operating costs, improve operational efficiencies 

and achieve a more flexible and enhanced user experience for loan originators, we decided to further enhance our underwriting 
module.   The new design and development of this underwriting module started in late 2013 with deployment expected to occur in 
the fourth quarter of 2014.  We have invested and will continue to invest resources to develop AXIS to support our MI operations. 

As a result of the above changes, we were required to reduce the useful life of the purchased insurance management 
system and shorten the amortization period of the modules.  Reducing the useful life of this system has the effect of shortening 
the amortization period, causing us to record the same amount of amortization expense over a shorter period of time, which was 
implemented in the second quarter of 2013 and will continue to amortize over the coming quarters. The modules will be completely 
amortized by November 2014.  

8. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible assets and goodwill consist of identifiable intangible assets and goodwill purchased in connection with the MAC 

Acquisition.  Intangible assets and goodwill, net, as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, consist of the following:

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012

(In Thousands)

Expected Lives

Goodwill

State licenses

GSE approvals

Total Intangible Assets and Goodwill

$

$

3,244

260

130

3,634

Indefinite

Indefinite

Indefinite

We test goodwill and intangibles for impairment in the third and fourth quarter, respectively, of every year, or more frequently 
if we believe indicators of impairment exist.  At the time of the MAC Acquisition, we, as part of the acquisition, acquired operational 
manuals that were a key deliverable in our GSE application and were expected to be placed in service following GSE Approval. 
Subsequently, the processes and procedures underlying the operational manuals were reengineered to be substantially different as 
defined by our current management.  Therefore, at December 31, 2012 we determined the carrying value of operational manuals 
would not be recovered and the manuals could not be sold and would be disposed, and as a result, assessed the fair value at zero and 
recognized a loss on impairment of $1.2 million.  No impairments of indefinite-lived intangibles were identified as of December 31, 
2013.

9. Commitments and Contingencies

GSE Approvals

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed certain capitalization, operational and reporting conditions in connection 

with their approvals of NMIC as a qualified mortgage guaranty insurer.  Some of these conditions remain in effect for a three (3) 
year period from the date of GSE Approval while others do not expressly expire.  These conditions require, among other things, 
that NMIC:

• 

be initially capitalized in the amount of $200 million and that its affiliate reinsurance companies, Re One and Re Two, be 
initially capitalized in the amount of $10 million each (as of September 30, 2013, Re Two was merged into NMIC, with 
NMIC surviving the merger. See "Note 1. Organization");

•  maintain minimum capital of $150 million;

• 

• 

operate at a risk-to-capital ratio not to exceed 15:1 for its first three (3) years and then pursuant to the GSE Eligibility 
Requirements then in effect;

not declare or pay dividends to affiliates or to NMIH for its first three (3) years, then pursuant to the Eligibility Requirements;

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

• 

• 

not enter into capital support agreements or guarantees for the benefit of, or purchase or otherwise invest in the debt of, 
affiliates  without  the  prior  written  approval  of  the  GSEs  for  its  first  three  (3)  years,  then  pursuant  to  the  Eligibility 
Requirements;

not enter into reinsurance or other risk share arrangements without the GSEs' prior written approval for its first three (3) 
years, then pursuant to the Eligibility Requirements; and

• 

at the direction of one or both of the GSEs, re-domicile from Wisconsin to another state.

The conditional approvals also include certain additional conditions, limitations and reporting requirements that we anticipate 
will be included in the GSEs' final Eligibility Requirements, such as limits on costs allocated to NMIC under affiliate expense sharing 
arrangements, risk concentration, rates of return, requirements to obtain a financial strength rating, provision of ancillary services 
(i.e., non-insurance) to customers, transfers of underwriting to affiliates, notification requirements regarding change of ownership 
and new five percent (5%) shareholders, provisions regarding underwriting policies and claims processing as well as certain other 
obligations.

Fannie Mae Pool Transaction

NMIC entered into an agreement (effective coverage date of September 1, 2013) with Fannie Mae, pursuant to which NMIC 
insures a pool of approximately 22,000 loans with insurance-in-force of approximately $5.2 billion. In September 2013, NMIC 
received the first premium payment from Fannie Mae. The agreement has an expected term of 10 years from the coverage effective 
date. 

The pool risk-in-force to NMIC, as of September 1, 2013 was $93.1 million which represents the amount between a deductible 
payable by Fannie Mae on initial losses and a stop loss, above which, losses are borne by Fannie Mae. NMIC provides this same 
level of risk coverage over the term of the agreement. The pool agreement obligates NMIC to maintain the greater of (i) the risk-to-
capital requirements outlined in the January 2013 approval letter, or (ii) a risk-to-capital ratio of 18:1 on primary business plus 
statutory capital equal to the amount of net risk-in-force of the pool. 

In  addition  to  the  conditions  noted  above,  NMIC,  entered  into  risk-to-capital  agreements  with  certain  state  insurance 

regulators. See "Note 14, Statutory Financial Information."

Office Lease

We entered into an office facility lease effective July 1, 2012 for a term of two years. In October 2013, we amended our 
facility’s lease to (i) add 23,000 square feet of furnished office space, and (ii) extend the facility’s lease period through October 31, 
2017.

Management expects that, in the normal course of business, as of December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments 

under this lease will be as follows:

Years ending December 31,

2014
2015

2016

2017

Totals

(In Thousands)

1,570
1,670

1,741

1,489

6,470

$

$

We incurred rent expense, related to this lease, of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Rent expense for the 

year ended December 31, 2012 was $0.2 million.

106

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. Income Taxes

Following is a reconciliation of our net deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

Deferred tax asset:

Capitalized start-up costs

Stock compensation

Unrealized loss on investments

Net operating loss carry forwards

Other

Total gross deferred tax assets

Less: valuation allowance

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liability:

Capitalized software

Intangible assets

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred income tax liability

Deferred tax asset:

Capitalized start-up costs

Net operating loss carry forwards

Total gross deferred tax assets

Less: valuation allowance

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liability:

Capitalized software

Intangible assets

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred income tax liability

$

$

$

December 31, 2013

Gross

Tax Effected

(In Thousands)

2,579

$

14,701

7,047

65,276

10,118

99,721
(94,497)
5,224

(5,008)
(390)
(216)
(5,614)

(390) $

903

5,990

2,694

24,602

3,760

37,949

(35,778)

2,171

(2,095)

(133)

(76)

(2,304)

(133)

December 31, 2012

Gross

Tax Effected

(In Thousands)

21,796

$

7,307

29,103
(24,103)
5,000

(5,000)
(390)
(5,390)

7,411

2,484

9,895

(8,195)

1,700

(1,700)

(133)

(1,833)

(133)

$

(390) $

At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we have a net deferred tax liability of $0.1 million as a result of the acquisition 
of indefinite-lived intangibles in the MAC Acquisition for which no benefit has been reflected in the acquired net operating loss 
carry forwards. The tax liability incurred at the acquisition is recorded as an increase in Goodwill. 

Excluded from deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013 is $1.5 million of excess stock compensation for which any 

benefit realized will be recorded to stockholders' equity. 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $65.3 million, which expire from 
2029 to 2033 and state net operating loss carryforwards of $30.5 million, which expire from 2032 to 2033.  Section 382 of the Internal 
Revenue Code imposes annual limitations on a corporation's ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards if it experiences 
an "ownership change."  As a result of the MAC Acquisition, $7.3 million of NOLs are subject to annual limitations of $0.8 million 
through 2016, then $0.3 million through 2029.

107

 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As we have just recently begun insurance operations and have no history to provide a basis for reliable future net income 
projections, a valuation allowance of $35.8 million and $8.2 million was recorded at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 
respectively, to reflect the amount of the deferred tax asset that may not be realized.

Reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax (benefit) rate to the effective income tax (benefit) rate is as follows:

Federal statutory income tax rate

Loss on impairment

Prior year adjustment

Other

Valuation allowance

Purchase accounting adjustment

Effective income tax rate

Year Ended
December 31, 2013

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012

35.00 %

35.00%

—

3.52

1.66

(40.18)

—

— %

(1.48)

1.66

(1.00)

(28.00)

(6.18)

—%

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we have no reserve for unrecognized tax benefits, and have taken no material 

uncertain positions in its tax returns that would require measurement and recognition.

We file income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state jurisdictions which are subject to potential 

examination by tax authorities.  We are not currently under examination, and federal and state tax years remain open by statute.

11. Share-Based Compensation

The 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") was approved by the Board on April 16, 2012, and authorized 5.5 million shares 
be reserved for issuance under the Plan with 3.85 million shares available for stock options and 1.65 million shares available for 
RSUs. Options granted under the Plan are Non-Qualified Stock Options and may be granted to employees, directors and other key 
persons. The exercise price per share for the common stock covered by this Plan shall be determined by the Board at the time of 
grant, but shall not be less than the fair market value on the date of the grant. The term of the stock option grants will be established 
by the Board, but no stock option shall be exercisable more than 10 years after the date the stock option is granted. The vesting period 
of the stock option grants will also be established by the Board at the time of grant and generally is for a three year period. Upon the 
exercise of stock options, we issue shares from the authorized, unissued share reserve.

108

 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A summary of option activity in the plan during the years ending December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:

Option Activity

Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

(Shares in Thousands)

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2012

2,547

$

10.00

$

Options granted

Less: Options forfeited

Less: Options canceled

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2013

532
(15)
(1)
3,063

11.78

10.00

10.00

$

10.31

$

3.86

4.57

3.84

3.84

3.98

Option Activity

Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

(Shares in Thousands)

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2011

— $

— $

Options granted

Less: Options forfeited
Less: Options canceled

2,829
(282)
—

10.00

10.00
—

Options balance outstanding at December 31, 2012

2,547

$

10.00

$

—

3.87

3.88
—

3.86

As of December 31, 2013 there were no exercises and approximately 743,000 options were fully vested and exercisable.  
The  weighted average  exercise  price  for  the  fully  vested and  exercisable options  was  $10.00. The  remaining weighted  average 
contractual life of options fully vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2013 was 8.4 years. The aggregate intrinsic value for 
fully vested and exercisable options was $2.0 million as of December 31, 2013.

The remaining weighted average contractual life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 was 8.5 years. As of 
December 31, 2013, there was $3.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. The weighted-
average period over which total compensation related to non-vested stock options will be recognized is 0.72 years.

We account for stock options under ASC 718, which requires all share-based payments to be recognized in the financial 
statements at their fair values. To measure the fair value of stock options granted, we utilize the Black-Scholes options pricing model.  
Expense is recognized over the required service period, which is generally the three-year vesting period of the options (vesting in 
one-third increments per year).

The estimated grant date fair values of the stock options granted during 2013 and 2012 were calculated using the Black-

Scholes valuation model based on the following assumptions:

Expected life

Risk free interest rate

Dividend yield

Expected stock price volatility

Projected forfeiture rate

2013

2012

6 years

6 years

0.98% - 1.12%

0.85% - 1.12%

0.00%

39.00%

1.00%

0.00%

39.00%

1.00%

Expected Life - is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration 
to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. We use the simplified method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting 
Bulletin No. 107 to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data is not available and the 
options meet the requirements set out in the Bulletin. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years.

Risk-Free Interest Rate - is the U.S. Treasury rate for the date of the grant having a term approximating the expected life 

of the option.

Dividend Yield - is calculated by dividing the expected annual dividend by our stock price at the valuation date.

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Expected Price Volatility - is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. At the 
time of grant, our common shares trading history was  not sufficient to calculate an expected volatility representative of the volatility 
over the expected lives of the options. As a substitute for such estimate, we used historical volatilities of a set of comparable companies 
in the industry in which we operate.

Projected Forfeiture Rate - is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or canceled before 

becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.

A summary of RSU activity in the plan during the years ending December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2012

Restricted stock units granted

Less: Restricted stock units vested

Less: Restricted stock units forfeited

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2011

Restricted stock units granted

Less: Restricted stock units forfeited

Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2012

Shares

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

(Shares in Thousands)

1,429

$

76
(263)
—

1,242

$

7.35

12.03

6.79

—

7.75

Shares

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

(Shares in Thousands)

— $

1,667
(238)
1,429

$

—

7.35

7.35

7.35

In February 2013, the Board approved a modification to the vesting terms of approximately 400,000 granted and non-vested 
RSUs held by our employees. The modification to the vesting terms removed the market condition leaving the RSUs subject to a 
service  condition  only. The  modification  resulted  in  a  change  in  the  period  over  which  compensation  costs  are  recognized  and 
prospective recognition of incremental compensation cost. Incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair value 
of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before its terms are modified using relevant valuation 
inputs as of the modification date.

At December 31, 2013, the 1.2 million shares of granted and non-vested RSUs consisted of 0.5 million shares that are 
subject to both a market and service condition and 0.7 million shares that are subject only to service conditions. The non-vested 
RSUs subject to both a market and service condition vest in one-half increments upon the achievement of certain market price goals 
and continued service. Non-vested RSUs subject only to a service condition vest over a service period ranging from 1 to 3 years.  
The fair value of RSUs subject to market and service conditions is determined based on a Monte Carlo simulation model at the date 
of grant. The fair value of RSUs subject only to service conditions are valued at our stock price on the date of grant less the present 
value of anticipated dividends.

The estimated grant date fair values of the RSUs granted in 2012 that are subject to both a market and service condition 
were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on the average outcome of 150,000 simulations using the following 
assumption:

Expected life

Risk free interest rate

Dividend yield

Expected stock price volatility

Projected forfeiture rate

110

5 years

0.86%

0.00%

39.00%

1.00%

 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  remaining  weighted  average  contractual  life  of  non-vested  RSUs  as  of  December 31,  2013  was  4.0  years. As  of 
December 31, 2013, there was $4.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs. The weighted-
average period over which total compensation related to non-vested RSUs will be recognized is 0.77 years.

On April  5,  2013  approximately  263,000  RSUs  containing  a  market  condition  vested  resulting  in  an  acceleration  of 

compensation expense of $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2013.

12. Warrants 

As of December 31, 2011, prior to our Private Placement, FBR granted an uncommitted line of credit up to an aggregate 
principal amount of $1.5 million to support legal, accounting and others costs associated with the formation and our capitalization.

As part of the consideration for granting the line of credit, upon successful completion of the common stock Private Placement 
on April 24, 2012, we issued warrants to FBR having an aggregate value equal to three times the amount of the outstanding line of 
credit balance. Each warrant gave the holder thereof the right to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price equal to 
$10.00.  Accordingly,  FBR  was  issued  approximately  314,000  warrants  with  an  aggregate  fair  value  of  $1.6  million  which 
approximated  three times the outstanding line of credit amount at that time. These warrants were measured at fair value and recorded 
as a finance fee with an offsetting charge to liabilities. As the line of credit was paid off on April 24, 2012, the debt discount was 
fully amortized as of April 24, 2012.

In addition, in conjunction with the MAC Acquisition, we issued approximately 678,000 warrants to the stockholders of 
MAC Financial Ltd. at an exercise price equal to $10.00 and an aggregate fair value of  $3.5 million. Those stockholders have wound 
up their affairs pursuant to a members voluntary liquidation under Bermuda law. The shares of our common stock and the warrants 
previously held by MAC Financial Ltd. have been divided and distributed to its former stockholders. 

Upon exercise of these warrants, the amounts will be reclassified from warrant liability to additional paid-in capital. For 

the year ended December 31, 2013 all issued warrants are outstanding.

We account for these warrants to purchase common shares of ours in accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion 
and Other Options and ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity. For more detail on how we account 
for all warrants see "Note 2, Summary of Accounting Principles - Warrants."  

13. Litigation

On August 8, 2012, Germaine Marks, as Receiver, and Truitte Todd, as Special Deputy Receiver, of PMI Mortgage Insurance 
Co. (“PMI”), an Arizona insurance company in receivership, filed a complaint (the “PMI Complaint”) against NMIH, NMIC and 
certain named individuals, in California Superior Court, Alameda County. The PMI Complaint, as amended, alleges breach of fiduciary 
duty, breach of loyalty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty and loyalty, misappropriation of trade secrets, conversion, breach 
of proprietary information agreement, breach of separation agreement, intentional interference with contractual relations and unfair 
competition. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief as well as unspecified monetary damages. We have filed answers to PMI's complaint 
denying all allegations and believe the claims are without merit. See "Note 2, Summary of Accounting Principles, Subsequent Events."

The parties are now engaged in discovery and the court has set a trial date for September 29, 2014. Because the litigation 
and related discovery are ongoing, we do not have sufficient information to determine or predict the ultimate outcome or estimate 
the range of possible losses, if any. Accordingly, no provision for litigation losses has been included in the financial statements.

14. Statutory Information 

Our  insurance  subsidiaries,  NMIC,  Re  One  and  Re  Two,  file  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  statutory  basis 
accounting principles ("SAP") prescribed or permitted by the Wisconsin OCI. Prescribed SAP includes state laws, regulations and 
general administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). 
The Wisconsin OCI recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the state of Wisconsin for determining 
and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company and for determining its solvency under 
Wisconsin insurance laws. As of September 30, 2013, Re Two was merged into NMIC, with NMIC surviving the merger. See "Note 
1, Organization." 

Prescribed and permitted practices generally vary in some respects from accounting principles found in GAAP. The principal 
differences between these accounting practices and GAAP are as follows: (1) acquisition expenses incurred in connection with 
acquiring new business are charged to expense under SAP but under GAAP are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are 
earned; (2) under SAP there are limitations on the net deferred tax assets created by the tax effects of temporary differences; (3) 
under SAP unpaid claims and claim expenses ceded to reinsurers are reported as a deduction of the related reserve rather than as an 

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

asset as would be required under GAAP; (4) under SAP, fixed maturity investments are generally valued at amortized cost while 
under GAAP, those investments are considered to be available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value, with the unrealized gain or 
loss recognized, net of tax, as an increase or decrease to shareholders' equity.

NMIC and Re One's combined statutory net income, statutory surplus and contingency reserve as of and for the years ended 

December 31, 2012 , 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

Statutory net loss

Statutory surplus

Contingency reserve

2013

December 31,

2012

(In Thousands)

2011

$

(33,307) $
189,698

2,314

(18) $

220,004

—

—

—

—

NMIC's principal regulator is the Wisconsin OCI. Under applicable Wisconsin law, as well as that of 15 other states, a 
mortgage guaranty insurer must maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to the risk-in-force (Risk to Capital ratio 
or “RTC ratio”) in order for the mortgage guaranty insurer to continue to write new business. We refer to these requirements as the 
“RTC requirement.” While formulations of minimum capital may vary in each jurisdiction that has such a requirement, the most 
common measure applied allows for a maximum permitted RTC ratio of 25 to 1. Wisconsin and certain other states, including 
California and Illinois, apply a substantially similar requirement referred to as minimum policyholders position. Our operation plan 
filed with the Wisconsin OCI and other state insurance departments in connection with NMIC's applications for licensure includes 
the expectation that NMIH will downstream additional capital if needed so that NMIC does not exceed an 18 to 1 risk-to-capital 
ratio. NMIC may in the future seek state insurance department approvals, as needed, of an amendment to our business plan to increase 
this ratio to the Wisconsin regulatory minimum of 25 to 1.

Additionally, as a condition of GSE Approval, NMIC has agreed with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to limit NMIC's RTC 
ratio to no greater than 15 to 1 and to maintain total statutory capital of at least $150 million for a three year period ending on 
December 31, 2015.  After that date, NMIC agreed to comply with the risk-to-capital ratios that are imposed in the GSEs' then existing 
eligibility requirements.  As part of the state licensing process, NMIC entered into risk-to-capital agreements with the California 
Insurance  Department,  the  Missouri  Department  of  Insurance,  the  New York  State  Department  of  Financial  Services,  the  Ohio 
Department of Insurance and the Texas Commissioner of Insurance. These agreements require NMIC to maintain a risk-to-capital 
ratio not to exceed 20 to 1 until January 15, 2016.

Certain states limit the amount of risk a mortgage guaranty insurer may retain on a single loan to 25% of the indebtedness 
to the insured and as a result the portion of such insurance in excess of 25% must be reinsured. NMIC has entered into a primary 
excess share reinsurance agreement with Re One effective August 1, 2012. NMIC cedes premiums and claims to Re One on an 
excess share basis for any primary or pool policy which offers coverage greater than 25%. NMIC will use reinsurance provided by 
Re One solely for purposes of compliance with statutory coverage limits. During April 2013, NMIC wrote its first mortgage insurance 
policies and ceded premium and risk to Re One the following month. 

As of December 31, 2012, none of our insurance subsidiaries had written any business, had no risk-in-force and therefore 
had no ratios. As of December 31, 2013 NMIC's RTC ratio is less than 1:1, significantly below the limits established with the GSEs 
and state insurance departments.

112

 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The risk-to-capital calculation for each of our insurance subsidiaries, as well as our combined risk-to-capital calculation, 

as of December 31, 2013, is presented below.

As of December 31, 2013

Pool risk-in-force (1)

Direct

Assumed

Ceded

Total pool risk-in-force

Primary risk-in-force

Direct

Assumed

Ceded

Total primary risk-in-force

Total risk-in-force

Statutory policyholders' surplus

Statutory contingency reserve

Total statutory policyholders' position

Risk-to-Capital (2)

NMIC

Re One

(In Thousands)

Combined

$

93,090

$

— $

—
(25,171)
67,919

36,516

—
(2,637)
33,879

101,798

180,310

1,740

182,050

0.6:1

25,171

—

25,171

—

2,637

—

2,637

27,808

9,388

574

9,962

2.8:1

93,090

25,171

(25,171)

93,090

36,516

2,637

(2,637)

36,516

129,606

189,698

2,314

192,012

0.7:1

 (1) 

 (2) 

Pool risk-in-force as shown in the table above is equal to the aggregate stop loss less a deductible.

Represents total risk-in-force divided by statutory policyholders' position which is the metric by which the majority of state insurance 
regulators will assess our capital adequacy. Additionally, Fannie Mae requires us to maintain the greater of (a) the risk-to-capital 
requirements outlined in the January 2013 approval letter, or (b) a risk-to-capital ratio of 18:1 on primary business plus statutory capital 
equal to the amount of net risk-in-force of the pool.

NMIH is not subject to any limitations on its ability to pay dividends except those generally applicable to corporations that 
are incorporated in Delaware, such as NMIH. Delaware corporation law provides that dividends are only payable out of a corporation's 
capital  surplus  or  (subject  to  certain  limitations)  recent  net  profits.  As  of  December 31,  2012,  NMIH's  capital  surplus  was 
approximately $489 million. NMIH assets, which, excluding investment in NMIC and Re One, are approximately $276 million at 
December 31, 2013, are unencumbered by any debt or other subsidiary commitments or obligations. As such, at December 31, 2013, 
NMIH had sufficient resources to downstream to either insurance subsidiary the cash necessary to fully comply with all commitments. 
The insurance subsidiaries are both mono-line mortgage guaranty insurance companies and the assets of each are dedicated only to 
the support of direct risk and obligations of each mortgage insurance entity. NMIC only writes direct mortgage guaranty insurance 
business and assumes no business from any other entity. Re One only assumes business from NMIC to allow NMIC to comply with 
statutory risk requirements. Neither NMIC nor Re One have subsidiaries, and therefore do not have risks and obligations that compete 
for its resources, and neither entity counts a subsidiary's asset in their admitted statutory assets. 

The GSEs and state insurance regulators may restrict our insurance subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to NMIH. See 
"Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies" for a discussion of the dividend restrictions imposed by the GSEs in the GSE Approval,  
as well as restrictions imposed by various states in conjunction with NMIC's receipt of certificates of authority in those states. In 
addition to the restrictions imposed during the GSE Approval and licensing process, the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay 
dividends to NMIH is limited by insurance laws of the State of Wisconsin and certain other states. Wisconsin law provides that an 
insurance company may pay out dividends without the prior approval of the Wisconsin OCI (“ordinary dividends”) in an amount, 
when added to other shareholder distributions made in the prior 12 months, not to exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of the insurer's surplus 
as regards to policyholders as of the prior December 31, or (b) its net income (excluding realized capital gains) for the twelve month 
period ending December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year. In determining net income, an insurer may carry forward 
net income from the previous calendar years that has not already been paid out as a dividend. Dividends that exceed this amount are 
“extraordinary dividends”, which require prior approval of the Wisconsin OCI. As of December 31, 2013, the amount of restricted 
net assets held by our consolidated insurance subsidiaries totaled approximately $193 million of NMIH's  consolidated net assets of 

113

 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

$463 million. The amount of restricted assets used to determine any dividend to NMIH, once all restrictions expire, would be computed 
under SAP which may differ from the amount of restricted assets computed under GAAP.

15. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net realized investment gains (losses)

Gain (Loss) from change in fair value of warrant
liability

Insurance claims and claims expenses

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

Other underwriting and operating expenses

Net Loss
Loss per share (1)
Basic and diluted loss per share

2013 Quarters

First

Second

Third

Fourth

(In Thousands, except share data)

$

— $

—

410

28

35

—

—

12,426
(11,953)

$

1

1

1,407

452

(1,115)
—

—

17,019
(16,274)

482

482

1,519
(308)

469

—

—

16,035
(13,873)

$

3,058

$

1,612

1,472

14

(918)
—

1

15,263
(13,084)

2013

Year

3,541

2,095

4,808

186

(1,529)

—

1

60,743

(55,184)

$

(0.22) $

(0.29) $

(0.25) $

(0.23) $

(0.99)

Weighted average common shares outstanding

55,500,100

55,629,932

55,637,480

57,238,730

56,005,326

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net realized investment gains (losses)

Gain (Loss) from change in fair value of warrant
liability

Insurance claims and claims expenses

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

Other underwriting and operating expenses

Net Loss
Loss per share (1)
Basic and diluted loss per share

Weighted average common shares outstanding

2012 Quarters

First

Second

Third

Fourth

(In Thousands, except share data)

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

2012

Year

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

5

—

278

—

—

—

—

6

—

278

—

—

386
(386)

6,196
(6,196)

8,114
(8,113)

13,079
(12,796)

27,775

(27,491)

$

(3,860.00) $
100

(0.15) $

(0.15) $

(0.23) $

(0.73)

40,252,847

55,500,100

55,500,100

37,909,936

(1) 

Due to the use of weighted average shares outstanding when calculating earnings per share, the sum of quarterly per share data may 
not equal the per share data for the year.

114

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports 
we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the 
SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our  management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the 
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2013, 
pursuant to Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Management applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such 
controls and procedures, which by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management's control objectives.  
Management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all errors and fraud.  A control system, 
irrespective of how well it is designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance, and cannot guarantee that it will succeed 
in its stated objectives.

Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 
2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be 
disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the 
time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

This annual report does not include a report of management's assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting 
or an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the Securities 
Exchange Commission for newly public companies.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report 

that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

PART III

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, our definitive proxy statement, 
which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2013.  Accordingly, we have omitted the information from this Item pursuant 
to General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, our definitive proxy statement, 
which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2013.  Accordingly, we have omitted the information from this Item pursuant 
to General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, our definitive proxy statement, 
which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2013.  Accordingly, we have omitted the information from this Item pursuant 
to General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K.

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

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, our definitive proxy statement, 
which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2013.  Accordingly, we have omitted the information from this Item pursuant 
to General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, our definitive proxy statement, 
which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2013.  Accordingly, we have omitted the information from this Item pursuant 
to General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K.

116

 
 
 
 
 
PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

1.  Financial Statements — See the "Index to Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a list of the financial 
statements filed as part of this report.

2.  Financial Statement Schedules — See the "Index to Financial Statement Schedules" on page 123 of this report for a list of the 
financial statement schedules filed as part of this report.

3.  Exhibits —  See "Exhibit Index" on page i of this report for a list of exhibits filed as part of this report.

117

Exhibits

Exhibit
Number

2.1

2.2

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

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

Description

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 30, 2011, between NMI Holdings, Inc. and MAC Financial Ltd.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 6, 2012, between NMI Holdings, Inc. and MAC Financial
Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our
Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amended and Restated By-Laws  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Form S-1 Registration
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Specimen Class A common stock certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form S-1
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Registration Rights Agreement between NMI Holdings, Inc. and FBR Capital Markets & Co., dated April 24, 2012
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Registration Rights Agreement by and between MAC Financial Ltd. and NMI Holdings, Inc., dated April 24, 2012
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Registration Rights Agreement between FBR & Co., FBR Capital Markets LT, Inc., FBR Capital Markets & Co.,
FBR Capital Markets PT, Inc. and NMI Holdings, Inc., dated April 24, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Warrant No. 1 to Purchase Common Stock of NMI Holdings, Inc. issued to FBR Capital Markets & Co., dated June
13, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of NMI Holdings, Inc. issued to former stockholders of MAC
Financial Ltd.(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration
No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form S-1
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Management 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form  of  NMI  Holdings,  Inc.  2012  Stock  Incentive  Plan  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Award Agreement  for  Directors 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form  of  NMI  Holdings,  Inc.  2012  Stock  Incentive  Plan  Nonqualified  Stock  Option Award Agreement for  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Form S-1 
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Management 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.6  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Directors 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.7  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Employment Agreement  by  and  between  NMI  Holdings,  Inc.  and  Bradley  M.  Shuster,  dated  March  6,  2012  and 
Amendment, dated April 24, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between NMI Holdings, Inc. and Bradley M. Shuster, dated April 24, 
2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

118

Exhibit
Number

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32 #

99.1

99.2

101 *

Description

Employment Agreement  by  and  between  NMI  Holdings,  Inc.  and  Jay  M.  Sherwood,  dated  March  6,  2012  and 
Amendment, dated April 24, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between NMI Holdings, Inc. and Jay M. Sherwood, dated April 24, 
2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)
Letter Agreement by and between NMI Holdings, Inc. and Stanley M. Pachura, dated April 26, 2012 (incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on 
October 9, 2013)

Form of Indemnification Agreement between NMI Holdings, Inc. and certain of its directors (incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.13 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 
9, 2013)

Commitment Letter dated July 12, 2013 for Bulk Fannie Mae-Paid Loss-on-Sale Mortgage Insurance on the Portfolio 
of approximately $5.46 billion Purchased by Fannie Mae and Identified by Fannie Mae as Deal No. 2013 MIRT 01 
and by the Company as Policy No. P-0001-01 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our Form S-1 
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)
Subsidiaries of NMI Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Consent of BDO USA, LLP

Principal Executive Officer's Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Principal Financial Officer's Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certifications  of  CEO  and  CFO  Pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as Adopted Pursuant  to  Section  906  of  the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Conditional Approval Letter, dated January 15, 2013, from Freddie Mac to National Mortgage Insurance Corporation 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.1  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Conditional Approval Agreement, dated January 16, 2013, by and among Federal National Mortgage Association, 
NMI Holdings, Inc. and National Mortgage Insurance Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 
to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

The following financial information from NMI Holdings, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):

(i)   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 
(ii)  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for each of the three years in the period ended December 

31, 2013 

(iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended 

December 31, 2013 

(iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the period ended December 31, 2013, and 
(v)  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

# In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 34-47986, the certifications furnished in Exhibit 32 hereto 
are deemed to accompany this Form 10-K and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or deemed to be 
incorporated by reference into any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act except to the extent that the registrant specifically 
incorporates it by reference.

* In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information furnished in these exhibits will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of 
Section 18 of the Exchange Act.  Such exhibits will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or 
the Exchange Act except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

119

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

SIGNATURES

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.

March 12, 2014

By: /s/ Bradley M. Shuster

     Name:   Bradley M. Shuster
     Title:     Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 

120

 
Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Bradley M. Shuster

Bradley M. Shuster

Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

March 12, 2014

/s/ John (Jay) M. Sherwood, Jr.

John (Jay) M. Sherwood, Jr.

Chief Financial Officer

March 12, 2014

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

March 12, 2014

March 12, 2014

March 12, 2014

March 12, 2014

March 12, 2014

March 12, 2014

/s/ Steven L. Scheid

Steven L. Scheid

/s/ James G. Jones

James G. Jones

/s/ John Brandon Osmon

John Brandon Osmon

/s/ Michael Montgomery

Michael Montgomery

/s/ Michael Embler

Michael Embler

/s/ James H. Ozanne

James H. Ozanne

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

121

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule I — Summary of Investments — other than investments in related parties as of December 31, 2013

Schedule II — Financial Information of Registrant as of December 31, 2013

Schedule IV — Reinsurance as of December 31, 2013

F-1

F-2

F-6

All other schedules are omitted because the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to 
require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in our Consolidated Financial Statements and 
notes thereto.

122

 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
SCHEDULE I
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
PARENT COMPANY ONLY

December 31, 2013

Fixed Maturities:

Bonds:

Amortized Cost

Fair Value

(In Thousands)

Amount Reflected on
Balance Sheet

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government
agencies

$

Municipal bonds

Corporate debt securities

Asset-backed securities

58,251

$

57,421

$

5,259

130,499

39,014

5,204

127,928

38,511

Total investments other than investments in related parties

$

233,023

$

229,064

$

57,421

5,204

127,928

38,511

229,064

F-1

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
SCHEDULE II - FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
PARENT COMPANY ONLY

Assets

Investments, available-for-sale

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Investment in subsidiaries, at equity in net assets

Accrued investment income

Prepaid expenses

Due from affiliates, net

Software and equipment, net

Other assets

Total Assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Placement fee payable

Purchase consideration payable

Warrant liability, at fair value

Total Liabilities

Shareholders' Equity

Common stock - Class A shares, $0.01 par value,
58,052,480 and 55,250,100 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013
and December 31, 2012, respectively (250,000,000 shares authorized)

Common stock - Class B shares, $0.01 par value, 0 and 250,000 shares issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (250,000
authorized)

Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Accumulated deficit

Total Shareholders' Equity
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

(In Thousands, except for share data)

$

229,064

$

36,433

—

193,242

1,038

1,519

10,565

7,574

61

479,496

9,908

—

—

6,371

16,279

$

$

581

—

553,707
(7,047)
(84,024)
463,217
479,496

$

$

$

$

—

270,717

40,338

228,612

—

417

—

2,444

107

542,635

8,707

38,305

2,033

4,842

53,887

553

2

517,032

1

(28,840)

488,748
542,635

F-2

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
SCHEDULE II - FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
PARENT COMPANY ONLY

Revenues

Net investment income

Net realized investment gains

(Loss) Gain from change in fair value of warrant liability

Total Revenues

Expenses

Other operating expenses

Total Expenses

Equity in net loss of subsidiaries
Net Loss

For the Year Ended December 31,

2013

2012

(In Thousands)

For the Period from
May 19, 2011
(inception) to
December 31, 2011

$

2,758

$

188
(1,529)
1,417

24,319

24,319

$

2

—

278

280

26,575

26,575

(32,282)
(55,184) $

(1,196)
(27,491) $

$

—

—

—

—

1,349

1,349

—
(1,349)

F-3

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
SCHEDULE II - FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PARENT COMPANY ONLY

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012

For the Period May
19, 2011 (inception)
to December 31, 2011

(In Thousands)

$

(55,184) $

(27,491) $

(1,349)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net loss

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:

Share-based compensation expense

Warrants issued in connection with line of credit

Loss (gain) from change in fair value of warrant liability

Net realized investment gains

Depreciation and other amortization

Accrued investment income

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Receivable from affiliates

Prepaid expenses

Other assets

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Capitalization of subsidiaries

Purchase of fixed maturities, available-for-sale

Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities, available-for-sale

Purchase of software and equipment

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

(Payments) Proceeds on line of credit

Payment of financing debt

Issuance of common stock

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period

10,367

—

1,529
(188)
3,325
(1,038)

(10,565)
(1,102)
32,326

623
(19,907)

—
(293,470)
59,454
(6,695)
—
(240,711)

—

—

27,912
(1,578)
26,334

(234,284)
270,717

6,115

1,620
(278)
—

3
(2)

—
(234)
1,118

4,550
(14,599)

(220,000)
—

—
(2,444)
(2,500)
(224,944)

—
(205)
510,465

—

510,260

270,717

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(183)

(26)

1,353

(205)

—

—

—

—

—

—

205

—

—

—

205

—

—

—

Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period

$

36,433

$

270,717

$

F-4

NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
SCHEDULE II - FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES
PARENT COMPANY ONLY

Note A

The NMI Holdings, Inc. (the “Parent Company”) financial statements represent the stand-alone financial statements of the 
Parent  Company.   These  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  on  the  same  basis  and  using  the  same  accounting  policies  as 
described in the consolidated financial statements included herein.  Refer to the Parent Company’s consolidated financial statements 
for additional information.

Revisions to Prior Periods

Certain other prior balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Note B

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of policyholders' surplus and payment of 
dividends.  The maximum amount of dividends that the insurance subsidiaries may pay in any twelve-month period without regulatory 
approval by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin is the lesser of adjusted statutory net income or 
10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the preceding calendar year end.  Adjusted statutory net income is defined for this 
purpose to be the greater of statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for the calendar year preceding the date of the 
dividend or statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for the three calendar years preceding the date of the dividend 
less dividends paid within the first two of the preceding three calendar years.

Note C

The Parent Company provides certain services to its subsidiaries.  The Parent Company allocates to its subsidiaries corporate 
expense it incurs in the capacity of supporting those subsidiaries, based on either an allocated percentage of time spent or internally 
allocated capital.  Total operating expenses allocated to subsidiaries for 2013 were $32.5 million.  No expenses were allocated to 
subsidiaries during 2012 or 2011.  Amounts charged to the subsidiaries for operating expenses are based on actual cost, without any 
mark-up.  The Parent Company considers these charges fair and reasonable.  The subsidiaries reimburse the Parent Company for 
these costs in a timely manner, which has the impact of improving the cash flows of the Parent Company.

F-5

 
 
 
 
 
NMI HOLDINGS, INC.
SCHEDULE IV - FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
REINSURANCE
PARENT COMPANY ONLY

The Parent Company has no reinsurance agreements. The insurance subsidiaries are both mono-line mortgage guaranty 
insurance companies and the assets of each are dedicated only to the support of our mortgage insurance operations. NMIC only 
writes direct mortgage guaranty insurance business and assumes no business from any other entity. Re One only assumes business 
from NMIC to allow NMIC to comply with statutory risk requirements. Neither NMIC nor Re One count any subsidiary of any kind 
in their admitted statutory assets. 

F-6

 
Exhibit
Number

EXHIBIT INDEX 

Description

2.1

2.2

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

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

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 30, 2011, between NMI Holdings, Inc. and MAC Financial Ltd.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 6, 2012, between NMI Holdings, Inc. and MAC Financial
Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our
Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amended and Restated By-Laws  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Form S-1 Registration
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Specimen Class A common stock certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form S-1
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Registration Rights Agreement between NMI Holdings, Inc. and FBR Capital Markets & Co., dated April 24,
2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Registration Rights Agreement by and between MAC Financial Ltd. and NMI Holdings, Inc., dated April 24, 2012
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Registration Rights Agreement between FBR & Co., FBR Capital Markets LT, Inc., FBR Capital Markets & Co.,
FBR Capital Markets PT, Inc. and NMI Holdings, Inc., dated April 24, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Warrant No. 1 to Purchase Common Stock of NMI Holdings, Inc. issued to FBR Capital Markets & Co., dated
June 13, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement
(Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of NMI Holdings, Inc. issued to former stockholders of MAC
Financial Ltd.(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement
(Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form S-1
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Management 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form  of  NMI  Holdings,  Inc.  2012  Stock  Incentive  Plan  Restricted  Stock  Unit Award Agreement  for  Directors 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Form S-1 
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Management 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.6  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Form of NMI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Directors 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.7  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Employment Agreement by and between NMI Holdings, Inc. and Bradley M. Shuster, dated March 6, 2012 and 
Amendment, dated April 24, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between NMI Holdings, Inc. and Bradley M. Shuster, dated April 
24, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

i

Exhibit
Number
10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32 #

99.1

99.2

101 *

Description

Employment Agreement by  and  between  NMI  Holdings,  Inc.  and  Jay  M.  Sherwood,  dated  March  6,  2012  and 
Amendment, dated April 24, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between NMI Holdings, Inc. and Jay M. Sherwood, dated April 24, 
2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)
Letter Agreement by and between NMI Holdings, Inc. and Stanley M. Pachura, dated April 26, 2012 (incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed 
on October 9, 2013)

Form of Indemnification Agreement between NMI Holdings, Inc. and certain of its directors (incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 
9, 2013)

Commitment Letter dated July 12, 2013 for Bulk Fannie Mae-Paid Loss-on-Sale Mortgage Insurance on the Portfolio 
of approximately $5.46 billion Purchased by Fannie Mae and Identified by Fannie Mae as Deal No. 2013 MIRT 01 
and by the Company as Policy No. P-0001-01 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our Form S-1 
Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)
Subsidiaries of NMI Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to our Form S-1 Registration 
Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Consent of BDO USA, LLP

Principal Executive Officer's Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Principal Financial Officer's Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certifications of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Conditional Approval Letter, dated January 15, 2013, from Freddie Mac to National Mortgage Insurance Corporation 
(incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.1  to  our  Form  S-1  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

Conditional Approval Agreement, dated January 16, 2013, by and among Federal National Mortgage Association, 
NMI Holdings, Inc. and National Mortgage Insurance Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 
to our Form S-1 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-191635), filed on October 9, 2013)

The following financial information from NMI Holdings, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):

(i)   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 
(ii)  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for each of the three years in the period ended December 

31, 2013 

(iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended 

December 31, 2013 

(iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the period ended December 31, 2013, and 
(v)  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

# In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 34-47986, the certifications furnished in Exhibit 32 hereto 
are deemed to accompany this Form 10-Q and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or deemed to be 
incorporated by reference into any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act except to the extent that the registrant specifically 
incorporates it by reference.

* In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information furnished in these exhibits will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of 
Section 18 of the Exchange Act.  Such exhibits will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act 
or the Exchange Act except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

ii