We carry certain financial instruments at fair value and disclose the fair value of all financial instruments. Our financial instruments carried at fair value are predominantly measured on a recurring basis. Financial instruments measured on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).

The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received upon a sale of an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is based on quoted market prices or inputs, where available. If prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based on valuation models or other valuation techniques that consider relevant transaction characteristics (such as maturity) and use as inputs observable or unobservable market parameters including yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, equity

We use independent pricing sources to determine the fair value of a substantial majority of our financial instruments, which primarily consist of assets in our investment portfolio, but also includes amounts included in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents. A variety of inputs are used; in approximate order of priority, they are: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications.

Market indicators, industry and economic events are also considered. This information is evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model. This model combines all inputs to arrive at a value assigned to each security. Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, which include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves.

A three-level valuation hierarchy has been established under GAAP for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of a financial instrument as of the measurement date. To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent pricing sources, as described in "Valuation process," 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.



è	Level 1	Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access. Financial assets using Level 1 inputs primarily include U.S. Treasury securities, money market funds, and certain equity securities.
è	Level 2	Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets that we can access; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable in the marketplace for the instrument. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value of the instruments. Financial assets using Level 2 inputs primarily include obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and most municipal bonds. The independent pricing sources used for our Level 2 investments vary by type of investment. See Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for further information.
è	Level 3	Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable or, from par values due to restrictions on certain securities that require them to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value. The inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3 securities reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. Financial assets using Level 3 inputs include obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions and certain equity securities (2017 only). Our non-financial assets that are classified as Level 3 securities consist of real estate acquired through claim settlement. The fair value of real estate acquired is the lower of our acquisition cost or a percentage of the appraised value. The percentage applied to the appraised value is based upon our historical sales experience adjusted for current trends.

Fixed income securities. Our fixed income securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. The related unrealized investment gains or losses are, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Realized investment gains and losses on fixed income securities are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities sold as well as any "other than temporary" impairments ("OTTI") recognized in earnings.



è	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 of its amortized cost basis;
è	the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect compared to the amortized cost basis of the security;
è	extent and duration of the decline;
è	failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments;
è	change in rating below investment grade; and
è	adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.

Based on our evaluation, we will record an OTTI adjustment on a security if we intend to sell the impaired security, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. If the fair value of a security is below its amortized cost at the time of our intent to sell, the security is classified as other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of the impairment is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations. Otherwise, when a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the losses are separated into the portion of the loss that represents the credit loss and the portion that is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations, while the loss due to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. A credit loss is determined to exist if the present value of the discounted cash flows, using the security’s original yield, expected to be collected from the security is less than the cost basis of the security.

Costs directly associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage insurance business, consisting of employee compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred insurance policy acquisition costs ("DAC"). The deferred costs are net of any ceding commissions received associated with our reinsurance agreements. For each underwriting year of business, these costs are amortized to income in proportion to estimated gross profits over the estimated life of the policies. We utilize anticipated investment income in our calculation. This includes accruing interest on the unamortized balance of DAC. The estimates for each underwriting year are reviewed quarterly and updated when necessary to reflect actual experience and any changes to key variables such as persistency or loss development.

Case reserves and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") reserves are established when we receive notices of delinquency on insured mortgage loans. We consider a loan delinquent when it is two or more payments past due. Even though the accounting standard, ASC 944, regarding accounting and reporting by insurance entities specifically excludes mortgage insurance from its guidance relating to loss reserves, we establish loss reserves using the general principles contained in the insurance standard. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish case reserves for future claims on insured loans which are not currently delinquent. Case reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our inventory of delinquent loans that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity. Our case reserve estimates are established based upon historical experience, including rescissions of policies, curtailments of claims, and loan modification activity. Adjustments to reserve estimates are reflected in the financial statements in the years in which the adjustments are made. The liability for reinsurance

After our loss reserves are initially established, we perform premium deficiency tests using our best estimate assumptions as of the testing date. Premium deficiency reserves are established, if necessary, when the present value of expected future losses and expenses exceeds the present value of expected future premium and already established reserves. Products are grouped for premium deficiency testing purposes based on similarities in the way the products are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability.

We write policies which are guaranteed renewable contracts at the insured's option on a monthly, single, or annual premium basis. We have no ability to re-underwrite or reprice these contracts. Premiums written on monthly premium policies are earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on single premium policies and annual premium policies are initially deferred as unearned premium reserve and earned over the estimated policy life. Premiums written on policies covering more than one year are amortized over the estimated policy life based on historical experience, which includes the anticipated incurred loss pattern. Premiums written on annual premium policies are earned on a monthly pro rata basis. When a policy is cancelled for a reason other than rescission or claim payment, all premium that is non-refundable is immediately earned. Any refundable premium is returned to the servicer or borrower. When a policy is cancelled due to rescission, all previously collected premium is returned to the servicer and when a policy is cancelled because a claim is paid, premium collected since the date of delinquency is returned. The liability associated with our estimate of premium to be returned is accrued for separately and included in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in this liability, and the actual return of premiums for all periods, affects premiums written and earned.

Deferred income taxes are provided under the liability method, which recognizes the future tax effects of temporary differences between amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of these items. The estimated tax effects are computed at the enacted federal statutory income tax rate. Changes in tax laws, rates, regulations, and policies or the final determination of tax audits or examinations, could materially affect our estimates and can be significant to our operating results. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The recognition of a tax position is determined using a two-step approach. The first step applies a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition. The second step measures the tax position as the greatest amount of benefit that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. When evaluating a tax position for recognition and measurement, we presume that the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes.

Federal tax law permits mortgage guaranty insurance companies to deduct from taxable income, subject to certain limitations, the amounts added to contingency loss reserves that are recorded for regulatory purposes. The amounts we deduct must generally be included in taxable income in the tenth subsequent year. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that we purchase and hold U.S. government non-interest-bearing tax and loss bonds in an amount equal to the tax benefit attributable to the deduction. We account for these purchases as a payment of current federal income tax. (See "Note 12 - Income Taxes.")

We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all domestic employees, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan. Retirement benefits are based on compensation and years of service. We recognize these retirement benefit costs over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits. Our policy is to fund pension cost as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

We offer both medical and dental benefits for retired domestic employees, their eligible spouses and dependents until the retiree reaches the age of 65. Under the plan retirees pay a premium for these benefits. We accrue the estimated costs of retiree medical and dental benefits over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits. (See Note 11 – “Benefit Plans.”)

Loss reserves and unearned premiums are reported before taking credit for amounts ceded under reinsurance agreements. Ceded loss reserves are reflected as "Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves." Ceded unearned and prepaid reinsurance premiums are included in “Other assets.” Amounts due from reinsurers on paid claims are reflected as “Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses.” Ceded premiums payable are included in “Other liabilities.” Any profit commissions are included with “Premiums written – Ceded” and any ceding commissions are included with “Other underwriting and operating expenses, net.” We remain liable for all insurance ceded. (See Note 9 – “Reinsurance.”)

We have certain share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period which generally corresponds to the vesting period. Awards under our plans generally vest over periods ranging from one to three years . (See Note 15 – “Share-based Compensation Plans.”)

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The computation of basic EPS includes as "participating securities" an immaterial number of unvested share-based compensation awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, under the "two-class" method. Our participating securities are composed of vested restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") with non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents. We calculate diluted EPS using the treasury stock method and if-converted method. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our unvested restricted stock units result in the issuance of common stock. Under the if-converted method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our convertible debt instruments result in the issuance of common stock. The determination of potentially issuable shares does not consider the satisfaction of the conversion requirements and the shares are

included in the determination of diluted EPS as of the beginning of the period, if dilutive. In addition to our 9% Debentures, we had other convertible notes in 2017 that could have resulted in contingently issuable shares and we considered each potential issuance of shares separately to reflect the maximum potential dilution for the period the debt issuances were outstanding. For purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS, vested restricted stock and RSUs are considered outstanding.

In February 2016, the FASB amended the previous leasing standard and created ASC 842, Leases. ASC 842 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for substantially all leases. Effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we adopted the updated guidance for leases and also elected to apply all practical expedients applicable to us in the updated guidance for transition of leases in effect at adoption. The adoption of the updated guidance resulted in the recognition of an immaterial right-of-use asset as part of other assets and a lease liability as part of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.



Standard / Interpretation
Table	3.1
				Effective date
Amended Standards
ASC 326		Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
		•	ASU 2016-13 - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	January 1, 2020
ASC 820		Fair Value Measurement
		•	ASU 2018-13 - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements	January 1, 2020
ASC 715		Compensation - Retirement Benefits
		•	ASU 2018-14 - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans	January 1, 2021
ASC 740		Income Taxes
		•	ASU 2019-12 - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes	January 1, 2021

In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that requires immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial instruments. We have concluded that our mortgage insurance policies are outside the scope of this ASU, however, the provisions of this guidance do apply to our reinsurance transactions, which are highly rated, as discussed in Note 9 – “Reinsurance” to our consolidated financial statements. Entities are required to incorporate their forecast of future economic conditions into their loss estimate unless such forecast is not reasonable and supportable, in which case the entity will revert to historical loss experience. The allowance for current expected credit losses (“CECL”) generally reduces the amortized cost basis of the financial instrument to the amount an entity expects to collect, however, credit losses relating to available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, with the amount of the allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is less than amortized cost. In addition, the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. The updated guidance is not prescriptive about certain aspects of estimating expected credit losses, including the specific methodology to use, and therefore will require significant judgment in application. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. In May 2019, the

FASB amended this guidance to provide entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for eligible instruments in order to provide targeted transition relief that is intended to increase comparability of financial statement information for some entities that otherwise would have measured similar financial instruments using different measurement methodologies. We have evaluated the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, and determined it will not have a material impact.

In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The updated guidance removed the requirement to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The updated guidance clarifies that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurements as of the reporting date. Further, the updated guidance requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period; and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. We have evaluated the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, and determined it will not have a material impact.

In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments to modify the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. The updated guidance removed the requirements to identify amounts that are expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in the coming year and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on service and interest cost and on the postretirement benefit obligation. The updated guidance added disclosure requirements for the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with interest crediting rates and explanations for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. An entity should apply the amendments on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the