Note 1 - Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Business Overview and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and include the accounts of all wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions, and intercompany profits and losses, have been eliminated. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP pursuant to the instructions set forth in Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the SEC.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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

Securities Borrowed and Loaned Policy [Policy Text Block]

Securities lending agreements, in which we loan certain securities in our investment portfolio to third parties for short periods of time, are treated as collateralized financing arrangements on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. In all of our securities lending agreements, the securities that we transfer to Borrowers (loaned securities) may be transferred or loaned by the Borrowers; however, we maintain effective control over all loaned securities, including: (i) retaining ownership of the securities; (ii) receiving the related investment or other income; and (iii) having the right to request the return of the loaned securities at any time. We report such securities within other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We receive cash or other securities as collateral for such loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be invested in liquid assets. Cash collateral, which is reinvested for our benefit by the intermediary in accordance with the investment guidelines contained in the securities lending and collateral agreements, is reflected in short-term investments, with an offsetting liability recognized in other liabilities for the obligation to return the cash collateral to the Borrower. Securities collateral we receive from Borrowers is held on deposit for the Borrower’s benefit and we may not transfer or loan such securities collateral unless the Borrower is in default. Therefore, such securities collateral is not reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements given that the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to us from the Borrowers. See Note 5 for additional information.

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

During the third quarter of 2017, we commenced participation in a securities lending program whereby we loan certain securities in our investment portfolio to Borrowers for short periods of time. These securities lending agreements are collateralized financing arrangements whereby we transfer securities to third parties through an intermediary in exchange for cash or other securities. In all of our securities lending agreements, the securities we transfer to Borrowers (loaned securities) may be transferred or loaned by the Borrowers; however, we maintain effective control over all loaned securities, including: (i) retaining ownership of the securities; (ii) receiving the related investment or other income; and (iii) having the right to request the return of the loaned securities at any time. Although we report such securities at fair value within other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, the detailed information provided in this Note includes these securities.

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restructuring and other exit costs include items such as asset impairment charges, employee severance and benefit costs, facility and lease termination costs, contract terminations and other costs of restructuring or exiting activities. The timing of the future expense and associated cash payments for restructuring and other exit costs is dependent on the type of exit cost and is expected to be completed within the next 12 months. We review assets for impairment in accordance with the accounting guidance for long-lived assets. Generally, our employee severance and benefit costs are part of the Company’s ongoing benefit arrangement and are recognized when probable and estimable. A liability for facility and lease contract termination costs is recognized at the date we cease the use of rights conveyed by the contract and is measured at its fair value, which is determined based on the remaining contractual lease rentals reduced by estimated sublease rentals. Other contract termination and exit costs include future costs that will be incurred, which are recognized in total when they no longer will benefit the Company. The liabilities for restructuring and other exit costs are recorded in other liabilities.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

In performing the quantitative analysis for our goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2017, we elected to early adopt the update to the accounting standard regarding goodwill and other intangibles, as discussed in “—Accounting Standards Adopted During 2017” below. This update simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two of the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, if indicators for impairment are present, we perform a quantitative analysis to evaluate our long-lived assets for potential impairment, and then determine the amount of the goodwill impairment by comparing a reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying amount. After adjusting the carrying value for any impairment of other intangibles or long-lived assets, an impairment charge is recognized for any excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over the reporting unit’s estimated fair value, up to the full amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]

Accounting Standards Adopted During 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standards for share-based payment transactions, including: (i) accounting for income taxes; (ii) classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows; (iii) forfeitures; (iv) minimum statutory tax withholding requirements; (v) classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax withholding purposes; (vi) the practical expedient for estimating the expected term; and (vii) intrinsic value. Among other things, the update requires: (i) all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement as they occur; (ii) recognition of excess tax benefits, regardless of whether the benefits reduce taxes payable in the current period; and (iii) excess tax benefits to be classified along with other cash flows as an operating activity, rather than separated from other income tax cash flows as a financing activity. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Our adoption of this update, effective January 1, 2017, had an immaterial impact on our financial statements at implementation. As a result of implementing this new standard, however, we expect the potential for limited increased volatility in our effective tax rate and net earnings, and possible additional dilution in earnings per share calculations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding goodwill and other intangibles. This update simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two of the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for any excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over the reporting unit’s estimated fair value, after adjusting the carrying value for any impairment of other intangibles or long-lived assets. The provisions of this update are effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We elected to early adopt this update to perform the quantitative analysis for our goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2017. See “—Other Significant Accounting Policies” above and Note 6 for additional information.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted. In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding revenue recognition. In accordance with the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This update is not expected to change revenue recognition principles related to our investments and insurance products, which combined represent a significant portion of our total revenues. This update is primarily applicable to revenues from our Services segment. In July 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date for this updated standard for public companies to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and subsequently issued various clarifying updates. Early adoption is permitted. This standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or the modified retrospective transition method. We currently anticipate using the modified retrospective method of adoption, with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of adoption. We have reviewed current accounting policies and key contracts that are representative of our various products and services within the Services segment and are in the process of comparing our historical accounting policies and practices to the requirements of the new guidance. We are identifying potential differences resulting from applying the new requirements to our contracts and updating our accounting policy. While we anticipate differences in timing of revenue recognition, we do not expect the impact to be material to our financial statements. We are also in the process of evaluating new disclosure requirements and identifying appropriate changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new guidance.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an update that makes certain changes to the standard for the accounting of financial instruments. Among other things, the update requires: (i) equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss); (ii) the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (iii) separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; and (iv) separate presentation in other comprehensive income of the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as “own credit”) when the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. The update also eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted, with the exception of the “own credit” provision. We are currently evaluating the impact to our financial statements and future disclosures as a result of this update.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an update that replaces the existing accounting and disclosure requirements for leases of property, plant and equipment. The update requires lessees to recognize, as of the lease commencement date, assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months, which is a change from the current GAAP requirement to recognize only capital leases on the balance sheet. Pursuant to the new standard, the liability initially recognized for the lease obligation is equal to the present value of the lease payments not yet made, discounted over the lease term at the implicit interest rate of the lease, if available, or otherwise at the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate. The lessee is also required to recognize an asset for its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, based on the liability subject to certain adjustments, such as for initial direct costs. Leases are required to be classified as either operating or finance, with expense on operating leases recorded as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis. For finance leases, interest expense on the lease liability is required to be recognized separately from the straight-line amortization of the right-of-use asset. Quantitative disclosures are required for certain items, including the cost of leases, the weighted-average remaining lease term, the weighted-average discount rate and a maturity analysis of lease liabilities. Additional qualitative disclosures are also required regarding the nature of the leases, such as basis, terms and conditions of: (i) variable interest payments; (ii) extension and termination options; and (iii) residual value guarantees. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted by applying the new guidance as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, using a modified retrospective transition approach with certain optional practical expedients. We are currently evaluating the impact to our financial statements and future disclosures as a result of this update.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. This update requires that financial assets measured at their amortized cost basis be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities are to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, rather than a write-down of the asset, with the amount of the allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is less than amortized cost. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact to our financial statements and future disclosures as a result of this update.

In October 2016, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standard regarding the accounting for income taxes. This update requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This update will be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in the first interim period of the adoption year. We have concluded there is currently no impact to our financial statements and future disclosures as a result of this update.

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

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We have two strategic business units that we manage separately—Mortgage Insurance and Services. Adjusted pretax operating income (loss) for each segment represents segment results on a standalone basis; therefore, inter-segment eliminations and reclassifications required for consolidated GAAP presentation have not been reflected.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, we completed an organizational change that resulted in a change to our segment financial reporting structure. Previously, contract underwriting activities on behalf of third parties were reported in either the Mortgage Insurance segment or the Services segment, based on the customer relationship. Management responsibility for this contract underwriting business was moved entirely to the Services segment. This organizational change resulted in the reclassification to the Services segment of revenue and expenses for all contract underwriting performed on behalf of third parties. This change aligns with changes in personnel reporting lines and management oversight, and is consistent with the way the chief operating decision maker began assessing the performance of the reportable segments in the fourth quarter of 2016. The amounts reclassified did not have a material impact on adjusted pretax operating income. As a result, on a segment basis, Services revenue, cost of services and other operating expenses have increased, with offsetting reductions in Mortgage Insurance other income and other operating expenses. This change has been reflected in our segment operating results. Mortgage Insurance underwriting continues to be reported as an expense in the Mortgage Insurance segment.

We include underwriting-related expenses for mortgage insurance, based on a pro-rata volume of mortgage applications excluding third-party contract underwriting services, in our Mortgage Insurance segment’s other operating expenses before corporate allocations. We include underwriting-related expenses for third-party contract underwriting services, based on a pro-rata volume of mortgage applications, in our Services segment’s cost of services and other operating expenses before corporate allocations, as applicable.

We allocate to our Mortgage Insurance segment: (i) corporate expenses based on an allocated percentage of time spent on the Mortgage Insurance segment; (ii) all interest expense except for interest expense on the original principal balance of $300 million from the Senior Notes due 2019 that were issued to fund our purchase of Clayton; and (iii) all corporate cash and investments.

We allocate to our Services segment: (i) corporate expenses based on an allocated percentage of time spent on the Services segment and (ii) as noted above, allocated interest expense based on the original amount of debt issued to fund our purchase of Clayton. No material corporate cash or investments are allocated to the Services segment. Inter-segment activities are recorded at market rates for segment reporting and eliminated in consolidation.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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

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

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

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

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.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

As required under the accounting standard regarding accounting for income taxes, our deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) and deferred tax liabilities (“DTLs”) are recognized under the balance sheet method, which recognizes the future tax effect of temporary differences between the amounts recorded in our financial statements and the tax bases of these amounts. DTAs and DTLs are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the DTA or DTL is expected to be realized or settled.

Our provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is based on an estimate of our annual effective tax rate for the full year. When estimating our full year 2017 and 2016 annual effective tax rates, we accounted for discrete items at the federal applicable tax rate, including: (i) the tax effects of gains and losses on our investments; (ii) excess tax benefits or deficiencies realized in 2017 from employee share-based payments; (iii) return-to-provision adjustments; (iv) prior year items relating to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes; (v) the impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets in 2017; and (vi) certain other adjustments.

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