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Significant Accounting Policies | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies | Note 3: Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation As of March 19, 2012, the Company adopted fresh start accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 852-10, Reorganizations (see Note 4: Fresh Start Accounting). The adoption of fresh start accounting resulted in the Company becoming a new entity for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the financial statements prior to March 19, 2012 are not comparable with the financial statements on or after March 19, 2012. Reference to “Successor” refers to the Company on or after the emergence from bankruptcy on March 19, 2012. Reference to “Predecessor” refers to WMMRC prior to the adoption of fresh start accounting and the emergence from bankruptcy. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reporting and also under SEC Staff’s Legal Bulletin No. 2, “Modified Exchange Act Reporting” for public companies reporting while in bankruptcy proceedings. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, the Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate. These interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statement and notes thereto filed in the Company’s Amended Form 8-K/A for the consolidated balance sheets as of March 19, 2012 (Successor) and December 31, 2011 (Predecessor), filed with the SEC on August 8, 2012. Interim information presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements has been prepared by management. In the opinion of management, the financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation and that all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature and necessary for the fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the period presented in accordance with GAAP. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Management has made significant estimates in certain areas, including valuing certain financial instruments and other assets, the determination of the contingent risk liabilities, and in determining appropriate insurance reserves. Actual results could differ substantially from those estimates. Fair Value of Certain Financial Instruments Fair Value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Generally, for assets that are reported at fair value, the Company uses quoted market prices or valuation models to estimate their fair value. These models incorporate inputs such as forward yield curves, market volatilities and pricing spreads, utilizing market-based inputs where readily available. The degree of management judgment involved in estimating the fair value of a financial instrument or other asset is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market inputs. For financial instruments that are actively traded in the marketplace or whose values are based on readily available market value data, little judgment is necessary when estimating the instrument’s fair value. When observable market prices and data are not readily available, significant management judgment often is necessary to estimate fair value. In those cases, different assumptions could result in significant changes in valuation. Fair Value Option The Company classifies fixed-maturity investments as trading securities pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB”) Fair Value Option accounting guidance. Fixed-maturity investments treated as “hold-to-maturity” investments are recorded at amortized cost which, in the case of much of our investment holdings, approximates fair value. As such, changes in unrealized gains and losses on investments held at the balance sheet date are recognized and reported as a component of net investment income on the statement of operations. The Company believes Fair Value Option accounting provides better matching of investment earnings to potential cash flow generated from the investment portfolio and reduces subjectivity related to evaluating other-than-temporary impairment on the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company has recorded a liability related to a loss contract fair market value reserve (the “Reserve”) and applies FASB Fair Value Option accounting guidance to this liability. The Reserve was initially established in compliance with ASC 805-10-55-21(b)(1) which defines a loss contract as a “contract in which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it.” The Company recorded this Reserve to properly value the net economic value of the WMMRC subsidiary as further described in Note 4: Fresh Start Accounting. At each reporting date, the Company reassesses the loss contract reserve which may result in a change to this line item in the balance sheet and statement of operations. Accordingly, any changes in the loss contract reserve at the balance sheet date are recognized and reported within the item loss contract reserve fair market value change in the statement of operations. The Company believes Fair Value Option accounting provides better matching of earnings to potential cash flow generated from the WMMRC operating business. Fair Value Measurement The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the FASB Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures accounting guidance. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the fair value accounting guidance hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows: Level 1–Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets. Level 2–Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market corroborated inputs. Level 3–Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use. Fair values are based on quoted market prices when available (Level 1). The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service. When market prices are not available, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value. The fair value is generally estimated using current market inputs for similar financial instruments with comparable terms and credit quality, commonly referred to as matrix pricing (Level 2). These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment. The Company recognizes transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period. Fixed-Maturity Securities Fixed-maturity securities consist of U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government agencies, commercial mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities. Fixed-maturity securities held in trust are for the benefit of the primary insurers as more fully described in Note 5: Insurance Activity. Investments in fixed-maturity securities are reported at their estimated fair values or amortized cost (as the case may be) and are classified as trading securities in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Realized gains and losses on the sale of fixed-maturity securities are determined using the specific identification method and are reported as a component of net investment income within the statement of operations. Investments Held in Trust Cash equivalents which include highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less and fixed-maturity securities, are held in trust for the benefit of the primary insurers as more fully described in Notes 4: Fresh Start Accounting and 5: Insurance Activity. Premium Recognition Premiums assumed are earned on a daily pro-rata basis over the underlying policy terms. Premiums assumed relating to the unexpired portion of policies in force at the balance sheet date are recorded as unearned premiums. The Company recognizes premium deficiencies when there is a probable loss on an insurance contract. Premium deficiencies are recognized if the sum of the present value of expected losses and loss adjustment expenses, unamortized deferred acquisition costs, and maintenance costs exceed unearned premiums and anticipated investment income. Premium deficiency reserves have been recorded totaling $15.8 million and $3.1 million as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company’s premium deficiency analysis was performed on a single book basis and includes all book years and reinsurance treaties aggregated together using assumptions based on the actuarial best estimates at the balance sheet date. The calculation for premium deficiency requires significant judgment and includes estimates of future expected premiums, claims, loss adjustment expenses and investment income as of the balance sheet date. To the extent ultimate losses are higher or premiums are lower than estimated, additional premium deficiency reserves may be required in the future. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, U.S. Treasury bills and overnight investments. Restricted cash Restricted cash consists of amounts held for the express purposes of paying principal and interest on the Runoff Notes or other uses permitted under the terms and conditions governing the Company’s financing arrangements. Ceding Commission Expense The Company is required to pay a ceding commission to certain primary insurers pursuant to certain reinsurance agreements. Losses and Loss Adjustment Reserves The losses and loss adjustment reserve includes case basis estimates of reported losses and supplemental amounts for incurred but not reported losses (“IBNR”). A default is considered the incident (e.g., the failure to make timely payment of mortgage payments) that may give rise to a claim for mortgage insurance. In establishing the losses and loss adjustment reserve, the Company utilizes the findings of an independent consulting actuary. The consulting actuary estimates ultimate loss rates based upon industry data and claims and exposure data provided by the primary mortgage insurance carriers and assumptions of prepayment speed relative to loans reinsured by the Company. The fully developed ultimate loss rates are then applied to cumulative earned premium and reduced for cumulative losses and loss adjustment expenses paid to arrive at the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Actuarial methods utilized by the consulting actuary to derive the ultimate loss rates, include the loss development method, simulated loss development method, Bornhuetter-Ferguson method and simulated Bornhuetter-Ferguson method on a paid and incurred basis. Due to the current condition of the mortgage insurance market, WMMRC has recorded reserves at the higher of (x) reserves estimated by the consulting actuary for each primary mortgage guaranty carrier and (y) ceded case reserves and IBNR levels reported by the primary mortgage guaranty carriers as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Management believes that its aggregate liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at period end represents its best estimate, based upon the available data, of the amount necessary to cover the current cost of losses. However, due to the inherent uncertainty arising from fluctuations in the persistency rate of mortgage insurance claims, the Company’s size and lack of prior operating history, external factors such as future changes in regional or national economic conditions, judicial decisions, federal and state legislation related to mortgage restructuring and foreclosure restrictions, claims denials and coverage rescissions by primary carriers and other factors beyond management’s control, it is not presently possible to determine whether actual loss experience will conform to the assumptions used in determining the estimated amounts for such liability at the balance sheet date. Accordingly, the ultimate liability could be significantly higher or lower, as the case may be, of the amount indicated in the financial statements and there can be no assurance that the reserve amounts recorded will be sufficient. As adjustments to these estimates become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in current operations. Loss Contract Fair Market Value Reserves A loss contract fair market value reserve relating to contractual obligations of WMMRC was established at March 19, 2012 as a result of applying Fresh Start Accounting (more fully described in Note 4) and in compliance with ASC 805-10-55-21(b)(1) which defines a loss contract as a “contract in which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it.” The fair market value of this reserve is analyzed quarterly and is adjusted accordingly. This adjustment to the reserve produces an expense or contra-expense in the statement of operations. Fresh Start Accounting The Company adopted fresh start accounting in accordance with ASC 852 (Reorganizations) (“ASC 852”). See Note 4: Fresh Start Accounting for a description of the Company’s application of this standard. Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company has no comprehensive income (loss) other than the net income (loss) disclosed in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Dividend Policy WMIHC currently has no plans to pay a dividend. The Financing Agreement includes restrictions related to the payment of dividends. New Accounting Pronouncements On May 12, 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 amends ASC 820, which requires entities to change the wording used to describe the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements related to the application of the highest and best use and valuation premise concepts for financial and nonfinancial instruments, measuring the fair value of an instrument classified in equity, and disclosures about fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, including the valuation processes used by the reporting entity, the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in unobservable inputs, and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs, if any. All the amendments to ASC 820 made by ASU 2011-04 are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We have adopted this standard and determined it has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosure requirements.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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