Attached files

file filename
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION FO CEO - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit321.htm
EX-23 - EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP. - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit23.htm
EX-21 - EXHIBIT 21 SUBSIDIARES OF COMPANY - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit21.htm
EX-24 - EXHIBIT 24 POWERS OF ATTORNEY - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit24.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF CEO - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit311.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF CFO - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit322.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF CFO - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit312.htm
EX-10.37 - EXHIBIT 10.37 COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT SPLIT-DOLLAR AGREEMENT CREEK - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit1037.htm
EX-10.21 - EXHIBIT 10.21 AMENDMENT NO. 2 CREDIT AGREEMENT BY AND AMOUNG M/I FINANCIAL CORP - M/I HOMES, INC.exhibit1021.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

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

For the transition period from ______   to   ______

Commission File No. 1-12434
M/I HOMES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
     
31-1210837
(State or other jurisdiction
     
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
     
Identification No.)

3 Easton Oval, Suite 500, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (614) 418-8000

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

   
Name of each exchange on
Title of each class
 
which registered
Common Shares, par value $.01
 
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares, each representing 1/1000th
of a 9.75% Series A Preferred Share
 
New York Stock Exchange

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

None
(Title of Class)

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 Section 15(d) of the Act.
 
Yes
   
No
X

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes   X   No   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes       No  
 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See 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
X
         
Non-accelerated filer
 
 
Smaller reporting company
 
   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
   

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

Yes
   
No
X

As of June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of voting common shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant (17,797,798 shares) was approximately $174,240,000.  The number of common shares of the registrant outstanding on February 18, 2010 was 18,521,336.

DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
PAGE
NUMBER
   
       
Part I
     
 
Item 1.       Business
4
       
 
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
12
       
 
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments
21
       
 
Item 2.       Properties
21
       
 
Item 3.       Legal Proceedings
21
       
 
Item 4.       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
21
     
       
Part II
   
 
Item 5.       Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and
22
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
     
 
Item 6.       Selected Financial Data
24
     
 
Item 7.       Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
25
 
of Operations
 
       
 
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
49
     
 
Item 8.       Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
51
     
 
Item 9.       Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
84
 
Financial Disclosure
 
       
 
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures
84
       
 
Item 9B.    Other Information
84
       
     
Part III
     
 
Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
86
       
 
Item 11.     Executive Compensation
86
       
 
Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
 
 
Related Shareholder Matters
86
       
 
Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
87
       
 
Item 14.     Principal Accounting Fees and Services
87
       
       
Part IV
     
 
Item 15.     Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
88
       
       
Signatures
94
 
3

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

Company

M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “we”) is one of the nation’s leading builders of single-family homes.  The Company was incorporated, through predecessor entities, in 1973 and commenced homebuilding activities in 1976.  Since that time, the Company has sold and delivered nearly 76,000 homes.  We sell and construct single-family homes, attached townhomes and condominiums to first-time, move-up, empty-nester and luxury buyers.  In 2009, our average sales price of homes delivered was $231,000 compared to $274,000 in 2008.  Weak conditions in the general economy combined with a severe recession in the housing industry have resulted in a decrease in the size of our operations during the last three years.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, we delivered 2,409 homes with revenues of $569.9 million and a net loss of $62.1 million.  At December 31, 2009, we had 650 homes in backlog with a sales value of $177 million compared to 566 homes with a sales value of $139 million at December 31, 2008.

Our homes are sold in the following geographic markets - Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Tampa and Orlando, Florida; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; and the Virginia and Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C.  In late 2007, we exited the West Palm Beach, Florida market.  Hence, the results of operations and financial position of this division have been reported as discontinued operation.  We are the leading homebuilder in the Columbus, Ohio market, and we believe we are one of the top ten builders in each of our other markets, based on the number of homes delivered in 2009, with the exception of Chicago, which we entered in 2007.

We believe that we distinguish ourselves from competitors by offering homes in select areas with a high level of design and construction quality within a given price range, and by providing customers with the confidence they can only get from superior customer service.  Offering homes at a variety of price points allows us to attract a wide range of buyers.

In addition, we support our homebuilding operations by providing mortgage financing services through our wholly-owned subsidiary, M/I Financial Corp. (“M/I Financial”), and title services through subsidiaries that are either wholly- or majority-owned by the Company.

Our financial reporting segments consist of the following: Midwest homebuilding, Florida homebuilding, Mid-Atlantic homebuilding, and financial services.  Our homebuilding operations comprise the most substantial part of our business, representing 98% of consolidated revenue during 2009.  Our homebuilding operations generated over 99% of their revenue from the sale of completed homes, with the remaining amount generated from the sale of land and lots.  Our financial services operations generate revenue from originating and selling mortgages and collecting fees for title insurance and closing services.  Financial information, including revenue, operating income and identifiable assets for each of our reporting segments, is included in Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Industry Overview and Current Market Conditions

Housing is, and for many years has been, a large and important part of the United States’ economy.  Spending on new home construction and remodeling has averaged nearly 5% of the United States’ gross domestic product since the 1950’s.  Over the same period, housing has averaged nearly 21% of gross domestic product when rents, furnishings and other housing related costs are included.

In any year, the demand for new homes is closely tied to job growth, the availability and cost of mortgage financing, the supply of new and existing homes for sale, and consumer confidence.  Consumer confidence is perhaps the most important of these demand variables and is often the most difficult to predict because it is a function of, among other things, consumers’ views of their employment and income prospects, recent and anticipated future home price trends, localized new and existing home inventory, the level of current and near-term interest and mortgage rates, the availability of consumer credit, valuations in stock and bond markets, and other geopolitical factors.  Moreover, because the purchase of a home represents many buyers’ largest single financial commitment, it is often also associated with significant emotional considerations.

The supply of new homes within specific geographic markets consists of both new homes built pursuant to pre-sale arrangements and speculative homes built by home builders prior to their sale.  The ratio of pre-sold to speculative
 
4

homes differs both by geographic market and over time within individual markets based on a wide variety of factors, including the availability of land and lots, access to construction financing, the availability and cost of construction labor and materials, the inventory of existing homes for sale, and job growth characteristics.  Consumer preferences also play a role.

In general, high levels of employment and job growth, low mortgage interest rates, and low new home and resale inventories contribute to a strong and growing homebuilding market environment.  Conversely, rising or continued high levels of unemployment, higher interest rates, and larger new and existing home inventories generally lead to weak industry conditions.

While the long-term fundamentals for new home construction remain intact, beginning in late 2005, accelerating through 2008 and continuing through 2009, homebuilding conditions deteriorated against a backdrop of a world-wide macroeconomic recession, declining consumer confidence, and significant tightening in the availability of home mortgage credit.  Throughout this period, most housing markets across the United States suffered from an oversupply of new and resale home inventory, reduced levels of consumer demand for new homes, high cancellation rates, aggressive home sale price and buyer incentive competition among homebuilders, and a growing supply of foreclosed homes typically offered at substantially reduced prices.  The housing downturn intensified in 2008 and by early 2009, homebuilding and home prices had fallen more sharply than at any time since the 1940’s.  Although the cost of purchasing a home has dropped dramatically in many markets, staggering job losses, double digit unemployment, rising foreclosures, and the ongoing credit crunch are downsizing demand.  As record foreclosures continue to drive down home prices, homeowners are unable to sell their homes at a profit and many first-time homebuyers are on hold waiting to see if prices will fall further.  Although we have recently begun to see signs that certain of these negative market trends may be moderating at both local and national levels, key macroeconomic indicators remain soft or mixed and there is still uncertainty in the market.  The supply of new and resale homes in the marketplace has decreased recently, but it is still excessive for the current level of consumer demand.

In February 2009, the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit was enacted into law.  This law enables homebuyers who have not owned a home in the past three years, subject to certain income limits, to receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of a home up to a maximum of $8,000.  In November 2009, this tax credit was extended by Congress to June 2010 and the new law increased the annual income limits for qualification.  In addition, the new law also added a $6,500 tax credit for qualified existing homeowners who elect to purchase a new home.  Certain states also enacted laws which enabled certain homebuyers to receive additional state tax credits.  Although it is not possible to quantify the precise impact, availability of these tax credits appears to have incentivized certain homebuyers to purchase homes during the second half of 2009.

Having experienced the worst housing crises in more than 50 years, we, like many other homebuilders, have suffered a material reduction in revenues and margins and have incurred significant net losses in 2007 through 2009.  These net losses were driven primarily by asset impairment and lot option abandonment charges incurred in 2007, 2008 and 2009.  For information and analyses of recent trends in our operations and financial condition, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K, and for financial information about our revenues, earnings, assets, liabilities, shareholders’ equity and cash flows, please see the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Business Strategy

Over the past three years, we have responded to this challenging environment by employing a disciplined, defensive operating strategy designed to strengthen our balance sheet, improve liquidity and generate cash flow, improve our cost structure, reduce our overhead, and improve certain operating processes and procedures.  While conditions have improved slightly, we believe that there may be further volatility in the housing market in 2010 and that the homebuilding industry is likely to experience a prolonged and uneven transition before a sustainable recovery takes place.  Based on this view, we intend to continue to execute on our predominantly defensive operating strategy.

This strategy is focused on the following initiatives:

maintaining cash and preserving liquidity;
emphasizing customer service, product design, and premier locations;
improving affordability through design changes and other cost reduction efforts;
strategically and cautiously investing in new communities and/or markets; and
obtaining meaningful presence in all of our markets.
 
5

Sales and Marketing

Throughout our markets, we market and sell our homes exclusively under the M/I Homes trade name, except in Columbus, where we also market a collection of homes under the Showcase brand.  Company-employed sales personnel conduct home sales from on-site offices within our furnished model homes.  Each sales consultant is trained and prepared to meet the buyer’s expectations and build their confidence by fully explaining the features and benefits of our homes, helping each buyer determine which home best suits their needs, explaining the construction process, and assisting the buyer in choosing the best financing.  Significant attention is given to the ongoing training of all sales personnel to assure the highest level of professionalism and product knowledge.  As of December 31, 2009, we employed 93 sales consultants in 101 communities.

We advertise using the internet, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, billboards, radio and television.  The particular marketing mediums used differ from market to market based on area demographics and other competitive factors.  In recent years we have also significantly increased our advertising on the internet through expansion of our website at mihomes.com and through certain third party websites.  Our messaging across all of these mediums, promotional or otherwise, is unified, highly synergistic, and designed to build strong equity in the M/I Homes brand.  In addition, we encourage independent broker participation in the sales process and, from time to time, utilize promotions and incentives to attract interest from these brokers.  We believe our commitment to quality design and construction, along with our reputation for superior service, has resulted in a strong referral base and numerous repeat buyers.

To further enhance the selling process, we operate design centers in most of our markets.  These design centers are staffed with interior design specialists who assist buyers in selecting interior and exterior colors, standard options and upgrades.  From time to time, we also aid the selling process by offering below-market financing options to our customers.  M/I Financial originates loans for the majority of the purchasers of our homes.  The loans are then sold, along with the servicing rights, to outside mortgage lenders.  Title-related services are provided to purchasers of our homes in the majority of our markets through affiliated entities.

We generally begin construction of a home when we have obtained a sales contract and preliminary oral advice from the buyer’s lender that financing should be approved.  In certain markets, contracts may be accepted contingent upon the sale of an existing home, and construction may be authorized through a certain phase prior to satisfaction of that contingency.  In addition, speculative, or “spec,” homes (i.e., homes started in the absence of an executed contract) are built to facilitate delivery of homes on an immediate-need basis and to provide presentation of new products.  We have increased our speculative home production in order to meet the needs of our increasing base of first-time homebuyers.  Speculative homes can meet the needs of buyers who need to be closed in 60 days or less, while also satisfying their needs to be able to fully visualize the home.

Design and Construction

We devote significant resources to the research, design and development of our homes in order to meet the demands of our buyers as well as the changing markets.  Across all of our divisions, we currently offer approximately 400 different floor plans designed to reflect current lifestyles and design trends.  We continually review all of our floor plan offerings for design and construction efficiencies and add or delete plans according to our customer’s needs.  We spent $1.8 million, $1.7 million and $2.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for research and development of our homes. 

In spring 2009, we unveiled the “eco series,” a line of value-oriented homes designed for attractive pricing and to offer plan flexibility to our buyers.  We have introduced eco throughout the Midwest regions, the Carolinas and developed a unique Eco line specifically for our Florida Divisions.

The construction of our homes typically takes approximately four to six months from the start of construction to completion of the home, depending on the size and complexity of the particular home being built.  In 2009, we reduced our contract-to-close build time, excluding speculative homes, by 13%, from 223 days in 2008 to 195 days in 2009.

The construction of each home is supervised by a Personal Construction Supervisor who reports to a Production Manager, both of whom are employees of the Company.  Buyers are introduced to their Personal Construction Supervisor prior to commencement of home construction at a pre-construction “buyer/builder conference.”  The purpose of this conference is to review the home plan and all relevant construction details and to explain the construction process and schedule.  We encourage our buyers to actively monitor and observe the construction of their home and see the quality being built into their home.  All of this is part of our exclusive “Confidence Builder
6

Program” which, consistent with our business philosophy, is designed to “put the buyer first” and enhance the total home buying experience.

We also focus significant attention on strategic alignments with national product suppliers and manufacturers, through which, all of our divisions benefit from product visibility and a streamlined supply chain.  These relationships aid us in offering high quality products to our customers while continuing to reduce our brick and mortar costs.

Homes generally are constructed according to standardized designs and meet applicable Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) and United States Veterans Administration (“VA”) requirements and all local building codes.  To allow maximum design flexibility, we limit the use of pre-assembled building components.  The efficiency of the building process is enhanced through the use of standardized materials available from a variety of sources.  We utilize independent subcontractors for the installation of site improvements and the construction of our homes.  Our on-site construction supervisors manage the scheduling and construction process.  Subcontractor work is performed pursuant to written agreements.  The agreements are generally short-term, with terms from six to twelve months, and specify a fixed price for labor and materials.  The agreements are structured to provide price protection for a majority of the higher-cost phases of construction for homes in our backlog.  We did not experience any significant issues with availability of building materials or skilled labor during 2009.  As of December 31, 2009, we had a total of 650 homes, with $176.7 million aggregate sales value, in backlog in various stages of completion, including homes that are under contract but for which construction has not yet begun.  As of December 31, 2008, we had a total of 566 homes, with $139.5 million aggregate sales value, in backlog.  Homes included in year-end backlog are typically included in homes delivered in the subsequent year.

Warranty

We provide a variety of warranties in connection with our homes and have a program to perform several inspections on each home that we sell.  Immediately prior to closing and again approximately three months after a home is delivered, we inspect each home with the buyer.  At the homeowner’s request, we will also provide a one-year drywall inspection.  The Company offers a limited warranty program (“Home Builder’s Limited Warranty”) in conjunction with its thirty-year transferable structural limited warranty on homes closed in or after 2007.  The Home Builder’s Limited Warranty covers construction defects for a statutory period based on geographic market and state law (currently ranging from five to ten years for the states in which the Company operates) and includes a mandatory arbitration clause.  Prior to this warranty program, the Company provided up to a two-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship and a twenty-year (for homes closed between 1989 and 1998) and a thirty-year (for homes closed during or after 1998) limited warranty against major structural defects.  To increase the value of the thirty-year warranty, the warranty is transferable in the event of the sale of the home.  The Home Builder’s Limited Warranty provides coverage for construction defects and certain resultant damage caused by any construction defects.  The warranty period varies by state in accordance with the statute of limitations for construction defects for each state.  We also pass along to our homebuyers all warranties provided by the manufacturers or suppliers of components installed in each home.  Our warranty expense was approximately 0.9%, 1.1% and 0.8% of total housing revenue for the years ended December 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Markets

Our operations are organized into nine homebuilding divisions within three regions to maximize operating efficiencies and use of local management.  Our current homebuilding operating structure is as follows:

   
Year
   
Operations
Region
Division
Commenced
Midwest
Columbus, Ohio
1976
Midwest
Cincinnati, Ohio
1988
Midwest
Indianapolis, Indiana
1988
Midwest
Chicago, Illinois
2007
Florida
Tampa, Florida
1981
Florida
Orlando, Florida
1984
Mid-Atlantic
Charlotte, North Carolina
1985
Mid-Atlantic
Raleigh, North Carolina
1986
Mid-Atlantic
Washington, D.C.
1991
 
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Columbus is the capital of Ohio, with federal, state and local governments providing significant employment.  Private industries including education, healthcare, and professional services have notably contributed to this market as well.  The Columbus recession, which was weaker than recessions experienced by the rest of the state, seems to be leveling out.  The job market in Columbus has seen mixed reactions to the recession.  Healthcare and education have seen an increase in jobs while retail and construction jobs have still not rebounded.  Columbus boasts industrial diversity and below-average costs of doing business and living, and it is forecasted that financial services will resume their traditional role of being growth drivers over the next few years.  Columbus is our home market, where we have had operations since 1976.

Cincinnati is home to business services headquarters, large healthcare service networks, and several Fortune 500 companies.  The Cincinnati recession appears to be moderating, with additions to the workforce in healthcare and education.  These additions are partially offset by continued job losses in manufacturing and construction.  Cincinnati is working to attract significant conventions to the area, which are expected to help boost the local leisure and hospitality economy.

Indianapolis is a market noted for its diverse industry, and we believe it remains one of the most stable markets in the Midwest.  Homes in Indianapolis are highly affordable and are maintaining their value.  Indianapolis is showing signs of recovering from the recession slightly faster than the nation as a whole as the unemployment rate has begun to decline before the national average.  Indianapolis is an important transportation and distribution hub, and these industries are expected to begin recovering sooner than most other industries.

Chicago is the business center of the Midwest with strengths of having popular and sought-after convention venues, high per capita income and a well-educated workforce.  The recession in Chicago has tempered, but job losses continue.

Tampa has a high concentration of commoditized services such as call centers and back-office operations, which have been among the first to recover after economic down-turns.  The local economy is improving, but at an uneven and modest pace.  Low taxes and relatively inexpensive office rental rates should make Tampa an attractive location for service investment, which could encourage migration to the area, and cause current residents to remain in the Tampa metropolitan area.

Orlando’s tourism industry is a significant driver of the local economy, and is expected to continue to expand.  All industries except wholesale trade and healthcare are progressing from where they were at the beginning of the year, and for the first time since the recession began, home prices have stabilized.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”) stimulus should also help revitalize the Orlando economy as there are numerous road and bridge projects (in the Orlando area that will be funded by ARRA) which should help create jobs in the Orlando area.

Charlotte possesses a highly educated workforce, a mix of industries, and comparatively low living and business costs.  The local economy has shown positive signs of emerging from the recession and has recently reported job gains, with the unemployment rate stabilizing.  With the nation’s largest healthcare alliance relocating its headquarters to Charlotte, and an increase in home sales in recent months, Charlotte’s recession is forecasted to end in the near term.

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, with state government, three major universities within the greater metro area, and pharmaceutical and biotech industries contributing to its employment base.  The Raleigh economy has begun to show small but positive signs of recovery.  The educated workforce and strong technology and life sciences sectors are expected to continue to provide growth opportunities in the Raleigh market.

Washington, D.C.’s major sources of employment come from the construction, technology, and government sectors.  Washington, D.C.’s recession is drawing to a close and net hiring has once again resumed in the suburbs.  Recently, a number of large companies have relocated their headquarters to the Washington, D.C. area, which has kept business and professional service job losses less severe compared to other areas.  The prognosis for Washington, D.C.’s economy is strong as the residential housing market is beginning to stabilize and governmental stimulus funds are expected to be used for infrastructure development in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which should create employment opportunities.  Our operations are located throughout the Maryland and Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.

Product Lines

On a regional basis, we offer homes ranging in base sales price from approximately $90,000 to $1,300,000, and ranging in square footage from approximately 1,200 to 4,400 square feet.  In addition to single-family detached
 
8

homes, we also offer attached townhomes in most of our markets as well as condominiums in our Columbus, Orlando, and Washington, D.C. markets.  By offering a wide range of homes, we are able to attract first-time, move-up, empty-nester and luxury homebuyers.  Our recently introduced eco series line was designed to appeal to first-time homebuyers because of the emphasis on affordability and energy cost savings and conservation.  It is our goal to sell more than one home to our buyers, and we have frequently been successful in this pursuit.

In each of our home lines, upgrades and options are available to the homebuyer for an additional charge.  Major options include fireplaces, additional bathrooms and higher-quality flooring, cabinets and appliances.  The options are typically more numerous and significant on our more expensive homes, and typically carry a higher margin than our standard selections.

Land Acquisition and Development

In 2009, our percent of land internally developed decreased to 74% from 88% in 2008.  In the future, we plan to source more of our land through developed lot option contracts when feasible.  We continue to constantly evaluate our alternatives to satisfy our need for lots in the most cost effective manner.  We seek to limit our investment in land and lots to the amount reasonably expected to be sold in the next two to three years, with the ideal being two years or slightly less than two years.

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

On a limited basis, we periodically enter into limited liability company arrangements (“Unconsolidated LLCs”) with other entities to develop land.  At December 31, 2009, we had interests varying from 33% to 50% in each of our seven Unconsolidated LLCs.  Two of the Unconsolidated LLCs are located in Tampa, Florida, and the remaining Unconsolidated LLCs are located in Columbus, Ohio.  One of the Unconsolidated LLCs has obtained financing from a third party lender.  The Company’s maximum exposure related to its investment in these entities as of December 31, 2009 is the amount invested of $10.3 million plus letters of credit totaling $0.3 million.  Further details relating to our Unconsolidated LLCs are included in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the development of lots, we are required by some municipalities and other governmental authorities to provide completion bonds or letters of credit for sewer, streets and other improvements.  At December 31, 2009, $25.4 million of completion bonds and $19.9 million of letters of credit were outstanding for these purposes.  The development agreements under which we are required to provide completion bonds or letters of credit are generally not subject to a required completion date and only require that the improvements are in place in phases as homes are built and sold.  In locations where development has progressed, the amount of development work remaining to be completed is typically less than the remaining amount of bonds or letters of credit due to timing delays in obtaining release of the bonds or letters of credit.

We seek to balance the economic risk of owning lots and land with the necessity of having lots available for our homes.  At December 31, 2009, we had 2,410 developed lots and 664 lots under development in inventory.  We also owned raw land expected to be developed into approximately 4,121 lots, which includes our interest in raw land held by Unconsolidated LLCs expected to be developed into 758 lots.

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

At December 31, 2009, we had purchase agreements to acquire 1,907 developed lots and raw land to be developed into approximately 212 lots for a total of 2,119 lots, with an aggregate current purchase price of approximately $81.9 million.  Purchase of these properties is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by us and the sellers, such as zoning approval and availability of building permits.  Our purchase contracts do not generally contain specific performance obligations, and therefore, we believe that our maximum exposure as of December 31, 2009 related to these agreements is equal to the amount of our outstanding deposits, which totaled $2.6 million, including cash deposits of $1.3 million, prepaid acquisition costs of $0.4 million, and letters of credit of $0.9 million.  Further details relating to our land option agreements are included in Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
9

The following table sets forth our land position in lots (including lots held in Unconsolidated LLCs) at December 31, 2009:

 
Lots Owned
       
 
Finished
 
Lots Under
 
Undeveloped
 
  Total Lots
 
 Lots Under
   
Region
Lots
 
Development
 
Lots
 
  Owned
 
 Contract
 
           Total
Midwest
1,045
 
254
 
2,986
 
4,285
 
1,104
 
5,389
Florida
   905
 
102
 
   568
 
1,575
 
   190
 
1,765
Mid-Atlantic
   460
 
308
 
   567
 
1,335
 
   825
 
2,160
Total
2,410
 
664
 
4,121
 
7,195
 
2,119
 
9,314

Financial Services

We provide mortgage financing services to purchasers of our homes through M/I Financial.  M/I Financial provides financing services in all of our housing markets.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, we captured 87% of the available mortgage origination business from purchasers of our homes, originating approximately $421 million of mortgage loans.  The mortgage loans originated by M/I Financial are sold to a third party generally within two to three weeks of originating the loan.

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

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

Corporate Operations

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

·
Establish strategy, goals and operating policies;
·
Ensure brand integrity and consistency across all local and regional communications;
·
Monitor and manage the performance of our operations;
·
Allocate capital resources;
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Provide financing and perform all cash management functions for the Company, as well as maintain our relationship with lenders;
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Maintain centralized information and communication systems; and
·
Maintain centralized financial reporting and internal audit functions.

Competition

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

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

The homebuilding industry, including the Company, is subject to various local, state and federal (including FHA and VA) statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning zoning, building, design, construction, sales, and similar matters.  These regulations affect construction activities, including types of construction materials that may be used, certain aspects of building design, sales activities, and dealings with consumers.  We are required to obtain licenses, permits and approvals from various governmental authorities for development activities.  In many areas, we are subject to local regulations which impose restrictive zoning and density requirements in order to limit the number of homes within the boundaries of a particular locality.  We strive to reduce the risks of restrictive zoning and density requirements by using contingent land purchase agreements, which state that land must meet various requirements, including zoning, prior to our purchase.

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

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

Additional requirements may be imposed on homebuilders and developers in the future, which could have a significant impact on us and the industry.  Although we cannot predict the effect of any such additional requirements, such requirements could result in time-consuming and expensive compliance programs.  In addition, the continued effectiveness of current licenses, permits or development approvals is dependent upon many factors, some of which may be beyond our control.

Seasonality

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

Employees

At December 31, 2009, we employed 535 people (including part-time employees), of which 416 were employed in homebuilding operations, 61 were employed in financial services and 58 were employed in management and administrative services.  No employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  These filings are available to the public over the internet on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  Our periodic reports and other information filed with the SEC may be inspected without charge and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.

Our principal internet address is mihomes.com.  We make available, free of charge, on or through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  Our website also includes printable versions of our Corporate Governance guidelines, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and Charters for each of our Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.  The contents of our website are not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Factors That May Affect Our Future Results (Cautionary Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995):

Certain information included in this report or in other materials we have filed or will file with the SEC (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us) contains or may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our future financial performance and financial condition.  Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “envisions,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Any forward-looking statements that we make herein and in future reports and statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors relating to the economic environment, interest rates, availability of resources, competition, market concentration, land development activities and various governmental rules and regulations, as more fully discussed in this Risk Factors section.  Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date made.  Except as required by applicable law or the rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  However, any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K should be consulted.  This discussion is provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and all of our forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referenced in this section.

Discussions of our business and operations included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the risk factors set forth below.  The following cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and assumptions relevant to our business includes factors we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results.  Other factors beyond those listed below, including factors unknown to us and factors known to us which we have not currently determined to be material, could also adversely affect us.

Homebuilding Market and Economic Risks

The homebuilding industry is experiencing a prolonged and severe downturn that may continue for an indefinite period and adversely affect our business and results of operations compared to prior periods.
 
Beginning in, and continuing since, 2006, many of our markets and the U.S. homebuilding industry as a whole have experienced a significant and sustained decrease in demand for new homes and an oversupply of new and existing homes available for sale.  In many markets, a rapid increase in new and existing home prices in the years leading up to and including 2006 reduced housing affordability relative to consumer incomes and tempered buyer demand.  Also since the downturn began, investors and speculators reduced their purchasing activity and instead accelerated their efforts to sell residential property they had previously acquired.  These trends, which have been more pronounced in markets that had experienced the greatest levels of price appreciation, have resulted in fewer overall home sales, greater cancellations of home purchase agreements by buyers, higher inventories of unsold homes and the increased use by homebuilders, speculators, investors and others of discounts, incentives, price concessions and other marketing efforts to close home sales in the years following 2006.  These negative supply and demand trends have been exacerbated since 2008 by increasing sales of lender-owned homes, a severe downturn in general economic conditions, rising unemployment, turmoil in credit and consumer lending markets and tighter lending standards.
 
Reflecting the impact of this difficult environment, we, like many other homebuilders, have experienced to varying degrees since the housing market downturn began, declines in net orders, decreases in the average selling price of new homes we have sold and delivered and reduced margins relative to years prior to the housing market downturn, and we have generated operating losses.  Although we saw some improvement in net orders and margins in 2009, we can provide no assurances that the homebuilding market or our business will improve substantially in the near future.  If economic conditions and employment remain weak and mortgage foreclosures, delinquencies and short sales continue rising in 2010, there would likely be a corresponding adverse effect on our business and our results of operations, including, but not limited to, our number of homes delivered and the amount of revenues we generate.

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Additional adverse changes in economic conditions in markets where we conduct our operations and where prospective purchasers of our homes live could further reduce the demand for homes and, as a result, could adversely affect our results of operations and continue to adversely affect our financial condition.

Adverse changes in economic conditions in markets where we conduct our operations and where prospective purchasers of our homes live have had and may continue to have a
negative impact on our business. Adverse changes in employment levels, job growth, consumer confidence, interest rates and population growth, or an oversupply of homes for sale may further reduce demand, depress prices for our homes and cause home buyers to cancel their agreements to purchase our homes. This, in turn, could adversely affect our results of operations and continue to adversely affect our financial condition.

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

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

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

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

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

We must anticipate demand for new homes several years prior to those homes being sold to homeowners.  There are significant risks inherent in controlling or purchasing land, especially as the demand for new homes decreases.  There is often a significant lag time between when we acquire land for development and when we sell homes in neighborhoods we have planned, developed and constructed.  The value of undeveloped land, building lots and housing inventories can fluctuate significantly as a result of changing market conditions.  In addition, inventory carrying costs can be significant, and fluctuations in value can result in reduced profits.  Economic conditions could result in the necessity to sell homes or land at a loss, or hold land in inventory longer than planned, which could significantly impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and stock performance.  As a result of softened market conditions in all of our markets, since 2006, we have recorded a loss of $487.7 million for impairment of inventory and investments in Unconsolidated LLCs (including $63.5 million related to discontinued operation), and have written-off $17.6 million relating to abandoned land transactions (including $1.5 million related to discontinued operation).  It is possible that the estimated cash flows from these inventory positions may change and could result in a future need to record additional valuation adjustments.  Additionally, if conditions in the homebuilding industry worsen in the future, we may be required to evaluate additional inventory for potential
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impairment, which may result in additional valuation adjustments, which could be significant and could negatively impact our financial results and condition.  We cannot make any assurances that the measures we employ to manage inventory risks and costs will be successful.
 
If we are unable to successfully compete in the highly competitive homebuilding industry, our financial results and growth may suffer.

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

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

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

employment levels;
availability of financing for homebuyers;
interest rates;
consumer confidence;
levels of new and existing homes for sale;
demographic trends; and
housing demand.

Continued weakness in the homebuilding industry could have an adverse effect on us.  It could require that we write down more assets, dispose of assets, reduce operations, restructure our debt and/or raise new equity to pursue our business plan, any of which could have a detrimental effect on our current shareholders.

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

Inflation can have a long-term impact on us because, should the costs of land, materials and labor increase, it would require us to attempt to increase the sale prices of homes in order to maintain satisfactory margins. Although an excess of supply over demand for new homes, such as the one we are currently experiencing, requires that we reduce prices, rather than increase them, it does not necessarily result in reductions, or prevent increases, in the costs of materials, labor and land development costs. Under those circumstances, the effect of cost increases is to reduce the margins on the homes we sell.  Reduced margins in such cases make it more difficult for us to recover the full cost of previously purchased land.

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

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

Operational Risks

The terms of our indebtedness may restrict our ability to operate.

The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 6, 2006 (as amended, the “Credit Facility”) and the indenture governing our $200 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior notes due 2012 (our “Senior Notes”) impose restrictions on our operations and activities.  The most significant restrictions under the indenture governing our Senior Notes relate to debt incurrence, sales of assets, cash distributions, and investments by us and certain of our subsidiaries.  In addition, our Credit Facility requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated tangible net worth requirement and a maximum permitted leverage ratio.

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Currently, we believe the most restrictive covenant of the Credit Facility is minimum tangible net worth.  Failure to comply with this covenant or any of the other restrictions or covenants of our Credit Facility could result in a default under the Credit Facility, which, in turn, could result in a default under the indenture governing our Senior Notes as well as M/I Financial’s $30.0 million Secured Credit Agreement (the “MIF Credit Agreement”).  In addition, if a default occurs, the affected lenders could elect to declare the indebtedness, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable.  Availability under the Credit Facility is also subject to satisfaction of a secured borrowing base.  We are permitted to grow the borrowing base by adding additional cash and/or inventory as collateral securing the Credit Facility.  We could also be precluded from incurring additional borrowings under our Credit Facility, which could impair our ability to maintain sufficient working capital.  In such a situation, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain alternative financing.  Any of the foregoing results could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and the ability to operate our business.

The indenture governing our Senior Notes contains restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of the Company to pay dividends on common and preferred shares, as well as the ability to repurchase any shares.  If our “restricted payments basket,” as defined in the indenture governing our Senior Notes, is less than zero, we are restricted from making certain payments, including dividends, as well as repurchasing any shares.  We are currently restricted from paying dividends on our common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, as well as repurchasing any shares.  We cannot resume making such payments until such time as the basket becomes positive or the Senior Notes are repaid, and our Board authorizes such payments.

If we are not able to obtain suitable financing, our business may be negatively impacted.

The homebuilding industry is capital intensive because of the length of time from when land or lots are acquired to when the related homes are constructed on those lots and delivered to homebuyers.  Our business and earnings depend on our ability to obtain financing to support our homebuilding operations and to provide the resources to carry inventory.  We may be required to seek additional capital, whether from sales of equity or debt, or additional bank borrowings, to support our business.  Our ability to secure the needed capital at terms that are acceptable to us may be impacted by factors beyond our control. In addition, our Credit Facility expires in October 2010.  We expect to seek a replacement credit facility in connection with the expiration of our current Credit Facility.  Based upon the continuing constriction of the credit markets, we may be unable to replace the Credit Facility, and if we are able to replace the Credit Facility, the terms of the new facility may be materially different from our current terms.  Such revised terms or the price of credit could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity and require us to use cash or other sources of capital to fund our business operations.  Further, in the event we are unable to replace the Credit Facility, our future liquidity may be impacted, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations and require us to use cash or other sources of capital to fund our business operations.

The credit agreement of our financial services segment will expire in May 2010.

M/I Financial, our financial services segment, is party to the MIF Credit Agreement.  M/I Homes, Inc. has provided a guarantee of the performance and payment obligations of M/I Financial under the MIF Credit Agreement of up to $15.0 million. M/I Financial uses the MIF Credit Agreement to finance its lending activities until the loans are delivered to third party buyers.  The MIF Credit Agreement will expire on May 15, 2010.  If we are unable to replace the MIF Credit Agreement when it matures in May 2010, it could seriously impede the activities of our financial services segment.

If our financial performance further declines, we may not be able to maintain compliance with the covenants in our credit facilities and Senior Notes.

Our Credit Facility and the indenture governing our Senior Notes impose certain restrictions on our operations.  The most significant restrictions under the indenture governing our Senior Notes relate to debt incurrence, sales of assets, cash distributions and investments by us and certain of our subsidiaries.  In addition, our Credit Facility requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated tangible net worth requirement and a maximum permitted leverage ratio.  Also, while our Credit Facility aggregate commitment is $150 million, we can only borrow up to the amount we have secured by real estate and/or cash in accordance with the provisions of our Credit Facility.  As of December 31, 2009, we had borrowing base availability of $24.5 million.  If markets strengthen, we might have to seek increased borrowing capacity.

While we currently are in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Facility, if we had to record significant additional impairments in the future, this could cause us to fail to comply with certain Credit Facility financial covenants.  Such an event would give the lenders the right to cause any amounts we owe under the Credit Facility to become immediately due.  If we were unable to repay the borrowings when they became due, that could
15

entitle the holders of the Senior Notes to cause the sums evidenced by those notes to become due immediately.  Under such circumstances, we would not be able to repay those amounts without selling substantial assets, which we might have to do at prices well below the long term fair values, and the carrying values, of the assets.
Reduced numbers of home sales force us to absorb additional carrying costs.

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

Our ability to incur additional indebtedness could magnify other risk factors.

Under the terms of the indenture governing our Senior Notes and the terms of our Credit Facility, we have the ability, subject to our debt covenants, to incur additional amounts of debt.  The incurrence of additional indebtedness could magnify the risks described above.  In addition, certain obligations, such as standby letters of credit and performance and maintenance bonds issued in the ordinary course of business, are not considered indebtedness under the indenture governing our Senior Notes (and may be secured) and are therefore not subject to limits in our debt covenants.

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

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

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

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

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

We sell substantially all of the loans we originate within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, non-recourse basis, although, we remain liable for certain limited representations and warranties related to loan sales.  If there is a significant decline in the secondary mortgage market, our ability to sell mortgages could be adversely impacted and it would require us to make arrangements with banks or other financial institutions to fund our buyers’ closings.  If we became unable to sell loans into the secondary mortgage market or directly to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, we would have to modify our origination model, which, among other things, could significantly reduce our ability to sell homes.

Federal laws and regulations that adversely affect liquidity in the secondary mortgage market could adversely affect our business.

Changes in federal laws and regulations could have the effect of curtailing the activities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  These organizations provide significant liquidity to the secondary mortgage market.  Any curtailment of their activities could increase mortgage interest rates and increase the effective cost of our homes, which could reduce demand for our homes and adversely affect our results of operations.

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

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

difficulty in acquiring suitable land at acceptable prices;
lower selling prices;
increased selling incentives;
lower sales;
lower profit margins;
impairments in the value of inventory; and
delays in construction.

Any of these problems could increase costs and/or lower profit margins.

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

Based on recent impairments and our current financial performance, we generated net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for the year ending December 31, 2009, and it’s possible we will generate net NOL carryforwards in future years.  Under the Internal Revenue Code, we may use these NOL carryforwards to offset future earnings and reduce our federal income tax liability.  As a result, we believe these NOL carryforwards could be a substantial asset for us.

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

On March 13, 2009, our shareholders adopted an amendment to our code of regulations to impose certain restrictions on the transfer of our common shares to preserve the tax treatment of our NOLs and built-in losses (the “NOL Protective Amendment”).  The transfer restrictions imposed by the NOL Protective Amendment generally restrict (unless otherwise approved by our board of directors) any direct or indirect transfer if the effect would be to: (a) increase the direct or indirect ownership of our shares by any person or group of persons from less than 5% to 5% or more of our common shares; or (b) increase the percentage of our common shares owned directly or indirectly by a person or group of persons owning or deemed to own 5% or more of our common shares.  Although the NOL Protective Amendment is intended to reduce the likelihood of an “ownership change” that could adversely affect us, we cannot provide assurance that the restrictions on transferability in the NOL Protective Amendment will prevent all transfers that could result in such an “ownership change.”  There also can be no assurance that the transfer restrictions in the NOL Protective Amendment will be enforceable against all of our shareholders absent a court determination confirming such enforceability.  The transfer restrictions may be subject to challenge on legal or equitable grounds.

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

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

On March 14, 2008, a former employee filed a complaint against us in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, on behalf of himself and other similarly situated construction superintendents.  The plaintiff
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alleges that he and other construction superintendents were misclassified as exempt and not paid overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act and seeks equitable relief, damages and attorneys’ fees.  Six other individuals have filed consent forms to join the action.  We filed an answer on or about August 21, 2008 and intend to vigorously defend against the claims. 
 
On March 5, 2009, a resident of Florida and an owner for the Southern District of Ohio, on behalf of himself and other similarly situated owners and residents of homes in the United States or alternatively in Florida.  The plaintiff alleges that we built his home with defective drywall manufactured by certain of the defendants that contains sulfur or other organic compounds capable of harming the health of individuals and damaging metals.  The plaintiff alleges physical and economic damages and seeks legal and equitable relief, medical monitoring and attorneys’ fees.  The Company filed a responsive pleading on or about April 30, 2009.  The same homeowner and five others are named as plantiffs in an omnibus class action complaint filed in December 2009 arising from the same type claims.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims.  Please see the risk factor below captioned “Homebuilding is subject to warranty and liability claims in the ordinary course of business which may lead to additional reserves or expenses” for more information regarding the drywall matter.

Due to the inherent uncertainties of these matters, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these class actions will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.  

We are also named as defendants in other legal proceedings which are routine and incidental to our business.  Although management currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these other matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, such matters are subject to inherent uncertainties.  As a result, while we have recorded a liability to provide for the anticipated costs, including legal defense costs, associated with the resolution of these other matters, there can be no assurance that the costs to resolve them will not differ from the recorded estimates and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for the periods in which the matters are resolved.  Similarly, if additional claims are filed against us in the future, the negative outcome of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

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

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

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

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

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

Although we expect all of our employees, officers and directors to comply at all times with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, there are instances in which subcontractors or others through whom we do business engage in practices that do not comply with applicable regulations or guidelines.  When we learn of practices relating to homes we build or financing we provide that do not comply with applicable regulations or guidelines, we actively move to stop the non-complying practices as soon as possible.  Sometimes our employees have been aware of these practices but did not take steps to prevent them, and we have taken disciplinary action against such employees, including in some instances, terminating their employment.  However, regardless of the steps we take after we learn of practices
18

that do not comply with applicable regulations or guidelines, we can in some instances be subject to fines or other governmental penalties, and our reputation can be injured, due to the practices having taken place.

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

Significant expenses of owning a home, including mortgage interest expense and real estate taxes, generally are deductible expenses for the purpose of calculating an individual’s federal and, in some cases, state, taxable income.  If the government were to make changes to income tax laws that eliminate or substantially reduce these income taxdeductions, the after-tax cost of owning a new home would increase substantially.  This could adversely impact demand for, and/or sales prices of, new homes.
 
Our income tax provision and other tax liabilities may be insufficient if taxing authorities are successful in asserting tax positions that are contrary to our position.

From time to time, we are audited by various federal, state and local authorities regarding income tax matters. Significant judgment is required to determine our provision for income taxes and our liabilities for federal, state, local, and other taxes.  Our audits are in various stages of completion; however, no outcome for a particular audit can be determined with certainty prior to the conclusion of the audit, appeal and, in some cases, litigation process.  Although we believe our approach to determining the appropriate tax treatment is supportable and in accordance with GAAP, it is possible that the final tax authority will take a tax position that is materially different than that which is reflected in our income tax provision and other tax reserves.  As each audit is conducted, adjustments, if any, are appropriately recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the period determined.  Such differences could have a material adverse effect on our income tax provision or benefit, or other tax reserves, in the reporting period in which such determination is made and, consequently, on our results of operations, financial position and/or cash flows for such period.

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

We historically have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, variability in home sales and results of operations on a quarterly basis.  As a result of such variability, our historical performance may not be a meaningful indicator of future results.  Factors that contribute to this variability include:  (a) timing of home deliveries and land sales; (b) delays in construction schedules due to strikes, adverse weather, acts of God, reduced subcontractor availability, and governmental restrictions; (c) our ability to acquire additional land or options for additional land on acceptable terms; (d) conditions of the real estate market in areas where we operate and of the general economy; (e) the cyclical nature of the homebuilding industry, changes in prevailing interest rates, and the availability of mortgage financing; and (f) costs and availability of materials and labor.

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

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

There has been significant publicity about homes constructed with defective imported drywall during the past year.  During 2009, we accrued $12.2 million for the repair of these homes and have charged $4.0 million against that accrual.   Since the discovery of defective drywall, we have implemented procedures in every division to investigate homes for signs of the presence of defective drywall and those investigations are continuing.  Based on those
19

investigations, we do not believe that defective drywall was used in any division outside of Florida.  The Company is, however, continuing its investigation of homes in order to determine whether there are additional homes, not yet inspected, with defective drywall and resulting damage.  We are unable to estimate our total exposure relating to the defective drywall at this time because, among other reasons, we have not completed our investigation of homes, tracing the defective drywall through the supply chain has proven difficult, and the manufacturers of the drywall have not cooperated in our investigations.  If we identify additional homes than the homes identified thus far as having defective imported drywall, we may increase the accrual for costs of repair attributable to defective  imported drywall.  We are seeking reimbursement of costs to repair homes affected by this drywall from our subcontractors, their insurers, the manufacturers and others.  However, we have not currently reflected any reimbursement in our costs as such reimbursements are not probable or estimable at this time.  Please see the risk factor above captioned “Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected if pending or future legal claims against us are not resolved in our favor” for more information regarding the risks surrounding defective drywall litigation.

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

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

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

The residential construction industry has, from time to time, experienced significant material and labor shortages in insulation, drywall, brick, cement and certain areas of carpentry and framing, as well as fluctuations in lumber prices and supplies.  Any shortages of long duration in these areas could delay construction of homes, which could adversely affect our business and increase costs.  To date, however, we have not experienced any significant issues with availability of building materials or skilled labor.

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

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

We are also subject to a variety of local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning consumer protection matters and the protection of health and the environment.  These statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations, and any failure to comply therewith, could give rise to additional liabilities or expenditures and have an adverse affect on our results of operations, financial condition, or business.  The particular consumer protection matters regulate the marketing, sales, construction, closing and financing of our homes.  The particular environmental laws that apply to any given project vary greatly according to the project site and the present and former uses of the property.  These environmental laws may result in delays, cause us to incur substantial compliance costs (including substantial expenditures for pollution and water quality control), and prohibit or severely restrict development in certain environmentally sensitive regions.  Although there can be no assurance that we will be successful in all cases, we have a general practice of requiring resolution of environmental issues prior to purchasing land in an effort to avoid major environmental issues in our developments.

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

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

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to attract, train, and retain skilled personnel.  If we are unable to retain our key employees or attract, train, and retain other skilled personnel in the future, it could materially and adversely impact our operations and result in additional expenses for identifying and training new personnel.
 
ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

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

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

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On March 14, 2008, a former employee filed a complaint in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, on behalf of himself and those similarly situated, against M/I Homes, Inc., alleging that he and other construction superintendents were misclassified as exempt and not paid overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act and seeking equitable relief, damages and attorneys' fees.  Six other individuals have filed consent forms in order to join the action.  The Company filed an answer on or about August 21, 2008 and intends to vigorously defend against the claims.  
 
On March 5, 2009, a resident of Florida and an owner of one of our homes filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, on behalf of himself and other similarly situated owners and residents of homes in the United States or alternatively in Florida, against M/I Homes, Inc., and certain other identified and unidentified manufacturers, builders, and suppliers of drywall.  The plaintiff alleges that the Company built his home with defective drywall, manufactured by certain of the defendants, that contains sulfur or other organic compounds capable of harming the health of individuals and damaging metals.  The plaintiff alleges physical and economic damages and seeks legal and equitable relief, medical monitoring and attorney’s fees.  The Company filed a responsive pleading on or about April 30, 2009.  The same homeowner and five others are named as plantiffs in an omnibus class action complaint filed in December 2009 arising from the same type claims.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims.   Please refer to Note 11 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on this matter.

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

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.
 
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PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
       AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MHO.”  As of February 18, 2010, there were approximately 440 record holders of the Company’s common shares.  At that date, there were 22,101,723 common shares issued and 18,521,336 common shares outstanding.  The table below presents the highest and lowest sales prices for the Company’s common shares during each of the quarters presented:

2009
   
HIGH
   
LOW
First quarter
 
$
12.10
 
$
4.92
Second quarter
   
18.42
   
6.80
Third quarter
   
17.67
   
7.87
Fourth quarter
   
15.66
   
  9.43
             
2008
           
First quarter
 
$
19.39
 
$
  7.21
Second quarter
   
20.25
   
14.28
Third quarter
   
26.00
   
12.62
Fourth quarter
   
23.15
   
  5.15

The highest and lowest sales prices for the Company’s common shares from January 1, 2010 through February 18, 2010 were $13.95 and $9.74, respectively.

The indenture governing our Senior Notes contains restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of the Company to pay dividends on common and preferred shares or repurchase any shares.  If our “restricted payments basket,” as defined in the indenture governing our Senior Notes, is less than zero, we are restricted from making certain payments, including dividends, as well as from repurchasing any shares.  During the second quarter of 2008, the Company ceased paying dividends due to such covenants.  At December 31, 2009, our restricted payments basket was ($156.0) million.  As a result of this deficit, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on our common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, and from repurchasing any shares under our common shares repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in November 2005.  We will continue to be restricted until such time that the “consolidated restricted payments basket” has been restored or our Senior Notes are repaid, and our Board of Directors authorizes us to resume dividend payments.

There were no dividends paid to common shareholders in 2009.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, dividends paid to common shareholders totaled $1.1 million.

Performance Graph

The following graph illustrates the Company’s performance in the form of cumulative total return to shareholders for the last five calendar years through December 31, 2009, assuming a hypothetical investment of $100 and reinvestment of all dividends paid on such investment, compared to the cumulative total return of the same hypothetical investment in both the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Homebuilding Index.
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2009 10K Graph
 
  Period Ending  
Index
12/31/04
12/31/05
12/31/06
12/31/07
12/31/08
12/31/09
 
M/I Homes, Inc.
100.00   73.86   69.62   19.26 19.39   19.11  
S&P 500
100.00 104.91 121.48 128.16 80.74 102.11  
S&P 500 Homebuilding Index
100.00 126.59 101.27   41.63 25.43   30.09  

Share Repurchases

On November 8, 2005, the Company obtained authorization from the Board of Directors to repurchase up to $25 million worth of its outstanding common shares.  The purchases may occur in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions as market conditions warrant.  During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2009, the Company did not repurchase any shares.  As discussed above, because our “restricted payments basket” under the indenture governing our Senior Notes is less than zero, we are restricted from repurchasing any shares under our common shares repurchase program.  

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price
Paid
per Share
 
Total
 Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Program (a)
October 1 to October 31, 2009
-
 
  -
 
-
 
$6,715,000
November 1 to November 30, 2009
-
 
  -
 
-
 
$6,715,000
December 1 to December 31, 2009
-
 
  -
 
-
 
$6,715,000
Total
-
 
  -
 
-
 
$6,715,000

(a)  
As of February 18, 2010, the Company had purchased a total of 473,300 shares at an average price of $38.63 per share pursuant to the existing Board-approved $25 million repurchase program that was publicly announced on November 10, 2005, and had approximately $6.7 million remaining available for repurchase under the $25 million repurchase program, which expires on November 8, 2010.  The indenture governing our Senior Notes contains a provision that restricts us from repurchasing any shares when the calculation of the “restricted payment basket,” as defined therein, falls below zero.  At December 31, 2009, the payment basket is $(156.0) million and, therefore, we are restricted from repurchasing any shares.  We will continue to be restricted until such time that the restricted payments basket has been restored or our Senior Notes are repaid.
 
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ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (a)

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

(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
                   
Income Statement (Year Ended December 31):
                 
                   
Revenue
$ 569,949   $ 607,659   $ 1,016,460   $ 1,274,145   $ 1,312,504
                             
Gross margin (b) (c)
$ 19,539   $ (77,805 ) $ 35,487   $ 247,719   $ 329,917
                             
Net (loss) income from continuingoperations (b) (c) (d)
$ (62,109 ) $ (245,415 )   (92,480 ) $ 29,297   $ 98,574
                             
Discontinued operation, net of tax (a)
$ -   $ (33 ) $ (35,646 ) $ 9,578   $ 2,211
                             
Net (loss) income (b) (c) (d)
$ (62,109 ) $ (245,448 ) $ (128,126 ) $ 38,875   $ 100,785
                             
Preferred dividends
$ -   $ 4,875   $ 7,313   $ -   $ -
                             
Net (loss) income to common shareholders (b) (c) (d)
$ (62,109 ) $ (250,323 ) $ (135,439 ) $ 38,875   $ 100,785
                             
(Loss) earnings per share to common shareholders:
                           
   Basic: (b) (c) (d)
                           
     Continuing operations
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (7.14 ) $ 2.10   $ 6.89
     Discontinued operation
$ -   $ -   $ (2.55 ) $ 0.68   $ 0.16
       Total
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (9.69 ) $ 2.78   $ 7.05
                             
   Diluted: (b) (c) (d)
                           
     Continuing operations
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (7.14 ) $ 2.07   $ 6.78
     Discontinued operation
$ -   $ -   $ (2.55 ) $ 0.67   $ 0.15
       Total
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (9.69 ) $ 2.74   $ 6.93
                             
Weighted average  shares outstanding:
                           
  Basic
  16,730     14,016     13,977     13,970     14,302
  Diluted
  16,730     14,016     13,977     14,168     14,539
                             
Dividends per common share
$ -   $ 0.05   $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ 0.10
                             
Balance Sheet (December 31):
                           
                             
Inventory
$ 420,289   $ 516,029   $ 797,329   $ 1,092,739   $ 984,279
                             
Total assets (d)
$ 663,828   $ 693,288   $ 1,117,645   $ 1,477,079   $ 1,329,678
                             
Notes payable banks – homebuilding operations
$ -   $ -   $ 115,000   $ 410,000   $ 260,000
                             
Note payable bank – financial services operations
$ 24,142   $ 35,078   $ 40,400   $ 29,900   $ 46,000
                             
Notes payable banks - other
$ 6,160   $ 16,300   $ 6,703   $ 6,944   $ 7,165
                             
Senior Notes – net of discount
$ 199,424   $ 199,168   $ 198,912   $ 198,656   $ 198,400
                             
Shareholders’ equity (b) (c) (d)
$ 326,763   $ 333,061   $ 581,345   $ 617,052   $ 592,568

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

(b)  
2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, reducing gross margin by $55.4 million, $153.3 million, $148.4 million and $67.2, respectively.  Those charges, along with the write-off of land deposits, intangibles and pre-acquisition costs, reduced net (loss) income from continuing operations by $35.4 million, $98.3 million, $96.9 million and $46.7 million and (loss) earnings per diluted share by $1.31, $7.00, $6.71 and $3.29 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

(c)  
2009 includes the impact of charges related to the repair of certain homes in Florida where certain of our subcontractors had purchased imported drywall that may be responsible for accelerated corrosion of certain metals in the home, increasing net loss by $7.5 million, or $0.46 per share.

(d)  
2009 and 2008 net (loss) also reflects an $8.2 million and $108.6 million, respectively, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, or $0.73 and $7.75 per share, respectively.
24

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

OVERVIEW

M/I Homes, Inc. (the “Company” or “we”) is one of the nation’s leading builders of single-family homes, having delivered nearly 76,000 homes since we commenced homebuilding in 1976.  The Company’s homes are marketed and sold under the trade names M/I Homes and Showcase Homes.  The Company has homebuilding operations in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Tampa and Orlando, Florida; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; and the Virginia and Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C.  In 2008, the latest year for which information is available, we were the 21st largest U.S. single-family homebuilder (based on homes delivered) as ranked by Builder Magazine.

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

·
Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements;
·
Our Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies;
·
Our Results of Operations;
·
Discussion of Our Liquidity and Capital Resources;
·
Summary of Our Contractual Obligations;
·
Discussion of Our Utilization of Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; and
·
Impact of Interest Rates and Inflation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

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

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES

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

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue from the sale of a home is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, and an adequate initial and continuing investment by the homebuyer is received, or when the loan has been
25

sold to a third-party investor.  Revenue for homes that close to the buyer having a deposit of 5% or greater, home closings financed by third parties, and all home closings insured under FHA or VA government-insured programs are recorded in the financial statements on the date of closing.

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

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

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

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

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis, by reviewing for impairment whenever events or changes in local or national economic conditions indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  In conducting our quarterly review for indicators of impairment on a community level, we evaluate, among other things, the margins on homes that have been delivered, margins on sales contracts in backlog, projected margins with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, projected margins with regard to future land sales, and the value of the land itself.  We pay particular attention to communities in which inventory is moving at a slower than anticipated absorption pace, and communities whose average sales price and/or margins are trending downward and are anticipated to continue to trend downward.  From this review, we identify communities whose carrying values may exceed their undiscounted cash flows.  In addition, we also evaluate communities where management intends to lower the sales price or offer incentives in order to improve absorptions even if the community’s historical results do not indicate a potential for impairment.  For those communities deemed to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the communities exceeds the fair value of the communities.  In addition, due to the fact that the estimates and assumptions included in the Company’s cash flow models are based upon historical results and projected trends, it does not anticipate unexpected changes in market conditions that may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future.

Our determination of fair value is based on projections and estimates.  Changes in these expectations may lead to a change in the outcome of our impairment analysis.  Our analysis is completed on a quarterly basis at a community level; therefore, changes in local conditions may affect one or several of our communities.
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For the year ended December 31, 2009, the company evaluated all active communities for impairment indicators.  A recoverability analysis was performed for 65 of those active communities, and an impairment charge was recorded in 37 of those communities.  The carrying value of those 37 impaired communities was $106.9 million at December 31, 2009.

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

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

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

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

In order to determine the assumed sales prices included in its cash flow models, the Company analyzes the historical sales prices realized on homes it delivered in the community and other communities in the geographic area as well as the sales prices included in its current backlog for such communities.  In addition, the Company analyzes internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities and sales prices on similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located.  When analyzing its historical sales prices and corresponding market studies, the Company also places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends.  Ultimately, upon this analysis, the Company sets a current sales price for each house type in the community, using the aforementioned information, which it believes will achieve an acceptable gross margin and sales pace in the community. This price becomes the price published to the sales force for use in its sales efforts. The Company then uses the average of these “published” sales prices in its cash flow model.

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

Future communities.  For raw land or land under development that management anticipates will be utilized for future homebuilding activities, the recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets based on home sales, consistent with the evaluations performed for operating communities discussed above.
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For raw land, land under development or lots that management intends to market for sale to a third party, but that do not meet all of the criteria to be classified as land held for sale as discussed below, the recoverability of the assets is determined based on either the estimated net sales proceeds expected to be realized on the sale of the assets or the estimated fair value determined using cash flow valuation techniques.

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

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

For all of the above categories, the key assumptions relating to the above valuations are dependent on project-specific local market and/or community conditions and are inherently uncertain.  Because each inventory asset is unique, there are numerous inputs and assumptions used in our valuation techniques.
 
These and other local market-specific factors that may impact project assumptions discussed above are considered by personnel in our homebuilding divisions as they prepare or update the forecasted assumptions for each community. Quantitative and qualitative factors other than home sales prices could significantly impact the potential for future impairments.  The sales objectives can differ between communities, even within a given sub-market.  For example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace.  Furthermore, the key assumptions included in our estimated future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated.  For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in home sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace.  Additionally, a decrease in the average sales price of homes to be sold and closed in future reporting periods for one community that has not been generating what management believes to be an adequate sales absorption pace may impact the estimated cash flow assumptions of a nearby community.  Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated construction and development costs, absorption pace, selling strategies, or discount rates, could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates.

As of December 31, 2009, our projections generally assume a gradual improvement in market conditions over time, along with a gradual increase in costs.  These assumed gradual increases generally begin in 2011, depending on the market and community.  If communities are not recoverable based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  The fair value of a community is determined by discounting management’s cash flow projections using an appropriate risk-adjusted interest rate.  As of December 31, 2009, we utilized discount rates ranging from 13% to 16% in the above valuations.  The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life, development stage, and the inherent risks associated with the related estimated cash flow stream as well as current risk free rates available in the market and estimated market risk premiums.  For example, construction in progress inventory, which is closer to completion, will generally require a lower discount rate than land under development in communities consisting of multiple phases spanning several years of development.  We believe our assumptions on discount rates are critical because the selection of a discount rate affects the estimated fair value of the homesites within a community. A higher discount rate reduces the estimated fair value of the homesites within the community, while a lower discount rate increases the estimated fair value of the homesites within a community.

Our quarterly assessments reflect management’s estimates.  Due to the uncertainties related to our operations and our industry as a whole as further discussed in Risk Factors beginning on page 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are unable to determine at this time if and to what extent continuing changes in our local markets will result in future impairments.
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Consolidated Inventory Not Owned.  We enter into land option agreements in the ordinary course of business in order to secure land for the construction of homes in the future.  Pursuant to these land option agreements, we typically provide a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at pre-determined prices.  If the entity holding the land under option is a variable interest entity, the Company’s deposit (including letters of credit) represents a variable interest in the entity, and we must use our judgment to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of the entity.  Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include the amount of the deposit in relation to the fair value of the land, the expected timing of our purchase of the land, and assumptions about projected cash flows.  We consider our accounting policies with respect to determining whether we are the primary beneficiary to be critical accounting policies due to the judgment required.

We also periodically enter into lot option arrangements with third-parties to whom we have sold our raw land inventory.  We evaluate these to determine if we should record an asset and liability at the time we sell the land and enter into the lot option contract.

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

The Company evaluates its investment in unconsolidated limited liabilities companies (“Unconsolidated LLCs”) for potential impairment on a quarterly basis.  If the fair value of the investment is less than the investment’s carrying value and the Company has determined that the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to fair value.  The determination of whether an investment’s fair value is less than the carrying value requires management to make certain assumptions regarding the amount and timing of future contributions to the Unconsolidated LLC, the timing of distribution of lots to the Company from the Unconsolidated LLC, the projected fair value of the lots at the time of distribution to the Company, and the estimated proceeds from, and timing of, the sale of land or lots to third parties.  In determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs, the Company evaluates the projected cash flows associated with each one.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company used a discount rate of 16% in determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs.  In addition to the assumptions management must make to determine if the investment’s fair value is less than the carrying value, management must also use judgment in determining whether the impairment is other than temporary.  The factors management considers are: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the Company; and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the Unconsolidated LLC for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.  In situations where the investments are 100% equity financed by the partners, and the joint venture simply distributes lots to its partners, the Company evaluates “other than temporary” by preparing an undiscounted cash flow model as described in inventory above for operating communities.  If such model results in positive value versus carrying value, and the fair value of the investment is less than the investment’s carrying value, the Company determines that the impairment is temporary; otherwise, the Company determines that the impairment is other than temporary and impairs the investment.  Because of the high degree of judgment involved in developing these assumptions, it is possible that the Company may determine the investment is not impaired in the current period but, due to passage of time or change in market conditions leading to changes in assumptions, impairment could occur.

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

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

· 
Home Builder’s Limited Warranty – effective for homes closed after September 30, 2007;
· 
30-year transferable structural warranty – effective for homes closed after April 24, 1998; and
· 
20-year transferable structural warranty – effective for homes closed between September 1, 1989 and April 24, 1998.

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

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

Self-insurance.  Self-insurance accruals are made for estimated liabilities associated with employee health care, Ohio workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.  Our self-insurance limit for employee health care is $250,000 per claim per year for fiscal 2009, with stop loss insurance covering amounts in excess of $250,000 up to $2,000,000 per employee’s lifetime.  Our self-insurance limit for workers’ compensation is $450,000 per claim, with stop loss insurance covering all amounts in excess of this limit.  The accruals related to employee health care and workers’ compensation are based on historical experience and open case reserves.  Our general liability claims are insured by a third party; the Company generally has a $7.5 million deductible per occurrence and a $30.0 million deductible in the aggregate, with lower deductibles for certain types of claims.  The Company records a general liability accrual for claims falling below the Company’s deductible.  The general liability accrual estimate is based on an actuarial evaluation of our past history of claims and other industry specific factors.  The Company has recorded expenses totaling $15.5 million, $0.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for all self-insured and general liability claims during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  Please see Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the year-to-date 2009 expenses.  Because of the high degree of judgment required in determining these estimated accrual amounts, actual future costs could differ from our current estimated amounts.

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

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

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

future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e., offset gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities);
taxable income in prior carryback years;
tax planning strategies; and
future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.
 
Determining whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is necessary requires an analysis of both positive and negative evidence regarding realization of the deferred tax assets. Examples of positive evidence may include:

a strong earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the deductible temporary differences, coupled with evidence indicating that the loss is the result of an aberration rather than a continuing condition;
an excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of a company’s net assets in an amount sufficient to realize the deferred tax asset; and
existing backlog that will produce more than enough taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset based on existing sales prices and cost structures.
Examples of negative evidence may include:

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

The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, to determine if a valuation allowance is required.  We evaluate this based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.  In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.  A cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and also restricts the amount of reliance on projections of future taxable income to support the recovery of deferred tax assets.  The Company’s current and prior year losses present the most significant negative evidence as to whether the Company needs to reduce its deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance.  We are now in a four-year cumulative pre-tax loss position during the years 2005 through 2009.  We currently believe the cumulative weight of the negative evidence exceeds that of the positive evidence and, as a result, it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize all of our deferred tax assets.  Therefore, as of December 31, 2009, the Company had a total valuation allowance of $117.1 million recorded.  The accounting for deferred taxes is based upon an estimate of future results.  Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Future adjustments to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be determined based upon changes in the expected realization of our net deferred tax assets.  In 2010, we do not expect to record any additional tax benefits as the carryback has been exhausted.  Additionally, our determination with respect to recording a valuation allowance may be further impacted by, among other things:
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additional inventory impairments;
additional pre-tax operating losses;
the utilization of tax planning strategies that could accelerate the realization of certain deferred tax assets; or
changes in relevant tax law.

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

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

Income Tax Receivable.  Income tax receivable consists of tax refunds that the Company expects to receive within one year.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were $30.1 million and $39.5 million, respectively of income tax receivable.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

Midwest
Florida
Mid-Atlantic
Columbus, Ohio
Tampa, Florida
Washington, D.C.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Orlando, Florida
Charlotte, North Carolina
Indianapolis, Indiana
 
Raleigh, North Carolina
Chicago, Illinois
   

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

Highlights and Trends for the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Overview

Throughout 2007, 2008 and the first half of 2009, the homebuilding environment continued to deteriorate against a backdrop of macroeconomic recession, declining consumer confidence and significant tightening in the availability of home mortgage credit.  While we have begun to see signs that some negative market trends may be moderating at both local and national levels, key macroeconomic indicators remain soft or mixed. In addition, throughout 2009, the credit markets and the mortgage industry have experienced a period of disruption characterized by bankruptcy, financial institution failure, consolidation and an unprecedented level of intervention by the United States federal government.  While the ultimate outcome of these events cannot be predicted, it has made it more difficult for homebuyers to obtain acceptable financing.  Although the supply of new and resale homes in the marketplace has decreased recently, it is still excessive for the current level of consumer demand and is challenged by an increased number of foreclosed homes offered at substantially reduced prices.  These pressures in the marketplace have resulted in price reductions in an effort to generate sales and reduce inventory levels by us and many of our competitors throughout much of 2009.
 
We have responded to this challenging environment with a disciplined approach to the business with continued reductions in direct costs, overhead expenses and land spending.  We have limited our supply of unsold homes under
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construction and have focused on the generation of cash from our existing inventory supply as we strive to align our land supply and inventory levels to current expectations for home closings.  We continued to focus on the preservation of cash on hand and cash generation from the sale of existing inventory supply, including the introduction of additional sales incentives and reduced sales prices in certain situations in order to move this inventory.  We also reevaluated pricing in select communities in response to local market conditions to generate sales.  Certain of these changes resulted in adjustments to our inventory valuations.  Based on our evaluations during 2009, we recorded inventory impairment charges of $55.4 million, and $1.7 million of option deposits and pre-acquisition costs.  While these impairment charges and write-offs are less than amounts recognized in each of the prior two years, they reflect the continued weakness in market conditions.  We will evaluate whether further impairment charges, valuation adjustments or write-offs are necessary on these assets in the coming quarters.  See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the Company’s 2009 inventory valuation adjustments.
 
In February 2009, the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit was enacted into law.  This law enables homebuyers who have not owned a home in the past three years, subject to certain income limits, to receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of a home up to a maximum of $8,000.  In November 2009, this tax credit was extended by Congress to June 2010 and the new law increased the annual income limits for qualification.  In addition, the new law also added a $6,500 tax credit for qualified existing homeowners who elect to purchase a new home.  Certain states also enacted laws which enabled certain homebuyers to receive additional state tax credits.  Although it is not possible to quantify the precise impact, availability of these tax credits appears to have incentivized certain homebuyers to purchase homes during the second half of 2009.

In November 2009, Congress passed new net operating loss carry-back legislation which extended the carryback period from two years to five years.  Due to this new legislation, the Company expects to receive a $26 million refund in the first quarter of 2010 from carrying back net operating losses to our 2003 tax year, which has been recorded within (Benefit) provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Outlook
 
Historically low interest rates, increased affordability and federal and state housing tax credits appear to have recently incented more prospective buyers to purchase a new home.  Together with lower levels of competition from private builders, these factors offer evidence of improvement, though it is premature to conclude that a sustainable recovery in the homebuilding industry is underway.  Foreclosures continue to have significantly more damaging impact on the housing market than any other factor.  In most of our markets, appraisals continue to be negatively impacted by foreclosure comparables which put additional pricing pressure on all home sales and limit financing availability.  As a result, we continue to remain cautious regarding our outlook for the industry.  We believe that the timing of a sustainable recovery in the housing market remains unclear.  However, when economic conditions do improve, we believe that we have the right strategy and the right people to return to profitability.  With our 19% increase in homes delivered in 2009, 33% increase in new contracts in 2009, 15% increase in backlog units and 27% increase in the value of our backlog from 2008, we believe that there is reason for guarded optimism.

Based on our experience during prior downturns in the housing market, we believe that unexpected opportunities may arise in difficult times for those builders that are well-prepared.  In the current challenging environment, we believe our balance sheet, liquidity, commitment to customer service, geographic presence, diversified product lines, experienced personnel, and brand name all position us well for such opportunities now and in the future.  Our desired financial targets for the new communities that we will offer in 2010 are 20% gross margins, sales pace of 2.5 per month, and a 20% return on investment.

We are projecting to purchase approximately $75 million of land in 2010, compared to the $44.3 million of land purchased in 2009.  The approximately 70% increase in land purchases will be used to (i) develop a meaningful presence in each of our existing markets with a goal of achieving economies of scale, which we believe will lead to greater future profitability, (ii) expand our geographic footprint; and (iii) manage our owned land inventory to an amount which we believe is prudent and manageable in light of our future sales expectations.

At December 31, 2009, there were no amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility.  We also had $132.2 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand and approximately $24.5 million available under the Credit Facility, along with an expected tax refund of $26 million in the first quarter of 2010.  We believe our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2009 and cash generated from our operations during 2010 will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs throughout 2010.  
33

Key Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2009, total revenue decreased $37.8 million (6%) to $569.9 million as compared to $607.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  This decrease is largely attributable to a decrease of $32.2 million in revenue from outside land sales, from $32.9 million in 2008 to $0.7 million in 2009.  Revenue, however, was favorably impacted by a 19% increase in homes delivered, from 2,025 in 2008 to 2,409 in 2009, but this increase was partially offset by the decrease of the average sales price of homes delivered from $274,000 to $231,000.
   
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased by $122.1 million (57%), from $215.1 million in 2008 to $93.0 million in 2009.  During 2009, the Company incurred charges totaling $57.1 million compared to $158.6 million incurred in 2008 related to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs and abandoned land transaction costs.  Excluding the charges related to the impairment of inventory, investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, and imported drywall charges, our 2009 adjusted operating gross margin was 15.3% compared to 2008’s adjusted operating gross margin of 12.4%, which also excludes charges related to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs.  Excluding the impact of the above-mentioned impairment and abandoned land transaction charges, as well as $16.7 million of other non-operating charges (imported drywall charges of $12.2 million, $3.6 million of other unusual charges, including severance and bad debt expense, and loss on the sale of our airplane of $0.9 million), the Company recorded a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $19.3 million in 2009, which represents a $34.9 million improvement from 2008’s pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $54.2 million (exclusive of aforementioned impairments, $5.6 million gain on the sale of the Company’s airplane, $4.5 million of other unusual charges, including impairment of the Company’s airplane and bad debt expense, and $3.3 million of severance).  Please see the table set forth below which reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted operating gross margin and adjusted pre-tax loss from continuing operations to their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, gross margin and loss from continuing operations before income taxes.  The improvement from 2008 was primarily driven by lower selling, general and administrative expenses.  General and administrative expenses decreased $18.3 million (24%) from 2008 to 2009.  The decrease was primarily due to (1) a decrease of $7.0 million in land related expenses, including abandoned projects and deposit write-offs; (2) a decrease of $4.8 million in payroll and incentive expenses; (3) a decrease of $3.8 million in miscellaneous expenses, including expenses related to the airplane that was sold in the first quarter of 2009; and (4) a decrease of $2.5 million in professional fees.  Additionally, selling expenses decreased by $10.3 million (19%) for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to (1) a $4.8 million decrease in expenses related to sales offices and model homes; (2) a $2.9 million decrease in variable selling expenses; and (3) a $2.1 million decrease in advertising expenses.
   
New contracts for 2009 were 2,493, up 33% compared to 1,879 in 2008.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, our cancellation rate was 19% compared to 27% in 2008.  By region, our cancellation rates in 2009 versus 2008 were as follows: Midwest – 22% in 2009 and 30% in 2008; Florida – 16% in 2009 and 21% in 2008; and Mid-Atlantic – 16% in 2009 and 25% in 2008.
   
Our mortgage company’s capture rate increased from 85% for the year ended December 31, 2008 to 87% for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Capture rate is influenced by financing availability and can fluctuate up or down from period to period.
   
We continue to deal with very weak and ever-changing market conditions that require us to constantly monitor the value of our inventory and investments in Unconsolidated LLCs in those markets in which we operate, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded $57.1 million of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs and write-off of abandoned land transaction costs, compared to $158.6 million of charges during the year ended December 31, 2008.  We generally believe that we will see a gradual improvement in market conditions over the long term.  In 2010, we will continue to update our evaluation of the value of our inventory and investments in Unconsolidated LLCs for impairment, and could be required to record additional impairment charges, which would negatively impact earnings should market conditions deteriorate further or results differ from management’s original assumptions.
   
During 2009, we accrued $12.2 million for the repair of certain homes in Florida where certain of our subcontractors had purchased imported drywall that may be responsible for accelerated corrosion of certain metals in the home.
 
34

 
During 2009, we recorded a net tax benefit of $30.9 million.  This net benefit consists primarily of the realization of $25.9 million beginning of the year NOL carryforwards which, due to recent tax legislation, we were allowed to carry back 5 years.  In addition, as a result of a 10-year carryback period available for certain of our 2009 losses, we were able to realize an additional $4.2 million benefit.  We expect to receive the $25.9 million in the first quarter of 2010 and the $4.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. While our 2009 tax losses generated an additional $38.9 million of deferred tax assets, we were required to fully reserve against such benefits as a result of our cumulative four-year pre-tax loss position.

The following table reconciles our operating gross margin and pre-tax (loss) income from operations (each of which constitutes a non-GAAP financial measure) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 to the GAAP financial measures of gross margin and loss from continuing operations before income taxes, respectively:

 
Years Ended
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
             
Gross margin
$ 19,539   $ (77,805 ) $ 35,487  
Add:
                 
     Impairments
  55,421     153,300     148,377  
     Imported drywall charges
  12,150     -     -  
Adjusted operating gross margin
$ 87,110   $ 75,495   $ 183,864  
                   
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
$ (92,989 ) $ (215,124 ) $ (92,480 )
Add:
                 
     Impairments and abandonments
  57,077     158,612     151,989  
     Imported drywall charges
  12,150     -     -  
     Other expense (income)
  941     (5,555 )   -  
     Restructuring/other
  3,561     7,859     10,591  
Adjusted pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations
$ (19,260 ) $ (54,208 ) $ 70,100  

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

The following table shows, by segment, revenue, operating (loss) income, depreciation expense and interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, as well as the Company’s (loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes for such periods.  The following table also shows, by segment, assets and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 
Years Ended
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Revenue:
           
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 258,910   $ 232,715   $ 358,441  
  Florida homebuilding
  95,615     151,643     312,930  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  201,366     202,038     326,451  
  Other homebuilding – unallocated (a)
  -     7,131     (424 )
  Financial services
  14,058     14,132     19,062  
Total revenue
$ 569,949   $ 607,659   $ 1,016,460  
                   
Operating (loss) income:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding (b)
$ (17,590 ) $ (73,073 ) $ (10,377 )
  Florida homebuilding (b)
  (41,092 )   (71,864 )   (63,117 )
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding (b)
  (7,500 )   (41,491 )   (43,547 )
  Other homebuilding – unallocated (a)
  -     503     386  
  Financial services
  6,533     6,010     8,517  
  Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses (c)
  (23,932 )   (29,567 )   (27,395 )
Total operating loss
$ (83,581 ) $ (209,482 ) $ (135,533 )
                   
Interest expense:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 4,043   $ 5,197   $ 4,788  
  Florida homebuilding
  1,690     2,335     5,877  
35

 
 
Years Ended
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  2,235     3,209     3,815  
  Financial services
  499     456     636  
  Corporate
  -     -     227  
Total interest expense
$ 8,467   $ 11,197   $ 15,343  
                   
Other (loss) income (d)
  (941 )   5,555     -  
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
$ (92,989 ) $ (215,124 ) $ (150,876 )
                   
Assets:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 224,059   $ 242,066   $ 354,220  
  Florida homebuilding
  80,797     121,587     241,603  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  141,998     185,268     276,887  
  Financial services
  52,092     60,992     62,411  
  Corporate
  164,882     83,375     167,926  
  Assets of discontinued operation
  -     -     14,598  
Total assets
$ 663,828   $ 693,288   $ 1,117,645  
                   
Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 6,051   $ 6,359   $ 15,705  
  Florida homebuilding
  4,248     6,771     24,638  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  -     -     -  
  Financial services
  -     -     -  
Total investment in Unconsolidated LLCs
$ 10,299   $ 13,130   $ 40,343  
                   
Depreciation and amortization:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 659   $ 336   $ 543  
  Florida homebuilding
  728     1,288     1,603  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  959     1,028     849  
  Financial services
  395     471     498  
  Corporate
  5,130     4,631     4,495  
Total depreciation and amortization
$ 7,871   $ 7,754   $ 7,988  

(a)  
Other homebuilding – unallocated consists of the net impact in the period due to timing of homes delivered with low down-payment loans (buyers put less than 5% down) funded by the Company’s financial services operations not yet sold to a third party.  In accordance with applicable accounting rules, recognition of such revenue must be deferred until the related loan is sold to a third party.  Refer to the Revenue Recognition policy described in our Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion.

(b)  
The years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs and the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs of $57.1 million, $158.6 million and $152.0 million, respectively.  For 2009, 2008 and 2007, these charges reduced operating income by $20.4 million, $56.3 million and $8.8 million in the Midwest region, $24.1 million, $66.9 million and $88.3 million in the Florida region, and $12.6 million, $35.4 million and $54.9 million in the Mid-Atlantic region, respectively.

(c)  
The years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include the impact of severance charges of $1.0 million, $3.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively.  The year ended December 31, 2008 also includes charges of $3.3 million for corporate asset impairments.  The year ended December 31, 2007 also includes the write-off of $5.2 million of intangibles.

(d)  
Other (loss) income is comprised of the loss on the sale of the plane during the first quarter of 2009, and the gain recognized on the exchange of the Company’s airplane during the first quarter of 2008.

The following table shows total assets by segment as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 
At December 31, 2009
             
Corporate,
     
             
Financial Services
     
(In thousands)
Midwest
 
Florida
 
Mid-Atlantic
 
and Unallocated
 
Total
 
Land purchase deposits
$ 1,001   $ 50   $ 285   $ -   $ 1,336  
Inventory (a)
  213,592     70,117     135,244     -     418,953  
Investments in Unconsolidated entities
  6,051     4,248     -     -     10,299  
Other assets
  3,415     6,382     6,469     216,974     233,240  
Total assets
$ 224,059   $ 80,797   $ 141,998   $ 216,974   $ 663,828  

 
36

 
 
At December 31, 2008
             
Corporate,
     
             
Financial Services
     
(In thousands)
Midwest
 
Florida
 
Mid-Atlantic
 
and Unallocated
 
Total
 
Land purchase deposits
$ 96   $ 32   $ 942   $ -   $ 1,070  
Inventory (a)
  232,853     102,500     179,606     -     514,959  
Investments in Unconsolidated entities
  6,359     6,771     -     -     13,130  
Other assets
  2,758     12,284     4,720     144,367     164,129  
Total assets
$ 242,066   $ 121,587   $ 185,268   $ 144,367   $ 693,288  
                               
(a)  
Inventory includes single-family lots, land and land development costs; land held for sale; homes under construction; model homes and furnishings; community development district infrastructure; and consolidated inventory not owned.

Seasonality and Variability in Quarterly Results

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, significant seasonality and quarter-to-quarter variability in homebuilding activity levels.  In most years, homes delivered increase substantially in the third and fourth quarters.  We believe that this seasonality reflects the tendency of homebuyers to shop for a new home in the spring with the goal of closing in the fall or winter, as well as the scheduling of construction to accommodate seasonal weather conditions.  We also have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, seasonality in our financial services operations, because loan originations correspond with the delivery of homes in our homebuilding operations.  The following table reflects this cycle for the Company during the four quarters of 2009 and 2008:

 
Three Months Ended
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2009
 
2009
 
2009
 
2009
Revenue
$ 204,916   $ 152,738   $ 116,146   $ 96,149
Unit data:
                     
   New contracts
  448     619     759     667
   Homes delivered
  858     665     492     394
   Backlog at end of period
  650     1,060     1,106     839

 
Three Months Ended
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2008
 
2008
 
2008
 
2008
Revenue
$ 150,187   $ 160,385   $ 141,002   $ 156,085
Unit data:
                     
   New contracts
  339     456     530     554
   Homes delivered
  554     555     466     450
   Backlog at end of period
  566     781     880     816

A home is included in “new contracts” when our standard sales contract is executed.  “Homes delivered” represents homes for which the closing of the sale has occurred.  “Backlog” represents homes for which the standard sales contract has been executed, but which are not included in homes delivered because closings for these homes have not yet occurred as of the end of the period specified.
 
 
 
 
37

Reportable Segments

The following table presents, by reportable segment, selected results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 
Years Ended
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Midwest Region
           
Homes delivered
  1,282     937     1,436  
Average sales price per home delivered
$ 202   $ 244   $ 247  
Revenue homes
$ 258,818   $ 228,728   $ 354,000  
Revenue third party land sales
$ 92   $ 3,987   $ 4,441  
Operating loss homes (a)
$ (15,666 ) $ (64,338 ) $ (10,665 )
Operating (loss) income land (a)
$ (1,924 ) $ (8,735 ) $ 288  
New contracts, net
  1,334     911     1,195  
Backlog at end of period
  417     365     391  
Average sales price of homes in backlog
$ 241   $ 230   $ 273  
Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog
$ 101,000   $ 84,000   $ 107,000  
Number of active communities
  59     73     76  
                   
Florida Region
                 
Homes delivered
  428     474     877  
Average sales price per home delivered
$ 222   $ 263   $ 313  
Revenue homes
$ 94,958   $ 124,314   $ 274,297  
Revenue third party land sales
$ 657   $ 27,329   $ 38,633  
Operating loss homes (a)
$ (39,401 ) $ (47,990 ) $ (28,071 )
Operating loss land (a)
$ (1,691 ) $ (23,874 ) $ (35,046 )
New contracts, net
  406     430     505  
Backlog at end of period
  55     77     121  
Average sales price of homes in backlog
$ 220   $ 265   $ 292  
Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog
$ 12,000   $ 20,000   $ 35,000  
Number of active communities
  21     25     34  
                   
Mid-Atlantic Region
                 
Homes delivered
  699     614     860  
Average sales price per home delivered
$ 288   $ 327   $ 362  
Revenue homes
$ 201,366   $ 200,455   $ 311,195  
Revenue third party land sales
$ -   $ 1,583   $ 15,256  
Operating loss homes (a)
$ (5,858 ) $ (41,471 ) $ (31,264 )
Operating loss land (a)
$ (1,642 ) $ (20 ) $ (12,283 )
New contracts, net
  753     538     752  
Backlog at end of period
  178     124     200  
Average sales price of homes in backlog
$ 359   $ 285   $ 388  
Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog
$ 64,000   $ 35,000   $ 78,000  
Number of active communities
  21     30     36  
                   
Total Homebuilding Regions
                 
Homes delivered
  2,409     2,025     3,173  
Average sales price per home delivered
$ 231   $ 274   $ 296  
Revenue homes
$ 555,142   $ 553,497   $ 939,492  
Revenue third party land sales
$ 749   $ 32,899   $ 58,330  
Operating loss homes (a)
$ (60,925 ) $ (153,799 ) $ (70,000 )
Operating loss land (a)
$ (5,257 ) $ (32,629 ) $ (47,041 )
New contracts, net
  2,493     1,879     2,452  
Backlog at end of period
  650     566     712  
Average sales price of homes in backlog
$ 272   $ 247   $ 308  
Aggregate sales value of homes in backlog
$ 177,000   $ 139,000   $ 220,000  
Number of active communities
  101     128     146  
                   
Financial Services
                 
Number of loans originated
  2,031     1,623     2,340  
Value of loans originated
$ 420,761   $ 382,992   $ 586,520  
Revenue
$ 14,058   $ 14,132   $ 19,062  
General and administrative expenses
$ 7,525   $ 8,122   $ 10,545  
Interest expense
$ 499   $ 456   $ 636  
Income before income taxes
$ 6,034   $ 5,554   $ 7,881  

(a)  
Amount includes impairment and abandonment charges for 2009, 2008 and 2007 as follows:
 
38

 
 
December 31,
Midwest:
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Homes
$ 18,339   $ 47,604   $ 8,803  
Land
  2,016     8,729     -  
    20,355     56,333     8,803  
 
Florida:
                 
Homes
  22,242     42,642     50,802  
Land
  1,883     24,264     37,468  
    24,125     66,906     88,270  
 
Mid-Atlantic:
                 
Homes
  10,955     35,063     42,661  
Land
  1,642     310     12,255  
    12,597     35,373     54,916  
 
Total
                 
Homes
  51,536     125,309     102,266  
Land
  5,541     33,303     49,723  
  $ 57,077   $ 158,612   $ 151,989  

Cancellation Rates

The following table sets forth the cancellation rates for each of our homebuilding segments for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Midwest:
22.2%
 
29.8%
 
30.9%
Florida:
15.8%
 
20.7%
 
45.8%
Mid-Atlantic:
15.5%
 
25.4%
 
23.3%
 
Total
19.3%
 
26.6%
 
32.7%

Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008

Midwest Region.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, Midwest homebuilding revenue increased $26.2 million (11%), from $232.7 million in 2008 to $258.9 million in 2009.  The increase was primarily due to a 37% increase in the number of homes delivered, from 937 in 2008 to 1,282 in 2009, which was partially offset by a 17% decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered from $244,000 in 2008 to $202,000 in 2009.  We have been actively trying to improve our absorption rates and, as a result, our 2009 monthly absorption rate in the Midwest was 1.7 per community, compared to 1.0 per community in 2008.  Operating loss decreased by $55.5 million (76%), from $73.1 million in 2008 to $17.6 million in 2009, primarily due to reduced impairment charges and lower selling, general and administrative costs.  Excluding impairment charges of $19.8 million and $56.0 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, our adjusted operating gross margins were 12.5% and 8.4% for those same periods in our Midwest region.  The 4.1% increase was a result of less sales incentives offered on our Midwest homes along with a decrease in the percentage of speculative homes delivered, which typically have a lower profit margin compared to total homes delivered.  Excluding deposit write-offs and pre-acquisition costs of $0.6 million in 2009 and $0.3 million in 2008, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $6.7 million, from $36.3 million in 2008 to $29.6 million in 2009 due to a decrease in payroll related expenses, model home expenses, professional fees and land-related expenses.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, our Midwest region new contracts increased 46% compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.  Year-end backlog increased 14% in units, from 365 at December 31, 2008 to 417 at December 31, 2009, and 20% in total sales value, from $83.8 million at December 31, 2008 to $100.6 million at December 31, 2009, with an average sales price in backlog of $241,000 at December 31, 2009 compared to $230,000 at December 31, 2008.

Florida Region. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Florida homebuilding revenue decreased by $56.0 million (37%) compared to 2008.  The decrease in revenue was primarily due to the $26.7 million decrease in revenue from third party land sales, along with a 10% decrease in the number of homes delivered from 474 in 2008 compared to 428 in 2009 as well as a 16% decline in the average sales price of homes delivered from $263,000 in 2008 to $222,000 in 2009.  We have been actively trying to improve our absorption rates and, as a result, our 2009 monthly absorption rate in our Florida markets was 1.6 per community, compared to 1.3 in 2008.  Operating loss decreased by $30.8 million, from $71.9 million in 2008 to $41.1 million in 2009, primarily due to reduced impairment charges and lower selling, general and administrative costs.  Excluding impairment charges of $24.1 million and $12.2 million for charges related to defective drywall for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $66.7 million of impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2008, our adjusted operating gross margins were 12.8% and
39

12.4% for those same periods in our Florida region.  Selling, general and administrative costs decreased $6.8 million, from $23.9 million in 2008 to $17.1 million in 2009, due to a decrease in payroll related expenses, land related expenses, professional fees, advertising expenses, model home expenses, and expenses related to our sales offices.  Our Florida region new contracts decreased from 430 in 2008 to 406 in 2009.  Management anticipates continued challenging conditions in our Florida markets in 2010 based on the decrease in backlog units, from 77 at December 31, 2008 to 55 at December 31, 2009, along with the decrease in the total sales value of homes in backlog, from $20.4 million at December 31, 2008 to $12.1 million at December 31, 2009, and the decrease in the average sales price of homes in backlog, from $265,000 at December 31, 2008 to $220,000 at December 31, 2009.

Mid-Atlantic Region. In our Mid-Atlantic region, homebuilding revenue decreased $0.6 million, from $202.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $201.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  This decrease is primarily due to the decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered, from $327,000 in 2008 to $288,000 in 2009.  The decrease in averages sales price was partially offset by a 14% increase in homes delivered, from 614 in 2008 to 699 in 2009.  New contracts increased 40%, from 538 in 2008 to 753 in 2009.  We have been actively trying to improve our absorption rates and, as a result, our 2009 monthly absorption rate in our Mid-Atlantic region was 2.5 per community, compared to 1.3 in 2008.  Operating loss decreased by $34.0 million, from $41.5 million in 2008 to $7.5 million in 2009, primarily due to reduced impairment charges and lower selling, general and administrative costs.  Excluding impairment charges of $11.5 million and $30.5 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, our adjusted operating gross margins were 14.1% and 11.0% for those same periods in our Mid-Atlantic region.  The increase was primarily due to the results of our Company-wide initiative to reduce hard costs, along with value engineering in our Mid-Atlantic markets, as well as simplifying our base house plans, which encourages homebuyers to add more options, which in turn have higher profit margins.  Excluding deposit write-offs and pre-acquisition costs of $1.1 million in 2009 and $4.8 million in 2008, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $5.1 million due to a decrease in payroll related expenses, advertising expenses, model home expenses, and expenses related to our sales offices.  Year-end backlog increased 44% in units, from 124 at December 31, 2008 to 178 at December 31, 2009, and 81% in total sales value, from $35.3 million at December 31, 2008 to $64.0 million at December 31, 2009, with an average sales price in backlog also increasing, from $285,000 at December 31, 2008 to $359,000 at December 31, 2009.

Financial Services.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, revenue from our mortgage and title operations was $14.1 million, a decrease of $0.1 million from 2008.  Operating income for our financial services segment increased $0.5 million (8%), from $6.0 million in 2008 to $6.5 million in 2009, as a result of the $0.6 million decrease in general and administrative expenses, which was partially offset by the decrease in revenue described above.  Loan originations increased 25%, from 1,623 in 2008 to 2,031 in 2009.

At December 31, 2009, M/I Financial had mortgage operations in all of our markets.  Approximately 87% of our homes delivered during 2009 that were financed were through M/I Financial, compared to 85% in 2008.  Capture rate is influenced by financing availability and can fluctuate up or down from quarter to quarter.

Corporate Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $5.6 million (19%), from $29.5 million in 2008 to $23.9 million in 2009 primarily due to a decrease of $3.9 million in payroll related expenses, which includes a decrease of $2.3 million of severance.  2009 Corporate general and administrative expenses also include a charge of $0.6 million for settlement of an outstanding claim, which was offset by an overall reduction of professional fees.

Interest.  Interest expense for the Company decreased $2.7 million (24%) from $11.2 million in 2008 to $8.5 million in 2009.  This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in our weighted average borrowings from $259.1 million in 2008 to $213.1 million in 2009, which was partially offset by a slight increase in our weighted average borrowing rate, from 8.07% for the year ended December 31, 2008 to 8.63% for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

Midwest Region.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, Midwest homebuilding revenue was $232.7 million, a 35% decrease compared to 2007.  The decrease was primarily due to the 35% decrease in the number of homes delivered, along with a 1% decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered from $247,000 in 2007 to $244,000 in 2008.  Operating loss increased by $62.7 million, going from $10.4 million in 2007 to $73.1 million in 2008 primarily due to lower profit margins as discussed below.  Excluding impairment charges of $56.0 million and $8.1 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, our gross margins were 8.4% and 12.9% for those same periods in our Midwest region.  The 4.5% decrease was a result of more sales incentives offered on our Midwest homes along with an increase in the percentage of speculative homes delivered, which typically have a lower profit margin compared
40

to total homes delivered.  Selling, general and administrative costs decreased $11.9 million, from $48.5 million in 2007 to $36.6 million in 2008 due to a decrease in payroll related expenses, model home expenses and land-related expenses.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, our Midwest region new contracts declined 24% compared to the year ended December 31, 2007 due to weak market conditions.  Year-end backlog declined 7% in units, from 391 at December 31, 2007 to 365 at December 31, 2008, and 21% in total sales value, from $106.6 million at December 31, 2007 to $83.8 million at December 31, 2008, with an average sales price in backlog of $230,000 at December 31, 2008 compared to $273,000 at December 31, 2007.

Florida Region.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, Florida homebuilding revenue decreased by $161.3 million (52%) compared to 2007.  The decrease in revenue was primarily due to a 46% decrease in the number of homes delivered in 2008 compared to 2007 as well as a 16% decline in the average sales price of homes delivered from $313,000 in 2007 to $263,000 in 2008.  Operating loss increased by $8.8 million, going from $63.1 million in 2007 to $71.9 million in 2008 primarily due to lower profit margins as discussed below.  Excluding impairment charges of $66.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 and $86.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, our gross margins decreased to 12.4% from 21.6% for those same periods.  The 9.2% decrease was primarily due to the decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered discussed above, along with an increase in the number of speculative homes delivered, which typically have a lower profit margin.  Selling, general and administrative costs decreased $20.4 million, from $44.3 million in 2007 to $23.9 million in 2008 due to a decrease in variable selling expenses, payroll related expenses, real estate taxes, and the 2007 write-off of goodwill and other assets.  Our Florida region new contracts decreased from 505 in 2007 to 430 in 2008.  Backlog units decreased from 121 at December 31, 2007 to 77 at December 31, 2008, and the total sales value of homes in backlog decreased from $35.4 million at December 31, 2007 to $20.4 million at December 31, 2008.  The average sales price of homes in backlog also decreased, from $292,000 at December 31, 2007 to $265,000 at December 31, 2008.

Mid-Atlantic Region. In our Mid-Atlantic region, homebuilding revenue decreased $124.4 million (38%) for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007.  This decrease is primarily due to the decrease in homes delivered from 860 in 2007 to 614 in 2008.  New contracts decreased 28%, from 752 in 2007 to 538 in 2008.  Operating loss decreased by $2.0 million, going from $43.5 million in 2007 to $41.5 million in 2008 primarily due to lower selling, general and administrative costs as discussed below, which were partially offset by lower profit margins.  Excluding impairment charges of $30.5 million and $53.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, our gross margins were 11.0% and 15.5% for those same periods in our Mid-Atlantic region.  The decrease of 4.5% was primarily due to the decrease in the average sales price of homes delivered, from $362,000 in 2007 to $327,000 in 2008, and an increase in the number of speculative homes delivered, which typically have a lower profit margin.  Excluding deposit write-offs and pre-acquisition costs of $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $10.8 million, primarily due to a decrease in payroll related expenses and variable selling expenses.  Year-end backlog declined 38% in units, from 200 at December 31, 2007 to 124 at December 31, 2008, and 55% in total sales value, from $77.6 million at December 31, 2007 to $35.3 million at December 31, 2008, with an average sales price in backlog of $285,000 at December 31, 2008 compared to $388,000 at December 31, 2007.

Financial Services.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, revenue from our mortgage and title operations decreased $5.0 million (26%), from $19.1 million in 2007 to $14.1 million in 2008, due primarily to a 31% decrease in loan originations.  Operating income for our financial services segment decreased $2.5 million (29%), from $8.5 million in 2007 to $6.0 million in 2008 primarily due to the decrease in revenue described above, which was partially offset by a $2.4 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Corporate Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.2 million (8%), from $27.4 million in 2007 to $29.6 million in 2008.  The increase was primarily due to a $3.3 million impairment of the Company’s plane which is for sale, which was partially offset by a reduction in employee-related costs.

Interest.  Interest expense for the Company decreased $4.1 million (27%) from $15.3 million in 2007 to $11.2 million in 2008.  This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in our weighted average borrowings from $496.6 million in 2007 to $259.1 million in 2008, which was partially offset by a decrease of $11.0 million in interest capitalized, due primarily to a significant reduction in land development activities, and a slight increase in our weighted average borrowing rate, from 7.58% for the year ended December 31, 2007 to 8.07% for the year ended December 31, 2008.  

 
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview of Capital Resources and Liquidity

We have historically funded our homebuilding and financial services operations with cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, and the issuance of debt and equity securities. In light of the challenging homebuilding market conditions experienced over the past few years, we have been operating with a primary focus to generate cash flows from operating activities through reductions in land inventories and other assets.  Our housing inventories, including land investment, decreased by $672 million, or 62%, from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2006, to $420 million at December 31, 2009.  The generation of cash flow from this reduction in assets has allowed us to increase our liquidity and strengthen our balance sheet, and has placed us in a position to be able to invest in market opportunities as they arise.  We do not expect to generate as much cash from asset reductions in 2010 as we have in the past three years.  Depending upon future homebuilding market conditions and our expectations for such, we may use a portion of our cash balances to increase our investment in inventories in anticipation of increasing our aggregate level of home sales in future years.  We are currently projecting to purchase approximately $75 million of land in 2010.  It is our intention, however, to maintain adequate liquidity and moderate leverage, while continuing to evaluate our overall capital structure, including re-financing opportunities for our indebtedness.
 
At December 31, 2009, our ratio of net debt to total capital was 18%, compared to 36% at December 31, 2008.  Net debt to total capital consists of total debt net of cash divided by total debt plus shareholders’ equity.  The decrease in our ratio of net debt to total capital at December 31, 2009 as compared with the ratio a year earlier was primarily due to our higher cash balance resulting from generating cash flows from operations along with the equity offering we completed in the second quarter of 2009, which netted $52.6 million.  We believe that our balance sheet and liquidity position will allow us to be flexible in reacting to changing market conditions.  However, future period-end net debt to total capital ratios may be higher than the 18% ratio achieved at December 31, 2009.

We believe that the ratio of net debt to total capital is useful in understanding the leverage employed in our operations and comparing us with other homebuilders.  For comparison to our ratios of net debt to capital above, at December 31, 2009 and 2008, our ratios of debt to total capital, without netting cash balances, were 41% and 43%, respectively.

Historically, we had used our Credit Facility as a partial source of funding for our homebuilding operations.  However, as we have generated substantial cash flows from operations and accumulated a significant cash balance, we have not borrowed under the Credit Facility since December 2008.

Operating Cash Flow Activities

Funding for our business has been provided principally by cash flow from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, and the public debt and equity markets.  During 2009, we generated $68.5 million of cash from our operating activities, compared to $148.9 million of cash from our operating activities in 2008.  The $68.5 million net cash generated during 2009 was primarily a result of $37.2 million in cash generated by the conversion of inventory as a result of home closings and third-party land sales, net of the amounts spent on land purchases, land development and home construction, along with a $10.7 million increase in accounts payable, a $9.3 million decrease in income tax receivable and a $3.5 million decrease in cash held in escrow.  Partially offsetting these cash sources was a net decrease in cash due to other operating activities, including a $3.3 million decrease in other liabilities and a $2.2 million decrease in accrued compensation.  We expect to receive a $25.9 million federal tax refund during the first quarter of 2010.

The amount of cash generated from operating activities in 2009 decreased $80.4 million compared to 2008, primarily due to a $123.9 million decrease in cash generated by the conversion of inventory into cash as a result of home closings and third-party land sales, net of amounts spent on land purchases, land development and home construction, along with a $21.9 million decrease in the net proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans, and an $11.1 million decrease in the change in cash held in escrow due to homes closing near the end of the year for which the cash was not collected until the beginning of 2010. Partially offsetting the decrease in cash generated was a $53.6 million increase in the change in accounts payable, compared to 2008, from a decrease of $42.9 million to an increase of $10.7 million.  We had $0.7 million in third-party land sales in 2009 compared to $32.9 million in 2008.

The net cash provided by our operating activities during the past three years has resulted in substantial liquidity and provides us with the flexibility to determine the appropriate operating strategy for each of our communities and to take advantage of opportunities in the market.  While we have substantially slowed our purchases of undeveloped
42

land and our development spending on land over the past three years, we are purchasing or contracting to purchase land and finished lots in many markets in an attempt to drive increased sales, home closings and profitability.  During this effort, we also plan to continue to manage our inventories by monitoring the aging of unsold homes and aggressively marketing our unsold, completed homes in inventory.  As we work towards these goals, we expect to generate less cash flow from asset reductions in 2010 than we have over the past three years.  Depending upon future homebuilding market conditions and our expectations for such, we may use a portion of our cash balances to increase our assets.  During 2009 we purchased $44.3 million of land and lots, an increase of 93% over 2008’s land purchases of $22.9 million.  In light of our projected future volume and growth plans, in 2010, we currently plan to purchase approximately $75 million of land and spend an additional $25 million on land development. Our land planned purchases are underwritten at a much higher rate of return than what we are receiving on our existing communities.  However, we will actively monitor market conditions and plan to adjust our spending accordingly, which may be up or down.  In the normal course of our business, we have continued to enter into land option agreements, taking into consideration current and projected market conditions, in order to secure land for the construction of homes in the future.  Pursuant to these land option agreements, we have provided deposits to land sellers totaling $2.6 million as of December 31, 2009 as consideration for the right to purchase land and lots in the future, including the right to purchase $81.9 million of land and lots during the years 2010 through 2016.  At December 31, 2009, we owned or controlled through options 9,314 home sites as compared to 9,723 at December 31, 2008.

Investing Cash Flow Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we used $19.5 million of cash in investing activities, primarily due to the addition of restricted cash, which had a balance at December 31, 2009 of $19.2 million.  Restricted cash primarily consists of homebuilding cash the Company had designated as collateral at December 31, 2009 in accordance with the four secured Letter of Credit Facilities (“LOC Facilities”) that the Company entered into on July 27, 2009.  Of the $19.2 million in restricted cash, $18.6 million relates to collateral for the LOC Facilities, and $0.6 million is restricted cash required to cover various other matters.

Along with the increase in restricted cash, there was also an increase of $4.0 million in property and equipment purchases.  Partially offsetting these increases were the proceeds of $7.9 million from the sale of our airplane.

Financing Cash Flow Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we generated $28.4 million of cash from financing activities.  In the second quarter of 2009, we issued 4,475,600 common shares in a public offering, resulting in net cash proceeds of $52.6 million. Offsetting the proceeds from this issuance were the repayments of $10.9 million on our MIF Credit Agreement, and $9.8 million on a mortgage note for the Company airplane which was sold in the first quarter of 2009.

Our homebuilding and financial services operations financing needs depend on anticipated sales volume in the current year as well as future years, inventory levels and related turnover, forecasted land and lot purchases, and other Company plans.  We fund these operations with cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, and, from time to time, issuances of new debt and/or equity securities, as management deems necessary.

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

 
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Included in the table below is a summary of our available sources of cash as of December 31, 2009:

(In thousands)
Expiration
Date
Outstanding
Balance
Available
Amount
Notes payable banks – homebuilding (a)
10/6/2010
   $           -
  $  24,475
Note payable bank – financial services
5/15/2010
   $  24,142
  $           -
Senior Notes
4/1/2012
   $200,000
  $           -
Universal shelf registration (b)
-
   $            -
  $194,055
 
(a) The available amount is in accordance with the borrowing base calculation under the Credit Facility and can be increased is we secure additional assets or invest additional amounts in the current pledged assets.  The maximum Aggregate Commitment amount of the Credit Facility is $150 million. 
 
(b) This shelf registration is intended to allow us to expediently access capital markets in the future.  The timing and amount of offerings, if any, will depend on market and general business conditions.
 
Notes Payable Banks - Homebuilding.  In January 2009, the Credit Facility was amended to:  (1) reduce the Aggregate Commitment (as defined therein) from $250 million to $150 million, which is then reduced to $125 million, $100 million and $60 million if the Company’s consolidated tangible net worth falls below $250 million, $200 million and $150 million, respectively; and (2) require secured borrowings based on a Secured Borrowing Base calculated as 100% of Secured  Borrowing Base Cash plus 40% of the aggregated Appraised Value of the Qualified Real Property, as defined therein.

Our Credit Facility has key financial and other covenants, including:

requiring us to maintain tangible net worth (“Minimum Net Worth”) of at least (1) $100 million plus (2) 50% of consolidated earnings (without deduction for losses and excluding the effect of any decreases in any deferred tax valuation allowance) earned for each completed fiscal quarter ending after December 31, 2008 to the date of determination, excluding any quarter in which the Consolidated Earnings are less than zero plus (3) the amount of any reduction or reversal in deferred Tax Valuation Allowance for each completed fiscal quarter ending after December 31, 2008;
maintaining a leverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness to consolidated tangible net worth) not in excess of 2.00 to 1.00 (the “Leverage Ratio”);
requiring adjusted cash flow from operations to consolidated interest incurred ratio (the “Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio”) to be greater than 1.50x, or requiring us to maintain unrestricted cash of more than $25 million;
prohibiting secured indebtedness, other than the Credit Facility and the MIF Credit Agreement, but including the Company’s $15 million guaranty of the MIF Credit Agreement, from exceeding $25 million;
prohibiting the net book value of our land and lots where construction of a home has not commenced, less the lesser of 25% of tangible net worth or prior six month sales times average book value of a finished lot, from exceeding 125% of tangible net worth plus 50% of the aggregate outstanding subordinated debt (the “Total Land Restriction”);
limiting the number of unsold housing units and model units that we may have in our inventory at the end of any fiscal quarter from exceeding the greater of 40% of the number of home closings within the twelve months ending on such date or 80% of the number of unit closings within the six months ending on such date (the “Spec and Model Homes Restriction”);
limiting extension of credit on the sale of land to 10% of tangible net worth and maintain maturity of five years; and
limiting investment in joint ventures to 25% of tangible net worth.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the Credit Facility.  The following table summarizes these covenant thresholds pursuant to the Credit Facility, and our compliance with such covenants:

Financial Covenant
 
Covenant Requirements
 
Actual
   
                      (dollars in millions)
Minimum Net Worth (a)
=
$
119.3
$
324.3
Leverage Ratio (b)
 
2.00 to 1.00
 
0.74 to 1.00
Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio (c)
 
1.50 to 1.00
 
5.62 to 1.00
Permitted Debt Based on Borrowing Base (d)
$
35.1
$
10.6
Total Land Restriction
$
405.4
$
177.1
Spec and Model Homes Restriction
 
1,218
 
612

(a)  
Minimum Net Worth (called “Actual Consolidated Tangible Net Worth” in the Credit Agreement) was calculated based on the stated amount of our consolidated equity less intangible assets of $2.4 million as of December 31, 2009.
(b)  
Repayment guarantees are included in the definition of Indebtedness for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio.
(c)  
If the adjusted cash flow ratio is below 1.50X, the Company is required to maintain unrestricted cash in an amount not less than $25 million.
(d)  
Actual amount includes letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility.
 
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At December 31, 2009, the Company’s homebuilding operations did not have any outstanding borrowings, but had outstanding letters of credit totaling $10.6 million under the Credit Facility, and we had pledged $112.8 million of inventory to secure those outstanding letters of credit and any borrowings that we may make in the future under the Credit Facility.  The Credit Facility provides for a maximum borrowing amount of $150 million.  Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the $150 million capacity includes a maximum amount of $100 million in outstanding letters of credit.  Borrowing availability is determined based on the lesser of: (1) Credit Facility loan capacity less Credit Facility borrowings (including cash borrowings and letters of credit) or (2) the calculated maximum secured borrowing base cash plus Qualified Real Property, less the actual borrowing.

As of December 31, 2009, net borrowing availability under the amended Credit Facility was $24.5 million in accordance with the borrowing base calculation.  The Company can create additional borrowing availability under the Credit Facility to the extent it collateralizes additional cash and/or inventory assets.  The borrowing availability can also be increased by increasing investments in assets currently pledged but this is offset by the collateral value of homes delivered that are within the pledged asset pool.   Borrowings under the Credit Facility are at the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin ranging from 350 to 425 basis points, or at the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 450 to 525 basis points.  The Alternate Base Rate is defined as the higher of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 50 basis points or the one month Eurodollar Rate plus 100 basis points.

Our Credit Facility expires in October 2010.  We expect to seek a replacement credit facility in connection with the expiration of our current Credit Facility.  Based upon the current credit markets, we may be unable to replace the Credit Facility and if we are able to replace the Credit Facility, the terms of the new credit facility may not be as favorable as our current terms.  In either case, our business, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted.  Please see our risk factor “If we are not able to obtain suitable financing our business may be negatively impacted” in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding the risks surrounding the expiration of our Credit Facility.  However, we believe our balance of unrestricted cash, combined with our ability to generate additional cash flow from operating activities, provides us with sufficient liquidity for our operations in 2010.

In July 2009, the Company entered into four secured Letter of Credit Facilities (“LOC Facilities”) with a borrowing capacity of $35 million and with maturities ranging from August 31, 2010 to August 31, 2011 for three of the LOC Facilities while the fourth LOC Facility remains in effect until the Company gives notice of termination.  As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants.  There are also cross defaults to the Credit Facility discussed above, as well as collateral requirements which the Company will cover solely with cash.  At December 31, 2009, there was $17.7 million outstanding under the LOC Facilities which was collateralized with $18.6 million of restricted cash.

We continue to operate in a challenging economic environment, and our ability to comply with our debt covenants may be affected by economic or business conditions beyond our control.  However, we believe that cash flow from operating activities, together with our balance of unrestricted cash, available borrowing options, and other sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated working capital, planned capital spending, and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Note Payable Bank – Financial Services.  On April 29, 2009, M/I Financial entered into a new secured credit agreement, which was amended by the First Amendment to the secured credit agreement on September 23, 2009, and the Second Amendment on December 30, 2009 (“MIF Credit Agreement”).  This agreement replaced M/I Financial’s previous credit agreement that expired on May 21, 2009.

The MIF Credit Agreement provides M/I Financial with $30.0 million maximum borrowing availability.  The MIF Credit Agreement, which expires on May 15, 2010, is secured by certain mortgage loans.  The MIF Credit Agreement also provides for limits with respect to certain loan types that can secure the borrowings under the agreement.  M/I Financial shall not permit its tangible net worth to be less than the sum of (1) $13.0 million, as of the end of any calendar month during the period beginning May 15, 2009 and ending November 30, 2009, and (2) $13.0 million plus (a) twenty-five percent (25%) of the greater of (i) net income of M/I Financial and its subsidiaries or (ii) zero, calculated separately for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.  M/I Financial shall not permit its adjusted tangible net worth (the tangible net worth less the outstanding amount of intercompany loans) to be less than the sum of (1) $11.0 million, as of the end of any calendar month during the period beginning May 15, 2009 and ending November 30, 2009, and (2) $11.0 million plus (a) twenty-five percent (25%) of the greater of (i) net income of M/I Financial and its subsidiaries or (ii) zero, calculated separately for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2009.  M/I Financial shall not permit the ratio of earnings before interest and taxes to interest expense to be less than 1.25 to 1.00.  M/I Financial pays interest on each advance under the MIF Credit Agreement at a per annum rate of the greater of the floating LIBOR rate (LIBOR plus 400 basis points) or 5.25%.
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At December 31, 2009, we had $24.1 million outstanding under the MIF Credit Agreement.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company and M/I Financial were in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the MIF Credit Agreement.

Mortgage Notes Payable.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had outstanding a building mortgage note payable in the principal amount of $6.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively, with a fixed interest rate of 8.117% and maturity date of April 1, 2017.  The book value of the collateral securing this note was $10.9 million at both December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Senior Notes.  At December 31, 2009, we had $200.0 million of 6.875% Senior Notes outstanding.  The notes are due April 2012.  The Credit Facility prohibits the early repurchase of the Senior Notes.

The indenture governing our Senior Notes contains restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of the Company to pay dividends on common and preferred shares, as well as the ability to repurchase any shares.  If our “restricted payments basket,” as defined in the indenture governing our Senior Notes, is less than zero, we are restricted from making certain payments, including dividends, as well as repurchasing any shares.  At December 31, 2009, our restricted payments basket was ($156.0) million.  As a result of this deficit, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on our common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, as well as repurchasing any shares under our common share repurchase program that was approved by our Board of Directors in November 2005.

Weighted Average Borrowings.  For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, our weighted average borrowings outstanding were $213.1 million and $259.1 million, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 8.63% and 8.07%, respectively.  The decrease in borrowings was primarily the result of the Company using cash generated from operations to pay down outstanding debt.

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

We did not pay any dividends on the Preferred Shares in 2009.  December 15, 2009 was the sixth dividend payment for which dividends on the Preferred Shares have not been paid.  As a result, the Board of Directors called a special meeting of the holders of the Preferred Shares (as represented by the depositary shares) for the purpose of nominating two persons to serve on the Board of Directors. On January 12, 2010, the Company held the special meeting of the holders of the Preferred Shares.  No Preferred Shares were represented in person or by properly executed proxy at the special meeting and, as a result, no persons were nominated to serve as directors.  Pursuant to certain restrictive covenants in the indenture governing our Senior Notes, we are currently restricted from making any further dividend payments on our common shares or the Preferred Shares.  We will continue to be restricted until such time that the consolidated restricted payments basket (as defined in the indenture) has been restored or our Senior Notes are repaid, and our Board of Directors authorizes us to resume dividend payments.  See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information concerning those restrictive covenants.

Universal Shelf Registration.  On August 4, 2008, the Company filed a $250 million universal shelf registration statement with the SEC.  Pursuant to the shelf registration statement, the Company may, from time to time over an extended period, offer new debt, equity and certain other securities.  The timing and amount of offerings, if any, will depend on market and general business conditions. In the second quarter of 2009, we raised $52.6 million by issuing 4,475,600 common shares in a public offering, pursuant to the $250 million universal shelf registration statement.  As of December 31, 2009, $194.1 million remains available under the universal shelf registration statement for future offerings.
46

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Included in the table below is a summary of future amounts payable under contractual obligations:

 
Payments due by period
     
Less Than
    1 - 3     3 - 5  
More than
 
Total
 
1 year
 
  Years
 
 Years
 
5 years
Note payable bank – financial services (a)
$ 24,142   $ 24,142   $ -   $ -   $ -
Mortgage notes payable (including interest)
  9,024     796     1,590     1,590     5,048
Senior Notes (including interest)
  234,872     13,941     220,931     -     -
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned (b)
  -     -     -     -     -
Operating leases
  10,561     3,129     5,262     1,330     840
Purchase obligations (c)
  74,170     74,170     -     -     -
Other short term liabilities
  950     950     -     -     -
Land option agreements (d)
  -     -     -     -     -
Unrecognized tax benefits (e)
  -     -     -     -     -
Total
$ 353,719   $ 117,128   $ 227,783   $ 2,920   $ 5,888
 
(a)  
Borrowings under the MIF Credit Agreement are at the greater of 5.25% or LIBOR plus 400 basis points.  Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2009 had a weighted average interest rate of 5.25%.  Interest payments by period will be based upon the outstanding borrowings and the applicable interest rate(s) in effect.  The above amounts do not reflect interest.

(b)  
The Company is party to a land purchase option agreement to acquire developed lots from a seller who is a variable interest entity.  The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, and therefore is required to consolidate the entity.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company has recorded a liability of $0.6 million relating to consolidation of the variable interest entity.  The actual cash payments that the Company will make in the future will be based upon the number of lots acquired each period under the option agreement and the related per lot prices in effect at that time.

(c)
The Company has obligations with certain subcontractors and suppliers of raw materials in the ordinary course of business to meet the commitment to deliver 650 homes with an aggregate sales price of $176.7 million.  Based on our current housing gross margin of 14.7%, exclusive of impairment charges, less variable selling costs of 3.9% of revenue, less costs already incurred on homes in backlog, we estimate payments totaling approximately $74.2 million to be made in 2010 relating to those homes.

(d)
The Company has options and contingent purchase agreements to acquire land and developed lots with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $81.9 million.  Purchase of properties is generally contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by the Company and the sellers and therefore the timing of payments under these agreements is not determinable.  The Company has no specific performance obligations with respect to these agreements.

(e)  
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and local jurisdictions.  As of December 31, 2009, we had $3.4 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, including $1.0 million of related accrued interest and $0.3 million of related accrued penalties.  We are currently under examination by various taxing jurisdictions and anticipate finalizing the examinations with certain jurisdictions within the next twelve months.  However, the final outcome of these examinations is not yet determinable.  The statute of limitations for our major tax jurisdictions remains open for examination of tax years 2005 through 2009.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

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

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

We have determined that none of the Unconsolidated LLCs in which we have an interest are VIEs, and we also have determined that we do not have substantive control over any of these entities; therefore, our homebuilding Unconsolidated LLCs are recorded using the equity method of accounting.  The Company believes its maximum exposure related to any of these entities as of December 31, 2009 to be the amount invested of $10.3 million, plus letters of credit and bonds totaling $0.3 million that serve as completion bonds for the development work in
47

progress, and our possible future obligations under guarantees and indemnifications provided in connection with these entities, as further discussed in Note 9 and Note 10 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Land Option Agreements.  In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into land option agreements in order to secure land for the construction of homes in the future.  Pursuant to these land option agreements, the Company will provide a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at predetermined prices.  Because the entities holding the land under the option agreement often meet the criteria for VIEs, the Company evaluates all land option agreements to determine if it is necessary to consolidate any of these entities.  The Company currently believes that its maximum exposure as of December 31, 2009 related to these agreements is equal to the amount of the Company’s outstanding deposits, which totaled $2.6 million, including prepaid acquisition costs of $0.4 million, and letters of credit of $0.9 million.

Guarantees and Indemnities.  In the ordinary course of business, M/I Financial enters into agreements that guarantee purchasers of its mortgage loans that M/I Financial will repurchase a loan if certain conditions occur.  M/I Financial has also provided indemnifications to certain third party investors and insurers in lieu of repurchasing certain loans.  The risks associated with these guarantees and indemnities are offset by the value of the underlying assets, and the Company accrues its best estimate of the probable loss on these loans.  Additionally, the Company has provided certain other guarantees and indemnities in connection with the acquisition and development of land by our homebuilding operations.  Refer to Note 10 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details relating to our guarantees and indemnities.

Letters of Credit and Completion Bonds.  The Company provides standby letters of credit and completion bonds for development work in progress, deposits on land and lot purchase agreements and miscellaneous deposits.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding $58.2 million of completion bonds and standby letters of credit, some of which were issued to various local governmental entities, that expire at various times through December 2016.  Included in this total are: (1) $25.4 million of performance bonds and $19.9 million of performance letters of credit that serve as completion bonds for land development work in progress (including the Company’s $0.2 million share of our Unconsolidated LLCs’ letters of credit and bonds); (2) $8.3 million of financial letters of credit; and (3) $4.6 million of financial bonds.  The development agreements under which we are required to provide completion bonds or letters of credit are generally not subject to a required completion date and only require that the improvements are in place in phases as houses are built and sold.  In locations where development has progressed, the amount of development work remaining to be completed is typically less than the remaining amount of bonds or letters of credit due to timing delays in obtaining release of the bonds or letters of credit.

INTEREST RATES AND INFLATION

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

During the past few years, we have experienced some detrimental effect from inflation, particularly the inflation in the cost of land that occurred over the past several years.   As a result of declines in market conditions in most of our markets, in certain communities we have been unable to recover the cost of these higher land prices, resulting in lower gross margins and significant charges being recorded in our operating results due to the impairment of inventory and investments in Unconsolidated LLCs, and other write-offs relating to deposits and pre-acquisition costs of abandoned land transactions.  In recent years, we have not experienced a detrimental effect from inflation in relation to our home construction costs, and we have been successful in reducing certain of these costs with our subcontractors.  However, unanticipated construction costs or a change in market conditions may occur during the period between the date sales contracts are entered into with customers and the delivery date of the related homes, resulting in lower gross profit margins.
48

 
ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risk results from fluctuations in interest rates.  We are exposed to interest rate risk through borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, consisting of the Credit Facility and the MIF Credit Agreement, which permit borrowings of up to $180 million as of December 31, 2009, subject to availability constraints.  Additionally, M/I Financial is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its mortgage loan origination services.

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

Some IRLCs are committed to a specific third-party investor through the use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments matching the exact terms of the IRLC loan.  The notional amount of the committed IRLCs and the best-efforts contracts was $2.6 million and $21.2 million at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  At December 31, 2009, the fair value of the committed IRLCs resulted in a liability of $0.1 million, and the related best-efforts contracts resulted in an asset of $0.1 million.  At December 31, 2008, the fair value of the committed IRLCs resulted in a liability of $0.1 million, and the related best-efforts contracts resulted in a liability of less than $0.1 million.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized income of $0.1 million, $0.1 million of expense, and less than $0.1 million of expense, respectively, relating to marking these committed IRLCs and the related best-efforts contracts to market.

Uncommitted IRLCs are considered derivative instruments, and are fair value adjusted, with the resulting gain or loss recorded in current earnings.  At December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the notional amount of the uncommitted IRLCs was $42.3 million and $25.4 million, respectively.  The fair value adjustment related to these uncommitted IRLCs, which is based on quoted market prices, resulted in a liability of less than $0.1 million and an asset of $0.8 million at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $0.8 million of expense, and income of $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, relating to marking the uncommitted IRLCs to market.

Forward Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities: Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“FMBSs”) are used to protect uncommitted IRLC loans against the risk of changes in interest rates between the lock date and the funding date.  FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings.  At December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the notional amount under these FMBSs was $43.0 million and $14.0 million, respectively, and the related fair value adjustment, which is based on quoted market prices, resulted in an asset of $0.7 million and a liability of $0.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized income of $0.9 million and less than $0.1 million, and $0.3 million of expense, respectively, relating to marking these FMBSs to market.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale:  Mortgage loans held for sale consist primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the underlying property.  During the intervening period between when a loan is closed and when it is sold to an investor, the interest rate risk is covered through the use of a best-efforts contract or by FMBSs.

The notional amount of the best-efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale was $27.7 million and $13.6 million at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  The fair value of the best-efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale resulted in a net liability of $0.8 million at December 31, 2009 and a net asset of $0.2 million at December 31, 2008.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $1.0 million of expense, and income of $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, relating to marking these best-efforts contracts and the related mortgage loans held for sale to market.

The notional amounts of both the FMBSs and the related mortgage loans held for sale were $8.0 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2009 and $23.0 million and $23.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008.  The FMBSs are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings.  As of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the related fair value adjustment for marking these FMBSs to market resulted in an asset of $0.1 million and a liability of $0.9 million, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized income of $1.0 million, and for both the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $0.5 million of expense relating to marking these FMBSs to market.

The following table provides the expected future cash flows and current fair values of borrowings under our credit facilities and mortgage loan origination services that are subject to market risk as interest rates fluctuate, as of December 31, 2009:
49

 
 
Weighted
               
 
Average
             
Fair
 
Interest
 
Value
(Dollars in thousands)
Rate
  2010
  2011
  2012
2013
2014
Thereafter
Total
12/31/09
ASSETS:
                 
Mortgage loans held for sale:
                 
  Fixed rate
    4.77%
  $36,768
  $         -
     $         -
 $           -
 $     -
    $        -
$  36,768
 $ 34,675
  Variable rate
 3.88
         316
             -
          -
              -
        -
              -
         316
         303
                   
LIABILITIES:
                 
Long-term debt – fixed rate
    6.91%
  $    307
  $     332
$200,360
 $       391
 $ 424
    $4,346
$206,160
$194,786
Long-term debt – variable rate
    5.25%
   24,142
             -
                -
             -
           -
             -
    24,142
    24,142
                   


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
50

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of M/I Homes, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP


Columbus, Ohio
February 24, 2010

 

51

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

 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
             
Revenue
$ 569,949   $ 607,659   $ 1,016,460  
Costs, expenses and other loss (income):
                 
   Land and housing
  494,989     532,164     832,596  
   Impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs
  55,421     153,300     148,377  
   General and administrative
  59,170     77,458     93,049  
   Selling
  43,950     54,219     77,971  
   Interest
  8,467     11,197     15,343  
   Other loss (income)
  941     (5,555 )   -  
Total costs, expenses and other income
  662,938     822,783     1,167,336  
                   
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
  (92,989 )   (215,124 )   (150,876 )
                   
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
  (30,880 )   30,291     (58,396 )
                   
Loss from continuing operations
  (62,109 )   (245,415 )   (92,480 )
                   
Discontinued operation, net of tax
  -     (33 )   (35,646 )
                   
Net loss
  (62,109 )   (245,448 )   (128,126 )
                   
Preferred dividends
  -     4,875     7,313  
                   
Net loss to common shareholders
$ (62,109 ) $ (250,323 ) $ (135,439 )
                   
Loss per common share:
                 
  Basic:
                 
    Continuing operations
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (7.14 )
    Discontinued operation
  -     -     (2.55 )
    Basic loss
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (9.69 )
  Diluted:
                 
    Continuing operations
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (7.14 )
    Discontinued operation
  -     -     (2.55 )
    Diluted loss
$ (3.71 ) $ (17.86 ) $ (9.69 )
                   
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                 
   Basic
  16,730     14,016     13,977  
   Diluted
  16,730     14,016     13,977  
                   
Dividends per common share
$ -   $ 0.05   $ 0.10  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
52

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

 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except par values)
2009
 
2008
 
         
ASSETS:
       
Cash
$ 109,930   $ 32,518  
Restricted cash
  22,302     6,658  
Mortgage loans held for sale
  34,978     37,772  
Inventory
  420,289     516,029  
Property and equipment - net
  18,998     27,732  
Investment in Unconsolidated limited liability companies
  10,299     13,130  
Income tax receivable
  30,135     39,456  
Other assets
  16,897     19,993  
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 663,828   $ 693,288  
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
             
LIABILITIES:
           
Accounts payable
$ 38,262   $ 27,542  
Customer deposits
  3,831     3,506  
Other liabilities
  56,426     62,049  
Community development district obligations
  8,204     11,035  
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned
  616     5,549  
Note payable bank – financial services operations
  24,142     35,078  
Notes payable - other
  6,160     16,300  
Senior notes – net of discount of $576 and $832, respectively, at December 31, 2009 and 2008
  199,424     199,168  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
  337,065     360,227  
             
Commitments and contingencies
  -     -  
             
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
           
Preferred shares  –  $.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued 4,000 shares
  96,325     96,325  
Common shares  –  $.01 par value; authorized 38,000,000 shares; issued 22,101,723 and 17,626,123
  221     176  
   shares, respectively, at December 31, 2009 and 2008
           
Additional paid-in capital
  137,492     82,146  
Retained earnings
  163,847     225,956  
Treasury shares – at cost – 3,580,987 and 3,602,141 shares, respectively, at December 31, 2009 and 2008
  (71,122 )   (71,542 )
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  326,763     333,061  
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 663,828   $ 693,288  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
53

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

 
Preferred Shares
 
Common Shares
 
Additional
         
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per
Shares
     
Shares
     
Paid-In
 
Retained
 
Treasury
 
Shareholders’
 
share amounts)
Outstanding
 
Amount
 
Outstanding
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Shares
 
Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
-   -   13,920,748   $ 176   $ 76,282   $ 614,186   $ (73,592 ) $ 617,052  
   Net loss
-     -   -     -     -     (128,126 )   -     (128,126 )
   Preferred shares issued, net of
     issuance costs of $3,675
4,000     96,325   -     -     -     -     -     96,325  
   Dividends on preferred shares,
                                           
     $609,375 per share
-     -   -     -     -     (7,313 )   -     (7,313 )
   Dividends on common shares,
                                           
     $0.10 per share
-     -   -     -     -     (1,408 )   -     (1,408 )
   Income tax benefit from stock
                                           
     options and deferred
                                           
       compensation distributions
-     -   -     -     72     -     -     72  
   Stock options exercised
-     -   37,400     -     62     -     742     804  
   Restricted shares issued, net of
                                           
     forfeitures
-     -   3,001     -     (60 )   -     60     -  
   Share-based compensation
                                           
     expense
-     -   -     -     3,167     -     -     3,167  
   Deferral of executive and
                                           
     director compensation
-     -   -     -     772     -     -     772  
   Executive and director deferred
                                           
     compensation distributions
-     -   43,641     -     (867 )   -     867     -  
Balance at December 31, 2007
4,000   $ 96,325   14,004,790   $ 176   $ 79,428   $ 477,339   $ (71,923 ) $ 581,345  
   Net loss
-     -   -     -     -     (245,448 )   -     (245,448 )
   Dividends on preferred shares,
                                           
      $1,218.75 per share
-     -   -     -     -     (4,875 )   -     (4,875 )
   Dividends on common shares,
                                           
      $0.05 per share
-     -   -     -     -     (1,060 )   -     (1,060 )
   Income tax benefit from stock
                                           
     options and deferred
                                           
      compensation distributions
-     -   -     -     (97 )   -     -     (97 )
   Stock options exercised – net of
                                           
     restricted stock forfeitures
-     -   5,527     -     (35 )   -     110     75  
   Share-based compensation
                                           
     expense
-     -   -     -     2,983     -     -     2,983  
   Deferral of executive and
                                           
     director compensation
-     -   -     -     138     -     -     138  
   Executive and director deferred
                                           
     compensation distributions
-     -   13,665     -     (271 )   -     271     -  
Balance at December 31, 2008
4,000   $ 96,325   14,023,982   $ 176   $ 82,146   $ 225,956   $ (71,542 ) $ 333,061  
   Net loss
-     -   -     -     -     (62,109 )   -     (62,109 )
   Common stock issuance
-     -   4,475,600     45     52,523     -     -     52,568  
   Income tax benefit from stock
                                           
     options and deferred
                                           
       compensation distributions
-     -   -     -     (101 )   -     -     (101 )
   Stock options exercised
-     -   10,500     -     (139 )   -     209     70  
   Stock-based compensation
                                           
     expense
-     -   -     -     3,111     -     -     3,111  
   Deferral of executive and
                                           
     director compensation
-     -   -     -     163     -     -     163  
   Executive and director deferred
                                           
     compensation distributions
-     -   10,654     -     (211 )   -     211     -  
Balance at December 31, 2009
4,000   $ 96,325   18,520,736   $ 221   $ 137,492   $ 163,847   $ (71,122 ) $ 326,763  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
54

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

 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net loss
$ (62,109 ) $ (245,448 ) $ (128,126 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
                 
Inventory valuation adjustments and abandoned land transaction write-offs
  49,346     134,160     196,952  
Impairment of investment in Unconsolidated limited liability companies
  7,731     24,452     13,125  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
  -     -     5,175  
Impairment of property and equipment
  -     3,283     -  
Mortgage loan originations
  (420,761 )   (382,992 )   (586,520 )
Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans
  420,943     405,107     586,846  
Fair value adjustment of mortgage loans held for sale
  2,612     (2,395 )   487  
Net loss (gain) from property disposals
  951     (5,524 )   373  
Bad debt expense
  2,523     1,255     -  
Depreciation
  5,244     6,197     5,912  
Amortization of intangibles, debt discount and debt issue costs
  2,627     1,557     2,081  
Stock-based compensation expense
  3,111     2,983     3,167  
Deferred income tax benefit
  (8,220 )   (40,740 )   (28,144 )
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
  8,220     108,607     -  
Income tax receivable (payable)
  9,321     14,211     (53,667 )
Excess tax expense (benefit) from stock-based payment arrangements
  101     97     (72 )
Equity in undistributed loss of limited liability companies
  14     431     892  
Write-off of unamortized debt discount and financing costs
  554     1,059     534  
Change in assets and liabilities:
                 
         Cash held in escrow
  3,511     14,597     37,720  
Inventory
  37,221     161,087     180,517  
Other assets
  (34 )   8,695     (930 )
Accounts payable
  10,720     (42,882 )   (10,776 )
Customer deposits
  325     (4,798 )   (11,110 )
Accrued compensation
  (2,169 )   (2,848 )   (12,257 )
Other liabilities
  (3,301 )   (11,276 )   32  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  68,481     148,875     202,211  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Restricted cash
  (19,155 )   -     -  
Purchase of property and equipment
  (4,008 )   (3,947 )   (4,461 )
Proceeds from the sale of property
  7,878     9,454     -  
Investment in Unconsolidated limited liability companies
  (5,003 )   (5,196 )   (9,978 )
Return of investment from Unconsolidated limited liability companies
  809     431     578  
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
  (19,479 )   742     (13,861 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Repayments of bank borrowings - net
  (10,936 )   (110,465 )   (284,500 )
Principal repayments of mortgage notes payable and community development
                 
  district bond obligations
  (10,782 )   (331 )   (509 )
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
  52,568          
Proceeds from preferred shares issuance – net of issuance costs of  $3,675
  -     -     96,325  
Debt issue costs
  (2,318 )   (1,063 )   (847 )
Payments on capital lease obligations
  (91 )   (789 )   (984 )
Dividends paid
  -     (5,935 )   (8,721 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
  70     75     804  
Excess tax (benefit) expense from stock-based payment arrangements
  (101 )   (97 )   72  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  28,410     (118,605 )   (198,360 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash
  77,412     31,012     (10,010 )
Cash balance at beginning of year
  32,518     1,506     11,516  
Cash balance at end of year
$ 109,930   $ 32,518   $ 1,506  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                 
Cash paid during the year for:
                 
Interest – net of amount capitalized
$ 5,541   $ 3,455   $ 16,272  
Income taxes
$ 201   $ 525   $ 10,246  
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS DURING THE YEAR:
                 
Community development district infrastructure
$ (2,189 ) $ (1,304 ) $ (6,899 )
Consolidated inventory not owned
$ (4,933 ) $ (1,884 ) $ 2,407  
Capital lease obligations
$ -   $ -   $ (1,457 )
Distribution of single-family lots from Unconsolidated limited liability companies
$ (22 ) $ 9,969   $ 7,912  
Non-monetary exchange of fixed assets
$ -   $ 13,000   $ -  
Contribution of property to Unconsolidated limited liability companies
$ -   $ -   $ 958  
Deferral of executive and director compensation
$ 163   $ 138   $ 772  
Executive and director deferred stock distributions
$ 211   $ 271   $ 867  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
55

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

NOTE 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

Principles of Consolidation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of M/I Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as a certain variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which the Company has been deemed the primary beneficiary.

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the majority of cash was held in one bank.

Restricted Cash. Restricted cash consists of homebuilding cash the Company had designated as collateral at December 31, 2009 in accordance with the four secured Letter of Credit Facilities (“LOC Facilities”) that the Company entered into in 2009.  See Note 4 for further details surrounding restricted cash relating to the LOC Facilities.  Restricted Cash also consists of cash held in escrow, which represents cash relating to homes closed at year-end that were not yet funded to the Company as of December 31st due to timing, and cash that was deposited in an escrow account at the time of closing on homes to homebuyers which will be released to the Company when the related work is completed on each home, which generally occurs within six months of closing on the home.

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

Inventory.  We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating costs associated with land acquisition and development, and home construction.  Inventory is recorded at cost, unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the land may be impaired.  In addition to the costs of direct land acquisition, land development and related costs (both incurred and estimated to be incurred) and home construction costs, inventory includes capitalized interest, real estate taxes, and certain indirect costs incurred during land development and home construction.  Such costs are charged to cost of sales simultaneously with revenue recognition, as discussed below.  When a home is closed, we typically have not yet paid all incurred costs necessary to complete the home.  As homes close, we compare the home construction budget to actual recorded costs to date to estimate the additional costs to be incurred from our subcontractors related to the home.  We record a liability and a corresponding charge to cost of sales for the amount we estimate will ultimately be paid related to that home.  We monitor the accuracy of such estimate by comparing actual costs incurred in subsequent months to the estimate.  Although actual costs to
56

complete in the future could differ from the estimate, our method has historically produced consistently accurate estimates of actual costs to complete closed homes.

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis, by reviewing for impairment whenever events or changes in local or national economic conditions indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  For those communities deemed to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the communities exceeds the fair value of the communities.  In addition, due to the fact that the estimates and assumptions included in the Company’s cash flow models are based upon historical results and projected trends, it does not anticipate unexpected changes in market conditions that may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future.

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

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Capitalized interest, beginning of year
$ 25,838   $ 29,212   $ 29,492  
Interest capitalized to inventory
  9,552     9,593     18,118  
Capitalized interest charged to cost of sales
  (11,720 )   (12,967 )   (18,398 )
Capitalized interest, end of year
$ 23,670   $ 25,838   $ 29,212  
 
Interest incurred – continuing operations
$ 18,019   $ 20,790   $ 33,461  

Consolidated Inventory Not Owned.  The Company enters into land option agreements in the ordinary course of business in order to secure land for the construction of homes in the future.  Pursuant to these land option agreements, we typically provide a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at pre-determined prices.  If the entity holding the land under option is a variable interest entity, the Company’s deposit (including letters of credit) represents a variable interest in the entity, and we must use our judgment to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of the entity.  Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include the amount of the deposit in relation to the fair value of the land, the expected timing of our purchase of the land, and assumptions about projected cash flows.  We consider our accounting policies with respect to determining whether we are the primary beneficiary to be critical accounting policies due to the judgment required.

We also periodically enter into lot option arrangements with third-parties to whom we have sold our raw land inventory.  We evaluate these to determine if we should record an asset and liability at the time we sell the land and enter into the lot option contract.

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

The Company evaluates its investment in unconsolidated limited liability companies (“Unconsolidated LLCs”) for potential impairment on a quarterly basis.  If the fair value of the investment is less than the investment’s carrying value and the Company has determined that the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to fair value.

Property and Equipment. The Company records property and equipment at cost and subsequently depreciates the assets using both straight-line and accelerated methods.  Following are the major classes of depreciable assets and their estimated useful lives:
57

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
Land, building and improvements
$ 11,823   $ 11,823  
Office furnishings, leasehold improvements, computer equipment and computer software
  24,524     21,542  
Transportation and construction equipment
  404     10,015  
Property and equipment
  36,751     43,380  
Accumulated depreciation
  (17,753 )   (15,648 )
Property and equipment, net
$ 18,998   $ 27,732  

 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Building and improvements
35 years
Office furnishings, leasehold improvements, computer equipment and computer software
3-7 years
Transportation and construction equipment
5-20 years

Depreciation expense was $3.9 million, $4.7 million and $4.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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

In 2008, the Company exchanged its airplane for an airplane of lesser value plus $9.5 million of cash consideration.  The transaction was with an unrelated party.  The transaction was accounted for as a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  A gain of $5.6 million was recorded in Other (loss) income on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.  At the end of 2008, the Company obtained an estimate from an aircraft sale and acquisition company to determine the airplane’s fair value less costs to sell.  Based on this estimate, it was determined that the plane was impaired and a $3.3 million impairment charge was recorded.  At December 31, 2008, the airplane had a market value of $8.9 million, and was classified as held for sale within Property and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as the Company anticipated selling it in 2009.

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

Other Assets.  Other assets includes certificates of deposit of $0.3 million and $0.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which have been pledged as collateral for mortgage loans sold to third parties and, therefore, are restricted from general use.  The certificates of deposit will be released when there is a 95% loan-to-value on the related loans and there have been no late payments by the mortgagor in the last twelve months.  Other assets also includes non-trade receivables, notes receivable, deposits and prepaid expenses.

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

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

Segment Information.  Our reportable business segments consist of Midwest homebuilding, Florida homebuilding, Mid-Atlantic homebuilding, and financial services.  Our homebuilding operations derive a majority of their revenue from constructing single-family homes in nine markets in the United States.  Our operations in the nine markets each
58

individually represent an operating segment.  Due to similar economic characteristics within the homebuilding operations, the Company has aggregated the operating segments into three regions that represent the reportable homebuilding segments.  The financial services segment generates revenue by originating and selling mortgages, and by collecting fees for title and insurance services.

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

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

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

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

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

· 
Home Builder’s Limited Warranty –effective for homes closed after September 30, 2007;
· 
30-year transferable structural warranty – effective for homes closed after April 24, 1998; and
· 
20-year transferable structural warranty – effective for homes closed between September 1, 1989 and April 24, 1998.

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

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

Self-insurance.  Self-insurance accruals are made for estimated liabilities associated with employee health care, Ohio workers’ compensation, and general liability insurance.  Our self-insurance limit for employee health care is $250,000 per claim per year for fiscal 2009, with stop loss insurance covering amounts in excess of $250,000 up to $2,000,000 per claim per year.  Our self-insurance limit for workers’ compensation is $450,000 per claim, with stop
59

loss insurance covering all amounts in excess of this limit.  The accruals related to employee health care and workers’ compensation are based on historical experience and open case reserves.  Our general liability claims are insured by a third party; the Company generally has a $7.5 million deductible per occurrence and $30.0 million in the aggregate, with lower deductibles for certain types of claims.  The Company records a general liability accrual for claims falling below the Company’s deductible.  The general liability accrual estimate is based on an actuarial evaluation of our past history of claims and other industry specific factors.  The Company has recorded expenses totaling $15.5 million, $0.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for all self-insured and general liability claims during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  Because of the high degree of judgment required in determining these estimated accrual amounts, actual future costs could differ from our current estimated amounts.

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs.  The costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are being amortized over the terms of the related debt.  Unamortized debt issue costs of $2.4 million and $3.1 million are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Advertising and Research and Development.  The Company expenses advertising, and research and development costs as incurred.  The Company expensed $5.3 million, $7.7 million and $11.1 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for advertising expenses.  The Company expensed $1.8 million, $1.7 million and $2.5 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for research and development expenses.

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

Earnings Per Share.  Basic loss per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is computed based on the weighted average common shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted loss per share is computed based on the weighted average common shares outstanding, along with the stock options, equity units and stock units described in Note 2 (collectively, “stock equivalent awards”) deemed outstanding during the period, plus the weighted average common shares that would be outstanding assuming the conversion of stock equivalent awards, excluding the impact of such conversions if they are anti-dilutive or would decrease the reported diluted loss per share.  The number of anti-dilutive options that require exclusion from the computation of loss per share is summarized in the table below.  There are no adjustments to net loss necessary in the calculation of basic or diluted loss per share. 
 

 
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Year Ended December 31, 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
Loss
 
Shares
 
EPS
 
Loss
 
Shares
 
EPS
 
Income
 
Shares
 
EPS
 
Basic loss from continuing
                                   
  operations
$(62,109 )         $(245,415 )         $(92,480 )        
Less: preferred stock dividends
-           4,875           7,313          
Loss to common
                                   
  shareholders from continuing
                                   
   operations
$(62,109 ) 16,730   $(3.71 ) $(250,290 ) 14,016   $(17.86 ) $(99,793 ) 13,977   $(7.14 )
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                   
   Stock options awards
    -           -           -      
   Deferred compensation awards
    -           -           -      
Diluted loss
                                   
   to common shareholders from
                                   
    continuing operations
$(62,109 ) 16,730   $(3.71 ) $(250,290 ) 14,016   $(17.86 ) $(99,793 ) 13,977   $(7.14 )
 
Anti-dilutive stock equivalent awards
                                   
   not included in the calculation
                                   
   of diluted loss per share
    1,723           1,386           1,159      

Profit Sharing.  The Company has a deferred profit-sharing plan that covers substantially all Company employees and permits members to make contributions to the plan on a pre-tax basis in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Company contributions to the plan are made at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and totaled $0.3 million for both the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, and $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

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

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

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

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

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

a strong earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the deductible temporary differences, coupled with evidence indicating that the loss is the result of an aberration rather than a continuing condition;
an excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of a company’s net assets in an amount sufficient to realize the deferred tax asset; and
existing backlog that will produce more than enough taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset based on existing sales prices and cost structures.
 
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Examples of negative evidence may include:

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

The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, to determine if a valuation allowance is required.  We evaluate this based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.  In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.  A cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and also restricts the amount of reliance on projections of future taxable income to support the recovery of deferred tax assets.  The Company’s current and prior year losses present the most significant negative evidence as to whether the Company needs to reduce its deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance.  We are in a four-year cumulative pre-tax loss position during the years 2005 through 2009.  We currently believe the cumulative weight of the negative evidence exceeds that of the positive evidence and, as a result, it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize all of our deferred tax assets.  Therefore, as of December 31, 2009, the Company had a total valuation allowance of $117.1 million recorded.  The accounting for deferred taxes is based upon an estimate of future results.  Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Future adjustments to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be determined based upon changes in the expected realization of our net deferred tax assets.  In 2010, we do not expect to record any additional tax benefits as the carryback has been exhausted.  Additionally, our determination with respect to recording a valuation allowance may be further impacted by, among other things:

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

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

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

Income Tax Receivable.  Income tax receivable consists of tax refunds that the Company expects to receive within one year.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were $30.1 million and $39.5 million, respectively of income tax receivable.

Impact of New Accounting Standards.

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance, which amends the evaluation criteria to identify the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and requires ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  The new guidance significantly changes the consolidation rules for VIEs, including the consolidation of common structures, such as joint ventures, equity method investments and collaboration arrangements.  The guidance is applicable to all new and existing VIEs.  This new accounting guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009.  We have not completed our evaluation of the impact of this standard, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (the “Codification”).  The Codification became the single official source of
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authoritative, nongovernmental U.S. GAAP.  The Codification did not change GAAP, but reorganizes the literature.  The Codification is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, and the Company adopted the Codification during the three months ended September 30, 2009.

NOTE 2.   Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has one plan that allows for the granting of stock options, performance stock options, and stock appreciation rights, and awarding of restricted common stock to certain key officers, employees and directors.

Stock Incentive Plan

On May 5, 2009, The Company’s shareholders approved the adoption of the M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2009 LTIP”).  The 2009 LTIP, which replaces the M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended (the “Stock Incentive Plan”), which expired on April 23, 2009, includes (1) nonqualified stock options to purchase common shares; (2) incentive stock options to purchase common shares; (3) stock appreciation rights; (4) restricted common shares; (5) other stock-based awards – awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the fair market value of the common shares; and (6) cash-based awards.

Stock options are granted at the market price of the Company’s common shares at the close of business on the date of grant.  Options awarded generally vest 20% annually over five years and expire after ten years, with vesting accelerated upon the employee’s death or disability or upon a change of control of the Company.  Shares issued upon option exercise are from treasury shares.  As of December 31, 2009, 3,001 restricted common shares had been granted under the Stock Incentive Plan.  The restricted common shares vest 33 1/3% over three years, beginning in the year of grant.

Following is a summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2009, relating to the stock options awarded under the Stock Incentive Plan.

 
     Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value (a) (In thousands)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008
1,191,200   $32.98   7.05   $      41
  Granted
501,904       7.85        
  Exercised
(10,500 )     6.69        
  Forfeited
(58,561 )   24.63        
Options outstanding at December 31, 2009
1,624,043   $25.69   7.01   $1,237
 
Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2009
1,552,343   $24.82   6.96   $1,181
 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009
882,902   $35.10   5.74   $   117

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

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0.1 million, less than $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

The fair value of our five-year service stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was established at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the weighted average assumptions as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
2008
2007
Expected dividend yield
        0.00%
       0.40%
        0.25%
Risk-free interest rate
        1.99%
       2.71%
        4.80%
Expected volatility
      44.66%
     41.98%
        33.9%
Expected term (in years)
       6.0
     6.2
      5.0
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the period
   $ 3.54
 $7.61
        $12.60
 
The fair value of our two-year bonus stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2009 was established at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the weighted average assumptions as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Expected dividend yield
                              0.00%
Risk-free interest rate
                              1.99%
Expected volatility
                            45.70%
Expected term (in years)
                                5.0
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the period
                           $ 3.30
 
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The fair value of our three-year stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was established at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the weighted average assumptions as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Expected dividend yield
-   -   0.25%
Risk-free interest rate
-   -   4.84%
Expected volatility
-   -   31.9%
Expected term (in years)
-   -                3.0
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the period
-   -            $9.19

Following is a summary of restricted share activity for the year ended December 31, 2009, relating to the restricted shares awarded under the Stock Incentive Plan:

 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2008
1,830
 
$33.86
  Granted
      -
 
         -
  Vested
  (915)
 
  33.86
  Forfeited
      -
 
         -
Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2009
  915
 
$33.86

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

Total compensation expense that has been charged against income relating to the Stock Incentive Plan was $3.1 million, $3.0 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  As of December 31, 2009, there was a total of $3.8 million and $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option awards that will be recognized as compensation expense as the awards vest over a weighted average period of 1.8 years and 1.0 years for the service awards and bonus awards, respectively.  There were no excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company’s excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements were $0.1 million.

On May 5, 2009, The Company’s Board of Directors terminated the M/I Homes, Inc. 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan (the “Director Equity Plan”).  Awards outstanding under the Director Equity Plan will remain in effect in accordance with their respective terms.  At December 31, 2009, there were 23,000 units outstanding under the Director Equity Plan with a value of $0.6 million.

In August 2009, the Company awarded 6,000 stock units under the 2009 LTIP.  One stock unit is the equivalent of one common share.  Stock units and the related dividends will be converted to common shares upon termination of service as a director.  These stock units vest immediately; therefore, compensation expense relating to the stock units issued in August 2009 was recognized entirely on the grant date.  The amount of expense per stock unit was equal to the $13.66 closing price of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant, resulting in expense totaling approximately $82,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  In 2008, the Company awarded 6,000 stock units under the Director Equity Plan, resulting in expense totaling $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  In 2007, the Company awarded 6,000 stock units under the Director Equity Plan, resulting in expense totaling $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Deferred Compensation Plans

As of December 31, 2009, the Company also has an Executive Plan and a Director Plan (together the “Plans”), which provide an opportunity for the Company’s directors and certain eligible employees of the Company to defer a portion of their cash compensation to invest in the Company’s common shares.  Compensation expense deferred into the Plans totaled $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.   The portion of cash compensation deferred by employees and directors under the Plans is invested in
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fully-vested equity units in the Plans.  One equity unit is the equivalent of one common share.  Equity units and the related dividends will be converted and distributed to the employee or director in the form of common shares at the earlier of his or her elected distribution date or termination of service as an employee or director of the Company.  Distributions from the Plans totaled $0.4 million, $0.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  As of December 31, 2009, there were a total of 102,339 equity units with a value of $2.2 million, outstanding under the Plans.  The aggregate fair market value of these units at December 31, 2009, based on the closing price of the underlying common shares, was approximately $1.1 million, and the associated deferred tax benefit the Company would recognize if the outstanding units were distributed was $1.1 million as of December 31, 2009.  Common shares are issued from treasury shares upon distribution of deferred compensation from the Plans.

NOTE 3.  Inventory

A summary of the Company’s inventory as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 
December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
  Single-family lots, land and land development costs
$ 232,127   $ 333,651
  Land held for sale
  4,300     2,804
  Homes under construction
  158,998     150,949
  Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation:  December 31, 2009 - $3,069;
         
 December 31, 2008 - $2,130)
  14,726     12,928
  Community development district infrastructure
  8,186     10,376
  Land purchase deposits
  1,336     1,070
  Consolidated inventory not owned
  616     4,251
  Total inventory
$ 420,289   $ 516,029

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

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

Homes under construction include homes that are finished and ready for delivery, and homes in various stages of construction.  As of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had 545 homes (valued at $59.4 million) and 431 homes (valued at $69.6 million), respectively, included in homes under construction that were not subject to a sales contract.

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

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis, by reviewing for impairment whenever events or changes in local or national economic conditions indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Refer to Note 7 below for additional details relating to our procedures for evaluating our inventories for impairment.

Land purchase deposits include both refundable and non-refundable amounts paid to third party sellers relating to the purchase of land.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the land option agreements relating to the land purchase deposits.  In the period during which the Company makes the decision not to proceed with the purchase of land under an agreement, the Company writes off any deposits and accumulated pre-acquisition costs relating to such agreement.  Refer to Note 7 for additional details relating to write-offs of land option deposits and pre-acquisition costs.
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NOTE 4.  Cash and Restricted Cash

The table below is a summary of our cash balances at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 
December 31,
(in thousands)
2009
 
2008
Homebuilding
$ 96,464   $ 13,905
Financial services
  13,466     18,613
Unrestricted cash
  109,930     32,518
Restricted cash
  22,302     6,658
Total cash
$ 132,232   $ 39,176

Restricted cash primarily consists of homebuilding cash the Company had designated as collateral at December 31, 2009 in accordance with the LOC Facilities that the Company entered into in 2009.  Restricted cash also includes cash held in escrow of $3.1 million and $6.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 5.   Fair Value Measurements

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

Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

The Company measures both mortgage loans held for sale and IRLCs at fair value.  Fair value measurement results in a better offset of the changes in fair values of the loans and the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them.

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

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

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

Mortgage loans held for sale are closed at cost, which includes all fair value measurement.
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Loan Commitments:  IRLCs are extended to home-buying customers who have applied for mortgages and who meet certain defined credit and underwriting criteria.  Typically, the IRLCs will have a duration of less than six months; however, in certain markets, the duration could extend to twelve months.

Some IRLCs are committed to a specific third-party investor through the use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments matching the exact terms of the IRLC loan.  The notional amount of the committed IRLCs and the best-efforts contracts was $2.6 million and $21.2 million at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  At December 31, 2009, the fair value of the committed IRLCs resulted in a liability of $0.1 million, and the related best-efforts contracts resulted in an asset of $0.1 million.  At December 31, 2008, the fair value of the committed IRLCs resulted in a liability of $0.1 million, and the related best-efforts contracts resulted in a liability of less than $0.1 million.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized income of $0.1 million, $0.1 million of expense, and less than $0.1 million of expense, respectively, relating to marking these committed IRLCs and the related best-efforts contracts to market.

Uncommitted IRLCs are considered derivative instruments, and are fair value adjusted, with the resulting gain or loss recorded in current earnings.  At December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the notional amount of the uncommitted IRLCs was $42.3 million and $25.4 million, respectively.  The fair value adjustment related to these uncommitted IRLCs, which is based on quoted market prices, resulted in a liability of less than $0.1 million and an asset of $0.8 million at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $0.8 million of expense, and income of $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, relating to marking the uncommitted IRLCs to market.

Forward Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities: FMBSs are used to protect uncommitted IRLC loans against the risk of changes in interest rates between the lock date and the funding date.  FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings.  At December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the notional amount under these FMBSs was $43.0 million and $14.0 million, respectively, and the related fair value adjustment, which is based on quoted market prices, resulted in an asset of $0.7 million and a liability of $0.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized income of $0.9 million and less than $0.1 million, and $0.3 million of expense, respectively, relating to marking these FMBSs to market.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale:  Mortgage loans held for sale consist primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the underlying property.  During the intervening period between when a loan is closed and when it is sold to an investor, the interest rate risk is covered through the use of a best-efforts contract or by FMBSs.

The notional amount of the best-efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale was $27.7 million and $13.6 million at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  The fair value of the best-efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale resulted in a net liability of $0.8 million at December 31, 2009 and a net asset of $0.2 million at December 31, 2008.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $1.0 million of expense, and income of $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, relating to marking these best-efforts contracts and the related mortgage loans held for sale to market.

The notional amounts of both the FMBSs and the related mortgage loans held for sale were $8.0 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2009 and $23.0 million and $23.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008.  The FMBSs are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings.  As of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the related fair value adjustment for marking these FMBSs to market resulted in an asset of $0.1 million and a liability of $0.9 million, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized income of $1.0 million, and for both the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $0.5 million of expense relating to marking these FMBSs to market.

The table below shows the level and measurement of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2009:

 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active
     
Significant
 
Measurements
 
Markets for Identical
 
Significant Other
 
Unobservable
Description of Financial Instrument
December 31,
 
Assets
 
Observable Inputs
 
Inputs
(in thousands)
2009
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Mortgage loans held for sale
$(1,148)
 
$  -
 
$(1,148)
 
$  -
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities
     833
 
    -
 
     833
 
    -
Interest rate lock commitments
     (145)
 
    -
 
     (145)
 
    -
Best-efforts contracts
     308
 
    -
 
    308
 
    -
Total
 $  (152)
 
$  -
 
 $  (152)
 
$  -
 
67

The table below shows the level and measurement of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2008:

 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active
     
Significant
 
Measurements
 
Markets for Identical
 
Significant Other
 
Unobservable
Description of Financial Instrument
December 31,
 
Assets
 
Observable Inputs
 
Inputs
(in thousands)
2008
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Mortgage loans held for sale
$ 1,464
 
$  -
 
$ 1,464
 
$  -
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities
   (1,104)
 
    -
 
   (1,104)
 
    -
Interest rate lock commitments
      638
 
    -
 
      638
 
    -
Best-efforts contracts
        73
 
    -
 
        73
 
    -
Total
$ 1,071
 
$  -
 
$ 1,071
 
$  -
 
Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis, by reviewing for impairment whenever events or changes in local or national economic conditions indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  In conducting our quarterly review for indicators of impairment on a community level, we evaluate, among other things, the margins on homes that have been delivered, margins on sales contracts in backlog, projected margins with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, projected margins with regard to future land sales, and the value of the land itself.  We pay particular attention to communities in which inventory is moving at a slower than anticipated absorption pace, and communities whose average sales price and/or margins are trending downward and are anticipated to continue to trend downward.  From this review, we identify communities whose carrying values may exceed their undiscounted cash flows.  In addition, we also evaluate communities where management intends to lower the sales price or offer incentives in order to improve absorptions even if the community’s historical results do not indicate a potential for impairment.  For those communities deemed to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the communities exceeds the fair value of the communities.  In addition, due to the fact that the estimates and assumptions included in the Company’s cash flow models are based upon historical results and projected trends, it does not anticipate unexpected changes in market conditions that may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future.

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

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

These and other local market-specific factors that may impact project assumptions discussed above are considered by personnel in our homebuilding divisions as they prepare or update the forecasted assumptions for each community. Quantitative and qualitative factors other than home sales prices could significantly impact the potential for future impairments.  The sales objectives can differ between communities, even within a given sub-market.  For example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace.  Furthermore, the key assumptions included in our estimated future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated.  For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in home sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace.  Additionally, a decrease in the average sales price of homes to be sold and closed in future reporting periods for one community that has not been generating what management believes to be an adequate sales absorption pace may impact the estimated cash flow assumptions of a nearby community.  Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated construction and development costs, absorption pace, selling strategies, or discount rates, could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates.

Operating Communities:  For existing operating communities, the recoverability of assets is measured on a quarterly basis by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets based on home sales.  These estimated cash flows are developed based primarily on management’s
68

assumptions relating to the specific community.  The significant assumptions used to evaluate the recoverability of assets include:  the timing of development and/or marketing phases; projected sales price and sales pace of each existing or planned community; the estimated land development, home construction and selling costs of the community; overall market supply and demand; the local market; and competitive conditions.  Management reviews these assumptions on a quarterly basis.  While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the end of a reporting period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change.  These assumptions vary widely across different communities and geographies and are largely dependent on local market conditions.  Some of the most critical assumptions in the Company’s cash flow model are projected absorption pace for home sales, sales prices and costs to build and deliver homes on a community by community basis.

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

In order to determine the assumed sales prices included in its cash flow models, the Company analyzes the historical sales prices realized on homes it delivered in the community and other communities in the geographic area as well as the sales prices included in its current backlog for such communities.  In addition, the Company analyzes internal and external market studies and trends, which generally include, but are not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities and sales prices on similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located.  When analyzing its historical sales prices and corresponding market studies, the Company also places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends.  Ultimately, upon this analysis, the Company sets a current sales price for each house type in the community, using the aforementioned information, which it believes will achieve an acceptable gross margin and sales pace in the community. This price becomes the price published to the sales force for use in its sales efforts. The Company then uses the average of these “published” sales prices in its cash flow model.

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

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

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

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

Land Held for Sale:  Land held for sale includes land that meets all of the following six criteria:  (1) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset; (2) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been initiated; (4) the sale of the asset is probable, and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year; (5) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.  The Company records land held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.  In performing impairment evaluation for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices for land in recent comparable sales transactions, market analysis
69

and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties, as well as actual contracts.  If the estimated fair value less the costs to sell an asset is less than the current carrying value, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Investment In Unconsolidated Limited Liability Companies: The Company evaluates its investment in Unconsolidated LLCs for potential impairment on a quarterly basis.  If the fair value of the investment is less than the investment’s carrying value and the Company has determined that the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to fair value.  The determination of whether an investment’s fair value is less than the carrying value requires management to make certain assumptions regarding the amount and timing of future contributions to the Unconsolidated LLC, the timing of distribution of lots to the Company from the Unconsolidated LLC, the projected fair value of the lots at the time of distribution to the Company, and the estimated proceeds from, and timing of, the sale of land or lots to third parties.  In determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs, the Company evaluates the projected cash flows associated with each Unconsolidated LLC.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company used a discount rate of 16% in determining the fair value of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs.  In addition to the assumptions management must make to determine if the investment’s fair value is less than the carrying value, management must also use judgment in determining whether the impairment is other than temporary.  The factors management considers are: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the Company; and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the Unconsolidated LLC for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.  In situations where the investments are 100% equity financed by the partners, and the joint venture simply distributes lots to its partners, the Company evaluates “other than temporary” by preparing an undiscounted cash flow model as described in inventory above for operating communities.  If such model results in positive value versus carrying value, and the fair value of the investment is less than the investment’s carrying value, the Company determines that the impairment is temporary; otherwise, the Company determines that the impairment is other than temporary and impairs the investment.  Because of the high degree of judgment involved in developing these assumptions, it is possible that the Company may determine the investment is not impaired in the current period but, due to passage of time or change in market conditions leading to changes in assumptions, impairment could occur.

The table below shows the level and measurement of assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2009:

Description of Asset or Liability
(in thousands)
Fair Value Measurements
December 31,
2009
 
Quoted Prices
 in Active
Markets for
 Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Losses (a)
Inventory (b)
$75,523   $         -   $         -   $75,523   $42,693
Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs (c)
    7,660   $         -   $         -       7,660       7,731
Total fair value measurements
$83,183   $         -   $         -   $83,183   $50,424

(a)  
Represents total losses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2009.

(b)  
Inventory, with a carrying value of $118.2 million was written down to fair value of $75.5 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $42.7 million, which was included in impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for year ended December 31, 2009.  There were additional impairment charges of $5.0 million related to homes closed during the year ended December 31, 2009, and therefore are not included in the carrying value.

(c)  
Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs with an aggregate carrying value of $15.4 million were written down to their fair value of $7.7 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $7.7 million, which is included in impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.

NOTE 6.  Risk Management and Derivatives

As described in Note 5 above, in the normal course of business, our financial services segment is exposed to interest rate risk, and the Company uses derivatives to help manage this risk.

To meet the financing needs of our home-buying customers, M/I Financial is party to IRLCs, which are extended to customers who have applied for a mortgage loan and meet certain defined credit and underwriting criteria.  These IRLCs are considered derivative financial instruments.  M/I Financial manages interest rate risk related to its IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale through the use of FMBSs, use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments, and the occasional purchase of options on FMBSs in accordance with Company policy.  These FMBSs, options on FMBSs, and IRLCs covered by FMBSs are considered non-designated derivatives.
70

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

All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value.  The total notional amount of the Company’s derivatives as of December 31, 2009 was $126.1 million.  Refer to Note 5 above for further discussion surrounding our derivative instruments.

 
Asset Derivatives
At December 31, 2009
 
Liability Derivatives
At December 31, 2009
Description of Derivatives
Balance Sheet
Location
Fair Value
(in thousands)
 
Balance Sheet
Location
Fair Value
(in thousands)
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities
Other Assets
$  833  
Other Liabilities
$    -
Interest rate lock commitments
Other Assets
       -  
Other Liabilities
  145
Best-efforts contracts
Other Assets
    308  
Other Liabilities
      -
Total fair value measurements
  $1,141     $145

Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2009:

Description of Derivatives
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
(in thousands)
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities
$1,937  
Financial Services Revenue
Interest rate lock commitments
     (783)  
Financial Services Revenue
Best-efforts contracts
     235  
Financial Services Revenue
Total gain (loss) recognized on derivatives
$1,389    

NOTE 7.  Valuation Adjustments and Write-offs

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

Operating communities.  For existing operating communities which may have impairment indicators, the recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets based on home sales.  These estimated cash flows are developed based primarily on management’s assumptions relating to the specific community.  The significant assumptions used to evaluate the recoverability of assets include:  the timing of development and/or marketing phases; projected sales price and sales pace of each existing or planned community; the estimated land development and home construction and selling costs of the community; overall market supply and demand; the local market; and competitive conditions.

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

For raw land, land under development or lots that management intends to market for sale to a third party, but that do not meet all of the criteria to be classified as land held for sale as discussed above in Note 5, the recoverability of the assets is determined based on either the estimated net sales proceeds expected to be realized on the sale of the assets or the estimated fair value determined using cash flow valuation techniques.

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

Land held for sale.  Land held for sale includes land that meets the six criteria discussed above in Note 5.  The Company records land held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.  Fair value is determined based on the expected third party sale proceeds.
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Investments in Unconsolidated limited liability companies.  The Company assesses investments in Unconsolidated LLCs for impairment on a quarterly basis.  When evaluating the Unconsolidated LLCs, if the fair value of the investment is less than the investment carrying value, and the Company determines the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the investment to fair value.  The Company’s Unconsolidated LLCs engage in land acquisition and development activities for the purpose of selling or distributing (in the form of a capital distribution) developed lots to the Company and its partners in the entity, as further discussed in Note 9.

As of December 31, 2009, we utilized discount rates ranging from 13% to 16% in the above valuations.  The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life, development stage, and the inherent risks associated with the related estimated cash flow stream as well as current risk free rates available in the market and estimated market risk premiums.

A summary of the Company’s valuation adjustments and write-offs for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Impairment of operating communities:
           
  Midwest
$
10,262
$
  44,358
$
    6,600
  Florida
 
6,702
 
  14,771
 
  22,985
  Mid-Atlantic
 
7,708
 
  30,225
 
  33,691
Total impairment of operating communities (a)
$
24,672
$
  89,354
$
  63,276
Impairment of future communities:
           
  Midwest
$
6,892
$
    1,524
$
    1,527
  Florida
 
8,405
 
    4,380
 
  12,619
  Mid-Atlantic
 
2,180
 
           -
 
    6,923
Total impairment of future communities (a)
$
17,477
$
    5,904
$
  21,069
Impairment of land held for sale:
           
  Midwest
$
2,016
$
    8,727
$
           -
  Florida
 
1,883
 
  24,554
 
  37,701
  Mid-Atlantic
 
1,642
 
       309
 
  13,206
Total impairment of land held for sale (a)
$
5,541
$
  33,590
$
  50,907
Option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs:
           
  Midwest
$
569
$
       311
$
       676
  Florida (b)
 
20
 
       162
 
    1,840
  Mid-Atlantic
 
1,067
 
    4,839
 
    1,096
Total option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs (c)
$
1,656
$
    5,312
$
    3,612
Impairment of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs:
           
  Midwest
$
616
$
    1,413
$
           -
  Florida
 
7,115
 
  23,039
 
  13,125
  Mid-Atlantic
 
            -
 
           -
 
           -
Total impairment of investments in Unconsolidated LLCs (a)
$
7,731
$
  24,452
$
  13,125
 
  Total impairments and write-offs of option deposits and
           
    pre-acquisition costs (d)
$
57,077
$
158,612
$
151,989

(a)  
Amounts are recorded within Impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated limited liability companies in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
(b)  
Includes the Company’s $0.8 million share of the write-off of an option deposit in 2007 that is included in Equity in undistributed loss of limited liability companies in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
 
(c)  
Amounts are recorded within General and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
(d)
Total impairment excludes impairment of our West Palm Beach, Florida division of $58.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, which is included in discontinued operation.

NOTE 8.  Transactions with Related Parties

During 2007, the Company sold land for approximately $0.8 million to an entity owned by an employee of the Company.  This transaction was ratified by the independent members of the Board of Directors.  There was no land sold in 2008 or 2009 to related parties.

The Company had receivables totaling $0.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008 due from executive officers, relating to amounts owed to the Company for split-dollar life insurance policy premiums.  The Company will collect the receivable either directly from the executive officer, if employment terminates other than by death, or from the executive officer’s beneficiary, if employment terminates due to death of the executive officer.  The receivables are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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NOTE 9.  Investment in Unconsolidated Limited Liability Companies

At December 31, 2009, the Company had interests ranging from 33% to 50% in Unconsolidated LLCs that do not meet the criteria of variable interest entities because each of the entities had sufficient equity at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from the equity investors, and one of these Unconsolidated LLCs has outside financing that is not guaranteed by the Company.  These Unconsolidated LLCs engage in land acquisition and development activities for the purpose of selling or distributing (in the form of a capital distribution) developed lots to the Company and its partners in the entity.  The Company’s maximum exposure related to its investment in these entities as of December 31, 2009 is the amount invested of $10.3 million plus letters of credit and bonds totaling $0.3 million.  Included in the Company’s investment in Unconsolidated LLCs at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of capitalized interest and other costs.  The Company does not have a controlling interest in these Unconsolidated LLCs; therefore, they are recorded using the equity method of accounting.  The Company received distributions of developed lots at cost totaling $10.0 million and $7.9 million in  2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company did not receive any distributions of developed lots in 2009.

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

Summarized condensed combined financial information for the Unconsolidated LLCs that are included in the homebuilding segments as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

Summarized Condensed Combined Balance Sheets:

 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2009
 
2008
Assets:
       
  Single-family lots, land and land development costs
$
35,534
$
41,255
  Other assets
 
276
 
   1,829
Total assets
$
35,810
$
43,084
Liabilities and partners’ equity:
       
Liabilities:
       
  Notes payable
$
3,250
$
11,678
  Other liabilities
 
425
 
      687
Total liabilities
 
3,675
 
12,365
Partners’ equity:
       
  Company’s equity
 
10,299
 
13,130
  Other equity
 
21,836
 
17,589
Total partners’ equity
 
32,135
 
30,719
Total liabilities and partners’ equity
$
35,810
$
43,084

Summarized Condensed Combined Statements of Operations:

 
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Revenue
$ 77   $ 2,417   $ 1,081  
Costs and expenses
  97     16,143     2,713  
Loss
$ (20 ) $ (13,726 ) $ (1,632 )

The Company’s total equity in the loss relating to the above homebuilding Unconsolidated LLCs was approximately less than $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NOTE 10.  Guarantees and Indemnities

Warranty

The Company offers a limited warranty program (“Home Builder’s Limited Warranty”) in conjunction with its thirty-year transferable structural limited warranty, on homes closed in or after 2007.  The Home Builder’s Limited Warranty covers construction defects and certain damage resulting from construction defects for a statutory period based on geographic market and state law (currently ranging from five to ten years for the states in which the Company operates) and includes a mandatory arbitration clause.  Prior to this warranty program, the Company provided up to a two-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship and a twenty-year (for homes closed between 1989 and 1998) and a
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thirty-year (for homes closed during or after 1998) transferable limited warranty against major structural defects.  Warranty expense is accrued as the home sale is recognized and is intended to cover estimated material and outside labor costs to be incurred during the warranty period.  The accrual amounts are based upon historical experience and geographic location.  A summary of warranty activity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Warranty accruals, beginning of year
$ 9,518   $ 12,006   $ 14,095  
Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period
  4,904     4,791     7,709  
Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties
  346     1,279     18  
Settlements made during the period
  (6,111 )   (8,558 )   (9,816 )
Warranty accruals, end of year
$ 8,657   $ 9,518   $ 12,006  

Guarantees and Indemnities

In the ordinary course of business, M/I Financial enters into agreements that guarantee certain purchasers of its mortgage loans that M/I Financial will repurchase a loan if certain conditions occur, primarily if the mortgagor does not meet those conditions of the loan within the first six months after the sale of the loan.  Loans totaling approximately $186.2 million and $64.4 million were covered under the above guarantees as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  A portion of the revenue paid to M/I Financial for providing the guarantees on the above loans was deferred at December 31, 2009, and will be recognized in income as M/I Financial is released from its obligation under the guarantees.  M/I Financial has not repurchased any loans under the above agreements in 2009 or 2008, but has provided indemnifications to third party investors in lieu of repurchasing certain loans.  The total of these indemnified loans was approximately $3.6 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The risk associated with the guarantees and indemnities above is offset by the value of the underlying assets.  The Company has accrued management’s best estimate of the probable loss on the above loans.

M/I Financial has also guaranteed the collectability of certain loans to third-party insurers of those loans for periods ranging from five to thirty years.  The maximum potential amount of future payments is equal to the outstanding loan value less the value of the underlying asset plus administrative costs incurred related to foreclosure on the loans, should this event occur.  The total of these costs are estimated to be $1.8 million and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and would be offset by the value of the underlying assets.  The Company has accrued management’s best estimate of the probable loss on the above loans.

The Company has also provided an environmental indemnification to an unrelated third-party seller of land in connection with the Company’s purchase of that land.
 
The Company has recorded a liability relating to the guarantees and indemnities described above totaling $1.7 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which is management’s best estimate of the fair value of the Company’s liability.

The Company has also provided a guarantee of the performance and payment obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, M/I Financial, up to an aggregate principle amount of $13.0 million.  The guarantee was provided to a government-sponsored enterprise to which M/I Financial delivers loans.
 
The Company's Credit Facility and Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by substantially all of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries.  The Company has no independent assets or operations, and any subsidiaries of the parent company other than the subsidiary guarantors are minor.

NOTE 11.  Commitments and Contingencies

At December 31, 2009, the Company had sales agreements outstanding, some of which have contingencies for financing approval, to deliver 650 homes with an aggregate sales price of approximately $176.7 million.  Based on our current housing gross margin of 14.7%, excluding the charge for impairment of inventory, less variable selling costs of 3.9% of revenue, less payments to date on homes in backlog of $83.4 million, we estimate payments totaling approximately $74.2 million to be made in 2010 relating to those homes.  At December 31, 2009, the Company also has options and contingent purchase agreements to acquire land and developed lots with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $81.9 million.  Purchase of properties is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by the Company and the sellers.

At December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding approximately $58.2 million of completion bonds and standby letters of credit, some of which were issued to various local governmental entities that expire at various times
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through December 2016.  Included in this total are: (1) $25.4 million of performance and maintenance bonds and $19.9 million of performance letters of credit that serve as completion bonds for land development work in progress (including the Company’s $0.2 million share of our Unconsolidated LLCs’ letters of credit and bonds); (2) $8.3 million of financial letters of credit, of which $2.6 million represent deposits on land and lot purchase agreements; and (3) $4.6 million of financial bonds. 
 
During 2009, the Company identified approximately 90 homes that have been confirmed as having defective imported drywall installed by our subcontractors.  All of these homes are located in Florida.  The Company has accrued $12.2 million for their repair and we have charged $4.0 million against that accrual in 2009.  

NOTE 12.  Legal Liabilities

On March 14, 2008, a former employee filed a complaint in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, on behalf of himself and those similarly situated, against M/I Homes, Inc., alleging that he and other construction superintendents were misclassified as exempt and not paid overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act and seeking equitable relief, damages and attorneys' fees.  Six other individuals have filed consent forms in order to join the action.  The Company filed an answer on or about August 21, 2008 and intends to vigorously defend against the claims.  

On March 5, 2009, a resident of Florida and an owner of one of our homes filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, on behalf of himself and other similarly situated owners and residents of homes in the United States or alternatively in Florida, against M/I Homes, Inc., and certain other identified and unidentified manufacturers, builders, and suppliers of drywall.  The plaintiff alleges that the Company built his home with defective drywall, manufactured by certain of the defendants, that contains sulfur or other organic compounds capable of harming the health of individuals and damaging metals.  The plaintiff alleges physical and economic damages and seeks legal and equitable relief, medical monitoring and attorney’s fees.  The Company filed a responsive pleading on or about April 30, 2009.  The same homeowner and five others are named as plantiffs in an omnibus class action complaint filed in December 2009 arising from the same type claims.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims.  Please refer to Note 11 for further information on this matter.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in other claims, complaints and legal actions which are routine and incidental to our business.  Certain of the liabilities resulting from these other matters are covered by insurance.   While management currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these other matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position,  results of operations and cash flows, such matters are subject to inherent uncertainties.  The Company has recorded a liability to provide for the anticipated costs, including legal defense costs, associated with the resolution of these other matters.  However, there exists the possibility that the costs to resolve these other matters could differ from the recorded estimates and, therefore, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net income for the periods in which the matters are resolved.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had $2.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively, reserved for legal expenses.

NOTE 13.  Lease Commitments

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

At December 31, 2009, the future minimum rental commitments totaled $10.6 million under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms in excess of one year as follows:  2010 - $3.1 million; 2011 - $2.8 million; 2012 - $2.5 million; 2013 - $1.0 million; 2014 - $0.4 million; and $0.8 million thereafter.  The Company’s total rental expense was $6.5 million, $9.7 million, and $14.8 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NOTE 14.  Community Development District Infrastructure and Related Obligations

A Community Development District and/or Community Development Authority (“CDD”) is a unit of local government created under various state and/or local statutes to encourage planned community development and to allow for the construction and maintenance of long-term infrastructure through alternative financing sources, including the tax-exempt markets.  A CDD is generally created through the approval of the local city or county in which the CDD is located and is controlled by a Board of Supervisors representing the landowners within the CDD.  CDDs may utilize bond financing to fund construction or acquisition of certain on-site and off-site infrastructure
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improvements near or within these communities.  CDDs are also granted the power to levy special assessments to impose ad valorem taxes, rates, fees and other charges for the use of the CDD project.  An allocated share of the principal and interest on the bonds issued by the CDD is assigned to and constitutes a lien on each parcel within the community evidenced by an assessment (“Assessment”).  The owner of each such parcel is responsible for the payment of the Assessment on that parcel.  If the owner of the parcel fails to pay the Assessment, the CDD may foreclose on the lien pursuant to powers conferred to the CDD under applicable state laws and/or foreclosure procedures.  In connection with the development of certain of the Company’s communities, CDDs have been established and bonds have been issued to finance a portion of the related infrastructure.  Following are details relating to the CDD bond obligations issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009:

 
Issue Date
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
Principal Amount
(in thousands)
7/15/2004
12/1/2022
6.00%
$  4,166
7/15/2004
12/1/2036
6.25%
  10,060
3/15/2007
  5/1/2037
5.20%
    6,880
Total CDD bond obligations issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009
$21,106

The Company records a liability for the estimated developer obligations that are fixed and determinable and user fees that are required to be paid or transferred at the time the parcel or unit is sold to an end user.  The Company reduces this liability by the corresponding Assessment assumed by property purchasers and the amounts paid by the Company at the time of closing and the transfer of the property.  The Company has recorded an $8.2 million liability related to these CDD bond obligations as of December 31, 2009, along with the related inventory infrastructure.

NOTE 15.  Consolidated Inventory Not Owned and Related Obligation

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

The Company evaluated all land option contracts and determined that the Company was subject to a majority of the expected losses or entitled to receive a majority of the expected residual returns under one of the contracts.  As the primary beneficiary under this contract, the Company is required to consolidate the fair value of the variable interest entity.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had recorded $0.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively, within Inventory on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, representing the fair value of land under contract.  The corresponding liability has been classified as Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 16.  Note Receivable

On December 22, 2006, in connection with the sale of certain property to a developer, the Company received a promissory note in the amount of $6.1 million bearing interest at 4.91% per annum, secured by the related property. Interest payments under the note were due semiannually, with the unpaid principal balance and any unpaid accrued interest due on December 1, 2009.  The developer is currently in default on this note, which has caused the Company to evaluate the fair value of this note receivable based on the value of the underlying security.  The Company has recorded a $3.8 million allowance against this note receivable within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 17.  Debt

Notes Payable Banks and Other

In January 2009, we entered into the Third Amendment to The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 6, 2006 (the “Credit Facility”) to:  (1) reduce the Aggregate Commitment (as defined therein) from $250 million to $150 million, which is then reduced to $125 million, $100 million and $60 million if the Company’s consolidated tangible net worth falls below $250 million, $200 million and $150 million, respectively; (2) require secured borrowings based on a Secured Borrowing Base calculated as 100% of Secured  Borrowing Base Cash plus 40% of the aggregated Appraised Value of the Qualified Real Property, as defined therein; (3) redefine consolidated tangible net worth as equal to or exceeding (i) $100 million plus (ii) fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated Earnings
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(without deduction for losses and excluding the effect of any decrease in any Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance) earned for each completed fiscal quarter ending after December 31, 2008 to the date of determination, excluding any quarter in which the Consolidated Earnings are less than zero; plus (iii) the amount of any reduction or reversal in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance for each completed fiscal quarter ending after December 31, 2008; (4) require the permitted leverage ratio not to exceed 2.00x; (5) increase the percentage of speculative units allowed based on the latest six and twelve month closings; (6) increase the limitations on joint venture investments and extensions of credit in connection with the sale of land; and (7) increase the pricing provisions.

At December 31, 2009, borrowing availability was $35.1 million in accordance with the borrowing base calculation, and there were $10.6 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility, leaving net remaining borrowing availability of $24.5 million.  The Company has pledged inventory assets totaling $112.8 million at December 31, 2009 to secure the outstanding letters of credit and any future borrowings under the Credit Facility.  The Company can create additional borrowing availability under the Credit Facility to the extent it collateralizes additional cash and/or inventory assets.  The borrowing availability can also be increased by increasing investments in assets currently pledged but this is offset by the collateral value of homes delivered that are within the pledged asset pool.  Borrowings under the Credit Facility are at the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin ranging from 350 to 425 basis points, or at the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 450 to 525 basis points.  The Alternate Base Rate is defined as the higher of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 50 basis points or the one month Eurodollar Rate plus 100 basis points.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility also places limitations on the amount of additional indebtedness that may be incurred by the Company, limitations on the investments that the Company may make, including joint ventures and advances to officers and employees, and limitations on the aggregate cost of certain types of inventory that the Company can hold at any one time.  The Company is required under the Credit Facility to maintain a certain amount of tangible net worth and, as of December 31, 2009, our tangible net worth exceeded the minimum tangible net worth required by this covenant by approximately $205.0 million.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the Credit Facility.

On April 29, 2009, M/I Financial entered into a new secured credit agreement, which was amended by the First Amendment to the secured credit agreement on September 23, 2009, and the Second Amendment on December 30, 2009 (“MIF Credit Agreement”).  This agreement replaced M/I Financial’s previous credit agreement that expired on May 21, 2009.

The MIF Credit Agreement provides M/I Financial with $30.0 million maximum borrowing availability.  The MIF Credit Agreement, which expires on May 15, 2010, is secured by certain mortgage loans.  The MIF Credit Agreement also provides for limits with respect to certain loan types that can secure the borrowings under the agreement.  M/I Financial shall not permit its tangible net worth to be less than the sum of (1) $13.0 million, as of the end of any calendar month during the period beginning May 15, 2009 and ending November 30, 2009, and (2) $13.0 million plus (a) twenty-five percent (25%) of the greater of (i) net income of M/I Financial and its subsidiaries or (ii) zero, calculated separately for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.  M/I Financial shall not permit its adjusted tangible net worth (the tangible net worth less the outstanding amount of intercompany loans) to be less than the sum of (1) $11.0 million, as of the end of any calendar month during the period beginning May 15, 2009 and ending November 30, 2009, and (2) $11.0 million plus (a) twenty-five percent (25%) of the greater of (i) net income of M/I Financial and its subsidiaries or (ii) zero, calculated separately for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2009.  M/I Financial shall not permit the ratio of earnings before interest and taxes to interest expense to be less than 1.25 to 1.00.  M/I Financial pays interest on each advance under the MIF Credit Agreement at a per annum rate of the greater of the floating LIBOR rate (LIBOR plus 400 basis points) or 5.25%.  As of December 31, 2009, M/I Financial was in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the MIF Credit Agreement.

In July 2009, the Company entered into the LOC Facilities with a borrowing capacity of $35 million and with maturities ranging from August 31, 2010 to August 31, 2011 for three of the LOC Facilities while the fourth LOC Facility remains in effect until the Company gives notice of termination.  As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants.  There are also cross defaults to the Credit Facility discussed above, as well as collateral requirements which the Company will cover solely with cash.  At December 31, 2009, there was $17.7 million outstanding under the LOC Facilities which was collateralized with $18.6 million of restricted cash.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had outstanding a building mortgage note payable in the principal amount of $6.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively, with a fixed interest rate of 8.117% and a maturity date of April 1, 2017.  The book value of the collateral securing this note was $10.9 million at both December 31, 2009 and 2008.
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On April 4, 2008, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a financial institution which was collateralized by the Company’s aircraft which was exchanged in the first quarter of 2008.  This $10.2 million promissory note bore interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and was due April 2015.  The balance of the note at December 31, 2008 was $9.9 million.  During 2009, the Company sold its airplane and used the proceeds from that sale to pay off the note payable associated with the airplane.

Senior Notes

As of December 31, 2009, we had $200 million of 6.875% senior notes outstanding (our "Senior Notes").  The notes are due April 2012 and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by substantially all of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries.  The Credit Facility prohibits the early repurchase of our Senior Notes.

The indenture governing our Senior Notes contains restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of the Company to pay dividends on common and preferred shares, or repurchase any shares.  If our “restricted payments basket,” as defined in the indenture governing our Senior Notes, is less than zero, we are restricted from making certain payments, including dividends, as well as from repurchasing any shares.  At December 31, 2009, our restricted payments basket was ($156.0) million.  As a result of this deficit, we are currently restricted from paying dividends on our common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, and from repurchasing any shares under our common shares repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in November 2005.  These restrictions do not affect our compliance with any of the covenants contained in the Credit Facility and will not permit the lenders under the Credit Facility to accelerate the loans.

Maturities with respect to the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 
Debt
 Maturities
Year Ending December 31,
(In thousands)
2010
$ 24,142
2011
  -
2012
  200,000
2013
  -
2014
  -
Total
$ 224,142

NOTE 18.  Universal Shelf Registration

On May 19, 2009, we raised $52.6 million by issuing 4,475,600 shares of our common stock in a public offering, pursuant to the $250 million universal shelf registration filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission in August 2008.

As of December 31, 2009, $194.1 million remains available for future offerings under the $250 million universal shelf registration.  Pursuant to the filing, the Company may, from time to time over an extended period, offer new debt, equity and certain other securities.  The timing and amount of offerings, if any, will depend on market and general business conditions.

NOTE 19.  Preferred Shares

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 2,000,000 non-cumulative preferred shares, par value $.01 per share.  On March 15, 2007, the Company issued 4,000,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/1000th of a 9.75% Series A Preferred Share, or 4,000 Preferred Shares in the aggregate (the “Preferred Shares”).  The aggregate liquidation value of the Preferred Shares is $100 million.  There were no dividends paid in 2009.

As discussed in Note 17, the indenture governing our Senior Notes contains a provision that restricts the payment of dividends when the calculation of the “restricted payments basket,” as defined therein, falls below zero.  At December 31, 2009, the restricted payments basket was $(156.0) million and, therefore, we are currently restricted from making any further dividend payments on our Preferred Shares.  We will continue to be restricted from paying dividends until such time as the restricted payments basket has been restored or our Senior Notes are repaid, and our Board of Directors authorizes us to resume dividend payments.

December 15, 2009 was the sixth dividend payment for which dividends on the Preferred Shares have not been paid.  As a result, the Board of Directors called a special meeting of the holders of the Preferred Shares (as represented by the depositary shares) for the purpose of nominating two persons to serve on the Board of Directors. On January 12, 2010, the Company held the special meeting of the holders of the Preferred Shares.  No Preferred Shares were
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represented in person or by properly executed proxy at the special meeting and, as a result, no persons were nominated to serve as directors.
 
NOTE 20.  Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following:

 
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Federal
$ (27,647 ) $ 26,448   $ (48,955 )
State and local
  (3,233 )   3,843     (9,441 )
Total
$ (30,880 ) $ 30,291   $ (58,396 )
                   
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
  2009     2008     2007  
Current
$ (30,880 ) $ (37,576 ) $ (31,585 )
Deferred
  -     67,867     (26,811 )
Total
$ (30,880 ) $ 30,291   $ (58,396 )

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Company’s effective tax rate was 33.2%, (14.1%), and 38.7%, respectively. The negative tax rate in 2008 is due primarily to the valuation allowance recorded on our deferred tax assets.  The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 introduced a special 3% tax deduction under Internal Revenue Code Section 199, “Income Attributable to Domestic Production Activities.”  In 2007 and 2008, this item reduced the current federal income tax benefit as the carryback of the 2007 and 2008 federal taxable losses decreased the benefit originally claimed in the 2005 and 2006 federal tax returns.  Reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate and consolidated provision for income taxes are as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Federal taxes at statutory rate
$ (32,546 ) $ (75,312 ) $ (52,807 )
State and local taxes – net of federal tax benefit
  (2,101 )   2,498     (6,137 )
Change in unrecognized tax benefit
  (1,294 )   (1,469 )   (641 )
Manufacturing credit
  (1,300 )   (1,269 )   1,519  
Change in valuation allowance
  8,220     108,608     250  
Other
  (1,859 )   (2,765 )   (580 )
Total
$ (30,880 ) $ 30,291   $ (58,396 )

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2005.  The Company is audited from time to time, and if any adjustments are made, they would be either immaterial or reserved.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
   2009  
2008
 
2007
 
Balance at January 1, 2009
$ 4,677   $ 6,146   $ 6,787  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
   -     -     -  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
   139     471     679  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
   (506 )   (827 )   (1,320 )
Settlements
   (927   (1,113 )   -
Balance at December 31, 2009
$  3,383   $ 4,677   $ 6,146  
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense.  The Company recognized $0.1 million in interest and penalty charges in 2009, $0.5 million in 2008 and $0.2 million in 2007.  The Company accrued $1.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the payment of interest and the payment of penalties at December 31, 2009, and 2008.

The Company has taken positions in certain taxing jurisdictions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits may significantly decrease within the next twelve months.  The possible decrease could result from the finalization of the Company’s various state income tax audits.  State income tax audits are primarily concerned with apportionment-related issues.  The estimated range of the reasonably possible decrease spans from a zero decrease to a decrease of $1.9 million related to lapse in statutes.
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The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that comprise the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 
December 31,
(In thousands)
2009
 
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:
       
   Warranty, insurance and other accruals
$ 12,187   $ 12,177  
   Inventory
  55,303     61,493  
   State taxes
  17     27  
   Net operating loss carryforward
  48,775     35,893  
   Deferred charges
  1,870     2,126  
Total deferred tax assets
  118,152     111,716  
Deferred tax liabilities:
           
   Depreciation
  695     2,421  
   Prepaid expenses
  379     437  
Total deferred tax liabilities
  1,074     2,858  
Less valuation allowance
  117,078     108,858  
Net deferred tax asset
$ -   $ -  

Deferred federal and state income tax assets primarily represent the deferred tax benefits arising from temporary differences between book and tax income which will be recognized in future years as an offset against future taxable income.  These assets were largely generated as a result of inventory impairments that the Company incurred in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  If, for some reason, the combination of future years’ income (or loss), combined with the reversal of the timing differences, results in a loss, such losses can be carried back to prior years or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets.

The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, to determine if a valuation allowance is required.  We are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.  In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.  A cumulative loss in recent years is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable, and also restricts the amount of reliance on projections of future taxable income to support the recovery of deferred tax assets.  The Company’s current and prior year losses present the most significant negative evidence as to whether the Company needs to reduce its deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance.  We are in a four-year cumulative pre-tax loss position during the years 2005 through 2009.  We currently believe the cumulative weight of the negative evidence exceeds that of the positive evidence and, as a result, it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize all of our deferred tax assets.  Therefore, as of December 31, 2009, the Company has recorded an additional valuation allowance of $8.2 million, for a total valuation allowance recorded of $117.1 million, against its deferred tax assets.  In 2010, we do not expect to record any additional tax benefits as the carryback has been exhausted.  The accounting for deferred taxes is based upon an estimate of future results.  Differences between the anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

At December 31, 2009, the Company had a Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of approximately $37.1 million.  This Federal carryforward benefit will begin to expire in 2029.  The Company also had state NOL benefits of $11.7 million, with $6.5 million expiring between 2022 and 2027, and $5.2 million expiring between 2028 and 2033.

In November 2009, Congress passed new net operating loss carry-back legislation which extended the carryback period.  As a result of this new legislation, we expect to receive a refund of $25.9 million in the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the five-year carryback and a refund of $4.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 as a result of the 10-year carryback period available for certain of our 2009 losses.

NOTE 21.  Financial Instruments

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

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).
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December 31, 2009
 
December 31, 2008
 
 
   Carrying
 
   Fair
 
   Carrying
 
   Fair
 
 
   Amount
 
   Value
 
   Amount
 
   Value
 
Assets:
               
   Cash, including restricted cash
$ 132,232   $ 132,232   $ 39,176   $ 39,176  
   Mortgage loans held for sale
  34,978     34,978     37,772     37,772  
   Other assets
  10,172     10,050     14,282     13,813  
   Notes receivable
  5,584     5,584     5,000     5,356  
   Commitments to extend real estate loans
  -     -     638     638  
   Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans
                       
      held for sale
  308     308     73     73  
   Forward sale of mortgage-backed securities
  833     833     -     -  
Liabilities:
                       
   Notes payable - banks
  24,142     24,142     35,078     35,078  
   Mortgage notes payable
  6,160     7,036     6,442     9,819  
   Notes payable - other
  -     -     9,857     9,857  
   Senior Notes
  199,424     187,750     199,168     105,000  
   Commitments to extend real estate loans
  145     145     -     -  
   Forward sale of mortgage-backed securities
  -     -     1,104     1,104  
   Other liabilities
  51,851     51,851     54,183     54,183  
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
                       
   Letters of credit
  -     693     -     727  

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures of financial instruments at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

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

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, Forward Sale of Mortgage-Backed Securities, Commitments to Extend Real Estate Loans, Best-Efforts Contracts for Committed IRLCs and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, Notes Payable - Other and Senior Notes.  The fair value of these financial instruments was determined based upon market quotes at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The market quotes used were quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities along with inputs taken from observable market data by correlation.  The inputs were adjusted to account for the condition of the asset or liability.

Other Assets and Notes Receivable.  The estimated fair value was determined by calculating the present value of the amounts based on the estimated timing of receipts.

Notes Payable - Banks.  The interest rate currently available to the Company fluctuates with the Alternate Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate (for the Credit Facility) or LIBOR (for the MIF Credit Agreement), and thus their carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Mortgage Notes Payable.  The estimated fair value was determined by calculating the present value of the future cash flows.

Letters of Credit.  Letters of credit of $28.3 million and $36.5 million represent potential commitments at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The letters of credit generally expire within one or two years.  The estimated fair value of letters of credit was determined using fees currently charged for similar agreements.

NOTE 22.  Business Segments

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

Midwest
Florida
Mid-Atlantic
Columbus, Ohio
Tampa, Florida
Washington, D.C.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Orlando, Florida
Charlotte, North Carolina
Indianapolis, Indiana
 
Raleigh, North Carolina
Chicago, Illinois
   
 
81

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

The chief operating decision makers utilize operating profits (losses), defined as profits (losses) before interest expense and income taxes, as a performance measure.  Selected financial information for our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:

 
Years Ended
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Revenue:
           
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 258,910   $ 232,715   $ 358,441  
  Florida homebuilding
  95,615     151,643     312,930  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  201,366     202,038     326,451  
  Other homebuilding – unallocated (a)
  -     7,131     (424 )
  Financial services
  14,058     14,132     19,062  
Total revenue
$ 569,949   $ 607,659   $ 1,016,460  
 
Operating (loss) income:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding (b)
$ (17,590 ) $ (73,073 ) $ (10,377 )
  Florida homebuilding (b)
  (41,092 )   (71,864 )   (63,117 )
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding (b)
  (7,500 )   (41,491 )   (43,547 )
  Other homebuilding – unallocated (a)
  -     503     386  
  Financial services
  6,533     6,010     8,517  
  Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expense (c)
  (23,932 )   (29,567 )   (27,395 )
Total operating loss
$ (83,581 ) $ (209,482 ) $ (135,533 )
 
Interest expense:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 4,043   $ 5,197   $ 4,788  
  Florida homebuilding
  1,690     2,335     5,877  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  2,235     3,209     3,815  
  Financial services
  499     456     636  
  Corporate
  -     -     227  
Total interest expense
$ 8,467   $ 11,197   $ 15,343  
 
Other (loss) income (d)
  (941 )   5,555     -  
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
$ (92,989 ) $ (215,124 ) $ (150,876 )
 
Assets:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 224,059   $ 242,066   $ 354,220  
  Florida homebuilding
  80,797     121,587     241,603  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  141,998     185,268     276,887  
  Financial services
  52,092     60,992     62,411  
  Corporate
  164,882     83,375     167,926  
  Assets of discontinued operation
  -     -     14,598  
Total assets
$ 663,828   $ 693,288   $ 1,117,645  
 
Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 6,051   $ 6,359   $ 15,705  
  Florida homebuilding
  4,248     6,771     24,638  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  -     -     -  
  Financial services
  -     -     -  
Total investment in Unconsolidated LLCs
$ 10,299   $ 13,130   $ 40,343  
 
Depreciation and amortization:
                 
  Midwest homebuilding
$ 659   $ 336   $ 543  
  Florida homebuilding
  728     1,288     1,603  
  Mid-Atlantic homebuilding
  959     1,028     849  
  Financial services
  395     471     498  
  Corporate
  5,130     4,631     4,495  
Total depreciation and amortization
$ 7,871   $ 7,754   $ 7,988  

(a)  
Other homebuilding – unallocated consists of the net impact in the period due to timing of homes delivered with low down-payment loans (buyers put less than 5% down) funded by the Company’s financial services operations not yet sold to a third party.  In accordance with applicable accounting rules, recognition of such revenue must be deferred until the related loan is sold to a third party.  Refer to the Revenue Recognition policy described in our Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion.

(b)  
The years ending December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs and the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs of $57.1 million, $158.6 million and $152.0 million,
82

 
(c)  
respectively.  For 2009, 2008 and 2007, these charges reduced operating income by $20.4 million, $56.3 million and $8.8 million in the Midwest region, $24.1 million, $66.9 million and $88.3 million in the Florida region, and $12.6 million, $35.4 million and $54.9 million in the Mid-Atlantic region, respectively.

(d)  
The years ending December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include the impact of severance charges of $1.0 million, $3.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively.  The year ended December 31, 2008 also includes charges of $3.3 million for corporate asset impairments.  The year ended December 31, 2007 also includes the write-off of $5.2 million of intangibles.

(e)  
Other (loss) income is comprised of the loss on the sale of the plane during the first quarter of 2009, and the gain recognized on the exchange of the Company’s airplane during the first quarter of 2008.

NOTE 23.  Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited)

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

 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
 
 
2009
 
2009
 
2009
 
2009
 
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Revenue
$ 204,916   $ 152,738   $ 116,146   $ 96,149  
Gross margin (a)
$ 7,919   $ 6,360   $ 7,972   $ (2,712 )
Net income (loss) (c)
$ 6,996   $ (21,074 ) $ (19,902 ) $ (28,129 )
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                       
   Basic  (c)
$ 0.38   $ (1.14 ) $ (1.26 ) $ (2.01 )
   Diluted (c)
$ 0.37   $ (1.14 ) $ (1.26 ) $ (2.01 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding
  (In thousands):
                       
   Basic
  18,519     18,514     15,790     14,027  
   Diluted
  18,712     18,514     15,790     14,027  
                         
   
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
 
    2008     2008     2008     2008  
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Revenue
$ 150,187   $ 160,385   $ 141,002   $ 156,085  
Gross margin (a)
$ (35,832 ) $ (24,280 ) $ (21,103 ) $ 3,410  
Net loss from continuing operations
$ (75,360 ) $ (58,655 ) $ (91,250 ) $ (20,150 )
Discontinued operation, net of tax
$ -   $ -   $ (413 ) $ 380  
Net loss (c)
$ (75,360 ) $ (58,655 ) $ (91,663 ) $ (19,770 )
Loss per common share:
                       
   Basic  (b) (c)
$ (5.38 ) $ (4.18 ) $ (6.72 ) $ (1.58 )
   Diluted (b) (c)
$ (5.38 ) $ (4.18 ) $ (6.72 ) $ (1.58 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding
  (In thousands):
                       
   Basic
  14,022     14,019     14,016     14,007  
   Diluted
  14,022     14,019     14,016     14,007  

(a)  
First, second, third and fourth quarters of 2009 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, which reduced gross margin by $10.9 million, $6.6 million, $15.0 million and $22.9 million, respectively.  These same charges reduced gross margin in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2008 by $21.1 million, $39.9 million, $43.1 million and $49.2 million, respectively.
 
(b)  
First and second quarters of 2008 include earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations of $0.03 and $(0.03), respectively.

(c)  
First, second, third and fourth quarters of 2009 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs, and charges related to the repair of certain homes in Florida where certain of our subcontractors had purchased imported drywall that may be responsible for accelerated corrosion of certain metals in the home.  These charges reduced net income by $9.3 million, $5.7 million, $12.1 million and $15.9 million, respectively, and reduced earnings (loss) per common share for those same periods by $0.66, 0.36, 0.65 and $0.85.  First, second, third and fourth quarters of 2008 include the impact of charges relating to the impairment of inventory and investment in Unconsolidated LLCs, and the write-off of land deposits and pre-acquisition costs, which reduced net income by $13.8 million, $24.7 million, $27.0 million and $32.8 million, respectively, and loss per common share by $0.99, $1.76, $1.93 and $2.34, respectively.

NOTE 24.  Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through February 24, 2010, which is the date these financial statements were issued, and no material subsequent events occurred between December 31, 2009 and February 24, 2010.
83

 
ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
                   FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

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

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.  In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2009, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report included on page 87 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.
 
 
84

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of M/I Homes, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio
 
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 of the Company and our report dated February 24, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP


Columbus, Ohio
February 24, 2010

 
85

PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
    RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2009 with respect to the common shares issuable under the Company’s equity compensation plans:
Plan Category
Number of
securities to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
(a)
 
Weighted-
average
exercise price
of outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
(b)
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders (1)
1,654,111
 
$25.69
 
         718,094
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders (2)
   102,339
 
         -
 
          658,026
Total
1,756,450
 
$25.69
 
       1,376,120

(1)  
Consists of the Company’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended (1,624,043 outstanding stock options and 915 restricted shares), which expired in April 2009, the Company’s 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan (23,153 outstanding stock units), which was terminated in May 2009, and the Company’s 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (6,000 outstanding stock units).  The weighted average exercise price relates to the stock options granted under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended.  The stock units granted under the 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan and the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan are “full value awards” that were issued at an average unit price of $27.98 and $13.66, respectively, and will be settled at a future date in common shares on a one-for-one basis without the payment of any exercise price.  The restricted shares had a fair market value of $33.86 on the day of grant.  The aggregate number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted under the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan is 700,000 shares plus any shares subject to outstanding awards under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as of May 5, 2009 that on or after May 5, 2009 cease for any reason to be subject to such awards other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent they are exercised for or settled in vested and non-forfeitable shares (26,194 shares at December 31, 2009).  Refer to Note 2 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these plans.

(2)  
Consists of the Company’s Director Deferred Compensation Plan and the Company’s Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan.  The average unit price of the outstanding “phantom stock” units is $21.52.  Pursuant to these plans, our directors and eligible employees may defer the payment of all or a portion of their director fees and annual cash bonuses, respectively, and the deferred amount is converted into phantom stock units which will be settled at a future date in common shares on a one-for-one basis without the payment of any exercise price.  Refer to Note 2 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these plans.  Neither the Director Deferred Compensation Plan nor the Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan provides for a specified limit on the number of Common Shares which may be attributable to participants’ accounts relating to phantom stock units and issued under the terms of these plans.  The Company maintains Registration Statements on Form S-8 pursuant to which a total of 1,150,000 Common Shares are registered for issuance under the terms of these plans.  The number of securities remaining available for future issuance reflects the number of Common Shares registered under such Registration Statements which have not been issued under the plans as of December 31, 2009.

The remaining information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
86

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

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
87

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Documents filed as part of this report
 
(1)  The following financial statements are contained in Item 8:
     
Page in
     
this
   
Financial Statements
Report
       
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
51
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
52
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
53
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008
 
   
  and 2007
54
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
55
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
56-83
       
 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules:
 
       
   
None required.
 
   
 
(3)
Exhibits:
 
   
The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed as part of this report.  For convenience of reference, the exhibits are listed according to the numbers appearing in the Exhibit Table to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

Exhibit
Number
 
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No. 1-12434).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Regulations of the Company, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-12434).
     
3.3
 
Amendment of Article I(f) of the Company’s Amended and Restated Code of Regulations to permit shareholders to appoint proxies in any manner permitted by Ohio law, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 (File No. 1-12434).
     
3.4
 
Amendment to Article First of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated January 9, 2004, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
     
3.5
 
Certificate of Amendment by Directors to Article Fourth of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated March 13, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2007.
     
3.6
 
Amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Code of Regulations, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2009.
     
4.1
 
Specimen of Stock Certificate, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File No. 33-68564.
     
4.2
 
Indenture dated as of March 24, 2005 by and among M/I Homes, Inc., its guarantors as named in the Indenture and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee of the 6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2012, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 24, 2005.
 
88

 
4.3
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 24, 2005, among the Company, the Guarantors listed on the signature page thereof and the Initial Purchasers listed on the signature page thereof, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 24, 2005.
     
4.4
 
Specimen certificate representing the 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares, par value $0.1 per share, of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2007.

10.1*
 
The M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan as Amended and Restated, adopted as of January 1, 1997, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.2*
 
Amendment Number 1 of the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan for the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 dated November 12, 2002, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.3*
 
Second Amendment to the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan dated November 11, 2003, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.4*
 
Third Amendment to the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan dated January 26, 2005, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.5*
 
Fourth Amendment to the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan dated July 1, 2005, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.
     
10.6*
 
Fifth Amendment to the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan dated November 7, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
     
10.7*
 
Sixth Amendment to the M/I Homes, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan dated December 13, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
     
10.8
 
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective as of October 6, 2006 by and among M/I Homes, Inc., as borrower; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as agent for the lenders and Wachovia Bank National Association, as syndication agent; The Huntington National Bank, KeyBank National Association, Charter One Bank, N.A. SunTrust Bank, AmSouth Bank, Bank of Montreal, Guaranty Bank, National City Bank and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-agents; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wachovia Bank, National Association, The Huntington National Bank, KeyBank National Association, Charter One Bank, N.A., SunTrust Bank, AmSouth Bank, Bank of Montreal, Guaranty Bank, National City Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, LaSalle Bank National Association, PNC Bank, N.A., City National Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Franklin Bank, S.S.B., Comerica Bank, and Bank United, F.S.B., as banks; and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as lead arranger and sole bookrunner, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of October 6, 2006.
     
10.9
 
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective as of December 22, 2006 by and among M/I Homes, Inc. as borrower and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as agent, and the lenders party to that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 6, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
     
10.10
 
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated August 28, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2007.
     
10.11
 
Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 27, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 1, 2008.
 
89

 
10.12
 
Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated January 15, 2009 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2009.
     
10.13
 
Collateral Agreement made by M/I Homes, Inc., and certain of its subsidiaries in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, as Collateral Agent dated as of January 15, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2009.
     
10.14
 
First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement Among M/I Financial, Corp. and M/I Homes, Inc., as the Borrowers, and Guaranty Bank, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2006.
     
10.15
 
First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement effective as of November 13, 2006, by and among M/I Financial Corp., the Company and Guaranty Bank, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
     
10.16
 
Second Amendment to First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement effective as of April 27, 2007 by and among M/I Financial Corp., the Company and Guaranty Bank, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
     
10.17
 
Third Amendment to First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement effective as of August 8, 2007 by and among M/I Financial Corp., the Company and Guaranty Bank, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 31, 2007.
     
10.18
 
Fourth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement effective as of April 18, 2008 by and among M/I Financial Corp, the Company and Guaranty Bank, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.
     
10.19
 
Credit Agreement by and among M/I Financial Corp., as borrower, the lenders party thereto and Guaranty Bank, as administrative agent dated May 2, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
     
10.20
 
Credit Agreement by and among M/I Financial Corp., as borrower, the lenders party thereto and The Huntington National Bank, as administrative agent, dated April 29, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.
     
10.21
 
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement by and among M/I Financial Corp., as borrower, the lenders party thereto and The Huntington National Bank, as administrative agent, dated September 23, 2009,  hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
     
10.22
 
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement by and among M/I Financial Corp., as borrower, the lenders party thereto and The Huntington National Bank, as administrative agent, dated December 30, 2009.  (Filed herewith.)
     
10.23
 
Master Letter of Credit Facility Agreement by and between U.S. Bank National Association and M/I Homes, Inc., dated July 27, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2009.
     
10.24
 
Letter of Credit Pledge by and between Citibank, N.A. and M/I Homes, Inc., dated July 27, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2009.
     
10.25
 
Letter of Credit Agreement by and between Regions Bank and M/I Homes, Inc., dated July 27, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2009.
     
10.26
 
Credit Agreement by and between The Huntington National Bank and M/I Homes, Inc., dated July 27, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2009.
 
90

 
10.27*
 
M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan As Amended dated April 22, 1999, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.28*
 
First Amendment to M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan As Amended dated August 11, 1999, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.29*
 
Second Amendment to the Company’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended dated February 13, 2001, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.30*
 
Third Amendment to the Company’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended dated April 27, 2006, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
     
10.31*
 
Fourth Amendment to M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended, effective as of August 28, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.
     
10.32
 
Form of M/I Homes, Inc. 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan Stock Units Award Agreements, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report of Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2006.
     
10.33
 
M/I Homes, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan, effective as of August 28, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.
     
10.34
 
M/I Homes, Inc. Amended and Restated Director Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of August 28, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.
     
10.35*
 
M/I Homes, Inc. Amended and Restated Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of August 28, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

10.36*
 
Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Agreement by and among the Company and Robert H. Schottenstein, and Janice K. Schottenstein as Trustee, of the Robert H. Schottenstein 1996 Insurance Trust dated September 24, 1997, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 1-12434).  In 2004, the Trustee changed to Steven Schottenstein but did not require amendment to the original agreement.
     
10.37
 
Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Agreement by and among the Company and Phillip Creek, dated September 24, 1997.   (Filed herewith).
     
10.38*
 
Change of Control Agreement between the Company and Robert H. Schottenstein dated July 3, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2008.
     
10.39*
 
Change of Control Agreement between the Company and Phillip G. Creek dated July 3, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2008.
     
10.40*
 
Change of Control Agreement between the Company and J. Thomas Mason dated July 3, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2008.
     
10.41*
 
M/I Homes, Inc. 2004 Executive Officers Compensation Plan, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (File No. 1-12434).
     
10.42*
 
M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Annual Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009.
 
91

 
10.43*
 
M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009.
     
10.44*
 
 
First Amendment to M/I Homes 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009.
     
10.45*
 
M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Units Award Agreement for Directors, dated August 18, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
     
10.46*
 
Form of 2008 Award Formulas and Performance Goals Under the 2004 Executive Officer Compensation Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 19, 2008.
     
10.47
 
Agreement for Purchase and Sale, dated as of December 21, 2007, by and between M/I Homes of West Palm Beach, LLC, as seller, and KLP East LLC, as purchaser, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
     
10.48
 
 
Amendment to Agreement for Purchase and Sale, dated as of December 27, 2007, by and between M/I Homes of West Palm Beach, LLC, as seller, and KLP East LLC, as purchaser, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
     
21
 
Subsidiaries of Company.  (Filed herewith.)
     
23
 
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.  (Filed herewith.)
     
24
 
Powers of Attorney.  (Filed herewith.)
     
31.1
 
Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)
     
31.2
 
Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)
     
32.1
 
Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)
     
32.2
 
Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  (Filed herewith.)
     
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


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

 
92


 
Exhibit
Number
 
 
Description
     
10.21
 
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement by and among M/I Financial Corp., as borrower, the lenders party thereto and The Huntington National Bank, as administrative agent, dated December 30, 2009.  (Filed herewith.)
     
10.37  
Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Agreement by and among the Company and Phillip Creek, dated September 24, 1997.   (Filed herewith).
 
21
 
Subsidiaries of Company.
     
23
 
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
     
24
 
Powers of Attorney.
     
31.1
 
Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certification by Robert H. Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification by Phillip G. Creek, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules
     
   
None required.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
93

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Columbus, Ohio on this 24th day of February 2010.
 

 
M/I Homes, Inc.
 (Registrant)
   
 By: /s/Robert H. Schottenstein 
   Robert H. Schottenstein
   Chairman of the Board,
   Chief Executive Officer and President
   (Principal Executive Officer)
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 24th day of February 2010.

NAME AND TITLE
 
NAME AND TITLE
     
JOSEPH A. ALUTTO*
 
/s/Robert H. Schottenstein
Joseph A. Alutto
 
Robert H. Schottenstein
Director
 
Chairman of the Board,
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
FRIEDRICH K. M. BÖHM*
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
Friedrich K. M. Böhm
   
Director
 
/s/Phillip G. Creek
   
Phillip G. Creek
YVETTE MCGEE BROWN*
 
Executive Vice President,
Yvette McGee Brown
 
Chief Financial Officer and Director
Director
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
     
THOMAS D. IGOE*
 
/s/Ann Marie W. Hunker
Thomas D. Igoe
 
Ann Marie W. Hunker
Director
 
Vice President, Corporate Controller
   
(Principal Accounting Officer)
J. THOMAS MASON*
   
J. Thomas Mason
   
Executive Vice President, General
   
Counsel and Director
   
     
JEFFREY H. MIRO*
   
Jeffrey H. Miro
   
Director
   
     
NORMAN L. TRAEGER*
   
Norman L. Traeger
   
Director
   
     

*The above-named Directors and Officers of the registrant execute this report by Robert H. Schottenstein and Phillip G. Creek, their Attorneys-in-Fact, pursuant to powers of attorney executed by the above-named Directors and Officers and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 24 to this report.


By:
/s/Robert H. Schottenstein
 
  By:
/s/Phillip G. Creek
 
Robert H. Schottenstein, Attorney-In-Fact
   
Phillip G. Creek, Attorney-In-Fact
94