OCWEN FINANCIAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)

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Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of October 31, 2013: 135,822,932 shares.

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this report, including, without limitation, statements regarding our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for our future operations, are forward-looking statements.

These statements include declarations regarding our management’s beliefs and current expectations. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could”, “intend,” “consider,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict” or “continue” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and the following:

Further information on the risks specific to our business is detailed within this report and our other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and except for our ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND 2012
(Dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data or if otherwise indicated)

Organization

Ocwen Financial Corporation (NYSE: OCN) (Ocwen, OCN, “we”, or “us”) is a financial services holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the servicing and origination of mortgage loans. Ocwen is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices throughout the United States and in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) with support operations in India and Uruguay. Ocwen is a Florida corporation organized in February 1988. Ocwen owned all of the common stock of one of its primary operating subsidiaries, Ocwen Mortgage Servicing, Inc. (OMS), and directly or indirectly owned all of the outstanding stock of its other primary operating subsidiaries: Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC (OLS), Ocwen Financial Solutions Private Limited, Homeward Residential, Inc. (Homeward) and Liberty Home Equity Solutions, Inc. (Liberty) (formerly known as Genworth Financial Home Equity Access, Inc.).

We are licensed to service mortgage loans and to originate mortgage loans in all jurisdictions in which we operate.

We purchase existing mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) from market participants and generate new servicing rights through our origination activities. We perform primary and master servicer activities on behalf of investors and other servicers, including the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) (collectively, the GSEs). We service prime and non-prime mortgages including mortgages included in private label mortgage-backed securities. As primary servicer, we may make certain payments of property taxes and insurance premiums, default and property maintenance payments, as well as advances of principal and interest payments before collecting them from borrowers. As master servicer, we collect mortgage payments from primary servicers and distribute the funds to investors in the mortgage-backed securities. To the extent that the primary servicer does not advance the scheduled principal and interest, as master servicer we are responsible for advancing the shortfall subject to certain limitations.

We originate, purchase, sell and securitize prime forward and reverse mortgages. These loans are insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or conform to the underwriting standards of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The GSEs guarantee these securitizations.

We are actively engaged in identifying and completing asset and other acquisitions in connection with our growth strategy. This could involve the acquisition of domestic and international servicing and/or origination platforms or related assets. See Note 4 – Business Acquisitions for additional information.

On June 13, 2013, OLS entered into a mortgage servicing rights purchase and sale agreement (Purchase Agreement) with OneWest Bank, FSB, a federal savings bank (the Seller), pursuant to which OLS agreed to purchase MSRs and related servicing advance receivables (the OneWest MSR Transaction).  No operations, entities or other assets were acquired in the transaction. Contemporaneously with the execution of the Purchase Agreement, Ocwen executed a guarantee pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations and performance of OLS under the Purchase Agreement. As part of the OneWest MSR Transaction, each of the Seller and OLS have agreed to indemnification provisions for the benefit of the other party.

The OneWest MSR Transaction is closing in stages, and we expect that the majority of loans will be boarded onto our primary servicing platform by December 31, 2013. The GSE loans were boarded during August and September, and we expect to board the majority of the private label securities in November. Each closing is subject to, among other things, receipt of certain investor and third party consents and customary closing conditions. In the event that all of the closings have not been completed by January 31, 2014, the unsettled component of the transaction would be subject to termination in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement.

On various dates beginning on April 1, 2013 and continuing through August 31, 2013, the date on which our purchase obligation terminated, we completed the acquisition of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac MSRs and related advances from Ally Bank (Ally MSR Transaction), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ally Financial Inc. (Ally), the indirect parent of Residential Capital, LLC (ResCap). Prior to the closing, we subserviced the related MSRs on behalf of Ally Bank. We assumed certain origination representation and warranty obligations in connection with the Ally MSR Transaction. No operations, entities or other assets were acquired in the transaction.

On April 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Liberty (the Liberty Acquisition) through a stock purchase agreement. Liberty is engaged in the origination, purchase, sale and securitization of reverse mortgage loans, both retail and wholesale.

On February 15, 2013, we completed the acquisition of certain assets and operations of ResCap in connection with the asset sale by ResCap and certain of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the ResCap Acquisition). We purchased MSRs related to private label, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae residential forward mortgage loans and certain master and subservicing agreements. The ResCap Acquisition included advances and elements of the servicing platform related to the acquired MSRs. Under the terms of the ResCap Acquisition, we are obligated to acquire certain servicing rights and subservicing agreements that were not settled as part of the initial closing on February 15, 2013 as a result of objections raised in connection with the sale. We completed subsequent settlements as objections were resolved on July 1 and September 1, 2013. We expect to have additional settlements through December 31, 2013 in connection with the ResCap Acquisition.

On December 27, 2012, we completed the merger by and among Ocwen, O&H Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ocwen, Homeward Residential Holdings, Inc. (Homeward Holding) and WL Ross & Co. LLC, a Delaware limited liability company as shareholder representative. Pursuant to the merger, O&H Acquisition Corp. merged with and into Homeward Holding with Homeward Holding continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ocwen (the Homeward Acquisition). Homeward primarily engages in the origination, purchase, sale and securitization of prime loans and the servicing of residential forward mortgage loans.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the instructions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to Form 10-Q and SEC Regulation S-X, Article 10, Rule 10-01 for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation. The results of operations and other data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2013. The unaudited consolidated financial statements presented herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we 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 materially from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly significant in the near or medium term relate to fair value measurements, the provision for potential losses that may arise from litigation proceedings, representation and warranty and other indemnification obligations, the amortization of MSRs and the valuation of goodwill and deferred tax assets.

Principles of Consolidation

Our financial statements include the accounts of Ocwen, its majority-owned subsidiaries and any variable interest entity (VIE) where we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. We apply the equity method of accounting to investments when the entity is not a VIE, and we are able to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the policies and procedures of the entity but own 50% or less of the voting securities. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation.

Reclassification

Within the revenue section of the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we reclassified Process management fees of $8.9 million and $27.6 million to Other revenues. In addition, certain other insignificant amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Cash Flows for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on our consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Significant Accounting Policies

Transfers of Financial Assets

We securitize, sell and service forward and reverse residential mortgage loans. Securitization transactions typically involve the use of VIEs and are accounted for either as sales or as secured financings. We typically retain economic interests in the securitized assets in the form of servicing rights and obligations. In order to efficiently finance our assets and operations and create liquidity, we may sell servicing advances, MSRs and the right to receive servicing fees, excluding ancillary income, relating to certain of our MSRs (Rights to MSRs).

In order to determine whether or not a VIE is required to be consolidated, we consider our ongoing involvement with the VIE. In circumstances where we have both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant, we would conclude that we would consolidate the entity, which precludes us from recording an accounting sale in connection with the transfer of the financial assets. In the case of a consolidated VIE, we continue to record the underlying residential mortgage loans or servicing advances, and we record the securitized debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

In the case of transfers where either one or both of the power or economic criteria above are not met, we evaluate whether we achieve a sale for accounting purposes. In order to achieve a sale, the transferred assets must be legally isolated, not be constrained by restrictions from further transfer, and be deemed to be beyond our control. If we fail any of these three criteria, the accounting is consistent with a secured financing as described in the preceding paragraph. Subsequent to the determination that a transaction does not meet the accounting sale criteria, we may determine that we meet the criteria. In the event we subsequently meet the accounting sale criteria, we derecognize the transferred assets and related liabilities.

In the case of transfers of MSRs and Rights to MSRs where we retain the right to subservice, we defer the related gain or loss and amortize the balance over the life of the subservicing agreement.

Gains or losses on off-balance sheet securitizations take into consideration any retained interests, including servicing rights and representation and warranty obligations, both of which are initially recorded at fair value at the date of sale in Gain on loans held for sale, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-11, (Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 210, Balance Sheet): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities and ASU 2013-01: Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU contains new disclosure requirements regarding the nature of an entity’s rights of offset and related arrangements associated with financial and derivative instruments. ASU 2013-01 clarified the scope of transactions that are subject to ASU 2011-11. The new disclosures also provide information about gross and net exposures. Retrospective application is required for all comparative periods presented. Our adoption of these standards on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our unaudited consolidated financial statements, as the requirements relate to disclosures only.

ASU 2013-02 (ASC 220, Comprehensive Income): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (which amends ASC 220, Comprehensive Income). ASC 2013-02 contains new requirements related to the presentation and disclosure of items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The ASU is required to be applied prospectively. Adoption of this standard on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our unaudited consolidated financial statements, as the requirements relate to disclosures only.

ASU 2013-04 (ASC 405, Liabilities): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF). On February 28, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04. The ASU requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the following:

Required disclosures include a description of the joint-and-several arrangement and the total outstanding amount of the obligation for all joint parties. The ASU permits entities to aggregate disclosures (as opposed to providing separate disclosures for each joint-and-several obligation). The ASU is effective for all prior periods in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013 (and interim reporting periods within those years). The ASU should be applied retrospectively to obligations with joint-and-several liabilities existing at the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year of adoption. Entities that elect to use hindsight in measuring their obligations during the comparative periods must disclose that fact. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting this standard effective January 1, 2014, but we do not anticipate that our adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

ASU 2013-05 (ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. On March 4, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, which requires that the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) related to an entity’s investment in a foreign entity should be released when there has been a:

The ASU does not change the requirement to release a pro rata portion of the CTA of the foreign entity into earnings for a partial sale of an equity method investment in a foreign entity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those fiscal years) beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The ASU should be applied prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting this standard effective January 1, 2014, but we do not anticipate that our adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

ASU 2013-10 (ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). On July 17, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, which permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under ASC 815, in addition to interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government (UST) and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The ASU also removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The ASU is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. Because we terminated our remaining interest rate swap agreements on May 31, 2013, our adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

ASU 2013-11 (ASC 740, Income Taxes): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). On July 18, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, which clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date.

The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting this standard effective January 1, 2014, but we do not anticipate that our adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

We securitize, sell and service forward and reverse residential mortgage loans and regularly transfer financial assets in connection with asset-backed financing arrangements. We have aggregated these securitizations and asset-backed financing arrangements into two groups: (1) securitizations of residential mortgage loans and (2) financings of advances on loans serviced for others.

We have determined that the SPEs created in connection with our match funded financing facilities are VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary. We also determined that we were the primary beneficiary for certain residential mortgage loan securitization trusts which were de-recognized at December 31, 2012, upon sale of our retained interest to a third party.

Securitizations of Residential Mortgage Loans

Currently, we securitize forward and reverse residential mortgage loans involving the GSEs. We retain the right to service these loans and receive servicing fees based upon the securitized loan balances and certain ancillary fees, all of which are reported in servicing and subservicing fees on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In prior years, we securitized residential mortgage loans through “private label” securitization trusts. We continued to be involved with the securitization trusts, typically by acting as the servicer or sub-servicer for the loans held by the trust and by retaining a beneficial ownership interest in the securitization trust. The beneficial interests that we held consisted of both subordinate and residual securities that were either retained at the time of the securitization or subsequently acquired. We also acquired residual and subordinated interests in trusts where we were not the transferor but were the servicer.

In December 2012, we sold the beneficial interests that we held in the four consolidated securitization trusts and deconsolidated these securitization trusts. All assets and liabilities associated with the trusts were derecognized. We have no obligation to provide financial support to unconsolidated securitization trusts and have provided no such support. The beneficial owners of the trusts can look only to the assets of the securitization trusts for satisfaction of the debt issued by the securitization trusts and have no recourse against the assets of Ocwen. The general creditors of Ocwen have no claim on the assets of the trusts.

Transfers of Forward Loans

As part of our origination activities, we sell or securitize forward loans that we originate or that we purchase from third parties, generally in the form of mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the GSEs. Securitization usually occurs within 30 days of loan closing or purchase. We retain servicing rights associated with the transferred loans and receive a servicing fee for services provided. We act only as a fiduciary and do not have a variable interest in the securitization trusts. As a result, we account for these transactions as sales upon transfer.

We elected to measure loans held for sale at fair value. We report interest income on loans held for sale in other income (expense). We report the gain or loss on the transfer of the loans held for sale in Gain on loans held for sale, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We also include in Gain on loans held for sale, net changes in fair value of loans and the gain or loss on the related derivatives. See Note 19 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for information on these derivative financial instruments. We include all changes in loans held for sale and related derivative balances in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The following table presents a summary of cash flows received from and paid to securitization trusts related to transfers accounted for as sales that were outstanding during the periods ended September 30, 2013:

In connection with these transfers, we recorded MSRs of $16.3 million and $63.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. We initially record the MSRs at fair value and subsequently account for them at amortized cost. See Note 9 – Mortgage Servicing for information relating to MSRs.

Certain guarantees arise from agreements associated with the transfers of loans. Under these agreements, we may be obligated to repurchase the loans, or otherwise indemnify or reimburse the investor or insurer, for losses incurred due to material breach of contractual representations and warranties. See Note 16 – Other Liabilities for further information.

The following table presents the carrying amounts of our assets that relate to our continuing involvement with forward loans that we have transferred with servicing rights retained since the Homeward Acquisition as well as our maximum exposure to loss including the unpaid principal balance of the transferred loans:

At September 30, 2013, only 1.0% of the transferred residential loans that we serviced were 60 days or more past due. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no charge-offs, net of recoveries, associated with these transferred loans.

Transfers of Reverse Mortgages

We are an approved issuer of Ginnie Mae Home Equity Conversion Mortgage-Backed Securities (HMBS) that are guaranteed by Ginnie Mae. With the acquisition of Liberty, we have begun to originate Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs or reverse mortgages) that are insured by the FHA. We then pool the loans into HMBS that we sell into the secondary market with servicing rights retained. Based upon the structure of the Ginnie Mae securitization program, we have determined that loan transfers in the HMBS program do not meet the definition of a participating interest because of the servicing requirements in the product that require the Issuer/Servicer to absorb some level of interest rate risk, cash flow timing risk and incidental credit risk. As a result, HECMs do not qualify for sale accounting, and we, therefore, account for these transfers as secured borrowings. Under this accounting treatment, the HECMs remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as loans held for investment (Loans – Restricted for Securitization Investors) in Other assets. We record the proceeds from the transfer of assets as secured borrowings (Secured borrowing – owed to securitization investors) in Other borrowings and recognize no gain or loss on the transfer. Holders of participating interests in the HMBS have no recourse against Ocwen, except for standard representations and warranties and our contractual obligation to service the HECMs and the HMBS, and have no recourse against the assets of Ocwen.

We have elected to measure the HECMS and HMBS-related borrowings at fair value. The changes in fair value of the HECMs and HMBS-related borrowings are included in other revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Included in net fair value gains on the HECMs and related HMBS borrowings are the interest income that we expect to be collected on the HECMs and the interest expense that we expect to be paid on the HMBS-related borrowings. We report originations and payments of HECMs in investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We report net fair value gains on HECMs and the related HMBS borrowings as an adjustment to the net cash provided by or used in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Proceeds from securitizations of HECMs and payments on HMBS-related borrowings are included in financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

We had HMBS-related borrowings of $284.3 million and $290.9 million of HECMs pledged as collateral to the pools at September 30, 2013.

Financings of Advances on Loans Serviced for Others

Match funded advances on loans serviced for others result from our transfers of residential loan servicing advances to SPEs in exchange for cash. We consolidate these SPEs because the transfers do not qualify for sales accounting treatment or because Ocwen is the primary beneficiary of the SPE.

These SPEs issue debt supported by collections on the transferred advances. We made these transfers under the terms of our advance facility agreements. We classify the transferred advances on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as Match funded advances and the related liabilities as Match funded liabilities. The SPEs use collections of the pledged advances to repay principal and interest and to pay the expenses of the SPE. Holders of the debt issued by these entities can look only to the assets of the SPE for satisfaction of the debt and have no recourse against Ocwen. However, Ocwen and OLS have guaranteed the payment of the obligations under the securitization documents of one of the entities. The maximum amount payable under the guarantee is limited to 10% of the notes outstanding at the end of the facility’s revolving period in December 2014. The entity to which this guarantee applies had $37.6 million of notes outstanding at September 30, 2013. Ocwen and OLS had previously guaranteed the payment of obligations under the securitization documents of one additional entity; however, in July 2013, the notes outstanding under this facility were repaid, and the facility was terminated. The assets and liabilities of the advance financing SPEs are comprised solely of Match funded advances, Debt service accounts, Match funded liabilities and amounts due to affiliates. Amounts due to affiliates are eliminated in consolidation.

See Note 8 – Match Funded Advances, Note 12 – Debt Service Accounts and Note 14 – Match Funded Liabilities for additional information.

In order to efficiently finance our assets and operations and create liquidity, we periodically sell MSRs, Rights to MSRs and servicing advances to market participants, including Home Loan Servicing Solutions, Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiary, HLSS Holdings, LLC (collectively HLSS). We typically retain the right to subservice loans when we sell MSRs and rights to MSRs. To the extent applicable, HLSS may also acquire advance SPEs and the related match funded liabilities (together with the purchase of Rights to MSRs and servicing advances, the HLSS Transactions). During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we completed HLSS Transactions relating to the Rights to MSRs for $109.8 billion and $48.2 billion of UPB, respectively.

As part of the HLSS Transactions, we retain legal ownership of the MSRs and continue to service the related mortgage loans. We are obligated to transfer legal ownership of the MSRs to HLSS upon obtaining all required third party consents. At that time, we would subservice the MSRs pursuant to our subservicing agreement, as amended, with HLSS. See Note 23 – Related Party Transactions for additional information.

The following table provides a summary of the assets and liabilities sold to HLSS in connection with the HLSS Transactions during the nine months ended September 30:

Because we retained legal title to the MSRs, the sales of Rights to MSRs are accounted for as financings. To the extent that we obtain all third party consents, legal title will transfer to HLSS, at which point we will derecognize the related MSRs. Upon derecognition, any resulting gain or loss will be deferred and amortized over the expected life of the related subservicing agreement. Until such time, we continue to recognize the full amount of servicing revenue and amortization of the MSRs.

The related advance sales meet the requirements for sale accounting under GAAP. When HLSS acquired advance SPEs from Ocwen, we derecognized the consolidated assets and liabilities of the Advance SPEs at the time of the sale. In subsequent sales of advances, HLSS acquired the advances directly and the transferred financial assets were accounted for as a sale and were derecognized from our financial statements. We have also evaluated our relationship with the financing SPEs to which HLSS has transferred the servicing advances that it has acquired from us and have determined that we are not required to consolidate these SPEs. 

We completed the Liberty, Correspondent One S.A. (Correspondent One), ResCap and Homeward acquisitions as part of our ongoing strategy to expand our residential origination and servicing businesses. We accounted for these transactions using the acquisition method which requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. In a business combination, the initial allocation of the purchase price is considered preliminary and, therefore, subject to change until the end of the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the expected revenue and cost synergies of the combined business.

The pro forma consolidated results presented below for each business acquisition are not indicative of what our consolidated net earnings would have been had we completed the acquisitions on the dates indicated because of differences in servicing practices and cost structure between Ocwen and each acquiree. In addition, the pro forma consolidated results do not purport to project our combined future results nor do they reflect the expected realization of any cost savings associated with the acquisitions.

The ResCap acquisition was treated as an asset acquisition for U.S. tax purposes. We expect the opening tax basis for the acquired assets and liabilities to be the fair value as shown in the purchase price allocation table below. We expect MSRs and goodwill to be treated as intangible assets acquired in connection with the purchase of a trade or business and, as such, amortized over 15 years for U.S. tax purposes. The acquisitions of Liberty and Homeward were treated as stock purchases for U.S. tax purposes.

Purchase Price Allocation

The following table summarizes the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the ResCap and Homeward Acquisitions:

The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, as set forth in the table above, includes some amounts based on preliminary fair value estimates. The following factors led to certain balances having preliminary fair value estimates:

Because the measurement period is still open, we expect that certain fair value estimates will change once we receive all information necessary to make a final fair value assessment. Any measurement period adjustments that we identify and determine to be material will be applied retrospectively to the period of acquisition, and depending on the nature of the adjustments, other periods subsequent to the period of acquisition could also be affected. We have adjusted the initial purchase price and purchase price allocations related to the Homeward and ResCap Acquisitions as indicated in the table above. These measurement period adjustments were applied retrospectively to the period of acquisition. The December 31, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet has been revised to reflect the adjustments attributable to the Homeward Acquisition. None of the adjustments had a material effect on earnings.

ResCap Acquisition

We completed the ResCap Acquisition on February 15, 2013. We acquired MSRs to “private label,” Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae loans with a UPB of $103.8 billion and master servicing agreements with a UPB of $40.7 billion. We also assumed subservicing contracts with a UPB of $26.3 billion, including $9.0 billion we agreed to subservice on behalf of ResCap until we obtain certain consents and court approvals. We purchase these MSRs and assume the subservicing contracts from ResCap when such consents and approvals are obtained. As disclosed above, we completed the purchase of certain of these MSRs during the third quarter. We also acquired certain diversified fee-based business operations that included recovery, title and closing services.

To finance the ResCap Acquisition, we deployed $840.0 million from the proceeds of a new $1.3 billion senior secured term loan (SSTL) facility and borrowed an additional $1.2 billion pursuant to two new servicing advance facilities and one existing facility. We settled the third quarter closings from operating cash. Ocwen assumed certain limited liabilities as part of the transaction, including certain employee liabilities and certain business payables outstanding at the closing date. Under the agreement with ResCap, Ocwen generally did not assume any contingent obligations, including pending or threatened litigation, financial obligations in connection with any settlements, orders or similar agreements entered into by ResCap or obligations in connection with any representations or warranties associated with loans previously sold by ResCap except for litigation that may arise in the ordinary course of servicing mortgage loans relating to servicing agreements assumed by Ocwen. Ocwen assumed all liabilities related to servicing loans that are guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, whether arising prior to or after the closing date.

On April 12, 2013 in connection with the sale to Altisource Portfolio Solutions, S.A. (Altisource) of the diversified fee-based business acquired in connection with the ResCap Acquisition, Ocwen agreed to establish additional terms related to existing servicing arrangements between Altisource and Ocwen for mortgage servicing assets acquired from ResCap. The cash consideration paid by Altisource to Ocwen under the Agreement totaled $128.8 million. At the time of the closing, we derecognized goodwill of $128.8 million associated with the diversified fee-based business sold to Altisource. There were no other significant assets or liabilities associated with this business. See Note 22 – Business Segment Reporting for a discussion of the additional terms of the servicing arrangements.

Post-Acquisition Results of Operations

The following table presents the revenue and earnings of the ResCap Business operations that are included in our unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations from the acquisition date of February 15, 2013 through September 30, 2013:

Pro Forma Results of Operations

The following table presents supplemental pro forma information for Ocwen as if the ResCap Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2012. Pro forma adjustments include:

Homeward Acquisition

We completed the Homeward Acquisition on December 27, 2012. We acquired the MSRs and subservicing for approximately 421,000 residential mortgage loans with a UPB of $77.0 billion. We also acquired Homeward’s loan origination platform and its diversified fee-based businesses, including property valuation, REO management, title, closing and advisory services. On March 29, 2013, Ocwen sold the Homeward diversified fee-based businesses to Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. and Altisource Portfolio Solutions, Inc., wholly-owned subsidiaries of Altisource, for an aggregate purchase price of $87.0 million in cash. Ocwen sold its investment in two subsidiaries of Homeward, Beltline Road Insurance Agency, Inc. and Power Default Services, Inc. As part of this transaction, Ocwen also agreed to sell certain designated assets used or usable in the business conducted by another Homeward subsidiary, Power Valuation Services, Inc., as well as certain designated intellectual property and information technology assets that are used or usable in the business conducted by the acquired subsidiaries or by Powerline Valuation Services, Inc. Altisource also assumed certain liabilities of the diversified fee-based business. The carrying value of the net assets sold, including allocated goodwill, approximated the sales price. The assets sold consisted of receivables and other assets of $9.4 million. The liabilities assumed by Altisource of $4.0 million consisted principally of deferred revenue. At the time of the sale, we derecognized goodwill of $81.6 million associated with the sold business. In connection with this transaction, Ocwen entered into amendments to certain of its services and intellectual property agreements with Altisource. See Note 23 – Related Party Transactions for a discussion of these amendments.

Pro Forma Results of Operations

The following table presents supplemental pro forma information for Ocwen as if the acquisition of Homeward occurred on January 1, 2011. Pro forma adjustments include:

Other Acquisitions

Correspondent One

On March 31, 2013, we increased our ownership in Correspondent One, an entity formed with Altisource in March 2011, from 49% to 100%. We acquired the shares of Correspondent One held by Altisource (49% interest) for $12.6 million and acquired the remaining shares held by an unrelated entity for $0.9 million. We accounted for this transaction as an acquisition and recognized the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The acquired net assets were $26.3 million and consisted primarily of cash ($23.0 million) and residential mortgage loans ($1.1 million). We remeasured our previously held investment, which we accounted for using the equity method, at fair value and recognized a loss of $0.4 million. We also recognized goodwill of $0.1 million. We began including the accounts of Correspondent One in our consolidated financial statements effective on the date of acquisition and have eliminated our investment in consolidation. Correspondent One facilitates the purchase of conforming and government-guaranteed residential mortgages from approved mortgage originators and resells the mortgages to secondary market investors. Correspondent One is not material to our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Liberty

On April 1, 2013, we completed the Liberty Acquisition for $22.0 million in cash. In addition, and as part of the closing, Ocwen repaid Liberty’s $9.1 million existing outstanding debt to the sellers. We acquired approximately 420 reverse mortgage loans with a UPB of $55.2 million. We also acquired Liberty’s reverse mortgage origination platform. The acquired net assets were $31.1 million and consisted primarily of residential reverse mortgage loans ($60.0 million), receivables ($11.2 million), loans held for investment ($10.3 million), intangible assets ($3.2 million) and cash ($4.6 million) less amounts due under warehouse facilities ($46.3 million) and HMBS-related borrowings ($10.2 million). We did not recognize any goodwill in connection with this acquisition. The acquisition of Liberty did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We estimate fair value based on a hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques into three broad levels whereby the highest priority is given to Level 1 inputs and the lowest to Level 3 inputs.

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

We classify assets in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of our financial instruments and our nonfinancial assets measured at fair value are as follows:

The following tables present a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis:

The methodologies that we use and key assumptions that we make to estimate the fair value of financial instruments and other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are described below:

Loans Held for Sale

We originate and purchase residential forward and reverse mortgage loans that we intend to sell to the GSEs. We also own residential mortgage loans that are not eligible to be sold to the GSEs due to delinquency or other factors. Residential forward and reverse mortgage loans that we intend to sell to the GSEs are carried at fair value as a result of a fair value election. Such loans are subject to changes in fair value due to fluctuations in interest rates from the closing date through the date of the sale of the loan into the secondary market. These loans are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy as the primary component of the price is obtained from observable values of mortgage forwards for loans of similar terms and characteristics. We have the ability to access this market, and it is the market into which conforming mortgage loans are typically sold.

We report all other loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value. Current market illiquidity has reduced the availability of observable pricing data for certain of these loans. When we enter into an agreement to sell a loan or pool of loans to an investor at a set price, we value the loan or loans at the commitment price. We base the fair value of uncommitted loans on the expected future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk of the estimated cash flows. Assumptions used in the valuation of performing loans include historical default rates, re-performance rates on defaulted loans, loss severity on defaulted loans, average resolution timeline, average coupon rate and a discount rate. Significant assumptions used in the valuation of nonperforming loans include the current market value of the underlying collateral based on third party sources such as appraisals or broker price opinions, resolution timeline, estimated foreclosure and disposition costs that are based on historical experience and a discount rate. The assumptions we used in the valuation of these performing and non-performing loans at September 30, 2013 have not changed significantly from those we used in the December 31, 2012 valuations.

We repurchase certain loans from Ginnie Mae guaranteed securitizations in connection with loan modifications and loan resolution activity as part of our servicing obligations. These are classified as loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value, in the case of modified loans, as we expect to redeliver (sell) the loans to new Ginnie Mae guaranteed securitizations.  The fair value of these loans is estimated using published forward Ginnie Mae prices.  Loans repurchased in connection with loan resolution activities are modified or otherwise remediated through loss mitigation activities or are reclassified to receivables.  Because these loans are insured or guaranteed by the FHA or VA, the fair value of these loans represents the net recovery value taking into consideration the insured or guaranteed claim.

Loans – Restricted for Securitization Investors

These loans are not traded in an active, open market with readily observable prices. We base the fair value of transferred reverse mortgage loans that do not qualify as sales for accounting purposes on the expected future cash flows discounted over the expected life of the loans at a rate commensurate with the risk of the estimated cash flows. Significant assumptions included expected prepayment and delinquency rates and cumulative loss curves. The discount rate assumption for these assets is primarily based on an assessment of current market yields on newly originated reverse mortgage loans, expected duration of the asset, and current market interest rates.

The more significant assumptions used in the September 30, 2013 valuation of our Loans – Restricted for Securitization Investors include:

Significant increases or decreases in any of these assumptions in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Amortized Cost MSRs

We estimate the fair value of MSRs carried at amortized cost using a combination of internal models and data provided by third-party valuation experts. The most significant assumptions used in the valuation of MSRs are the speed at which mortgages prepay and delinquency experience. Other assumptions typically used in the valuation of MSRs are:

The significant components of the estimated future cash inflows for MSRs include servicing fees, late fees, float earnings and other ancillary fees. Significant cash outflows include the cost of servicing, the cost of financing servicing advances and compensating interest payments.

We perform an impairment analysis based on the difference between the carrying amount and fair value after grouping our loans into the applicable strata. As a result of the Homeward and ResCap Acquisitions, management has re-evaluated the portfolio and determined the appropriate strata are Agency and Non-Agency. The Agency stratum includes all GSE MSRs. The Non-Agency stratum includes all private label primary and master MSRs.

We estimate fair value using internal models and with the assistance of third-party valuation experts. Our internal models calculate the present value of expected future cash flows utilizing assumptions that we believe are used by market participants. We derived prepayment speeds and delinquency assumptions from historical experience adjusted for prevailing market conditions. We utilize a discount rate provided by third-party valuation experts, and we consider external market-based assumptions in determining the interest rate for the cost of financing advances, the interest rate for float earnings and the cost of servicing.

Third-party valuation experts generally utilize: (a) transactions involving instruments with similar collateral and risk profiles, adjusted as necessary based on specific characteristics of the asset or liability being valued; and/or (b) industry-standard modeling, such as a discounted cash flow model, in arriving at their estimate of fair value. The prices provided by the valuation experts reflect their observations and assumptions related to market activity, including risk premiums and liquidity adjustments. The models and related assumptions used by the valuation experts are owned and managed by them and, in many cases, the significant inputs used in the valuation techniques are not reasonably available to us. However, we have an understanding of the processes and assumptions used to develop the prices based on our ongoing due diligence, which includes regular discussions with the valuation experts. We believe that the procedures executed by the valuation experts, combined with our internal verification and analytical procedures, provide assurance that the prices used in our consolidated financial statements comply with the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures and reflect the assumptions that a market participant would use.

The more significant assumptions used in the September 30, 2013 valuation of our MSRs carried at amortized cost include:

We perform an impairment analysis based on the difference between the carrying amount and fair value after grouping our loans into the applicable strata based on one or more of the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans. As a result of the Homeward and ResCap Acquisitions, management has re-evaluated the portfolio and determined the appropriate strata are Agency and Non-Agency. The Agency stratum includes all GSE MSRs. The Non-Agency stratum includes all private label primary and master MSRs.

Fair Value MSRs

MSRs carried at fair value are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy due to the use of third party valuation expert pricing without adjustment. The fair value of these MSRs is within the range of prices provided by the valuation experts, however, a change in the valuation inputs utilized by the valuation expert or a change in the best point price in the range might result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

The key assumptions (generally unobservable inputs) used in the valuation of these MSRs include:

The primary assumptions used in the September 30, 2013 valuation include an 8.95% weighted average constant prepayment rate and a discount rate equal to 1-Month LIBOR plus 10.50%.

Advances

We value advances that we make on loans that we service for others at their net realizable value which generally approximates fair value because advances have no stated maturity, generally are realized within a relatively short period of time and do not bear interest.

Receivables

The carrying value of receivables generally approximates fair value because of the relatively short period of time between their origination and realization.

Secured Borrowings – Owed to Securitization Investors

We recognize the proceeds from the transfer of reverse mortgages as a secured borrowing that we account for at fair value. These borrowings are not actively traded and therefore quoted market prices are not available. We determine fair value by discounting the future principal and interest repayments over the estimated life of the borrowing at a market rate commensurate with the risk of the estimated cash flows. Significant assumptions include prepayments, discount rate and borrower mortality rates for reverse mortgages. The discount rate assumption for these liabilities is based on an assessment of current market yields for newly issued HMBS, expected duration and current market interest rates.

The more significant assumptions used in the September 30, 2013 valuation of our Secured Borrowings – Owed to Securitization Investors include:

Significant increases or decreases in any of these assumptions in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value.

Match Funded Liabilities and Other Borrowings

The carrying value of match funded liabilities and secured borrowings that bear interest at a rate that is adjusted regularly based on a market index approximates fair value. For other match funded or secured borrowings that bear interest at a fixed rate, we determine fair value by discounting the future principal and interest repayments at a market rate commensurate with the risk of the estimated cash flows. We estimate principal repayments of match funded liabilities during the amortization period based on our historical advance collection rates and taking into consideration any plans to refinance the notes. At September 30, 2013, the interest on all borrowings under match funded facilities was based on a variable rate adjusted regularly using a market index and therefore the carrying value approximates fair value. For the SSTL, we used a discount rate of 5.50% and the repayment schedule specified in the loan agreement to determine fair value.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We may execute interest rate swaps to hedge against the effects of changes in interest rates on our borrowings under advance funding facilities. These derivatives are not exchange-traded and, therefore, quoted market prices or other observable inputs are not available. Fair value is based on information provided by third-party pricing sources. Third-party valuations are derived from proprietary models based on inputs that include yield curves and contractual terms such as fixed interest rates and payment dates. Although we have not adjusted the information obtained from the third-party pricing sources, we review this information to ensure that it provides a reasonable basis for estimating fair value. Our review is designed to identify information that appears stale, information that has changed significantly from the prior period and other indicators that the information may not be accurate. For interest rate contracts, significant increases or decreases in the unobservable portion of the yield curves in isolation will result in substantial changes in the fair value measurement. We terminated our outstanding interest rates swaps on May 31, 2013.

In addition, we may use interest rate caps to minimize future interest rate exposures on variable rate debt issued on servicing advance facilities from increases in one-month LIBOR interest rates. The fair value for interest rate caps is based on counterparty market prices and adjusted for counterparty credit risk.

We enter into forward trades to provide an economic hedge against changes in the value of residential forward and reverse mortgage loans held for sale that we carry at fair value. Forward trades are primarily used to fix the forward sales price that will be realized upon the sale of mortgage loans into the secondary market. Forward contracts are actively traded in the market and we obtained unadjusted market quotes for these derivatives, thus they are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

IRLCs represent an agreement to purchase loans from a third-party originator, or an agreement to extend credit to a mortgage applicant (locked pipeline), or an agreement to sell a loan to investors, whereby the interest rate is set prior to funding. IRLCs are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy as the primary component of the price is obtained from observable values of mortgage forwards for loans of similar terms and characteristics. Fair value amounts of IRLCs are adjusted for expected “fallout” (locked pipeline loans not expected to close), using models that consider cumulative historical fallout rates and other factors.

We previously entered into derivative contracts that included interest rate swaps, U.S. Treasury futures and forward contracts to hedge against the effects of changes in the value of the MSRs that we carry at fair value. Effective April 1, 2013, we modified our strategy for managing the risks of the underlying loan portfolios and no longer use derivative contracts to hedge against the effects of changes in the value of MSRs which we carry at fair value. The fair value of interest rate swaps were based upon projected short-term interest rates and volatility based on published market based sources, a Level 3 valuation. Because futures and forward contracts are actively traded in the market, they are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

See Note 19 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information regarding derivative financial instruments.

Loans held for sale, at fair value, represent residential forward and reverse mortgage loans originated or purchased and held until sold to secondary market investors, such as GSEs or other third party investors. The following table summarizes the activity in the balance of Loans held for sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:

The following table summarizes the activity in Gain on loans held for sale, net, during the periods ended September 30:

Advances, representing payments made on behalf of borrowers or on foreclosed properties, consisted of the following at the dates indicated: