-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, JfOYQMN/PLWrJ9Rv4EHaxOSWxhFpNrowv9sUtzG5N4dt254nhut1orJ+gK0GQtmf S9y8mk7TObFmGy0nQYLAuA== 0000929624-99-001063.txt : 19990603 0000929624-99-001063.hdr.sgml : 19990603 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000929624-99-001063 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B3 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990602 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NOVASTAR FINANCIAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001025953 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 742830661 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B3 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-77375 FILM NUMBER: 99639213 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1901 W 47TH PLACE STREET 2: STE 105 CITY: WESTWOOD STATE: KS ZIP: 66205 BUSINESS PHONE: 9133621090 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1901 WEST 47TH PLACE CITY: WESTWOOD STATE: KS ZIP: 66205 424B3 1 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL PROSPECTUS Rule 424(b)(3) Form S-11 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333- 77375) Prospectus NovaStar Financial, Inc. [LOGO OF NOVASTAR] 4,285,714 Shares Class B Convertible Preferred Stock 5,813,427 Shares Common Stock 1,527,713 Stock Purchase Warrants Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 11 of this prospectus, including the following: . limited operating history . significant losses in the fourth quarter of 1998 . dependence upon short- term borrowings from major lenders . dependence upon long- term borrowings through securitizations . impact of unexpected or rapid changes in interest rates . restrictions on ownership and transferability of our stock This prospectus relates to: . 4,285,714 shares of our preferred stock held by selling securityholders; . 1,527,713 stock purchase warrants held by selling securityholders, each warrant exercisable for one share of our common stock; and . 5,813,427 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants and conversion of preferred stock. Under some circumstances, the selling securityholders and any broker-dealers that act in connection with the sales may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions or discounts and other compensation paid to such persons may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by the selling securityholders. We will receive the proceeds from the issuance and sale of common stock pursuant to the exercise of the warrants. If all warrants outstanding as of the date of this prospectus are exercised at the price issued, we would receive proceeds, before expenses, of $11,610,940.18. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NFI". On April 27, 1999, the last reported sale price was $6 1/8 per share. Our warrants trade through market makers, such as Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, using the NASD's bulletin board service. There can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of a market for our preferred stock. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. May 12, 1999 TABLE OF CONTENTS PROSPECTUS SUMMARY........................................................ 4 Overview of NovaStar Financial, Inc...................................... 4 The Offering............................................................. 5 Securities Offered....................................................... 5 Use of Proceeds.......................................................... 5 The Structure of Our Company and Principal Affiliates.................... 5 Recent Developments...................................................... 6 Summary Risk Factors..................................................... 8 Summary Financial and Other Data......................................... 10 RISK FACTORS.............................................................. 11 Overall Enterprise of NovaStar Financial, Inc. .......................... 11 Our dependence upon borrowings can result in significant liquidity constraints............................................................. 11 We have a limited operating history and incurred significant net losses in the fourth quarter of 1998........................................... 11 Forgivable notes may adversely affect results of operations.............. 11 We depend on key personnel for successful operations..................... 11 We need additional equity financing to support future growth............. 12 Should we fail to maintain REIT status, we would be subject to tax as a regular corporation..................................................... 12 We lack voting control of our taxable affiliate NovaStar Mortgage........ 12 Failure to qualify for Investment Company Act exemption may adversely affect our ability to use leverage and to conduct our business.......... 12 Future revisions in policies and strategies at the discretion of Board of Directors may adversely affect operations............................... 13 Subprime Mortgage Lending Operation...................................... 13 Changes in interest rates may adversely affect results of operations..... 13 Intense competition in the subprime mortgage loan industry may result in reduced net income or in revised underwriting standards which would adversely affect operations............................................. 13 Higher loan-to-value ratios increase the risk that we may not recover, on default, full amounts due on mortgage loans............................. 14 Loans made to subprime mortgage borrowers entail higher delinquency and loss rates.............................................................. 14 Failure to renew or obtain adequate funding under warehouse facilities and repurchase agreements may materially adversely impact our lending operations.............................................................. 14 Financing with repurchase agreements may lead to margin calls if the market value of mortgage assets declines................................ 14 Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect the value of our mortgage loans in process or held for sale or securitization..................... 14 Competition with other prospective purchasers of mortgage loans for business with independent brokers and lenders may result in fluctuations in volume and cost of acquiring mortgage loans.......................... 15 New laws and regulations, new administrative or judicial interpretations or our failure to comply with existing federal, state, and local legislation or regulation could adversely affect our operations......... 15 Failure to comply with future regulatory interpretations or judicial decisions regarding broker compensation programs may adversely affect results of operations................................................... 16
Contamination of properties securing mortgage loans by hazardous substances would result in our facing environmental liabilities......... 16 Acquisition and Management of a Portfolio of Mortgage Assets............. 16 General economic and financial conditions in mortgage and financial markets may affect our results of operations............................ 16 Interest rate fluctuations may result in a decrease in net interest income.................................................................. 17 Interest rates on our borrowings adjust differently than those on related adjustable rate mortgages which may adversely affect our net interest income.................................................................. 17 Interest rate caps on adjustable rate mortgages may adversely affect our net interest income..................................................... 17 Changes in anticipated prepayment rates may adversely affect net interest income.................................................................. 18 Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect results of operations............................................ 18 Limitations on effective hedging may adversely affect attempts to mitigate risk of variable rate liabilities.............................. 19 Hedging poses a credit risk.............................................. 19 Hedging poses a legal risk............................................... 19 Hedging poses a basis risk............................................... 19 We face loss exposure on single family mortgage assets................... 20 We face loss exposure due to the credit risks of subprime mortgage loans................................................................... 20 We face loss exposure due to the underlying real estate.................. 20 Market factors may limit our ability to acquire mortgage assets at yields which are favorable relative to borrowing costs......................... 21 We face substantial leverage and potential net interest and operating losses in connection with borrowings.................................... 21 Our failure to refinance outstanding borrowings on favorable terms may affect results of operations............................................ 21 Decline in market value of mortgage assets may limit our ability to borrow, result in lenders initiating margin calls and require us to sell mortgage assets in adverse market conditions............................ 22 Adverse changes in the securitization market could impair our ability to acquire and finance mortgage loans through securitizations on a favorable or timely basis............................................... 22 Mortgage loan performance may adversely affect future results............ 23 Illiquidity of investments restricts resale of mortgage securities....... 23 Lack of geographic diversification of properties underlying mortgage assets may subject such mortgage assets to greater risk of default in event of hazards that affect such region................................ 23 Investment in the Securities in the Offering............................. 23 Restrictions on ownership of capital stock may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for holders of our capital stock and warrants to receive a premium for their securities...................... 23 Future sales of securities may dilute the equity of our stockholders or reduce the price of shares of our common stock.......................... 24 There is no assurance of an active public trading market................. 24
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS--(Continued) Possible volatility of stock price may adversely impact the liquidity of our common stock and may result in losses to stockholders who sell shares of common stock.......................................................... 24 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC.................................................... 25 USE OF PROCEEDS............................................................ 25 DIVIDEND POLICY AND DISTRIBUTIONS.......................................... 26 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN................................................. 26 CAPITALIZATION............................................................. 27 MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND DATA............................................ 27 SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA.......................................... 28 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS................................................................ 29 Safe Harbor Statement..................................................... 29 Basis of Presentation..................................................... 29 Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of and for the Period Ended December 31, 1996.................................................. 29 Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998......................................... 30 Liquidity and Capital Resources........................................... 30 Forgivable Notes Receivable from Founders................................. 32 Financial Condition as of December 31, 1998 and 1997...................... 32 Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1997.................................................. 40 Other Income............................................................. 43 Gain or Loss on Sales of Securities and Mortgage Loans................... 43 Provisions for Credit Losses............................................. 43 General and Administrative Expenses...................................... 46 Equity in Earnings or Loss of NFI Holding Corporation................... 47 Value of Mortgages Added through Wholesale Operations.................... 47 Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 1997....................... 49 Earnings of NFI Holding Corporation....................................... 51 Taxable Income or Loss.................................................... 52 Interest Rate Sensitivity................................................. 52 Capital Allocation Guidelines............................................. 53 Inflation................................................................. 54 Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements....................... 54 The Year 2000............................................................. 54 BUSINESS................................................................... 57 Mortgage Lending Operation ............................................... 57 Market Overview........................................................... 57 Competition............................................................... 58 Loan Origination.......................................................... 60 Marketing and Production Strategy......................................... 61 Underwriting and Quality Control Strategy................................. 62 Mortgage Loan Servicing Strategy.......................................... 65 Portfolio Management...................................................... 66 Types of Mortgage Assets.................................................. 66 Asset Acquisition Policies................................................ 68 Financing for Mortgage Lending Operations and Mortgage Security Acquisitions............................................................. 69 Mortgage Loans Held as Collateral for Structured Debt..................... 69 Credit Risk Management Policies........................................... 70 Capital and Leverage Policies............................................. 72 Interest Rate Risk Management............................................. 73 Prepayment Risk Management................................................ 76 Taxable Affiliates........................................................ 77
Properties................................................................ 77 Legal Proceedings......................................................... 77 MANAGEMENT................................................................. 78 Directors and Executive Officers.......................................... 78 Other Senior Officers..................................................... 79 Terms of Directors and Officers........................................... 80 Committees of the Board................................................... 81 Compensation of Directors................................................. 81 Compensation Committee Interlocks......................................... 81 Executive Compensation.................................................... 82 Stock Option Grants....................................................... 84 PRINCIPAL SECURITYHOLDERS.................................................. 89 Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Large Securityholders............. 89 Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Directors and Management.......... 90 CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS....................................................... 91 Transactions with Management.............................................. 91 Indebtedness of Management................................................ 92 Certain Business Relationships............................................ 92 Conflict of Interest Policy............................................... 93 SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS.................................................... 94 FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES............................................ 95 General................................................................... 95 Opinion of tax counsel.................................................... 95 Qualification as a REIT................................................... 96 Taxation of NovaStar Financial............................................ 98 Taxation of Taxable Affiliates............................................ 99 Termination or Revocation of REIT Status.................................. 100 Taxation of the Company's Stockholders.................................... 100 Redemption and Conversion of Preferred Stock.............................. 101 Warrants.................................................................. 102 Taxation of Tax-Exempt Entities........................................... 102 Foreign Investors......................................................... 103 Recordkeeping Requirement................................................. 103 Backup Withholding........................................................ 103 State and Local Taxes..................................................... 103 ERISA Investors........................................................... 104 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK............................................... 105 General................................................................... 105 Historical Capital Structure.............................................. 105 Preferred Stock........................................................... 105 Common Stock.............................................................. 108 Registration Rights....................................................... 109 Private Placement Purchase Terms Agreement................................ 110 Repurchase of Shares and Restriction on Transfer.......................... 110 Indemnification........................................................... 112 Limitation of Liability................................................... 112 Business Acquisitions Statutes............................................ 113 Control Share Acquisitions................................................ 113 Transfer Agent and Registrar.............................................. 114 DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS.................................................... 115 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION....................................................... 118 LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................. 119 EXPERTS.................................................................... 119 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION........................................ 119 GLOSSARY................................................................... 120 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS....................................................... F-1
3 PROSPECTUS SUMMARY This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you need to consider in making your investment decision. You should read this entire prospectus carefully to understand all of the terms of the offering. We include a glossary beginning on page 120. Overview of NovaStar Financial, Inc. We are a finance company which: . acquires single family residential subprime mortgage loans, primarily from our affiliate NovaStar Mortgage; . borrows money to finance its assets using warehouse facilities, including repurchase agreements; . issues collateralized debt obligations to finance its subprime mortgage loans in the long-term; . purchases mortgage securities; and . manages the resulting combined portfolio of mortgage loans and securities in a tax-advantaged real estate investment trust structure. NovaStar Mortgage originates subprime residential mortgage loans. NovaStar Mortgage has developed a nationwide network of wholesale loan brokers and mortgage lenders who submit mortgage loans to NovaStar Mortgage. These brokers and mortgage lenders are independent from any of the NovaStar entities. NovaStar Mortgage underwrites these mortgage loans and funds approved mortgage loans. During 1998, NovaStar Mortgage originated $877 million in subprime mortgage loans. We have acquired many of the mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage. However, in times where sufficient capital is not available to us, NovaStar Mortgage will sell mortgage loans. Generally the people to whom NovaStar Mortgage lends money have substantial equity in the property securing the mortgage loan. They are considered "subprime" borrowers because they have impaired or limited credit profiles or higher debt-to-income ratios than traditional mortgage lenders allow. These borrowers also include individuals who, due to self-employment or other circumstances, have difficulty verifying their income. These types of borrowers are generally willing to pay higher mortgage loan origination fees and interest rates than those charged by conventional lending sources. Because these borrowers typically use the proceeds of the mortgage loans to consolidate and refinance debt and to finance home improvements, education and other consumer needs, loan volume is less dependent on general levels of interest rates or home sales and therefore less cyclical than conventional mortgage lending. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a result, our earnings are generally not subject to federal income tax to the extent that we distribute our earnings to stockholders and maintain our qualification as a REIT. We believe the REIT structure is the most desirable for owning mortgage loans and mortgage securities due to the elimination of corporate-level income taxation. We are self-advised and self-managed. We have neither an outside advisor to provide portfolio investment advice nor an outside manager to take care of the day-to- day administration of our business operations. We believe that this is a structure that distinguishes us from many other mortgage REITs. 4 The Offering Securities Offered This prospectus covers offerings of up to: . 4,285,714 shares of issued and outstanding preferred stock held by the selling securityholders; . 1,527,713 warrants that are owned by the selling securityholders; and . 5,813,427 shares of common stock that may be subsequently acquired by the selling securityholders from us upon the exercise of warrants and conversion of preferred stock. Each share of preferred stock: . is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of common stock; . has a cumulative dividend payable at the rate of 7.0% per annum; and . may be redeemed at a price of $7.00 by NovaStar Financial at any time after March 31, 2002. The warrants consist of: . 350,000 warrants expiring February 12, 2002 issued with an exercise price of $6.9375; . 812,731 warrants expiring October 13, 2003 issued with an exercise price of $4.5625; and . 364,982 warrants expiring February 3, 2001 issued with an exercise price of $15.00. Use of Proceeds We will receive no proceeds from the sale of preferred stock or warrants by the selling securityholders. We will use the net proceeds from the issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of the warrants to fund the acquisition of mortgage loans, as described in this prospectus and, pending such use, to reduce borrowings. The Structure of Our Company and Principal Affiliates Scott Hartman and Lance Anderson own 100 percent of the voting common stock of NFI Holding. NFI Holding was capitalized through the purchase of voting common stock by Scott Hartman and Lance Anderson in the amount of $20,000 and the purchase of non-voting preferred stock by NovaStar Financial in the amount of $1,980,000. Mr. Hartman and Mr. Anderson receive one percent of the economic benefits derived from dividends and distributions of NFI Holding as a result of their common stock ownership. We receive 99 percent of the economics of NFI Holding as a result of our preferred stock ownership. Accordingly, we indirectly receive 99 percent of the economics of NovaStar Mortgage by virtue of our ownership interest in NFI Holding. In addition, Mr. Hartman and Mr. Anderson serve as the sole directors of both NFI Holding and NovaStar Mortgage. In contracts with us, NovaStar Mortgage has agreed to: . sell subprime mortgage loans which NovaStar Mortgage originates to us, if we agree to acquire such mortgage loans; . service our subprime mortgage loans; and . provide administrative services to us. 5 Without voting control of NovaStar Mortgage, there can be no assurance that these contracts, which are subject to renewal, will continue indefinitely. In addition, while Messrs. Hartman and Anderson have entered into an agreement of shareholders, which contains management and control provisions and restrictions on transfer of NFI Holding common stock, there can be no assurance that the agreement will be enforced in a timely manner against the individuals, their heirs or representatives. [ORGANIZATION CHART OF NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. APPEARS HERE] Recent Developments On February 12, 1999, we entered into several loan agreements with First Union National Bank for one year. NovaStar Financial is a co-borrower with NovaStar Mortgage under warehouse line of credit and master repurchase agreements with First Union, which allow borrowings of up to $75 million and $300 million, respectively, secured by mortgage loans. At the same time, two additional loan agreements were executed with First Union whereby we can borrow up to $20 million secured by the residual interests of our asset-backed bonds. We used proceeds from these financing arrangements to pay off our October 1998 short term financing arrangement with GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation. We refer you to "Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information regarding that short term financing arrangement. In connection with the master repurchase agreement, we issued First Union 350,000 warrants to purchase common stock at $6.9375 per share, the closing price on February 11, 1999, in exchange for 186,667 of our December 9, 1996 warrants originally issued at $15.00 per share. The warrants expire on February 12, 2002. On March 10, 1999, we issued warrants to GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation pursuant to our earlier short term financing arrangement. We issued 812,731 warrants to purchase common stock at $4.5625 per share, the closing price on October 12, 1998, and 364,982 tag along warrants to purchase common stock on the terms of our December 9, 1996 warrants which were issued at $15.00 per share. 6 On March 29, 1999, NovaStar Financial completed the issuance of 4,285,714 shares of Class B 7% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $7.00 per share, resulting in total proceeds of approximately $30 million, which includes approximately $25 million acquired by Wallace R. Weitz & Company. Each share of the preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of common stock and is redeemable at par by NovaStar Financial at any time after March 31, 2002. This issuance of the preferred stock and the earlier issuance of warrants in connection with financing arrangements entered into with First Union and GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation resulted in a reduction of the effective exercise price for holders of NovaStar's December 9, 1996 warrants to acquire common stock at $15.00 per share. Pursuant to anti-dilution provisions contained in the 1996 warrants, each warrant exercised at $15.00 will purchase 1.29 shares of common stock, which represents an effective exercise price of $11.62 per share. Our warrant agreements with First Union and GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation contain anti-dilution protections and registration rights for warrantholders. We have also entered into a registration rights agreement for the benefit of the holders of the preferred stock. We have agreed to file a shelf registration statement with the SEC covering the warrants and the preferred stock. This prospectus is a part of that shelf registration statement. 7 Summary Risk Factors Prior to making an investment decision, prospective investors should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the factors set forth in "Risk Factors." These risk factors include: . Our dependence upon borrowings can result in significant liquidity constraints. Our profitability is dependent upon our ability to borrow money on favorable terms. In October 1998, the subprime mortgage loan market faced a liquidity crisis with respect to the availability of short-term borrowings from major lenders and long-term borrowings through securitization. We faced significant liquidity constraints. . We have a limited operating history and incurred significant net losses in the fourth quarter of 1998. We have not yet developed an extensive earnings history or experienced a wide variety of interest rate or market conditions. Historical operating performance may be of limited relevance in predicting future performance. We incurred significant net losses in the fourth quarter of 1998. . Forgivable notes may adversely affect results of operations. In our private placement, Messrs. Hartman and Anderson each acquired units paid for with promissory notes. Principal due on the notes will be forgiven if the return to private placement investors meets benchmarks. The non-cash charge against earnings resulting from forgiveness of the notes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and dividends paid to stockholders during periods forgiven. . We depend on key personnel for successful operations. Our operations and those of NovaStar Mortgage depend heavily upon the contributions of Scott Hartman and Lance Anderson, both of whom would be difficult to replace. The loss of either of these individuals could have a material adverse effect upon our businesses and results of operations. . Should we fail to maintain REIT status, we would be subject to tax as a regular corporation. If we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we would be subject to federal income tax as a regular corporation. We intend to conduct our business at all times in a manner consistent with the REIT provisions of the Code. . Changes in interest rates may adversely affect results of operations. Our results of operations are likely to be adversely affected during any period of unexpected or rapid changes in interest rates. For example, a substantial or sustained increase in interest rates could adversely affect our ability to acquire mortgage loans in expected volumes necessary to support our fixed overhead expense levels. . Intense competition in the subprime mortgage loan industry may result in reduced net income or in revised underwriting standards which would adversely affect operations. We face intense competition, primarily from commercial banks, savings and loans, other independent mortgage lenders, and other mortgage REITs. Any increase in the competition among lenders to originate or purchase subprime mortgage loans may result in either reduced interest income on such mortgage loans compared to present levels or revised underwriting standards permitting higher loan-to-value ratios on properties securing subprime mortgage loans. . Loans made to subprime mortgage borrowers entail higher delinquency and loss rates. Lenders in the subprime mortgage banking industry make loans to borrowers who have impaired or limited credit histories, limited documentation of income and higher debt-to-income ratios than traditional mortgage lenders allow. Mortgage loans made to subprime mortgage loan borrowers generally entail a higher risk of delinquency and foreclosure than mortgage loans made to borrowers with better credit and may result in higher levels of realized losses. Any failure by us to adequately address the risks of subprime lending would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects. 8 . Lack of mortgage loan performance data inhibits prediction of future results. The mortgage loans we purchased have been outstanding for a relatively short period of time. Consequently, the delinquency, foreclosure and loss experience of these mortgage loans to date may not be indicative of future results. It is unlikely that we will be able to sustain delinquency, foreclosure and mortgage loan loss rates at their present levels as the portfolio becomes more seasoned. . Failure to renew or obtain adequate funding under warehouse facilities and repurchase agreements may materially adversely impact our lending operations. We are currently dependent upon a few lenders to provide the primary credit facilities for our funding of mortgage loan originations and acquisitions. Any failure to renew or obtain adequate funding under these financing arrangements could have a material adverse effect on our lending operations and our overall performance. . Interest rate fluctuations may result in a decrease in net interest income. Interest rate fluctuations may affect our earnings as a result of potential changes in the spread between the interest rates on our borrowings and the interest rates on our mortgage assets. In addition, mortgage prepayment rates vary depending on such factors as mortgage interest rates and market conditions. Changes in anticipated prepayment rates may adversely affect our earnings. . Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect results of operations. Asset/liability management hedging strategies involve risk and may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes. Moreover, compliance with the REIT provisions of the Code may prevent us from effectively implementing the strategies that we determine, absent such compliance, would best insulate us from the risks associated with changing interest rates. . We face loss exposure due to the underlying real estate. A substantial portion of our mortgage assets consists of (1) single family mortgage loans or (2) mortgage securities evidencing interests in single family mortgage loans. We will be subject to the risk of loss on such mortgage assets arising from borrower defaults to the extent not covered by third- party credit enhancement. . Market factors may limit our ability to acquire mortgage assets at yields which are favorable relative to borrowing costs. Despite management's experience in the acquisition of mortgage assets and its relationships with various mortgage suppliers, there can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire sufficient mortgage assets from mortgage suppliers at spreads above our cost of funds. . Restrictions on ownership of capital stock may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for holders of our capital stock and warrants to receive a premium for their securities. In order for us to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, our charter generally prohibits any person from acquiring or holding, directly or indirectly, shares of common stock in excess of 9.8% of the outstanding shares. This restriction may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for the holders of our common stock to receive a premium for their stock that might otherwise exist in the absence of such restrictions. . There is no assurance of an active public trading market. There is no assurance that an active public trading market for the common stock will be sustained. Our common stock's trading volume is relatively low compared to many other securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Our warrants trade through market makers, such as Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, using the NASD's bulletin board service. Shares of preferred stock are available for trading by qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A through the PORTAL market. There can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of a market for the preferred stock, which will not be listed on a national securities exchange and will not be authorized for quotation on Nasdaq. The transferability of both the warrants and the preferred stock may be extremely limited. 9 Summary Financial and Other Data (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
For the Year Ended For the December 31, Period Ended ---------------------- December 31, 1998 1997 1996(1) ---------- ---------- ------------ Statement of Operations Data Interest income............................................... $ 100,747 $ 36,961 $ 155 Interest expense.............................................. 80,794 28,185 -- Net interest income........................................... 19,953 8,776 155 Provision for credit losses................................... 7,430 2,453 -- Net interest income after provision for credit losses......... 12,523 6,323 155 Gains (losses) on sales of securities and termination of interest rate agreements..................................... (22,939) 51 -- Other......................................................... 3,188 704 -- Equity in loss of NFI Holding Corporation..................... (2,984) 28 -- General and administrative expenses........................... 11,609 8,241 457 Net income (loss)............................................. (21,821) (1,135) (302) Basic and diluted(2) loss per share........................... (2.71) (0.26) (0.08) As of December 31, ------------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- ------------ Balance Sheet Data Mortgage assets: Mortgage loans............................................... $ 920,697 $ 574,984 -- Mortgage securities.......................................... -- 517,246 $13,239 Total assets.................................................. 1,002,236 1,126,252 59,811 Collateralized mortgage obligations........................... 891,944 408,867 -- Short-term borrowings......................................... 18,000 556,443 -- Stockholders' equity.......................................... 87,290 116,489 46,380
As of or for the Year Ended As of or for the December 31, Period Ended ------------------- December 31, 1998 1997 1996(1) -------- -------- ---------------- Other Data Acquisition of wholesale loan production of NovaStar Mortgage: Principal at funding......................................... $876,516 $409,974 -- Average principal balance per loan........................... $ 94 $ 130 -- Weighted average interest rate: Adjustable-rate mortgage loans.............................. 10.0% 10.13% -- Fixed rate mortgage loans................................... 9.9% 10.46% -- Loans with prepayment penalties.............................. 74% 73% -- Weighted average prepayment penalty period (in years)(3)..... 2.5 2.4 -- Annualized return on average assets, before forgiveness of notes receivable from founders............................... (2.95)% (0.01)% (0.50)% Annualized return on average equity, before forgiveness of notes receivable from founders............................... (21.43)% (0.06)% (0.65)% Taxable income (loss)......................................... $ (1,211) $ 1,434 $ (173) Taxable income (loss) per share............................... $ (0.15) $ 0.18 $(0.05) Dividends declared per share(4)............................... $ 1.00 $ 0.28 -- Number of account executives.................................. 63 36 --
- -------- (1) NovaStar Financial, Inc. was formed on September 13, 1996. Operations began in substance after the initial closing of the private placement on December 9, 1996. (2) Diluted loss per share is based on the weighted average shares of common stock and preferred stock outstanding, and includes the effect of warrants and options. (3) Includes only those mortgage loans with a prepayment penalty. (4) The level of quarterly dividends is determined by the Board of Directors based upon its consideration of a number of factors and should not be deemed indicative of taxable income for the quarter in which declared or future quarters, or of income calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 10 RISK FACTORS Overall Enterprise of NovaStar Financial, Inc. Our dependence upon borrowings can result in significant liquidity constraints. Our profitability is dependent upon our ability to borrow money on favorable terms. In October 1998, the subprime mortgage market faced a liquidity crisis with respect to the availability of short-term borrowings from major lenders and long-term borrowings through securitization. We faced significant liquidity constraints and we entered into a short-term financing arrangement for approximately $18 million. In the event the long-term securitization market remains constrained, NovaStar Financial's ability to increase its portfolio and earnings will be adversely affected. We refer you to "Recent Developments" in the prospectus summary and "Events of the Fourth Quarter" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" for more detail about the liquidity constraints, the resulting significant net losses for the fourth quarter of 1998, and our short term financing arrangement. Please read further in this "Risk Factors" section for more detail on the risks related to liquidity. We have a limited operating history and incurred significant net losses in the fourth quarter of 1998. We began operations in December 1996 after the closing of a private placement. Our affiliate, NovaStar Mortgage, began its mortgage lending operation in late January 1997 and began servicing loans on July 15, 1997. Because we have not developed an extensive earnings history nor experienced a wide variety of interest rate or market conditions, our historical operating performance may not predict our future performance. Although we generated net income in the first three quarters of 1998, we incurred significant net losses for the fourth quarter of 1998 due to certain events that occurred early in the fourth quarter of 1998 as discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of this prospectus. Forgivable notes may adversely affect results of operations. Messrs. Hartman and Anderson each acquired 108,333 units at the price of $15.00 per unit in our private placement. Hartman and Anderson paid for the units by delivering promissory notes to us. Each promissory note was in the amount of $1,624,995, bearing interest at eight percent per annum, and was secured by the units acquired. The principal amount of the notes was divided into three equal parts which we refer to as "tranches." We will forgive principal due if the return to private placement investors meets benchmarks as follows: one tranche will be forgiven if we generate a total return to the private placement investors equal to or greater than 15% in any one fiscal year; all tranches will be forgiven if the total cumulative return to private placement investors reaches 100% prior to December 31, 2001. Return to investors includes dividends paid and any appreciation in the average price per share of the common stock and the related warrant during the period. For each tranche forgiven, we will recognize a non-cash charge against earnings of $1,083,330 for the related accounting period. Incentive targets were met and one tranche was forgiven in 1997. Incentive targets were not met in 1998 and, therefore, debt was not forgiven. The charges against earnings resulting from forgiveness of the notes could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and on the dividends paid to shareholders, including investors in this offering, during periods forgiven. We depend on key personnel for successful operations. Our operations and the operations of NovaStar Mortgage depend heavily on the contributions of Scott Hartman and Lance Anderson. Both Mr. Hartman and Mr. Anderson would be difficult to replace. The loss of either of these individuals could materially adversely effect our business and operating results. 11 We need additional equity financing to support future growth. To fully implement our strategy to grow our portfolio of mortgage assets, we will need to raise additional capital periodically. Accordingly, we expect to undertake both future equity offerings and long-term securitized debt offerings. There is no assurance that we will successfully and economically raise the capital it will require through such offerings. Should we fail to maintain REIT status, we would be subject to tax as a regular corporation. We intend to operate so as to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In order to maintain our classification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we must satisfy tests with respect to the sources of our income, the nature and type of our assets, the amount of our distributions to stockholders, and concentration of the ownership of our stock. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and the relief provisions of the Code do not apply, we would be subject to federal income tax as a regular, domestic corporation and our stockholders would be subject to the same tax treatment as stockholders of such corporation. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT would not be deductible in computing our taxable income. As a result, we could be subject to income tax liability and the cash available for distribution to our stockholders would be significantly reduced or eliminated. Further, we could also be disqualified from re-electing REIT status for the four taxable years following the year we became disqualified. There is no assurance that future legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not significantly change the tax laws with respect to our qualification as a REIT or with respect to the federal income tax consequences of such qualification. Any such changes may reduce or eliminate our competitive advantage over non-REIT competitors. We lack voting control of our taxable affiliate NovaStar Mortgage. We formed NFI Holding to serve as a holding company for our taxable affiliates in order to legally separate the mortgage loan origination operation and other lines of business from the REIT entity. This was done for regulatory, tax, risk management and other reasons. Scott Hartman and Lance Anderson own 100% of the voting common stock of NFI Holding while we own 100% of NFI Holding's non-voting preferred stock. The common stock is entitled to 1% of dividend distributions of NFI Holding and the preferred stock is entitled to 99% of such distributions. NFI Holding wholly owns NovaStar Mortgage, and the REIT thus owns a beneficial interest in 99% of any future dividend distributions from NovaStar Mortgage. NovaStar Mortgage has contracted with us to: sell subprime mortgage loans it originates to us; service subprime mortgage loans for us; and provide administrative services to us. Without voting control of NovaStar Mortgage, you cannot be assured that our contracts with NovaStar Mortgage, which are subject to renewal, will continue indefinitely. In addition, while Messrs. Hartman and Anderson have entered into an agreement of shareholders which contains management and control provisions and restrictions on transfer of the common stock, you cannot be assured that the agreement will be enforced in a timely manner against the individuals, their heirs or representatives. Failure to qualify for Investment Company Act exemption may adversely affect our ability to use leverage and to conduct our business. We conduct our business so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. The Investment Company Act exempts entities that are "primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate." If we fail to qualify for exemption from registration as an investment company, our ability to use leverage would be substantially reduced and we would be unable to conduct our business. Any such failure to qualify for such exemption could have a material adverse effect on us. 12 Future revisions in policies and strategies at the discretion of Board of Directors may adversely affect operations. Management has established our operating policies and strategies set forth in this prospectus. These policies and strategies may be modified or waived by the Board of Directors, subject in some cases to approval by a majority of the independent directors, without stockholder approval. The ultimate effect of these changes may adversely affect our operations. Subprime Mortgage Lending Operation Changes in interest rates may adversely affect results of operations. Any period of unexpected or rapid changes in interest rates is likely to adversely affect results of our operations. For example, a substantial or sustained increase in interest rates could adversely affect our ability to acquire subprime mortgage loans in expected volumes necessary to support fixed overhead expense levels. Decrease in interest rates generally cause mortgage loans in the portfolio to prepay more quickly. This could result in our amortizing more of the premium we paid for the mortgage loans and would, therefore, decrease net interest income. Intense competition in the subprime mortgage loan industry may result in reduced net income or in revised underwriting standards which would adversely affect operations. NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage face intense competition, primarily from commercial banks, savings and loans, other independent mortgage lenders, and other mortgage REITs. As NovaStar Mortgage expands into the national market and particular geographic markets, it will face competition from lenders with established positions in these locations. Competition can take place on various levels, including convenience in obtaining a loan, service, marketing, origination channels and pricing. The subprime market is currently undergoing substantial changes. There are new entities leaving and exiting into the market creating a changing competitive environment. Furthermore, some large national finance companies and prime mortgage originators have begun to implement plans to adapt their prime mortgage loan origination programs and to allocate resources to the origination of subprime mortgage loans. Some of these larger mortgage companies and commercial banks have begun to offer products similar to those which are offered by NovaStar Mortgage and have begun to target customers similar to those targeted by NovaStar Mortgage. In the future, NovaStar Mortgage may also face competition from government sponsored entities, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, formerly known as FNMA and FHLMC, respectively. For example, Freddie Mac has issued securities collateralized by subprime mortgage loans originated by a financial institution. The entrance of these competitors into NovaStar Mortgage's market could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and on our financial condition. Increased competition could result in either reduced net interest income on subprime mortgage loans compared to present levels or in revised underwriting standards permitting higher loan-to-value ratios on properties securing subprime mortgage loans. Increased competition may also increase the demand for NovaStar Mortgage's experienced personnel and the potential that such personnel will leave NovaStar for its competitors. There is no assurance that NovaStar Mortgage will be able to compete successfully in this market environment. Any failure in this regard could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and on our financial condition. Fluctuations in interest rates and general and localized economic conditions may also affect the competition NovaStar Mortgage faces. Competitors with lower costs of capital have a competitive advantage over us. During periods of declining rates, competitors may solicit our customers to refinance their loans. In addition, during periods of economic slowdown or recession, our borrowers may face financial difficulties and be more receptive to the offers of our competitors to refinance their mortgage loans. 13 Higher loan-to-value ratios increase the risk that we may not recover, on default, full amounts due on mortgage loans. Our current underwriting guidelines allow for the acquisition of originated loans with up to a 95% loan-to-value ratio. The higher the loan-to-value ratio, the greater the risk that we may be unable to recover full amounts due on our mortgage loans when a borrower defaults and we foreclose and sell the underlying collateral. As of December 31, 1998, the average loan-to-value ratio of our mortgage loan portfolio was 80%. Our failure to adequately address the risk of high loan-to-value products would have a material adverse effect on our operating results, our financial condition and our business prospects. Loans made to subprime mortgage borrowers entail higher delinquency and loss rates. Lenders in the subprime mortgage banking industry make loans to borrowers who have impaired or limited credit histories, limited documentation of income and higher debt-to-income ratios than traditional mortgage lenders allow. Mortgage loans made to subprime mortgage borrowers generally entail a higher risk of delinquency and foreclosure than mortgage loans made to borrowers with better credit and may result in higher levels of realized loss. Most of our mortgage loans are made to borrowers who do not qualify for mortgage loans from conventional mortgage lenders. As of December 31, 1998, 7% of our mortgage loan portfolio was comprised of mortgage loans made to borrowers graded "C" and 1% of our portfolio was comprised of mortgage loans made to borrowers graded "D", "C" and "D" being our two lowest credit grade classifications. There is no assurance that our underwriting criteria or methods will afford adequate protection against the higher risks associated with mortgage loans made to subprime mortgage loan borrowers. Our failure to adequately address the risk of subprime lending would have a material adverse impact on our operating results, our financial condition and our business prospects. Failure to renew or obtain adequate funding under warehouse facilities and repurchase agreements may materially adversely impact our lending operations. We finance substantially all of our mortgage loans through interim financing facilities including our bank warehouse credit line and repurchase agreements, and with equity. These borrowings have been and will be repaid with the net proceeds we receive from financing mortgage loans through securitization or sales for cash. We are dependent upon a few lenders to provide the primary credit facilities for our mortgaging loan originations and acquisitions. Any failure to renew or obtain adequate funding under these financing arrangements, find buyers for mortgage loan originations or issue asset-backed bonds could have a material adverse impact on our lending operations. Financing with repurchase agreements may lead to margin calls if the market value of mortgage assets declines. In a repurchase agreement, we sell an asset and agree to repurchase the same asset at some period in the future. Generally, the repurchase agreements we enter into stipulate that we must repurchase the asset in 30 days. These arrangements are treated as secured financings. The amount we can borrow under these arrangements is generally 96% to 98% of the asset market value. When asset market values decrease, we are required to repay the margin, or difference in the market value. To the extent the market values of assets financed with repurchase agreements decline rapidly, we will be required to meet cash margin calls. If cash is unavailable, we may be forced to default under the terms of the repurchase agreement. In that event, the lender retains the right to liquidate the collateral to settle the amount we then owe. Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect the value of our mortgage loans in process or held for sale or securitization. Changes in interest rates can have a variety of effects on our mortgage loan origination business. The market value of fixed-rate mortgage loans has a greater sensitivity to changes in market interest rates than 14 adjustable rate mortgage loans. To the extent an interest rate is established for a mortgage loan in process prior to the time such mortgage loan is funded, a gain or loss on the sale of the mortgage loan may result from changes in interest rates during the period between the time the interest rate is established and the time the mortgage loan is committed for sale. A sharp rise in interest rates or increasing market concern about the value or liquidity of a type or types of mortgage loans being held by us will reduce the market value of the mortgage loans. This may cause lenders to require additional collateral. Even with stable or declining interest rates, the market value of the type of mortgage loans we hold could decrease, making long term securitization expensive or unavailable. In addition, our results of operations from our origination of mortgage loans can be adversely affected to the extent rising interest rates decrease the volume of mortgage loan originations and the revenue derived therefrom. Competition with other prospective purchasers of mortgage loans for business with independent brokers and lenders may result in fluctuations in volume and cost of acquiring mortgage loans. NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage depend upon independent mortgage loan brokers and mortgage lenders for originations and purchases of new mortgage loans. Our competitors also seek to establish relationships with brokers and mortgage lenders. Our future results may become more exposed to fluctuations in the volume and cost of acquiring our mortgage loans resulting from competition from other prospective purchasers of mortgage loans. New laws and regulations, new administrative or judicial interpretations or our failure to comply with existing federal, state, and local legislation or regulation could adversely affect our operations. Members of Congress and government officials from time to time have suggested the elimination of the mortgage interest deduction for federal income tax purposes, either entirely or, in part, based on borrower income, type of mortgage loan or principal amount. Because many of our mortgage loans will be made to borrowers for the purpose of consolidating consumer debt or financing other consumer needs, the competitive advantages of tax deductible interest, when compared with alternative sources of financing, could be eliminated or seriously impaired by such government action. Accordingly, the reduction or elimination of these tax benefits could have a material adverse effect on the demand for mortgage loans offered by us. The Clinton administration's fiscal 2000 budget would place several constraints on the activities and ownership of a taxable REIT subsidiary. If the proposal results in material changes to current rules and regulations on taxable REIT subsidiaries, there could be a material adverse effect on our operations. The businesses of NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and licensing by federal, state and local governmental authorities. They are also subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions on all or part of the businesses' operations. There can be no assurance that we will maintain compliance with these requirements in the future without additional expenses, or that more restrictive local, state or federal laws, rules and regulations will not be adopted or that existing laws and regulations will not be interpreted in a more restrictive manner, which would make compliance more difficult for us. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to loss of approved status, termination or suspension of servicing contracts without compensation to the servicer, demands for indemnifications or mortgage loan repurchases, rights of rescission for mortgage loans, class action lawsuits and administrative enforcement actions, all of which could cause a material adverse impact on our profitability. These laws and regulations are subject to legislative, administrative and judicial interpretation, and some have been infrequently interpreted or only recently enacted, all of which can result in ambiguity with respect to permitted conduct. Any ambiguity under the regulations to which we are subject may lead to regulatory investigations or enforcement actions and private causes of action, such as class action law suits, with respect to our compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. As a mortgage lender, NovaStar Mortgage will be subject to regulatory enforcement actions and private causes of action from time to time with respect to its compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 15 Failure to comply with future regulatory interpretations or judicial decisions regarding broker compensation programs may adversely affect results of operations. Future regulatory interpretations or judicial decisions may require us to change our broker compensation programs or else face material monetary judgments or other penalties. Any such changes or penalties may have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition and on our business prospects. Several law suits have been filed against a number of mortgage lenders alleging that such lenders have violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, commonly called RESPA, by making payments to independent mortgage brokers. These lawsuits have generally been filed on behalf of a purported nationwide class of borrowers and allege that payments made by a lender to a broker in addition to payments made by the borrower to a broker are prohibited by the Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act, and are therefore illegal. Several federal district courts construing RESPA in these cases have reached conflicting results. In 1998, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled in two decisions in Culpepper v. Inland Mortgage Corporation that the payment by the lender to the broker in the circumstance of that particular case constituted a prohibited referral fee under the Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act. The case was remanded to the district court for further proceedings. If the pending cases on lender payments to brokers are ultimately resolved against the lenders, it may cause an industry-wide change in the way independent mortgage brokers are compensated. Our broker compensation programs currently utilize such payments. Contamination of properties securing mortgage loans by hazardous substances would result in our facing environmental liabilities. Properties securing mortgage loans may be contaminated by hazardous substances. As a result, the value of the real property may be diminished. In the event that we are forced to foreclose on a defaulted mortgage loan on that property, we may be subject to environmental liabilities regardless of whether we were responsible for the contamination. While we intend to exercise due diligence to discover potential environmental liabilities prior to the acquisition of any property through foreclosure, hazardous substances or wastes, contaminants, pollutants or sources thereof may be discovered on properties during our ownership or after a sale thereof to a third party. If such hazardous substances are discovered on properties, we may be required to remove those substances or sources and clean up the property. The company may also be liable to tenants and other users of neighboring properties. Such clean-up costs and liabilities may be extensive and may materially and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, we may find it difficult or impossible to sell the property prior to or following any such clean-up. Acquisition and Management of a Portfolio of Mortgage Assets General economic and financial conditions in mortgage and financial markets may affect our results of operations. The results of our mortgage assets portfolio operation are affected by various factors, many of which are beyond our control. The performance of our mortgage assets portfolio depends on, among other things, the level of net interest income generated by our mortgage assets, the market value of such mortgage assets and the supply and demand for such mortgage assets. Our net interest income varies primarily as a result of changes in short-term interest rates, borrowing costs and prepayment rates, the behavior of which involve various risks and uncertainties as set forth below. Prepayment rates, interest rates, borrowing costs and credit losses depend upon the nature and terms of the mortgage assets, the geographic location of the properties securing the mortgage loans included in or underlying the mortgage assets, conditions in financial markets, the fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. government and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, international economic and financial conditions, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Because changes in interest rates may significantly affect our activities, our operating results depend, in large part, upon our ability to manage our interest rate and prepayment risks while maintaining our status as a REIT. Prolonged failure to manage such risks would adversely affect our results of operations. 16 Interest rate fluctuations may result in a decrease in net interest income. Our adjustable rate mortgage loans bear adjustable interest or pass-through rates based on short-term interest rates, and substantially all of our borrowings bear interest at short-term rates and have maturities of less than one year. Consequently, changes in short-term interest rates may significantly influence our net interest income. While rising short-term interest rates generally increase the yields on our adjustable rate mortgage loans, rising short-term interest rates also increase the cost of our borrowings which are utilized to fund the mortgage loans. To the extent such costs escalate more rapidly than the yields, our net interest income may be reduced or a net loss may result. Conversely, falling short-term interest rates may decrease the interest cost on our borrowings more rapidly than the yields on the mortgage loans and hence may increase our net interest income. There is no assurance as to the amount or timing of changes in interest rates or their effect on our mortgage assets or net interest income. As of December 31, 1998, 67% of our mortgage loans, $601 million, had adjustable rate characteristics. Adjustable rate mortgage loans, commonly called ARMs, are inherently riskier than fixed rate mortgage loans. These loans have interest rates that may rise, resulting in higher mortgage payments for the borrower. Adjustable rate mortgage loans are usually underwritten at a higher interest rate, to ensure that the borrower has the ability to make mortgage payments as the rate on the mortgage loan increases. An increasing interest rate environment will force the borrower to make higher mortgage payments, which could result in higher delinquencies, foreclosures and losses. Interest rates on our borrowings adjust differently than those on related adjustable rate mortgages which may adversely affect our net interest income. A substantial portion of all mortgage loans we own have adjustable terms today or are fixed today, but will adjust at some point in the future. Interest rates on our borrowings are and generally will be based on short-term indices. To the extent any of our mortgage loans are financed with borrowings bearing interest based on or varying with an index different from that used for the related mortgage assets, so-called "basis" interest rate risk will arise. In this event, if the index used for the mortgage assets is a "lagging" index, such as the 11th District Cost of Funds, that reflects market interest rate changes on a delayed basis, and the rate borne by the related borrowings reflects market rate changes more rapidly, our net interest income will be adversely affected in periods of increasing market interest rates. Additionally, our adjustable rate mortgage loans will be subject to periodic rate adjustments which may be more or less frequent than the increases or decreases in rates borne by the borrowings or financing we utilize. Accordingly, in a period of increasing interest rates, we could experience a decrease in net interest income or a net loss because the interest rates on borrowings could adjust faster than the interest rates on our adjustable rate mortgages or mortgage assets backed by adjustable rate mortgages. As of December 31, 1998, 67% of our mortgage loans bear rates that adjust semiannually, annually or are fixed for two or three years and adjust annually thereafter. All of our borrowings bear variable rates of interest. Rates on our repurchase agreements are variable based on the terms to maturity of individual agreements. As of December 31, 1998, these repurchase agreements were tied to one-month LIBOR. The rate on our warehouse line of credit adjusts based upon the federal funds rate. Interest rate caps on adjustable rate mortgages may adversely affect our net interest income. Adjustable rate mortgage loans are typically subject to periodic and lifetime interest rate caps that limit the amount an adjustable rate mortgage interest rate can change during any given period. Our borrowings will not be subject to similar restrictions. Hence, in a period of rapidly increasing interest rates, we could also experience a decrease in net interest income or a net loss in the absence of effective hedging because the interest rates on borrowings could increase without limitation while the interest rates on our adjustable rate mortgages and mortgage assets backed by adjustable rate mortgages would be limited by caps. Further, some adjustable rate mortgages may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in some portion of the interest 17 accruing on the adjustable rate mortgage being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. This could result in our receipt of less cash income on our adjustable rate mortgages than is required to pay interest on the related borrowings, which will not have such payment caps. Changes in anticipated prepayment rates may adversely affect net interest income. Prepayment rates vary from time to time and may cause changes in the amount of our net interest income. Prepayments of adjustable rate mortgages and mortgage assets backed by adjustable rate mortgages usually can be expected to increase when mortgage interest rates fall below the then-current interest rates on such adjustable rate mortgages and decrease when mortgage interest rates exceed the then-current interest rate on adjustable rate mortgages, although such effects are not predictable. Prepayment experience may also be affected by the geographic location of the property securing the mortgage loans, the assumability of the mortgage loans, conditions in the housing and financial markets and general economic conditions. In addition, prepayments on adjustable rate mortgages are affected by the ability of the borrower to convert an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage loan by conditions in the fixed-rate mortgage market. If the interest rate on adjustable rates mortgage increase at a rate greater than the interest rate on fixed-rate mortgage loans, prepayments on adjustable rate mortgages may tend to increase. In periods of fluctuating interest rates, interest rates on adjustable rate mortgages may exceed interest rates on fixed-rate mortgage loans, which may tend to cause prepayments on adjustable rate mortgages to increase at a rate greater than anticipated. We will seek to minimize prepayment risk through a variety of means to the extent they are available to us at reasonable cost at various points in time. These means may include structuring a diversified portfolio with a variety of prepayment characteristics, investing in mortgage assets with prepayment prohibitions and penalties and investing in mortgage security structures which have prepayment protection. In addition, we may purchase interest-only strips to a limited extent. The basis risk that will exist between an interest-only strips and the other assets in the portfolio could increase our risk in interest rate environments where interest-only strip would amortize quickly. Changes in anticipated prepayment rates of mortgage assets could affect us in several adverse ways. Faster than anticipated prepayment of any mortgage asset that we purchased at a premium would generally result in a faster than anticipated write-off of any remaining capitalized premium amount and consequent reduction of our net interest income by such amount. A portion of the adjustable-rate single family mortgage loans which we may acquire, either directly as mortgage loans or through mortgage securities backed by adjustable rate mortgages, will generally bear initial interest rates which are lower than their "fully-indexed" rates. In the event that such an asset prepays faster than anticipated prior to or soon after the time of adjustment to a fully- indexed rate, we will have experienced an adverse effect on our net interest income during the time we held such adjustable rate mortgage compared with holding a fully-indexed adjustable rate mortgage and will have lost the opportunity to receive interest at the fully-indexed rate over the expected life of the adjustable rate mortgage Subprime borrowers are frequently in a unique position to receive economic gain from refinancing due to improving their mortgage and consumer credit profiles through timely payments on outstanding loans. As a result, a subprime borrower may be able to lower the rate on their home loan without a change in interest rates. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect results of operations. Our operating strategy subjects us to interest rate risks. We follow an asset/liability management program intended to protect against interest rate changes and prepayments. Nevertheless, developing an effective asset/liability management strategy is complex and no strategy can completely insulate us from risks associated with interest rate changes and prepayments. In addition, there is no assurance that our hedging activities will have the desired beneficial impact on our operating results or financial condition. Hedging typically involves costs, including transaction costs, which increase dramatically as the period covered by the hedge increases and which also increase during periods of rising and volatile interest rates. We may increase our hedging activity, and thus increase our hedging costs, during such periods when interest rates are volatile or rising and hedging 18 costs have increased. Moreover, federal tax laws applicable to REITs may substantially limit our ability to engage in asset/liability management transactions. Such federal tax laws may prevent us from effectively implementing hedging strategies that we determine, absent such restrictions, would best insulate us from the risks associated with changing interest rates and prepayments. Limitations on effective hedging may adversely affect attempts to mitigate risk of variable rate liabilities. We purchase interest rate caps and interest rate swaps to attempt to mitigate the risk of variable rate liabilities increasing at a faster rate than the earnings on its assets during a period of rising interest rates. In this way, we intend generally to hedge as much of the interest rate risk as we determine is in our best interests given the cost of such hedging transactions and the need to maintain our status as a REIT. In this regard, the amount of income we may earn from interest rate swaps and caps is subject to substantial limitations under the REIT provisions of the Code. We may hedge the risk of our borrowing costs on our variable rate liabilities increasing faster than our income, due to the effect of the periodic and lifetime caps on our mortgage assets, through the acquisition of . qualified REIT assets, such as interest-only REMIC regular interests, that function in a manner similar to hedging instruments; . qualified hedges, the income from which qualifies for the 95% income test, but not the 75% income test for REIT qualification purposes; and . other hedging instruments, whose income qualifies for neither the 95% income test nor the 75% income test. The latter form of hedging may be accomplished through one of our taxable affiliates.This determination may result in our election to bear a level of interest rate risk that could otherwise be hedged when we believe, based on all relevant facts, that bearing such risk is advisable. Hedging poses a credit risk. In the event that we purchase interest rate caps or other interest rate agreements to hedge against lifetime and periodic rate or payment caps, and the provider of interest rate agreements becomes financially unsound or insolvent, we may be forced to unwind our interest rate agreements with such provider and may take a loss on such interest rate agreements. Although we intend to purchase interest rate agreements only from financially sound institutions and to monitor the financial strength of such institutions on a periodic basis, there is no assurance that we can avoid such third party risks. Hedging poses a legal risk. We accept legal risk in entering into interest rate swap and cap agreements. No assurance can be given as to the enforceability of these agreements. An agreement that is not enforceable may subject us to unexpected interest rate risk and have a material adverse affect on results of operations. Hedging poses a basis risk. We also accept basis risk in entering into interest rate swap and cap agreements. Basis risk occurs as the performance of hedged financing sources vary from expectations and differ from the performance of the hedging instrument. For instance, we hedge our borrowing to mitigate interest rate risk of mortgage assets that are fixed or we reprice at different times or based on different indices. Although the hedging item may reduce interest rate risk, borrowers may prepay at speeds which vary from initial expectation. Absent proper monitoring, we could have a hedging instrument in place without an underlying financing source. The consequence of which may be a material adverse effect on results of operations. 19 We are not regulated in regards to our hedging activities. However, in order to maintain our exemption from the registration requirements of the Commodities Exchange Act, we are limited with respect to investments in futures contracts, options on futures contracts and options on commodities. We face loss exposure on single family mortgage assets. A substantial portion of our investment portfolio consists of single family mortgage loans or mortgage assets evidencing interests in single family mortgage loans. We will generally bear the risk of loss on any such mortgage assets we purchase in the mortgage market or through our mortgage lending business. To the extent third parties have been contracted to provide the credit enhancement, we are dependent in part upon the credit worthiness and claims-paying ability of the insurer and the timeliness of reimbursement in the event of a default on the underlying obligations. Further, the insurance coverage for various types of losses is limited in amount and losses in excess of the limitation would be borne by us. Accordingly, during the time we hold such mortgage loans, we will be subject to risks of borrower defaults and bankruptcies and special hazard losses that are not covered by standard hazard insurance, such as those occurring from earthquakes or floods. In the event of a default on any single family mortgage loan held by us, including, without limitation, resulting from higher default levels as a result of declining property values and worsening economic conditions, among other factors, we would bear the risk of loss of principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the related real property, plus any payments from an insurer or guarantor, and the amount owing on the mortgage loan. Defaulted mortgage loans would also cease to be eligible collateral for borrowings and would have to be financed by us out of other funds until ultimately liquidated, resulting in increased financing costs and reduced net income or a net loss. We may pool and finance or sell through securitizations a substantial portion of the single family mortgage loans we acquire. In securitizations, we continue to bear risk of loss on the underlying mortgage loans. We face loss exposure due to the credit risks of subprime mortgage loans. Credit risks associated with non-conforming mortgage loans, especially subprime mortgage loans, may be greater than those associated with prime mortgage loans that conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. The principal difference between non-conforming subprime mortgage loans and conforming mortgage loans include the applicable loan-to-value ratios, the credit and income histories of the borrowers, the documentation required for approval of the borrowers, the types of properties securing the mortgage loans, loan sizes and the borrowers occupancy status with respect to the mortgaged property. As a result of these and other factors, the interest rates charged on non-conforming mortgage loans are often higher than those charged for conforming mortgage loans. The combination of different underwriting criteria and higher rates of interest may lead to higher delinquency rates and/or credit losses for non-conforming as compared to conforming mortgage loans and could have an adverse effect on us to the extent that we invest in those mortgage loans or securities secured by such mortgage loans. We face loss exposure due to the underlying real estate. Many of the risks of holding subprime mortgage loans and retaining, after securitization, credit risk derived therefrom reflect the risks of investing directly in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. This may be especially true in the case of a relatively small or less diverse pool of subprime mortgage loans. In the event of a default on the underlying mortgage loan, the ultimate extent of the loss, if any, may only be determined after a foreclosure of the mortgage encumbering the property and, if the lender takes title to the property, upon liquidation of the property. Factors such as the title to the property or its physical condition, including environmental considerations, may make a third party unwilling to purchase the property at a foreclosure sale or for a price sufficient to satisfy the obligations with respect to the related mortgage securities. Foreclosure laws in various states may extend the foreclosure process. In addition, the condition of a property may deteriorate during the pendency of foreclosure proceedings. Some borrowers on underlying mortgages may 20 become subject to bankruptcy proceedings, in which case the amount and timing of amounts due may be materially adversely affected. Market factors may limit our ability to acquire mortgage assets at yields which are favorable relative to borrowing costs. Our net income depends, in large part, on our ability to acquire mortgage assets at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. In acquiring mortgage assets, we compete with other REITs, securities dealers, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, other lenders, Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other entities purchasing mortgage assets. In addition, there are several mortgage REITs similar to us, and others may be organized in the future. The effect of the existence of additional REITs may be to increase competition for the available supply of mortgage assets suitable for our purchase. Despite management's experience in the acquisition of mortgage assets and its relationships with various mortgage suppliers, there is no assurance that we will be able to acquire sufficient mortgage assets from mortgage suppliers at spreads above our cost of funds. We will also face competition for financing sources, and the effect of the existence of additional mortgage REITs may be to deny us access to sufficient funds to carry out our business strategy and/or to increase the cost of funds to us. We face substantial leverage and potential net interest and operating losses in connection with borrowings. We employ a financing strategy to increase the size of our mortgage asset portfolio by borrowing a substantial portion of the market value of our mortgage assets. The portion borrowed may vary depending upon the mix of the mortgage assets in our portfolio and the application of our policies with respect to such mix of mortgage assets. If the returns on the mortgage assets purchased with borrowed funds fail to cover the cost of the borrowings, we will experience net interest losses and may experience net losses. In addition, due to increases in haircuts, i.e., the discount from face value applied by a lender or purchaser with respect to our mortgage securities, decreases in the market value of our mortgage assets, increases in interest rate volatility, availability of financing in the market, circumstances then applicable in the lending market and other factors, we may not be able to achieve the degree of leverage we believe to be optimal. This may cause us to be less profitable than we might be otherwise. We use our capital allocation guidelines to manage the amount of debt incurred and leverage employed in our balance sheet. These guidelines have been approved by the Board of Directors, who also have the ability to change them. As of December 31, 1998, our equity represented 8.7% of assets. Our failure to refinance outstanding borrowings on favorable terms may affect results of operations. Additionally, our ability to achieve our investment objectives depends not only on our ability to borrow money in sufficient amounts and on favorable terms but also on our ability to renew or replace on a continuous basis our maturing short-term borrowings. Our business strategy relies on short-term financing agreements to fund mortgage asset originations and purchases. We have not at the present time entered into any commitment agreements under which a lender would be required to enter into new borrowing agreements during a specified period of time; however, we may enter into one or more of such commitment agreements in the future if deemed favorable. In the event we are not able to renew or replace maturing borrowings, we could be required to sell mortgage assets under adverse market conditions and could incur losses as a result. In addition, in such event, we may be required to terminate hedge positions, which could result in further costs to us. An event or development such as a sharp rise in interest rates or increasing market concern about the value or liquidity of a type or types of mortgage assets in which our portfolio is concentrated will reduce the market value of the mortgage assets, which would likely cause lenders to require additional collateral. At the same time, the market value of the mortgage assets in which our liquidity capital is invested may have decreased. A number of such factors in combination may cause us difficulties, including a possible liquidation of a major portion of our 21 mortgage assets at disadvantageous prices with consequent losses, which could have a materially adverse effect on our profitability and our solvency. A majority of our borrowings are collateralized borrowings, primarily in the form of reverse repurchase agreements and similar borrowings, the availability of which are based on the market value of the mortgage assets pledged to secure the specific borrowings, availability of financing in the market, circumstances then applicable in the lending market and other factors. The cost of borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements generally corresponds to LIBOR or the federal funds rate plus a spread. The cost of borrowings under other sources of funding which we may use may refer or correspond to other short-term indices, plus a margin. The margins on such borrowings over or under LIBOR, the federal funds rate or such other short-term indices vary depending upon the lender, the nature and liquidity of the underlying collateral, the movement of interest rates, the availability of financing in the market and other factors. If the actual cash flow characteristics are other than as expected, we may experience reduced net interest income. Decline in market value of mortgage assets may limit our ability to borrow, result in lenders initiating margin calls and require us to sell mortgage assets in adverse market conditions. A decline in the market value of our portfolio of mortgage assets may limit our ability to borrow or result in lenders initiating margin calls. A lender's margin call requires a pledge of cash or additional mortgage assets to re- establish the ratio of the amount of the borrowing to the value of the collateral. This remains true despite the employment of hedging strategies. We could be required to sell mortgage assets under adverse market conditions in order to maintain liquidity. Such sales may be effected by management when deemed by it to be necessary in order to preserve our capital base. If these sales were made at prices lower than the amortized cost of the mortgage assets, we would experience losses. A default by us under our collateralized borrowings could also result in a liquidation of the collateral, including any cross- collateralized assets, and a resulting loss of the difference between the value of the collateral and the amount borrowed. Additionally, in the event of our bankruptcy, reverse repurchase agreements may qualify for special treatment under the bankruptcy laws, the effect of which is, among other things, to allow the creditors under such agreements to avoid the automatic stay provisions of the bankruptcy laws and to liquidate the collateral under such agreements without delay. Conversely, in the event of the bankruptcy of a party with whom we had a reverse repurchase agreement, we might experience difficulty recovering the collateral subject to such agreement if the agreement were to be repudiated and our claim against the bankrupt lender for any resulting damages were to be treated simply as one of an unsecured creditor. Should this occur, our claims would be subject to significant delay. In addition, recoveries, if and when received, may be substantially less than the damages we actually suffered. There is no assurance that we will be able to avoid such third-party risks. To the extent that we are compelled to liquidate mortgage assets that are qualified REIT assets to repay borrowings, we may be unable to comply with the REIT provisions of the Code regarding assets and sources of income requirements. This could ultimately jeopardize our status as a REIT or could result in the imposition of substantial taxes and penalties. Adverse changes in the securitization market could impair our ability to acquire and finance mortgage loans through securitizations on a favorable or timely basis. Any impairment to the securitization market could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. In addition, in order to gain access to the securitization market, we generally expect to rely upon credit enhancements provided by one or more monoline insurance carriers. Any substantial reductions in the size or availability of the securitization market for our mortgage loans, or the unwillingness of insurance companies to provide credit enhancement for our mortgage securities could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. 22 Mortgage loan performance may adversely affect future results. The delinquency, foreclosure and loss experience to date of the mortgage loans we have purchased may not be indicative of future results. We do maintain reserves based on estimated delinquency, foreclosure and loan loss rates. Actual results may differ from the estimates which may adversely affect our results of operation. Illiquidity of investments restricts resale of mortgage securities. We may invest in mortgage securities, which have been sold in private placements and have not been registered under the Securities Act. Unregistered mortgage securities may be subject to restrictions on resale that may limit our ability to sell them when it might be most desirable to do so. Some of our investments may lack a regular trading market and may be illiquid. In addition, during turbulent market conditions, the liquidity of all of our mortgage assets may be adversely impacted. There is no limit in the percentage of our investments that may be invested in illiquid mortgage assets. Lack of geographic diversification of properties underlying mortgage assets may subject such mortgage assets to greater risk of default in event of hazards that affect such region. We seek geographic diversification of the properties underlying our mortgage assets and have established a diversification policy. Nevertheless, properties underlying such mortgage assets may be located in the same or a limited number of geographical regions. For example, as of December 31, 1998, 18% and 12% of our mortgage loan portfolio was comprised of loans secured by California and Florida real estate, respectively. To the extent that properties underlying such mortgage assets are located in the same geographical region, such mortgage assets may be subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable mortgage assets in the event of adverse economic, political or business developments and natural hazard risks that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of property owners to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages. Investment in the Securities in the Offering Restrictions on ownership of capital stock may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for holders of our capital stock and warrants to receive a premium for their securities. Our charter authorizes the Board of Directors to reclassify any of the unissued shares of authorized capital stock into a class or classes of preferred stock. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of making an attempt to gain control of NovaStar Financial more difficult by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. The preferred stock, if issued, could have a preference on dividend payments over our common stock which could affect our ability to make dividend distributions to the holders of our common stock. In order that we may meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT at all times, the charter generally prohibits any person from acquiring or holding, directly or indirectly, shares of capital stock in excess of 9.8% of the outstanding shares of capital stock. These provisions may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for the holders of our capital stock and warrants to receive a premium for their securities that might otherwise exist in the absence of such provisions. Such provisions also may make us an unsuitable investment vehicle for any person seeking to obtain ownership of more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of capital stock. In addition, provisions of Maryland law relating to "business combinations" and a "control share acquisition" and of our charter and bylaws, e.g., staggered terms for directors, may also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a takeover attempt or other change in control which would be beneficial to shareholders and might otherwise result in a premium over then prevailing market prices. 23 Future sales of securities may dilute the equity of our stockholders or reduce the price of shares of our common stock. We expect to increase our capital resources by making additional offerings of equity and debt securities, including classes of preferred stock, common stock, commercial paper, medium-term notes, mortgage-backed obligations and senior or subordinated debt. All debt securities and classes of preferred stock will be senior to the common stock in the event of our liquidation. Additional equity offerings may dilute the equity of our stockholders or reduce the price of shares of our common stock, or both. We are unable to estimate the amount, timing or nature of additional offerings as they will depend upon market conditions and other factors. As of December 31, 1998, options to purchase 383,820 shares of common stock were outstanding under our stock option plan, which will vest on various dates extending through December 30, 2002. We filed a Form S-8 registration statement to permit shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options to be sold. There is no assurance of an active public trading market. There is no assurance that an active public trading market for the common stock will be sustained. Our common stock's trading volume is relatively low compared to many other securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Our warrants trade through market makers, such as Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, using the NASD's bulletin board service. Shares of preferred stock are available for trading by qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A through the PORTAL market. There can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of a market for the preferred stock, which will not be listed on a national securities exchange and will not be authorized for quotation on Nasdaq. The transferability of both the warrants and the preferred stock may be extremely limited. Possible volatility of stock price may adversely impact the liquidity of our common stock and may result in losses to stockholders who sell shares of common stock. In the active trading market for the common stock, the market price of our common stock may experience fluctuations unrelated to our operating performance. In particular, the price of our common stock may be affected by general market price movements as well as developments specifically related to the finance industry such as interest rate movements and credit quality trends. It is likely that the market price of our common stock will be influenced by any variation between the net yield on our mortgage assets and prevailing market interest rates and by the markets perception of our ability to achieve earnings growth. Our earnings will be derived primarily from any positive spread between the yield on our mortgage assets and the cost of our borrowings. During the period immediately following our receipt of net proceeds from an offering or other source, prior to the time we have fully implemented our financing strategy to employ such net proceeds, our earnings and levels of dividend distributions may be lower than if the financing strategy were fully implemented, which may affect the market value of our common stock. In addition, the positive spread between the yield on our mortgage assets and the cost of borrowings will not necessarily be larger in high interest rate environments than in low interest rate environments regardless of our business strategy to achieve such result. Accordingly, in periods of high interest rates, our net income and, therefore, the dividend yield on our common stock may be less attractive compared with alternative investments, which could negatively impact the price of our common stock. If the anticipated or actual net yield on our mortgage assets declines or if prevailing market interest rates rise, thereby decreasing the positive spread between the net yield on the mortgage assets and the cost of our borrowings, the market price of our common stock may be materially adversely affected. In addition, if the market price of other REIT stocks decline for any reason, or there is a broad-based decline in real estate values or in the value of our portfolio of mortgage assets, the market price of the common stock may be adversely affected. During any period when the market price of our common stock has been adversely affected due to any of the foregoing reasons, the liquidity of our common stock may be negatively impacted and stockholders who may desire or be required to sell their shares of common stock may experience losses. 24 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. We were founded by Scott Hartman and Lance Anderson and incorporated in the State of Maryland on September 13, 1996. We have elected to be a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a result of our REIT status, we will be permitted to deduct dividend distributions to stockholders, thereby effectively eliminating the "double taxation" that generally results when a corporation earns income and distributes that income to stockholders in the form of dividends. NFI Holding, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware on February 6, 1997. Our founders own equally 100% of the voting common stock of NFI Holding. We own 100% of the preferred stock of NFI Holding, for which we receive 99% of dividends paid by NFI Holding. NFI Holding owns NovaStar Mortgage, NovaStar Capital, NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation II and NovaStar REMIC Financing Corporation. NovaStar Mortgage was incorporated in the State of Virginia on May 16, 1996. Although NovaStar Mortgage was formed in 1996, substantial operations did not commence until January 1997. NovaStar Capital, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated on September 29, 1998. NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation II and NovaStar REMIC Financing Corporation were incorporated in the State of Delaware on January 25, 1999. On October 1, 1997, we founded NovaStar Assets Corporation, a wholly-owned, REIT-qualifying subsidiary, in conjunction with our first issuance of a collateralized mortgage obligation, and on December 3, 1997, we founded NovaStar Certificates Financing Corporation, a second wholly- owned REIT-qualifying subsidiary. NovaStar Capital Access Corporation, an inactive corporation organized in Delaware on February 26, 1998, is also one of our wholly-owned REIT-qualifying subsidiaries. Our basic function is to manage our mortgage loans and securities. NovaStar Mortgage serves as a source for loan origination--a primary source of our mortgage loans. In addition, NovaStar Mortgage services our loans. Through June 30, 1998, we purchased substantially all of NovaStar Mortgage's loan originations. Beginning July 1, 1998, NovaStar Mortgage began retaining the loans it originates to be sold in the open market. We are self-advised and self-managed. Our management oversees our day-to-day operations, subject to supervision by our Board of Directors. Our management team has considerable expertise in the origination, acquisition and management of mortgage loans and securities and asset/liability management. The principal executive offices of NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage are at 1901 W. 47th Place, Suite 105, Westwood, Kansas 66205, telephone (913) 362- 1090. Novastar Mortgage operates a loan origination facility at 23046 Avenue De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, California 92653. USE OF PROCEEDS We will receive no proceeds from the sale of the preferred stock or warrants by the selling securityholders, but we will receive the net proceeds from the sale of common stock underlying the warrants. Net proceeds from the sale of the underlying common stock will be used to purchase mortgage assets and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Pending these uses, the net proceeds may be temporarily invested to the extent consistent with the REIT provisions of the Code, or alternatively, may be used to temporarily pay down warehouse borrowing facilities. We anticipate that we will fully invest our net proceeds in mortgage loans or securities as soon as reasonably practicable upon receipt of such proceeds. No mortgage assets have been specifically identified in which to invest our net proceeds of this offering. 25 DIVIDEND POLICY AND DISTRIBUTIONS We generally intend to distribute substantially all of our taxable income each year to our stockholders so as to comply with the REIT provisions of the Code. Taxable income does not ordinarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We generally intend to make dividend distributions quarterly. We intend to distribute any taxable income remaining after the distribution of the final regular quarterly dividend each year together with the first regular quarterly dividend payment of the following taxable year or in a special dividend distributed prior thereto. The dividend policy is subject to revision at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All distributions will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Dividends will depend on taxable income, our financial condition, maintenance of REIT status and other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Distributions to stockholders will generally be subject to tax as ordinary income, although a portion of such distributions may be designated by us as capital gain or may constitute a tax-free return of capital. We will annually furnish to each of our stockholders a statement setting forth distributions paid during the preceding year and their characterization as ordinary income, capital gains, or return of capital. No dividends will be paid or set apart for payment on shares of common stock unless full cumulative dividends have been paid on the preferred stock. Dividends are payable on the preferred stock quarterly at the rate of 7% per annum and are cumulative from the date of original issuance in March 1999. We declared dividends in the amount of $0.28 per share during 1997. During 1998, we declared dividends of $1.00 per share, of which $0.35 were paid in April 1999. All such dividends were paid to holders of common stock. DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN We may adopt a dividend reinvestment plan for stockholders who wish to reinvest all or part of their distributions in additional shares of common stock. Generally, under a dividend reinvestment plan dividends paid with respect to shares of capital stock are automatically invested in additional shares of stock at a discount to the then current market price. Stockholders who own more than a specified number of shares of common stock will be eligible to participate in the dividend reinvestment plan following the effectiveness of the registration of securities issuable thereunder. This offering is not related to the proposed dividend reinvestment plan, nor have we prepared or filed a registration statement with the SEC registering the shares to be issued under the dividend reinvestment plan. Prior to buying shares through the dividend reinvestment plan, participants will be provided with a dividend reinvestment plan prospectus, which will constitute a part of such dividend reinvestment plan registration statement. Our transfer agent will act as the trustee and administrator of the dividend reinvestment plan. Stockholders will not be automatically enrolled in the dividend reinvestment plan. Each stockholder desiring to participate in the dividend reinvestment plan must complete and deliver to the agent an enrollment form, which will be sent to each eligible stockholder following the effectiveness of the registration of the shares to be issued under the dividend reinvestment plan. Participation in the dividend reinvestment plan will commence with all dividends and distributions payable after receipt of a participant's authorization, provided that the authorization must be received by the agent at least two business days prior to the record date for any dividends in order for any stockholder to be eligible for reinvestment of such dividends. 26 CAPITALIZATION The table below sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 1998 and as adjusted to give effect to the exercise of all warrants.
As of December 31, 1998 ------------------------ Actual As Adjusted(1) -------- -------------- (in thousands) Stockholders' Equity: Capital stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized: Common Stock; 8,130,069 (actual) and 13,943,496 (as adjusted) shares issued and outstanding.................................. $ 81 $ 139 Additional paid-in capital...................... 122,180 132,499 Accumulated deficit............................. (32,804) (32,804) Forgivable notes receivable from founders....... (2,167) (2,167) -------- -------- Total....................................... $ 87,290 $ 97,667 ======== ========
- -------- (1) Does not include 383,820 shares of common stock options outstanding under our stock option plan, of which 187,500 are outstanding to executive officers and directors. We refer you to "Management--Executive Compensation." (2) Does not include $30 million in gross proceeds from the sale of 4,285,714 shares of cumulative convertible preferred that occurred after December 31, 1998. MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND DATA Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "NFI." The warrants are traded through market makers, such as Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, using the NASD's OTC Bulletin Board Service. Shares of preferred stock are available for trading by qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A through the PORTAL market. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock on the NYSE and the cash dividends paid or payable per share of stock.
Common Stock Prices Cash Dividends ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- Date Date Paid Amount High Low Class Declared or Payable Per Share -------- -------- -------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- 10/31/97 to 12/31/97(1) 18 13/16 14 1/2 Class A preferred stock(1) 3/13/97 4/30/97 $0.05 1/1/98 to 3/31/98 21 1/8 15 15/16 6/18/97 7/30/97 $0.05 4/1/98 to 6/30/98 21 16 3/8 9/18/97 10/20/97 $0.08 7/1/98 to 9/30/98 17 13/16 11 3/8 12/19/97 1/27/98 $0.10 10/1/98 to 12/31/98 12 7/8 3 3/25/98 4/14/98 $0.30 1/1/99 to 3/31/99 7 1/8 5 3/4 Common stock 6/23/98 7/14/98 $0.35 4/1/99 to 4/27/99 6 3/16 5 5/8 9/22/98 4/15/99(2) $0.35
- -------- (1) Our common stock began trading and our Class A preferred stock converted to common stock on October 31, 1997. (2) We deferred the payment of this dividend due to events that occurred early in the fourth quarter of 1998 as discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998" in this prospectus. No further dividends have been declared on the common stock as of the date of this prospectus. On April 27, 1999, the last reported sales price for the common stock was $6 1/8 per share. As of April 27, 1999, 8,130,069 shares of our common stock were held by more than 2,000 stockholders. 27 SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) The following selected financial data are derived from the financial statements of NovaStar Financial, Inc. for the periods presented and should be read in conjunction with the more detailed information therein and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus. Operating results for the year ended December 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of future results.
For the For the Year Ended Period Ended December 31, December 31, ---------------------- 1996(1) 1998 1997 ------------ Statement of Operations Data Interest income........................................... $ 100,747 $ 36,961 $ 155 Interest expense.......................................... 80,794 28,185 -- Net interest income....................................... 19,953 8,776 155 Provision for credit losses............................... 7,430 2,453 -- Net interest income after provision for credit losses..... 12,523 6,323 155 Gains (losses) on sales of securities and termination of interest rate agreement.................................. (22,939) 51 -- Other .................................................... 3,188 704 -- Equity in loss of NFI Holding Corporation................. (2,984) 28 -- General and administrative expenses....................... 11,609 8,241 457 Net income (loss)......................................... (21,821) (1,135) (302) Basic and diluted(2) earnings (loss) per share............ (2.71) (0.26) (0.08) As of December 31, ------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 Balance Sheet Data Mortgage assets: Mortgage loans........................................... $ 920,697 $ 574,984 -- Mortgage securities...................................... -- 517,246 $13,239 Total assets.............................................. 1,002,236 1,126,252 59,811 Collateralized mortgage obligations....................... 891,944 408,867 -- Short-term borrowings..................................... 18,000 556,443 -- Stockholders' equity...................................... 87,290 116,489 46,380 As of or for As of or for the the Period Year Ended Ended December 31, December 31, ---------------------- 1996(1) 1998 1997 ------------ Other Data Acquisition of wholesale loan production of NovaStar Mortgage: Principal at funding..................................... $ 876,516 $ 409,974 -- Average principal balance per mortgage loan.............. $ 94 $ 130 -- Weighted average interest rate: Adjustable-rate mortgage loans.......................... 10.0% 10.13% -- Fixed rate mortgage loans............................... 9.9% 10.46% -- Loans with prepayment penalties.......................... 74% 73% -- Weighted average prepayment penalty period (in years)(3)................................................ 2.5 2.4 -- Annualized return on average assets, before forgiveness of notes receivable from founders........................... (2.95)% (0.01)% (0.50)% Annualized return on average equity, before forgiveness of notes receivable from founders........................... (21.43)% (0.06)% (0.65)% Taxable income (loss)..................................... $ (1,211) $ 1,434 $ (173) Taxable income (loss) per share........................... $ (0.15) $ 0.18 $ (0.05) Dividends declared per share(3)........................... $ 1.00 $ 0.28 -- Number of account executives.............................. 63 36 --
- -------- (1) NovaStar Financial, Inc. was formed on September 13, 1996. Operations began in substance after the initial closing of the private placement on December 9, 1996. (2) Diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average shares of common stock and preferred stock outstanding, and includes the effect of warrants and options. (3) Includes only those mortgage loans with a prepayment penalty. (4) The level of quarterly dividends is determined by the Board of Directors based upon its consideration of a number of factors and should not be deemed indicative of taxable income for the quarter in which declared or future quarters, or of income calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 28 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the preceding Selected Financial and Other Data and the Financial Statements of NovaStar Financial, Inc. and the Notes thereto, included elsewhere in this prospectus as well as the annual report on Form 10-K of NovaStar Financial, Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, as amended. Safe Harbor Statement "Safe harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this discussion regarding NovaStar Financial, Inc. and its business, which are not historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" commencing on page 12. In addition, there are many important factors that could cause NovaStar's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, interest rate levels and risk, prepayment speeds, delinquency and loss rates, changes in the asset securitization industry or the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, demand for NovaStar's service, the impact of covenants in loan agreements of NovaStar, the degree to which NovaStar is leveraged, its needs for and availability of financing, its access to capital and other risks identified in NovaStar's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. In addition, it should be noted that past financial and operational performance of NovaStar Financial is not necessarily indicative of future financial and operational performance. Basis of Presentation NovaStar Financial owns 100% of the common stock of NovaStar Assets Corporation, NovaStar Certificates Financing Corporation and NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation. These entities were established as special purpose entities used in the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations. The consolidated financial statements of NovaStar Financial include the financial condition and results of operations of these entities. NovaStar Financial also owns 100% of the non-voting preferred stock of NFI Holding Corporation for which it receives 99% of any dividends paid by NFI Holding. Scott Hartman and Lance Anderson, the founders of NovaStar Financial, Inc., own the voting common stock of NFI Holding. NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NFI Holding. Key officers of NovaStar Financial serve as officers of NFI Holding and NovaStar Mortgage and the founders are the only members of the Board of Directors of NFI Holding and NovaStar Mortgage. In June 1998, NFI Holding formed NovaStar Capital, Inc. to purchase and sell mortgage loans. NovaStar Mortgage owns 100% of NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation II and NovaStar REMIC Financing Corporation. Both of these special purpose entities were created in January 1999 for the issuance of real estate mortgage investment conduits or REMICs. NovaStar Financial accounts for its investment in NFI Holding using the equity method. Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of and for the Period Ended December 31, 1996 NovaStar Financial was incorporated on September 13, 1996 and commenced operations in December 1996 after raising $47 million through a private placement offering. During the period from inception to December 31, 1996, investments earned $155,000, while general and administrative costs were $457,000, resulting in a net loss of $302,000. NovaStar Financial did not acquire significant mortgage assets nor hire a large staff until after December 31, 1996. As a result, operating income and expense during 1996 were small in comparison to 1997 and 1998. Financial results for the period from September 13, 1996 to December 31, 1996 do not provide relevant comparative financial information. 29 Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998 As of September 30, 1998, NovaStar Financial had a secured financing arrangement with a lender whereby NovaStar Financial could borrow up to 50% of the value of the residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations. Borrowing capacity under this arrangement was in excess of $30 million. The lender limited or reduced borrowing availability under this arrangement to $25 million as of September 30, 1998. In early October, the lender withdrew its financing under this arrangement at a time when NovaStar required funds to meet margin calls and other demands. This event, combined with declining market prices for its securities and off-balance-sheet financial instruments, caused management to take several actions, as discussed in the following paragraphs, to restore liquidity and to further reduce exposure to liquidity and margin call risk. On October 11, 1998, the Board of Directors deferred payment of the third quarter dividend we declared on September 22, 1998 ($0.35 per share) until January 15, 1999. On January 12, 1999, the Board of Directors further delayed dividend payment until April 15, 1999. On various dates during October 1998, NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage executed contracts for the sale of all mortgage and corporate securities and related interest rate agreements, resulting in losses aggregating more than $23 million. On October 13, 1998, NovaStar Financial executed a 90-day financing agreement with GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation secured by mortgage interests of NovaStar Financial. Under the terms of the agreement, NovaStar Financial borrowed $15 million to support immediate cash needs. In addition, NovaStar agreed to pay a $3 million commitment fee at maturity of the note. The fee serves as incentive for GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation to enter the financing arrangement under adverse market conditions and to insure that the arrangement would be committed for the 90-day period. The resulting $18 million obligation bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5%. Additionally, GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation will receive 812,731 warrants for the purchase of NovaStar Financial's common stock at a price of $4.5625, the closing price of the common stock on October 12, 1998. In January 1999, this financing agreement was extended through February 28, 1999. Management used financing arrangements at First Union to pay off this debt. On various dates during the fourth quarter 1998, NovaStar Mortgage sold residential subprime mortgage loans aggregating $110 million at a net gain of $2 million. On October 21, 1998, NovaStar Financial finalized the second closing on the securitization of asset-backed bonds, the first closing of which occurred during the third quarter. In the second closing, approximately $43 million of mortgage loans were added to the trust assets of NovaStar Home Equity Series 1998-2. After completing the above transactions, the balance sheet consists primarily of subprime mortgage loans financed with non-recourse asset-backed bonds. In the near future, NovaStar Financial does not expect to purchase a significant amount of loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage, and NovaStar Mortgage is expected to sell a majority of the mortgage loans it originates to unrelated entities for cash or in securitizations. Net income will be generated from the spread on securitized loans, general and administrative expenses and equity in earnings of NFI Holding Corporation. Earnings of NFI Holding Corporation will primarily include gains on the sales of mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage for cash or from securitizations and general and administrative expenses. Additional information regarding liquidity position is included in "Liquidity and Capital Resources." Liquidity and Capital Resources As discussed in "Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998", during October 1998, a lender withdrew access to one of our key financing facilities. This lender experienced its own liquidity shortage as a result of global market conditions. In order to respond to the liquidity shortage and mitigate exposure to credit risk, the lender 30 restricted its lending to subprime mortgage companies, including NovaStar. Consequently, the events and actions during the fourth quarter 1998 should be kept in mind when reviewing this discussion regarding the liquidity and capital resources of NovaStar Financial. Liquidity means the need for, access to and uses of cash. The primary needs for cash include the acquisition of mortgage loans, principal repayment and interest on borrowings, operating expenses and dividend payments. Substantial cash is required to support the operating activities of the business, especially the mortgage origination operation. Principal, interest and fees received on mortgage assets and residual interests on collateralized mortgage obligations will serve to support cash needs. Drawing upon various borrowing arrangements typically satisfies major cash requirements. Historically, NovaStar Financial demonstrated the ability to access public capital markets as a source of long-term cash resources. The events in early October 1998 changed the liquidity position of NovaStar Financial and many other subprime companies and REITs. The number of options available to NovaStar Financial with regard to financing and capital resources have been restricted. Actions during unfavorable market conditions in the fourth quarter 1998 were taken to restore liquidity and mitigate additional margin call risk. Although these actions resulted in a significant net loss for the 1998 fourth quarter, management believes they were necessary under the circumstances. These actions have significantly reduced the cash requirements of NovaStar Financial. The mortgage loans owned by NovaStar Financial have minimal liquidity risk as they are financed with non-recourse collateralized mortgage obligations. Management expects that interest income on the mortgage loans will generate sufficient cash to meet financing and operating costs. NovaStar Mortgage requires substantial cash to fund mortgage loan originations and operating costs. In the short-term, management expect to sell a substantial amount of the whole loan production of NovaStar Mortgage to generate adequate cash to meet the significant cash needs of the wholesale loan operation. NovaStar will continue to sell the majority of loans originated to third parties until sufficient capital can be efficiently raised to return to its primary business strategy of holding loans in portfolio. Management believes NovaStar can operate indefinitely in this manner, providing the level of loan originations are at or near the capacity of its production infrastructure. Table 1 is a summary of financing arrangements and available borrowing capacity under those arrangements as of December 31, 1998: Table 1 Liquidity Resources December 31, 1998 (dollars in thousands)
Maximum Borrowing Value of Resource Limit Collateral Borrowings Availability -------- --------- ---------- ---------- ------------ First Union National Bank(A): Committed warehouse line of credit......................... $ 75,000 $ 31,727 $ 26,651 $5,076 Committed secured whole loan repurchase agreement........... 200,000 175,863 175,863 -- Residual financing available under CMOs............................. 18,000 (B) 18,000 -- -------- ------ Total......................... $220,514 $5,076 ======== ====== Total availability as a percent of: Total assets.................... 0.51% ====== Total stockholders' equity...... 5.82% ======
- -------- (A) Value of collateral and borrowings include amounts for both NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage as they are co-borrowers under the arrangements with First Union National Bank. (B) Management estimates the value of the residuals range from $50 to $70 million and does not include the value of mortgage servicing rights. In addition to the mortgage loans that have been securitized and are reflected on the balance sheet, NovaStar Mortgage continues to originate subprime mortgage loans that are expected to be sold to third parties. 31 In addition, during the first quarter of 1999, NovaStar Mortgage issued asset- backed bonds totaling $160 million. Unlike NovaStar Financial's asset-backed bond transactions, this transaction was treated as a sale in which NovaStar Mortgage recognized a gain of $1.3 million. As of December 31, 1998, NovaStar Mortgage had $209 million of subprime mortgage loans. NovaStar Mortgage provides financing for these loans through its own warehouse and repurchase credit facilities. Mortgage loans financed with warehouse and repurchase credit facilities are subject to changing market valuation and margin calls. Management expects to continue selling mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage or securitizing those loans at a profit. However, management's intent is to raise sufficient capital during the first part of 1999 to begin acquiring a majority of NovaStar Mortgage's production during the second half of 1999. During February 1999, NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage finalized agreements with First Union National Bank that increased total financing capacity to $395 million. The financing is available under the $75 million warehouse agreement, a $300 million master repurchase agreement and $20 million in financing secured by the residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations. See note 4 to the consolidated financial statements of NovaStar Financial. Cash activity during the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 are presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Forgivable Notes Receivable from Founders The founders of NovaStar Financial purchased 216,666 units in the 1996 private placement in exchange for forgivable promissory notes. A unit consisted of one share of convertible preferred stock and one common stock warrant. Principal on these notes will be forgiven if incentive performance targets are achieved. The incentive tests relate to the return generated to investors in the private placement, including the appreciation in stock price, the value of the warrants, and dividends paid. One tranche will be forgiven for each fiscal year NovaStar Financial generates a return of 15% to investors in the private placement. All three tranches will be forgiven if a return of 100% is generated within five years. During the period from the closing of the private placement through December 31, 1997, NovaStar Financial's stock price averaged $17.08 per share, dividends of $0.28 were declared and the value of each warrant was $2.08. The combination of these produced a return to investors in the private placement exceeding 15%. As a result, the first tranche of these notes was forgiven resulting in a non- cash charge of $1,083,000 during the fourth quarter of 1997. As a result of NovaStar Financial's significant loss in the fourth quarter 1998 and the market price of our stock during the same period, the second tranche of the notes receivable from founders was not forgiven in 1998. Financial Condition as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 During the year ended December 31, 1998, NovaStar Mortgage originated more than 9,000 subprime residential mortgage loans with an aggregate principal amount of $868 million, of which $541 million was acquired by NovaStar Financial. During the third quarter of 1998, NovaStar Financial discontinued purchasing loan originations of NovaStar Mortgage. In the near future, NovaStar Mortgage intends to sell production to independent third parties for cash or in securitizations at a profit. As a result of the events discussed in "Events in the Fourth Quarter 1998", virtually all mortgage assets at December 31, 1998 consist of subprime mortgage loans whereas mortgage loans made up 51% of mortgage assets at December 31, 1997. During the year ended December 31, 1998 to improve its liquidity situation, NovaStar Financial sold $7.9 million of mortgage loans purchased from NovaStar Mortgage to unrelated third parties for cash, recognizing gains on these transactions of $305,000. NovaStar Financial also completed two securitizations during the year ended December 31, 1998, pooling $660 million of mortgage loans as collateral. 32 Table 2 is a summary of wholesale mortgage loan originations and bulk acquisitions for 1998 and 1997. Table 3 presents a more detailed analysis of the wholesale mortgage loan originations of NovaStar Mortgage. Table 4 is a summary of loan costs for NovaStar Mortgage relative to its wholesale mortgage loan originations. Table 2 Wholesale Loan Originations(A) (B) (C) and Bulk Acquisitions Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 (dollars in thousands)
Wholesale Bulk Originations(A)(B) Acquisitions Total ------------------- ---------------- ---------------- Number Number Number of Principal of Principal of Principal Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount ------- ---------- ------ --------- ------ --------- 1998: Fourth quarter.......... 1,501 $ 133,739 -- -- 1,501 $133,739 Third quarter........... 2,655 240,498 -- -- 2,655 240,498 Second quarter.......... 3,133 294,303 -- -- 3,133 294,303 First quarter........... 2,033 207,976 -- -- 2,033 207,976 ------- ---------- ----- -------- ----- -------- 1998 total............ 9,322 $ 876,516 -- -- 9,322 $876,516 ======= ========== ===== ======== ===== ======== 1997: Fourth quarter.......... 1,552 $ 183,012 -- -- 1,552 $183,012 Third quarter........... 1,025 136,582 -- -- 1,025 136,582 Second quarter.......... 509 77,692 530 49,808 1,039 127,500 First quarter........... 68 12,688 1,422 157,432 1,490 170,120 ------- ---------- ----- -------- ----- -------- 1997 total............ 3,154 $ 409,974 1,952 $207,240 5,106 $617,214 ======= ========== ===== ======== ===== ========
- -------- (A) Loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage (B) Includes acquisition of loans in the third quarter of 1998 by NovaStar Capital, Inc., aggregating $8.2 million. (C) NovaStar Mortgage sold $134 million of its production to independent, third parties for cash in 1998. Table 3 1998 and 1997 Quarterly Wholesale Loan Originations(A) (dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average ---------------------- Percent Number Average Price Loan with of Loan Paid to to Credit Prepayment Loans Principal Balance Broker Value Rating(B) Coupon Penalty ------ --------- ------- ------- ----- -------- ------ ---------- 1998: Fourth quarter........ 1,501 $133,739 $ 89 100.8 81% 4.75 9.78% 88% Third quarter......... 2,655 240,498 90 101.4 81 4.37 10.11 79 Second quarter........ 3,133 294,303 94 101.3 81 4.43 9.93 71 First quarter......... 2,033 207,976 102 101.4 81 4.45 9.93 65 ----- -------- ---- ----- --- ---- ----- --- 1998 total.......... 9,322 $876,516 $ 94 101.3 81% 4.47 9.96% 74% ===== ======== ==== ===== === ==== ===== === 1997: Fourth quarter........ 1,552 $183,012 $118 101.6 81% 4.32 10.09% 71% Third quarter......... 1,025 136,582 133 101.6 79 4.21 10.12 66 Second quarter........ 509 77,692 153 102.1 77 4.23 10.17 84 First quarter......... 68 12,688 187 102.3 75 4.22 9.64 78 ----- -------- ---- ----- --- ---- ----- --- 1997 total.......... 3,154 $409,974 $130 101.7 79% 4.26 10.10% 73% ===== ======== ==== ===== === ==== ===== ===
- -------- (A) Loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage. (B) AAA = 7, AA = 6, A = 5, A- = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 33 Table 4 Cost of Loan Production--NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. Years Ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 (dollars in thousands)
1998 1997 -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Fourth Third Second First Fourth Third Second First Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Total costs of loan production(A).......... $ 6,723 $ 4,975 $ 3,837 $ 3,079 $ 2,096 $ 1,938 $ 1,401 $ 410 Wholesale loan origination principal.. 133,739 240,498 294,303 207,974 183,012 136,582 77,692 12,688 Premium paid to broker.. 1,043 3,439 3,679 2,935 2,896 2,119 1,618 295 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Total acquisition cost(B)................ $141,505 $248,912 $301,819 $213,988 $188,004 $140,639 $80,711 $13,393 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ======= Costs as a percent of principal: Loan production....... 5.0% 2.1% 1.3% 1.5% 1.1% 1.4% 1.8% 3.2% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ======= Premium paid to broker............... 0.8% 1.4% 1.3% 1.4% 1.6% 1.6% 2.1% 2.3% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ======= Total acquisition cost................. 5.8% 3.5% 2.6% 2.9% 2.7% 3.0% 3.9% 5.6% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =======
- -------- (A) Loan production general and administrative expenses as reported for generally accepted accounting principles, plus net deferred loan costs. (B) Principal, premium and general and administrative expenses associated with loan production. Subprime borrowers generally include individuals that do not qualify for agency/conventional lending programs because of a lack of available documentation or previous credit difficulties, but have equity in their homes. Often, they are individuals or families who have built up high-rate consumer debt and are attempting to use the equity in their home to consolidate debt and lower their monthly payments. The credit grade assigned is a function of the relative strength or weakness of the borrower's credit and/or the nature and extent of documents that can be provided to support income. NovaStar Mortgage underwrites the mortgage loans using guidelines that have been approved by NovaStar Financial. Table 5 is a presentation of mortgage loans as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and their credit grades, as determined by NovaStar Mortgage. Table 5 Mortgage Loans by Credit Grade As of December 31 (dollars in thousands)
1998 1997 --------------------------- --------------------------- Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Weighted Average Credit Allowed Loan- Current Average Loan-to- Current Average Loan-to- Rating Mortgage Rates(A) to-value Principal Coupon value Principal Coupon value - ------ ---------------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- AA...................... 0 x 30 90(B) $117,172 9.51% 83.4% $ 16,654 9.61% 85.4% A....................... 1 x 30 90 356,994 9.84 79.7 251,751 9.91 77.9 A-...................... 2 x 30 90 214,627 10.31 81.3 145,314 10.20 78.4 B....................... 3 x 30, 1 x 60 85 138,497 10.62 77.9 99,317 10.50 76.5 C....................... 5 x 30, 2 x 60, 1 x 90 75 62,784 11.13 72.3 35,483 11.09 71.1 D....................... 6 x 30, 3 x 60, 2 x 90 65 13,328 12.14 62.2 10,917 12.05 63.7 -------- ----- ---- -------- ----- ---- Total................. $903,402 10.15% 79.5% $559,436 10.20% 77.3% ======== ===== ==== ======== ===== ====
- -------- (A) Represents the number of times NovaStar allows a prospective borrower to be late more than 30, 60 or 90 days. For instance, a 3x30, 1x60 category would afford the prospective borrower to be more than 30 days late on three separate occasions and 60 days late no more than one time. (B) In some cases may be as high as 95%. 34 Initially, a disproportionate number of mortgage loans generated by NovaStar Mortgage were originated in California. As the sales force has been established throughout the United States, the geographic credit risk has continued to become less concentrated. Table 6 is a summary of loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage by state. Table 7 is a summary of all mortgage loans owned by NovaStar Financial as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 by state. Table 6 Mortgage Loan Originations by State (A) Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
Percent of Total Originations during Quarter (based on original principal balance) --------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------------------- ------------------------- Collateral Location Fourth Third Second First Fourth Third Second First - ------------------- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- Florida..................... 24% 17% 16% 12% 9% 10% 8% 1% Ohio........................ 9 4 5 2 2 2 2 -- Michigan.................... 6 5 5 5 5 3 -- -- Pennsylvania................ 5 4 3 2 1 -- 1 1 North Carolina.............. 4 5 3 2 1 1 -- 1 Washington.................. 3 5 6 7 8 11 16 15 Texas....................... 3 5 3 3 3 4 7 2 California.................. 2 6 9 15 19 24 26 40 Oregon...................... 2 3 4 5 6 6 9 7 Maryland.................... 2 2 3 4 5 6 5 13 Virginia.................... 2 2 2 2 5 6 2 -- Nevada...................... -- 4 3 6 5 4 2 -- Utah........................ -- 2 3 3 6 6 9 13 Oklahoma.................... -- -- 1 1 1 1 2 5 All other states............ 38 36 34 31 24 16 11 2
- -------- (A)Mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. Table 7 Mortgage Loans by State As of December 31
Percent of Portfolio (based on current principal balance) -------------------- Collateral Location 1998 1997 ------------------- ------ ------ California.................................... 18% 27% Florida....................................... 12 8 Washington.................................... 8 9 Oregon........................................ 5 6 Utah.......................................... 4 6 Texas......................................... 4 5 All other states.............................. 49 39
NovaStar Financial acquired mortgage securities with an aggregate cost of $354.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared with $659.4 million for the same period of 1997. During the last quarter of 1997 and first half of 1998, NovaStar Financial purchased securities utilizing capital from the initial public offering. As more of our capital was deployed for mortgage loan acquisition, NovaStar Financial did not purchase any more securities during the second and third quarters of 1998. In October 1998, NovaStar Financial was forced to sell all of its securities as a result of circumstances discussed in "Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998". Thus, mortgage securities with an amortized cost of $700.9 million were sold during 1998, 35 compared with $110.0 million in 1997. Net losses of $15.3 million were recognized on the 1998 sales versus net gains of $51,000 in 1997. Tables 8 and 9 are summaries of the securities acquired during 1998 and 1997 by quarter and the portfolio as of December 31, 1997. Table 8 Mortgage Security Acquisitions Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 (dollars in thousands)
Net Weighted Price to Average Principal Premium Discount Par Coupon --------- ------- -------- -------- -------- 1998: Fourth quarter.................. $ -- $ -- $ -- -- -- % Third quarter................... -- -- -- -- -- % Second quarter--Federal National Mortgage Association........... 80,237 823 -- 101.0 6.40 First quarter: Federal National Mortgage Association.................. 40,929 444 -- 101.1 6.12 Government National Mortgage Association.................. 229,130 3,726 (364) 101.5 6.39 1997: Fourth quarter: Federal National Mortgage Association.................. 46,779 1,856 -- 104.0 8.00 Government National Mortgage Association.................. 233,546 2,649 (1,457) 100.5 5.74 Third quarter--Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation........... 2,202 87 -- 104.0 7.40 Second quarter: Federal National Mortgage Association.................. 247,219 5,174 -- 102.1 7.48 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.................. 102,083 2,450 -- 102.4 6.90 First quarter: Federal National Mortgage Association.................. 7,491 231 -- 103.1 7.57 Government National Mortgage Association.................. 8,931 174 -- 101.9 7.13
Table 9 Mortgage Security Portfolio As of December 31, 1997 (dollars in thousands)
As of December 31, 1997 -------------------------------------------------- Gross ---------------------- Weighted Unamortized Unaccreted Carrying Average Principal Premium Discount Value Coupon --------- ----------- ---------- -------- -------- Federal National Mortgage Association............... $266,083 $6,690 $ -- $272,773 7.55% Government National Mortgage Association...... 233,407 2,640 1,302 234,745 5.74 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation............... 5,357 177 -- 5,534 7.71 -------- ------ ------ -------- $504,847 $9,507 $1,302 513,052 6.98% ======== ====== ====== Net unrealized gain........ 4,194 -------- Carrying value............. $517,246 ========
Mortgage loan originations are funded with various warehouse facilities prior to securitization. Loans originated through the lending operations of NovaStar Mortgage have typically been funded initially through a $75 million warehouse line with First Union National Bank under which NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage are co-borrowers. Repurchase agreements are used to finance mortgage loan purchases. Financing secured by residual interests in asset-backed bonds issued by NovaStar is another short-term borrowing instrument currently available to NovaStar Financial. 36 Using individual assets as collateral for repurchase agreements, NovaStar Financial has financed acquisitions of mortgage securities issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae which we refer to as agency securities or agency certificates. These agreements have been executed with a number of reputable securities dealers. Under the terms of all financing arrangements, lending institutions require "over-collateralization." The value of the collateral generally must exceed the allowable borrowing by between 2% to 5%. As a result, NovaStar Financial must have capital available to cover this "haircut." On a long-term basis, NovaStar Financial finances its mortgage loans using collateralized mortgage obligations, commonly called CMOs. Investors in collateralized mortgage obligations are repaid based on the performance of the mortgage loans collateralizing the collateralized mortgage obligations. These non-recourse financing arrangements match the mortgage loans with the financing arrangement for long periods of time, as compared to repurchase agreements that mature frequently with interest rates that reset frequently and have liquidity risk in the form of margin calls. Under the terms of its collateralized mortgage obligations, NovaStar Financial is entitled to repurchase the mortgage loan collateral and, repay the remaining collateralized mortgage obligation, when their aggregate principal balance falls below 35% for issue 97-01 and 25% for issues 97-02, 98-01 and 98-02. Subprime mortgage loans are not readily obtainable financial assets. As a result, NovaStar Financial retains effective control over the transferred assets as defined in paragraph 9c. of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities and further clarified by paragraph 30 of SFAS No. 125. Accordingly, NovaStar Financial records its collateralized mortgage obligation transactions as secured borrowings, rather than sales of the transferred mortgage loans. Under its collateralized mortgage obligations, NovaStar retains the mortgage loans and incurs the obligation to pay the collateralized mortgage obligation bondholders. NovaStar earns the net spread between the interest income on the mortgage loans and the interest expense on the bonds. The spread earned by NovaStar also is reduced by credit losses on the mortgage asset portfolio. Prepayments on the mortgage loans serve to reduce the term over which NovaStar earns its spread. The longer the mortgage collateral is outstanding, the longer the period for which NovaStar will receive cash flow. To the extent the borrowers prepay, it shortens the life of the collateralized mortgage obligation and the period over which NovaStar receives cash flow. The cash flow to NovaStar will change when interest rates on the bonds fluctuate at amounts or times that are different from the mortgage loan collateral, thereby subjecting NovaStar to interest rate risk. Amounts outstanding under borrowing arrangements aggregated $910 million and $1.0 billion as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and are further detailed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. In periods of decreasing interest rates, borrowers are more likely to refinance their mortgages to obtain a lower interest rate and monthly payment. Even in rising rate environments, borrowers tend to collectively repay their mortgage principal balances earlier than is required by the terms of their mortgages. This is particularly true for subprime borrowers who are seeking to upgrade their credit rating to obtain a lower interest rate. Table 10 displays the historical prepayment speeds for mortgage loans collateralizing collateralized mortgage obligations issued by NovaStar. Table 14 provides an analysis of prepayment characteristics of the mortgage loans owned by NovaStar. Prepayment rates in the table below represent the percent of loan principal that pre-pays in the most recent one, three and twelve month periods and over the life of the pool of mortgage loans. Percents are presented on an annual basis. For instance, 44.2%, on an annual basis, of the principal of the mortgage loans collateralizing collateralized mortgage obligation issue 1997-1 pre-paid during December 1998. Percentages for the life of the pool represent the percent that has paid off since the mortgage loans were pooled as collateral for the collateralized mortgage obligation. Virtually all mortgage loans are used as collateral for collateralized mortgage obligations and NovaStar does not monitor prepayment speeds for mortgage loans not financing collateralized mortgage obligations. 37 Table 10 Prepayment Speed
Weighted Constant Prepayment Rate (Annual Average Age Percent) at Inception --------------------------------------- Issue Date (in months) One-month Three-month Twelve-month Life ----------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ------------ ---- As of December 31, 1998 NovaStar Home Equity Series: 1997-1................ October 1, 1997 7 44.2 35.5 33.2 31.0 1997-2................ December 11, 1997 3 41.6 32.2 22.4 21.1 1998-1................ April 30, 1998 3 19.6 17.1 -- 12.2 1998-2................ August 18, 1998 3 18.0 10.3 -- 9.3 As of December 31, 1997 NovaStar Home Equity Series: 1997-1................ October 1, 1997 7 18.6 15.7 -- 15.7 1997-2................ December 11, 1997 3 10.5 -- -- 10.5
To mitigate exposure to prepayment risk and in order to retain those borrowers whose credit is considered desirable, NovaStar created a portfolio retention department in the latter part of 1997 that encourages borrowers who have satisfactorily met their obligations to refinance or rate modify their mortgage loans with NovaStar. Of the mortgage loans that prepaid during the year ended December 31, 1998, $13.1 million, or 8% of the mortgage loans were successfully refinanced and $2.0 million, or 1% of the mortgage loans, were rate-modified. Although these mortgage loans are considered prepayments for the purposes of the information in Table 10, they remain in the NovaStar mortgage loan portfolio. 38 Table 11 summarizes quarterly mortgage asset activity during 1998 and 1997 and Table 12 details the amount of premium as a percent of principal at quarter end for 1998 and 1997. Table 11 Mortgage Assets Activity (thousands)
Mortgage Mortgage Loans Securities Total ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- Principal Premium Principal Premium Principal Premium --------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, January 1, 1997................... $ -- $ -- $ 12,821 $ 434 $ 12,821 $ 434 Acquisitions............ 170,120 10,530 16,422 405 186,542 10,935 Principal repayments and amortization........... (338) (53) (977) (28) (1,315) (81) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, March 31, 1997................... 169,782 10,477 28,266 811 198,048 11,288 Acquisitions............ 127,500 4,100 349,302 7,624 476,802 11,724 Principal repayments and amortization........... (6,989) (420) (2,332) (133) (9,321) (553) Dispositions............ -- -- (98,267) (2,309) (98,267) (2,309) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, June 30, 1997.. 290,293 14,157 276,969 5,993 567,262 20,150 Acquisitions............ 136,582 2,449 2,202 87 138,784 2,536 Principal repayments and amortization........... (22,227) (913) (19,291) (383) (41,518) (1,296) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, September 30, 1997................... 404,648 15,693 259,880 5,697 664,528 21,390 Acquisitions............ 183,012 3,314 280,325 3,048 463,337 6,362 Principal repayments and amortization........... (28,224) (1,146) (26,095) (363) (54,319) (1,509) Dispositions............ -- -- (9,263) (177) (9,263) (177) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, December 31, 1997................... 559,436 17,861 504,847 8,205 1,064,283 26,066 Acquisitions............ 207,976 3,758 270,059 3,806 478,035 7,564 Principal repayments and amortization........... (27,224) (1,160) (63,892) (731) (91,116) (1,891) Dispositions............ -- -- (310,113) (5,294) (310,113) (5,294) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, March 31, 1998................... 740,188 20,459 400,901 5,986 1,141,089 26,445 Acquisitions............ 290,350 5,148 80,237 823 370,587 5,971 Principal repayments and amortization........... (43,849) (1,506) (47,201) (451) (91,050) (1,957) Dispositions............ (2,843) (53) -- -- (2,843) (53) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, June 30, 1998.. 983,846 24,048 433,937 6,358 1,417,783 30,406 Acquisitions............ -- -- -- -- -- -- Principal repayments and amortization........... (54,745) (1,442) (38,925) (493) (93,670) (1,935) Dispositions............ (4,666) (56) (7,781) (107) (12,447) (163) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, September 30, 1998................... 924,435 22,550 387,231 5,758 1,311,666 28,308 Acquisitions............ 42,298 458 -- -- 42,298 458 Principal repayments and amortization........... (62,953) (2,135) (15,215) (173) (78,168) (2,308) Dispositions............ (378) (5) (372,016) (5,585) (372,394) (5,590) -------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- Balance, December 31, 1998................... $903,402 $20,868 $ -- $ -- $ 903,402 $20,868 ======== ======= ========= ======= ========== =======
39 Table 12 Premium as a Percent of Principal
Total Mortgage Mortgage Mortgage Loans Securities Assets -------- ---------- -------- As of: December 31, 1998.......................... 2.31% -- % 2.31% September 30, 1998......................... 2.44 1.49 2.16 June 30, 1998.............................. 2.44 1.47 2.14 March 31, 1998............................. 2.76 1.49 2.32 December 31, 1997.......................... 3.19 1.63 2.45 September 30, 1997......................... 3.88 2.19 3.22 June 30, 1997.............................. 4.88 2.16 3.55 March 31, 1997............................. 6.17 2.87 5.70
Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1997 Net Loss During the year ended December 31, 1998, NovaStar Financial recorded a net loss of $21.8 million, $2.71 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $1.1 million, $0.26 per diluted share, for 1997. Net Interest Income Interest income. Average interest-earning assets were $1.2 billion during the year ended December 31, 1998, including $822.2 million of mortgage loans and $375.2 million of mortgage securities compared with average interest-earning assets of $476.3 million during 1997. During 1998, mortgage loans earned $76.8 million, or a yield of 9.3%, compared with $25.2 million, or a yield of 8.6% for 1997. Mortgage securities earned $24.0 million for 1998, or a yield of 6.4%, compared with $11.8 million, or a yield of 6.5% for 1997. In total, assets earned $100.7 million, or an 8.4% yield for 1998. During 1997, assets earned $37.0 million or a 7.8% yield. A substantial portion of mortgage assets have interest rates that fluctuate with short-term market interest rates. However, many of these mortgage assets have initial coupons that are lower than current market rates. Rates on the assets are expected to increase to their full potential as the mortgage assets season. Table 13 is a summary of mortgage assets by type, presenting their current and fully indexed weighted-average coupons. Table 13 Mortgage Assets by Product/Type and Weighted Average Coupon December 31, 1998 (dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average Coupon --------------- Outstanding Fully Product/Type Principal Current Indexed ------------ ----------- ------- ------- Mortgage loans: Two and three year fixed/adjustable thereafter.................................. $511,824 10.19% 11.34% Fixed rate (30 Yr, 15 Yr, 30/15)............. 302,620 10.03 -- Other (1 year CMT, 6 month LIBOR)............ 88,958 10.32 10.86 -------- Total mortgage loans......................... $903,402 ========
40 NovaStar Financial acquires substantially all of its mortgage assets at a premium. Premiums are amortized as a reduction of interest income over the estimated lives of the assets. See Tables 9, 10 and 14 for the impact of principal payments on amortization. To mitigate the effect of prepayments on interest income from mortgage loans, NovaStar Financial generally strives to acquire mortgage loans that have some form of prepayment penalty. During 1998, NovaStar Financial collected $2.0 million in prepayment penalties from borrowers. Table 14 is an analysis of mortgage loans and prepayment penalties. Prepayments on mortgage loans have generally been consistent with management's expectations. Table 14 Mortgage Loan Prepayment Penalties December 31, 1998 (dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average ----------------------------------- Remaining Prepayment Penalty Percent with Period (in Current Prepayment Loan- years)--Loans Principal Premium Penalty Coupon to-value with Penalty --------- ------- ------------ ------ -------- ------------------ Loans collateralizing NovaStar Home Equity Series (CMO): 1997-1................ $162,423 $ 7,975 64.9% 10.57% 75.1% 0.89 1997-2................ 163,049 3,403 71.7 10.37 78.5 1.10 1998-1................ 270,640 4,651 69.0 10.01 81.1 1.51 1998-2................ 301,527 4,703 71.3 9.95 81.1 2.09 All other loans......... 5,763 136 65.3 9.91 80.0 1.59 -------- ------- Total................... $903,402 $20,868 69.5% 10.15% 79.5% 1.52 ======== =======
As noted above, interest income is a function of volume and rates. Increasing the volume of assets will cause future increases in interest income, while declining balances will reduce interest income. Market interest rates will also affect future interest income. Interest expense. The cost of borrowed funds was $80.8 million during the year ended December 31, 1998, or 6.6% of average borrowings, compared with $28.2 million for 1997, or 6.5% of average borrowings. Advances under the warehouse line of credit bear interest based on the federal funds rate, plus a spread. NovaStar receives credits to warehouse line interest based on cash balances maintained with First Union. Advances under the master repurchase agreement bear interest at rates based on LIBOR, plus a spread. During 1998 and 1997, the one-month LIBOR averaged 5.6%. As with interest income, cost of funds in the future will largely depend on market conditions, most notably levels of short-term interest rates. Rates on other borrowings generally fluctuate with short-term market interest rates, such as LIBOR or the federal funds rate. 41 Table 15 presents a summary of average interest-earning assets and liabilities and the related yields and rates thereon for 1998. Table 15 Interest Analysis(A) Year Ended December 31, 1998 (dollars in thousands)
Mortgage Loans Mortgage Securities Total ------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------- Interest Annual Interest Annual Interest Annual Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/ Balance Expense Rate Balance Expense Rate Balance Expense Rate -------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------ ---------- -------- ------ Mortgage Assets......... $822,180 $76,751 9.34% $375,222 $23,996 6.40% $1,197,402 $100,747 8.41% ======== ======== ========== Liabilities Repurchase agreements............ $118,380 7,817 6.60% $392,859 21,891 5.57% $ 511,239 29,708 5.81% Collateralized mortgage obligations........... 703,328 43,287 6.15 -- -- -- 703,328 43,287 6.15 Other borrowings....... 18,936 4,908 25.92 -- -- -- 18,936 4,908 25.92 -------- ---------- Cost of derivative financial Instruments hedging liabilities... 2,162 729 2,891 ------- ------- -------- Total borrowings..... $840,644 58,174 6.92 $392,859 22,620 5.76 $1,232,503 80,794 6.55 ======== ======= ======== ======= ========== ======== Net interest income.... $18,577 $ 1,376 $ 19,953 ======= ======= ======== Net interest spread.... 2.41% 0.64% 1.86% ===== ==== ===== Net yield.............. 2.26% 0.37% 1.67% ===== ==== =====
- -------- (A) NovaStar Financial's average borrowings were greater than average assets during 1998 as borrowings on mortgage securities and mortgage loans are a function of the underlying collateral's' market value, which for the majority of 1998 was greater than par. Also, in 1998, NovaStar Financial borrowed against the residual interests of its securitizations, which are not recorded on our balance sheet as the securitizations were treated as financing transactions. Net interest income and spread. Net interest income during 1998 was $20.0 million or 1.7% of average interest-earning assets, compared with $8.8 million, or 1.8% of average interest-earning assets during 1997. Net interest spread was 1.9% during the year ended December 31, 1998 compared with 1.3% during the year ended December 31, 1997. Net interest income and the spread are functions of asset yield relative to its costs of funds. Cost of funds has remained relatively low and stable during most of 1998 and 1997. During the fourth quarter of 1998, NovaStar Financial experienced increasing costs of funds associated with impaired liquidity resources. Special interest costs of $4 million were incurred to obtain a short-term financing arrangement from GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation as discussed in "Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998". New warehouse lending arrangements with First Union National Bank reflect increased rates of interest. The volume of assets and liabilities and how well the spread between earnings on assets and the cost of funds is managed will dictate future net interest income. We expect, in general, that financing rates will be 25 to 50 basis points higher in 1999 than in 1998 and 1997. No predictions can be made beyond 1999. Impact of interest rate agreements. NovaStar Financial has entered into interest rate agreements and financial futures contracts designed to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk. Interest rate cap agreements require NovaStar Financial to pay a monthly fixed premium while allowing it to receive a rate that adjusts with LIBOR, when rates rise above an agreed-upon rate. Other agreements executed include simple fixed to floating interest rate swaps. These agreements are used to alter, in effect, the interest rates on funding costs to more closely match the yield on interest-earning assets. As discussed in the section, "Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998", NovaStar Financial terminated all swap agreements and paid off the liabilities pertaining to these hedging instruments in October 1998, recognizing losses aggregating $8.0 million. These agreements were related to the financing for disposed mortgage loans and mortgage securities. 42 During 1998 and 1997, net interest expense was incurred on hedging agreements of $2.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, which is included as a component of interest expense. Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements provide details of the interest rate agreements as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. Other Income Other income during 1998 primarily consists of prepayment penalties of $2.0 million, interest earned on securitization funds held in trust of $749,000, and interest earned on notes receivable from founders of $441,000. Other income for 1997 primarily consisted of prepayment penalties of $414,000 and interest earned on notes receivable from founders of $260,000. Gain or Loss on Sales of Securities and Mortgage Loans As discussed earlier in "Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998", NovaStar Financial sold all investment securities during October 1998 at an aggregate loss of $15.4 million during October 1998. Gross gains and losses on sales of securities are detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. During 1998, NovaStar Financial also recognized $305,000 in net gains on sale of $7.9 million of mortgage loans. Provisions for Credit Losses NovaStar provides regular allowances for credit losses on its mortgage loans. We continuously evaluate the potential for credit losses for mortgage loans held in portfolio. Provisions have been made based on NovaStar's historical experience, general industry trends and our judgement. Loan defaults occur throughout the life of a group of loans. As a result, provisions for credit losses are recorded against income over the estimated life of the loans, rather than immediately upon acquisition of the loans. Provisions are based upon total expected losses and an estimated loss curve. Losses are recognized and loans are charged off upon foreclosure. Foreclosure assets are recorded at the lower of the remaining unpaid loan balance or the estimated net realizable value of the foreclosed asset. During 1998, NovaStar Financial provided $7.4 million to the allowance for credit losses, compared with $2.5 million during 1997. During the second half of 1998, charge-offs increased. Management believes the increase in charge-offs was due principally to losses occurring earlier in the overall life of the loans than originally anticipated. Management accelerated provisions during the 1998 fourth quarter in recognition of this trend. NovaStar Financial expects to continue to make somewhat higher provisions during 1999, compared to the first three quarters of 1988, to ensure the credit allowance is maintained at an adequate level. During the third quarter of 1998, NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage executed an agreement with Commonwealth Mortgage Acceptance Corporation to provide insurance coverage on mortgage loans. As of December 31, 1998, approximately 26% percent of the loans owned by NovaStar Financial and substantially all of the loans owned by NovaStar Mortgage are covered under this agreement. During 1998, total premiums paid to Commonwealth Mortgage Acceptance Corporation totaled $744,000 and are included as a component of loan servicing expense in the financial statements. We believe that exposure to credit loss mortgage on loans insured by Commonwealth Mortgage Acceptance Corporation is minimal. We expect that a substantial portion of loans originated in future periods will be covered under similar insurance arrangements. As of December 31, 1998, NovaStar Financial had 126 mortgage loans in real estate owned with a carrying value of $10.6 million. Charge-offs during 1998 were $6.2 million compared with $140,000 during 1997. As the portfolio continues to season, we expect that the actual loss rate may continue to increase. Table 16 is a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses during 1998 and 1997. 43 Table 16 Roll-forward of Allowance for Credit Losses Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
1998 1997 ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Beginning balance....... $2,757 $3,341 $2,871 $2,313 $1,444 $ 718 $170 $-- Provision for credit losses............... 4,030 1,179 1,145 1,076 1,009 726 548 170 Amounts charged off, net of recoveries.... (3,214) (1,763) (675) (518) (140) -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ---- ---- Ending Balance.......... $3,573 $2,757 $3,341 $2,871 $2,313 $1,444 $718 $170 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ==== ====
Table 17 is a summary of delinquent mortgage loans as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 by quarter. Table 18 provides summaries of delinquencies, defaults, and loss statistics as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 by quarter. The information presented in both tables includes NovaStar Financial's securitization portfolio as well as mortgage loans owned by our affiliates. We consider this information meaningful, as these are all mortgage loans serviced by NovaStar Mortgage. Other information regarding the credit quality of mortgage loans is provided in Tables 5, 6 and 7. Table 17 Loan Delinquencies (90 days and greater) Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997(A)
1998 1997 --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Mortgage loans collateralizing NovaStar Home Equity series (CMO): 1997-1 (Issued October 1, 1997)... 5.45% 5.97% 5.86% 4.39% 2.71% -- -- -- 1997-2 (Issued December 11, 1997)........................ 5.62 4.97 4.72 2.23 -- -- -- -- 1998-1 (Issued April 30, 1998)... 4.44 2.06 -- -- -- -- -- -- 1998-2 (Issued August 18, 1998).. 2.35 0.40 -- -- -- -- -- -- All loans in servicing portfolio.. 3.35 2.45 2.53 2.28 1.80 1.47% -- --
- -------- (A) Includes mortgage loans in foreclosure or bankruptcy. 44 Table 18 Delinquencies, Defaults and Losses December 31, 1998 (dollars in thousands)
NovaStar Home Equity Series -------------------------------------- 1997-1 1997-2 1998-1 1998-2 Other(A) All Loans -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Loan servicing portfolio.............. $168,255 $167,685 $273,583 $301,857 $268,587 $1,179,967 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========== Allowance for Credit Losses: Balance, January 1, 1998................. $ 1,063 $ 967 $ -- $ -- $ 283 $ 2,313 Provision for credit losses............... 1,895 2,257 1,878 222 1,178 7,430 Amounts charged off, net of recoveries.... (2,142) (2,175) (715) 124 (1,262) (6,170) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Balance, December 31, 1998................. $ 816 $ 1,049 $ 1,163 $ 346 $ 199 $ 3,573 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========== Defaults as a percent of loan servicing portfolio, December 31, 1998: Delinquent loans...... 6.45% 5.95% 4.89% 4.06% 2.01% 4.40% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========== Loans in foreclosure.. 2.63 2.96 3.60 2.06 0.40 2.25 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========== Real estate owned..... 3.54 2.76 1.01 0.09 0.23 3.55 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ==========
1998 1997 --------------------------------- ------------------------ Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- Total defaults: Delinquent loans...... 4.40% 2.95% 1.95% 1.92% 1.76% 4.44% 3.09% ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== Loans in foreclosure.. 2.25 2.02 2.28 2.29 2.05 0.47 0.01 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== Real estate owned..... 3.55 0.81 0.52 0.24 0.05 -- -- ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
- -------- (A) Primarily loans owned by NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. 45 General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 are provided in Table 19. Table 20 displays the relationship of portfolio expenses to net interest income during the 1998 and 1997 by quarter. Table 19 General and Administrative Expenses Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 (dollars in thousands)
Year Ended Year Ended December December 31, 1998 31, 1997 -------------------- ------------------- Percent of Percent of Net Interest Net Interest Income Income ------------ ------------ Compensation and benefits............ $ 1,785 8.9% $ 839 9.6% Professional and outside services.... 1,117 5.6 676 7.7 Other loan servicing................. 1,071 5.4 741 8.4 Office administration................ 903 4.5 299 3.4 Other................................ 247 1.2 448 5.1 ------- ---- ------ ---- Total portfolio-related expenses..... 5,123 25.6% 3,003 34.2% ==== ==== Forgiveness of notes receivable from founders............................ -- 1,083 Fees for services provided by NovaStar Mortgage, Inc.............. 6,486 4,155 ------- ------ Total.............................. $11,609 $8,241 ======= ======
Table 20 Portfolio Related Expenses as a Percent of Net Interest Income Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
Percent of Net Interest Income --------------- 1998....................................................... 25.6% Fourth quarter............................................. 89.7 Third quarter.............................................. 22.3 Second quarter............................................. 20.1 First quarter.............................................. 15.6 1997....................................................... 34.2% Fourth quarter............................................. 37.1 Third quarter.............................................. 38.8 Second quarter............................................. 33.9 First quarter.............................................. 31.2
The fees for services provided by NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. represent compensation for services, including the development of mortgage loan products, underwriting, funding, quality control, and servicing. NovaStar Mortgage pays a commitment fee to NovaStar Financial when originated mortgage loans are not sold to NovaStar Financial. No fee is paid if NovaStar Financial is unable or unwilling to purchase the mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage. The increase in this fee for 1998 compared with 1997 is primarily a result of an increase in the extent of services required and the increase in mortgage loan volume. These fees are discussed in greater detail in Note 9 to consolidated financial statements. 46 Compensation and benefits include employee base salaries, benefit costs and incentive compensation awards. The increase in compensation and benefits for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared with the year ended December 31, 1997 is due to adding portfolio and finance staff and management. Other mortgage loan servicing in 1998 consists primarily of the fees paid to Commonwealth Mortgage Acceptance Corporation as discussed under the "Provisions for Credit Losses." Also included as a component of mortgage loan servicing are the direct costs associated with the mortgage loan servicing operation that are paid directly to independent third parties for such things as property appraisals and borrower location services. These fees vary based on mortgage loan volume as well as the number of delinquencies and foreclosures. However, mortgage loan servicing fees recognized in 1997 were primarily the fees paid during the first half of 1997 to an independent third party for servicing its portfolio while NovaStar Mortgage's servicing operation was being developed. Professional and outside services include fees for legal and accounting services. In the normal course of business, fees are incurred for professional services related to general corporate matters and specific transactions. Office administration includes items such as rent, depreciation, telephone, office supplies, postage, delivery, maintenance and repairs. The increases in both these financial statement captions can be attributable to additional personnel and general company growth. Equity in Earnings or Loss of NFI Holding Corporation For the year ended December 31, 1998, NFI Holding Corporation recorded a net loss of $3.0 million compared with net income of $28,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. NovaStar Financial records its portion of the income or loss as equity in net earnings or loss of NFI Holding in its income statement, which includes the net earnings or loss of NovaStar Mortgage and NovaStar Capital, Inc., subsidiaries of NFI Holding. Net income generated by NFI Holding is primarily a function of the fees earned by NovaStar Mortgage relating to the origination and servicing of loans for NovaStar Financial and the costs of these activities. During 1998 the loan production volume of NovaStar Mortgage increased dramatically compared to 1997. The cost of producing loans increased more than its fee and interest income, which primarily consists of the administrative fees received from NovaStar Financial as discussed above and in Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements. Also, during the last half of 1998, NovaStar Mortgage retained its mortgage loans versus selling them to NovaStar Financial. As discussed above and in Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements, NovaStar Mortgage pays NovaStar Financial a fee when it does not sell its mortgage loan production to NovaStar Financial. NovaStar Mortgage did not pay this fee in 1997, as NovaStar Financial acquired all of NovaStar Mortgage's loan production. The additional expense incurred by NovaStar Mortgage in 1998 was offset to a degree by net gains of $3.0 million on the sale of $134 million of subprime residential mortgage loans to third parties. For these reasons, NovaStar Mortgage, and therefore, NFI Holding, incurred a larger net loss during 1998 when compared to the same period in 1997. Condensed consolidated financial statements for NFI Holding are presented in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. Value of Mortgages Added through Wholesale Operations By establishing a wholesale lending operation to originate subprime residential mortgage loans, NovaStar has developed a process to add mortgage assets to its balance sheet at amounts we believe are below what it would generally cost, in most market environments, to acquire the same assets in bulk through open market purchases. In effect, the value created by generating assets at this lower cost is creating future economic benefit, or value, for our stockholders. This added value is demonstrated in the estimated fair value of our loan portfolio. The values presented in Tables 21 and 22 are our estimates based on market conditions as of December 31, 1998. We estimate the weighted-average value of its mortgage loan portfolio as of December 31, 1998 to be between 103 and 105 in terms of price to par, based upon return assumptions and secondary market prices. We 47 believe the inherent returns in the mortgage loans it is originating should warrant a value of 105. However, recent events have resulted in whole loan prices being severely reduced. Accordingly, any value assigned to December 31, 1998 loans should take into consideration at what value the loans could be sold in the open market. During the 1998 fourth quarter, NovaStar Financial sold a number of whole loan packages at prices that averaged between 103.5 and 104.0. Tables 21 and 22 provide our estimates of the value of the mortgage loans in its portfolio and 1998 fourth quarter production and the assumptions used for estimating fair value. Because any estimated value can vary dramatically based upon the assumptions used, a range of assumptions is used to determine the estimated value. During 1998, NovaStar originated mortgage loans at an all-in cost of 103.4% of principal, including direct costs of acquisition, such as broker premiums, and general overhead expenses. Table 3 displays costs of production for each quarter. The cost of production during the 1998 third and fourth quarters is higher than previous quarters as a result of lower production levels. NovaStar Mortgage operated at less than full capacity during the second half of 1998, partly by design. If NovaStar Mortgage had operated at or near full capacity, the all-in cost would be similar to prior quarters. Direct costs of acquisition are capitalized as premium and amortized as an adjustment of yield over the life of the loan. In addition, NovaStar Mortgage took measures at the end of the fourth quarter of 1998 to reduce operating costs to be in line with expected short-term production volume. The weighted-average premium on mortgage loans outstanding at December 31, 1998 represented 2.3% of principal. Using the estimated fair values from above, this implies an estimated unrealized gain, or additional value in the mortgage loan portfolio at December 31, 1998 of between 1.0 and 3.0%. Applying this percent to the balance of mortgage loans outstanding of $921 million results in an estimated unrealized gain of between $9 and $28 million. This additional value results in an estimated mark-to-market equity at December 31, 1998 of $96-$115 million, or $11.81-14.15 per outstanding share, compared with a book value per outstanding share of $10.74. On a diluted basis, book value per share at December 31, 1998 is $10.14, while a mark-to-market value is $10.69-12.81. Table 21 Estimated Market Price on Entire Mortgage Loan Portfolio As of December 31, 1998
Estimated Market Estimated Market Price Price ------------------- ------------------- Two- and Three- year Fixed Loan Six-month LIBOR Products Loan Products ------------------- ------------------- Bond Equivalent Yield... 8.31% 8.56% 8.81% Bond Equivalent Yield.. 9.06% 9.31% 9.56% Spread to Index......... 3.25% 3.50% 3.75% Spread to Index........ 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% Assumed Prepayment Assumed Prepayment Speed (CPR) Speed (CPR) 30...................... 105.3% 104.7% 104.1% 35..................... 104.1% 103.6% 103.1% 35...................... 104.5% 104.0% 103.5% 40..................... 103.6% 103.1% 102.7% 40...................... 103.9% 103.4% 103.0% 45..................... 103.1% 102.8% 102.4% 30/15-year Fixed and Balloon Loan One-year CMT Products (Three- Loan Products year Treasury) ------------------- ------------------- Bond Equivalent Yield... 8.02% 8.27% 8.52% Bond Equivalent Yield.. 8.03% 8.28% 8.53% Spread to Index......... 3.50% 3.75% 4.00% Spread to Index........ 3.50% 3.75% 4.00% Assumed Prepayment Assumed Prepayment Speed (CPR) Speed (CPR) 30...................... 104.2% 103.6% 103.0% 25..................... 105.4% 104.7% 104.1% 35...................... 103.6% 103.1% 102.6% 30..................... 104.6% 104.1% 103.5% 40...................... 103.1% 102.7% 102.2% 35..................... 104.0% 103.5% 103.1%
48 Table 22 Estimated Market Price of Mortgage Loans Originated in Fourth Quarter of 1998
Estimated Market Estimated Market Price Price ------------------- ------------------- Two- and Three- year Fixed Loan Six-month LIBOR Products Loan Products ------------------- ------------------- Bond Equivalent Yield... 8.06% 8.31% 8.56% Bond Equivalent Yield.. 8.31% 8.56% 8.81% Spread to Index......... 3.00% 3.25% 3.50% Spread to Index........ 3.25% 3.50% 3.75% Assumed Prepayment Assumed Prepayment Speed (CPR) Speed (CPR) 30...................... 105.1% 104.5% 103.9% 35..................... 103.9% 103.4% 102.9% 35...................... 104.3% 103.8% 103.3% 40..................... 103.4% 102.9% 102.5% 40...................... 103.7% 103.3% 102.8% 45..................... 102.9% 102.5% 102.2% 30/15-year Fixed One-year CMT and Balloon Loan Loan Products Products ------------------- ------------------- Bond Equivalent Yield... 7.52% 7.77% 8.02% Bond Equivalent Yield.. 7.78% 8.03% 8.28% Spread to Index......... 3.00% 3.25% 3.50% Spread to Index........ 3.25% 3.50% 3.75% Assumed Prepayment Assumed Prepayment Speed (CPR) Speed (CPR) 30...................... 104.0% 103.4% 102.8% 25..................... 105.3% 104.6% 104.0% 35...................... 103.3% 102.8% 102.3% 30..................... 104.5% 104.0% 103.4% 40...................... 102.8% 102.4% 102.0% 35..................... 103.9% 103.4% 103.0%
Table 23 Carrying Value of Mortgage Loans by Product/Type December 31, 1998 (in thousands)
Product/Type Amount ------------ -------- Two- and three-year fixed....................................... $511,824 Six-month LIBOR................................................. 54,158 One-year CMT.................................................... 34,800 30/15-year fixed and balloon.................................... 302,620 -------- Outstanding principal......................................... 903,402 Premium......................................................... 20,868 Allowance for credit losses..................................... (3,573) -------- Carrying Value................................................ $920,697 ======== Carrying value as a percent of principal........................ 101.91% ========
Results of Operations--Year Ended December 31, 1997 Net Loss During 1997, NovaStar Financial recorded a net loss of $1,135,000, or $0.26 per share. Excluding the forgiveness of the notes receivable from founders, NovaStar Financial incurred a loss of $52,000, or $0.01 per share. During much of 1997, NovaStar Financial focus was placed on hiring key employees and development of policies and procedures. The results for the year ended December 31, 1997 also reflect the significant cost of developing operations. 49 Net Interest Income Table 24 presents a summary of the average interest-earning assets, average interest-bearing liabilities and the related yields and rates thereon for the year ended December 31, 1997. Table 24 Interest Analysis Year Ended December 31, 1997 (dollar amounts in thousands)
Mortgage Loans Mortgage Securities ------------------------ ------------------------ Interest Annual Interest Annual Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/ Balance Expense Rate Balance Expense Rate -------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------ Mortgage Assets.............. $294,111 $25,154 8.56% $182,140 $11,807 6.48% ======== ======== Liabilities Master repurchase agreement................. $170,344 11,972 7.03 -- -- -- Other repurchase agreements................ 172,829 10,336 5.98 Collateralized mortgage obligations............... 74,511 4,736 6.36 -- -- -- Other borrowings........... 18,402 1,141 6.20 -- -- -- -------- ------- -------- ------- Total borrowings......... $263,257 17,849 6.49 $172,829 10,336 5.98 ======== ------- ======== ------- Net interest income.......... $ 7,305 $ 1,471 ======= ======= Net interest spread.......... 2.07% 0.50% ==== ==== Net yield.................... 2.48% 0.81% ==== ====
Interest Income. Interest-earning assets averaged $476.3 million during 1997, including $294.1 million of mortgage loans and $182.1 million of mortgage securities. During the year, mortgage loans earned $25.2 million, or a yield of 8.6%, while mortgage securities earned $11.8 million, or a yield of 6.5%. In total, assets earned $37.0 million, or a 7.8% yield. Interest Expense. The cost of borrowed funds was $28.2 million during the year ended December 31, 1997, or 6.5% of average borrowings. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the one-month LIBOR averaged 5.6%. As with interest income, cost of funds in the future will largely depend on market conditions, most notably levels of short-term interest rates. Net Interest Income and Spread. Net interest income during 1997 was $8.8 million, or 1.8% of average interest-earning assets. Net interest spread was 1.3% during the year ended December 31, 1997. Net interest income and the spread are functions of the asset yield relative to its costs of funds. During 1997, the cost of funds was relatively low and stable. This lower cost of funds offsets, to some degree, the lower yield on "teaser" rate mortgage loans. In addition, interest rate agreements are used to mitigate the exposure to variations in interest rates on interest-earning assets that are different from the variations in interest incurred on borrowings. Impact of Interest Rate Agreements. As of December 31, 1997, NovaStar Financial had interest rate cap agreements, with a combined notional amount of $270 million and interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $276 million. During 1997, net interest expense on these agreements was $1.0 million, which is included in interest expense. Other Income During the year ended December 31, 1997, $51,000 in net gains was recognized on sales of mortgage securities with a principal balance of $107,530. No mortgage loans were sold during this same period of 1997. Prepayment penalty income and interest earned on notes receivable from founders during the year ended December 31, 1997 was $425,000 and $195,000, respectively. 50 Provisions for Credit Losses During the year ended December 31, 1997, $2.5 million for credit losses was provided while credit losses for this same period of 1997 were $140,000. As mentioned earlier, allowances are maintained for losses management expects to incur on the mortgage loans in the portfolio. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997 are provided in Table 25. Table 25 General and Administrative Expenses Year Ended December 31, 1997 (dollars in thousands)
Percent of Net Interest Income ------------ Compensation and benefits............................ $ 839 9.6% Loan servicing....................................... 741 8.4% Professional and outside services.................... 676 7.7% Office administration................................ 299 3.4% Other................................................ 448 5.1% ------ ---- Total portfolio-related expenses..................... 3,003 34.2% ==== Forgiveness of notes receivable from founders........ 1,083 Fees for services provided by NovaStar Mortgage...... 4,155 ------ Total.............................................. $8,241 ======
Fees for services provided by NovaStar Mortgage during the year ended December 31, 1997 totaled $4,155,000 and the components of these are further detailed in Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements. Compensation and benefits totaled $839,000 during the year ended 1997. The number of employees and the related compensation costs increased throughout 1997 as staff was hired. Loan servicing costs were $741,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 and consist primarily of the fees paid to an outside servicer while NovaStar Mortgage developed its servicing operation during the first half of the year. NovaStar Mortgage did not begin servicing NovaStar Financial's mortgage loans until July 15, 1997. The servicing fee that NovaStar Mortgage charges NovaStar Financial is based on 50 basis points on the outstanding principal when mortgage loans are securitized and a flat fee per mortgage loan prior to securitization. These fees are included as a component of the fees for services provided by NovaStar Mortgage. Professional and outside services include contract labor as well as fees for legal and accounting services. We used contract labor services fairly extensively during 1997, particularly in the area of systems development. During the year ended December 31, 1997, these expenses totaled $676,000. Office administration during the twelve months ended December 31, 1997 were $299,000. These items were relatively high during the NovaStar start-up phase. However, we expect many of these expenses to continue to increase relative to increasing personnel. Earnings of NFI Holding Corporation For the year ended December 31, 1997, NFI Holding recorded net income of $28,000, of which NovaStar Financial recorded its portion $28,000. Condensed consolidated financial statements for NFI Holding are presented in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. 51 Taxable Income or Loss Income reported for financial reporting purposes as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles differs from income computed for income tax purposes. This distinction is important as dividends paid are based on taxable income. Table 26 is a summary of the differences between net income or loss reported for generally accepted accounting principles during 1998 and 1997 by quarter and its taxable income. Table 26 Taxable Income (Loss) Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands)
1998 1997 ----------------------------------- --------------------------------- Fourth Third Second First Fourth Third Second First Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income (loss)....... $(27,388) $ 2,394 $1,894 $1,279 $ (433) $ 177 $(1,073) $194 Results of Holding and subsidiary............. 529 2,447 -- 273 (169) (393) 126 408 Provision for credit losses................. 4,030 1,179 1,145 1,076 1,009 726 547 171 Loans charged-off....... (3,214) (1,762) (675) (518) (140) -- -- -- Capital losses.......... 15,450 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Other, net.............. 351 95 208 (4) 296 (4) (8) -- -------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ----- ------- ---- Taxable income (loss)............... $(10,242) $ 4,353 $2,572 $2,106 $ 563 $ 506 $ (408) $773 ======== ======= ====== ====== ====== ===== ======= ====
As discussed under "Events Subsequent of the Fourth Quarter 1998," several transactions were executed during October 1998 that included the sale of mortgage assets and termination of hedging arrangements, which eliminates taxable income for 1998. Interest Rate Sensitivity Table 27 details Interest Rate Sensitivity for NovaStar Financial as of December 31, 1998. Table 27 Interest Rate Sensitivity December 31, 1998
Basis Point Increase (Decrease) in Interest Rate(B) ---------------------------- As of December 31, 1998(A) (100) Base(C) 100 -------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Income from: Assets.................. $ 80,507 $ 82,310 $ 83,966 Liabilities............. (47,546) (55,259) (63,233) Interest rate agreements............. (2,244) (2,244) 107 -------- -------- -------- Net spread income......... $ 30,717 $ 24,807 $ 20,840 ======== ======== ======== Cumulative change in income from base(C)...... $ 5,910 -- $ (3,967) ======== ======== ======== Percent change from base spread income(D)......... 23.8% -- (16.0)% ======== ======== ======== Percent change of capital(E)............... 6.77% -- (4.54)% ======== ======== ========
- -------- (A) The securitized mortgage assets of NovaStar Financial are managed on a spread income basis. (B) Income of asset, liability or interest rate agreement in a parallel shift in the yield curve, up and down 1%. (C) Total change in estimated spread income, in dollars, from "base." "Base" is the estimated spread income at December 31, 1998. (D) Total change in estimated spread income, as a percent, from base. (E) Total change in estimated spread income as a percent of total stockholders' equity at December 31, 1998. 52 Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis. The values under the heading "Base" are our estimates of spread income for assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements on December 31, 1998. The values under the headings "100" and "(100)" are our estimates of the income value of those same assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements assuming that interest rates were 100 basis point, 1%, higher and lower. The cumulative change in income represents the change in income of assets from base, net of the change in income of liabilities and interest rate agreements from base. Sensitivity as of December 31, 1998. As shown in the table above, if interest rates were to decrease one percent, -100 basis points, the spread income of capital would increase by an estimated 6.77% as of December 31, 1998. If interest rates rise by one percent, +100 basis points, the spread income of capital would decrease by an estimated 4.54% as of December 31, 1998. A discussion of the assumptions used by management in preparing this analysis is provided in "Business--Interest Rate Risk Management." Capital Allocation Guidelines Each quarter, we present to the Board of Directors the results of the capital allocation guidelines compared to actual equity. We may propose changing the capital required for a class of investments or for an individual investment based on its prepayment and credit performance relative to the market and the ability of Novastar to predict or hedge the risk of the asset. Table 28 is a summary of the capital allocation for NovaStar as they apply to mortgage assets and hedging instruments owned by NovaStar during 1998 and 1997. Table 28 Required Equity
1998 1997 ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Category Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 - -------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- Mortgage loans: Current................ $12,648 $ 14,567 $ 21,566 $ 23,628 $ 6,675 $33,832 $22,780 $15,958 Delinquent............. 3,918 452 601 1,200 1,600 2,376 -- -- Securitized loans...... 62,315 55,822 37,766 23,478 22,500 -- -- -- Mortgage securities..... -- 19,514 24,904 27,426 36,170 12,763 13,549 1,646 Other assets............ 12,536 20,682 13,782 10,733 -- -- -- -- Hedging instruments..... (179) (688) (232) (203) 5,500 427 1,787 2,804 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- Required equity......... 91,238 110,349 98,387 86,262 72,445 49,398 38,116 20,408 Stockholders' equity.... 87,204 109,848 114,875 115,798 116,489 47,036 46,337 46,202 Market value in excess of the carrying value of assets and hedges(A).............. 5,961 2,331 31,999 20,685 -- -- -- -- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- Excess equity........... $ 1,927 $ 1,830 $ 48,487 $ 50,221 $ 44,044 $(2,362) $ 8,221 $25,794 ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ======= =======
- -------- (A) The capital allocation guideline model was revised during the first quarter of 1998 to include the market value in excess of the carrying value of assets and hedges as NovaStar Financial has the ability to borrow against this residual. 53 Inflation Virtually all assets and liabilities of NovaStar Financial are financial in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors drive company performance far more than does inflation. Changes in interest rates do not necessarily correlate with inflation rates or changes in inflation rates. The financial statements of NovaStar Financial are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and dividends declared by NovaStar Financial are based upon taxable income. In each case, company activities and the balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost or fair market value without considering inflation. Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements describes two recently issued accounting pronouncements. We believe the implementation of these pronouncements did not or will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." The Year 2000 NovaStar Financial is highly dependent on purchased and leased computer software to conduct business. In addition, NovaStar Financial is highly dependent on computer software used by market counterparties and vendors, including banks, in conducting business. We recognize that some computer software may not have the ability to correctly identify dates beyond December 31, 1999. Successful modification of computer software, or the vendors' successful modification of their programs, to be year 2000 compliant is critical to the viability of NovaStar Financial. NovaStar uses three major, and a number of smaller, internal automation solutions to conduct its business operations. The three computer systems considered the most significant to operations are as follows: . The internally developed loan origination and database system . The externally provided loan servicing system . The purchased accounting system In addition, NovaStar integrates with a number of outside entities in normal business transactions. Interfaces with other businesses and third party solution providers are used to conduct some of NovaStar's business processes. Other processes are supported by systems created internally. NovaStar is using the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's "Year 2000 Project Management Awareness" document to guide NovaStar's year 2000 readiness effort. Each program/system interface used is being reviewed and tested for year 2000 compliance. The guidelines call for a three-phase approach to assess year 2000 compliance. 54 Based on this three-phase approach our projected timeline is as follows: [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] In the assessment phase, we have determined which business processes/interfaces rely on dates and date arithmetic. Most business processes/interfaces of NovaStar rely on dates and date arithmetic. These business processes/interfaces are being tested internally for compliance. We have asked our market counterparties and vendors to document that they have assessed software for year 2000 compliance. Solution updates to non-compliant Year 2000 software should be made in the correction phase. Corrections on company developed software will be made internally and are expected to be insignificant. Management is requiring all market counterparties and vendors to document they have made all corrections. NovaStar will conduct "mock" business as if it is in the year 2000 during the validation phase. During this phase, NovaStar will test all internally developed software as well as vendor software. NovaStar has contacted all of its significant outside market counterparties and vendors to obtain documentation regarding their process and status for assuring year 2000 compliance. We have asked that each party adhere to the same Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council guidelines and to provide documents of progress during each phase. NovaStar has received written confirmation from Alltel Residential Lending Solutions, vendor of NovaStar's servicing system, and Baan/CODA, vendor of NovaStar's accounting system, stating that the versions currently used by NovaStar are fully year 2000 compliant. All internally developed software was designed to be year 2000 compliant. In addition, we have contacted our significant financial counterparty, First Union National Bank, who is completing its internal review of year 2000 compliance. We believe that its greatest risk in regards to year 2000 compliance is the software and systems used to service its subprime mortgage loans. NovaStar Mortgage services the mortgage loans owned by NovaStar Financial. NovaStar Mortgage uses systems developed by Alltel for mortgage loan servicing. If these systems fail, NovaStar Mortgage will not be able to continue on a manual basis. In this worst case scenario, mortgage loans would not be serviced until the failed system could be remedied. If the mortgage loans go "unserviced" for an extended period of time--several weeks--the result could have a material adverse impact on NovaStar Financial. NovaStar is also at significant risk in the event the systems of financial institutions, on which it is relying for financing and cash management, fail. In a worst case scenario, NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage may not be able to meet financial obligations during the period of failure--an unknown timeframe. The result could have a material adverse impact on NovaStar Financial. 55 NovaStar is exposed to smaller risks in the event other systems, including those developed internally, fail to perform beyond December 31, 1999. However, we believe functions, other than servicing, can be maintained on a manual basis should systems fail. Although processing and performance would be slow, risk of material adverse impact to NovaStar Financial for these systems failures is expected to be minimal. We expect, through the completion of our year 2000 plan, the likelihood of a material business disruption is not significant. The major risks presented above involve year 2000 remediation efforts of third party vendors used by NovaStar. Based on the information provided, we believe these vendors will meet their obligation for resolution of year 2000 issues. We estimate we have incurred less than $75,000 in costs to date in carrying out its year 2000 compliance plan and estimates it will spend less than $100,000 in completing the plan. However, the costs could increase dramatically if any market counterparty determines it will not be year 2000 compliant. 56 BUSINESS Generally, we acquire and manage a portfolio of mortgage loans, primarily subprime, and mortgage securities. Through June 30, 1998, a substantial portion of the mortgage loans we acquired was originated by our affiliate, NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. Mortgage securities were acquired in the open marketplace. As our capital was depleted and liquidity tightened, we ceased acquiring mortgage assets and sold certain of our mortgage assets as discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation." NovaStar Mortgage continues to originate loans for sale to third parties and we consider that function integral to our business. As additional capital is raised, we expect to resume acquiring mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage. We continue to own and manage a portfolio of mortgage loans that are, substantially, financed with long-term, non-recourse asset-backed bonds. Following are summaries of the lending operation and our portfolio management strategy. Mortgage Lending Operation Market Overview During 1997, total mortgage loan originations were approximately $875 billion. Approximately 90% of these loans were classified as "prime" mortgages which generally means they have credit quality and documentation sufficient to qualify for a guarantee by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. More than $100 billion of the total mortgage loans originated in 1997 were classified as "subprime" as published in National Mortgage News on March 23, 1998. Overall loan origination volume in 1998 was similar to the volume in 1997. We believe there is strong national demand by borrowers for subprime mortgage loans. Across the country, many borrowers have suffered dislocation and temporary unemployment, resulting in negative entries on their credit reports. Erratic market and economic conditions and other factors have resulted in high ratios of debts to assets and high levels of credit card and other installment debt for these individuals. In addition, more borrowers are choosing to become self-employed. These are some of the circumstances, which create the market for subprime mortgage loans. One of the significant differences between the prime and subprime mortgage loan markets has been the comparative dependence upon the overall level of interest rates. Generally, the subprime mortgage loan market's historical performance has been more consistent without regard to interest rates. This is evident by the growth in subprime originations from 1993 through 1997. While the prime market experienced a decline in originations due primarily to an increase in interest rates, mortgage loan originations in the subprime market continued to grow. The size of the subprime mortgage loan market in 1997 was approximately $100 billion in annual originations. Historically, the subprime mortgage loan market has been a highly fragmented niche market dominated by local brokers with direct ties to investors who owned and serviced this relatively higher margin, riskier product. Although there have recently been several new entrants into the subprime mortgage business, we believe the subprime mortgage market is still highly fragmented, with no single competitor having more than a 6% market share. The growth and profitability of the subprime mortgage loan market, the demise of numerous financial institutions in the late 1980s which had served this market, and reduced profits and mortgage loan volume at traditional financial institutions have together drawn new participants and capital to the subprime mortgage loan market. We believe the subprime mortgage loan market requires more business judgement from underwriters in evaluating borrowers with previous credit problems. Subprime lending is also generally a lower volume/higher profit margin business rather than the generally higher volume/lower profit margin prime mortgage loan business to which traditional mortgage bankers have become accustomed. Subprime mortgage lending is also more capital intensive than the prime mortgage market due to the fact that the securitization function requires a higher level of credit enhancement which must be provided by the issuer in the form of over-collateralization or subordination. 57 We believe that the subprime mortgage market will continue to grow and to generate relatively attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term due in part to the following reasons: . growth in the number of existing homeowners with negative entries on their credit reports; . growth in the number of immigrants with limited credit histories who are in the prime home buying ages of 25 to 34; . growth in the number of self-employed individuals who have sources of income which are inconsistent and difficult to document; . growth in consumer debt levels which are causing many borrowers to have higher debt/income ratios; and . growth in consumer bankruptcy filings which cause borrowers to be classified as subprime. We expect more competitors to attempt to enter the market. While this may cause profit margins to narrow, we believe that the subprime mortgage market will be able to sustain relatively attractive profit margins due to certain barriers to entry which include: . the capital intensive nature of the business as issuers of securities backed by subprime mortgage loans are required to retain the credit and prepayment risks; . the higher level of expertise required to underwrite the mortgage loans; . the higher cost to service the mortgage loans due to the additional emphasis required on collections and loss mitigation; and . the highly fragmented nature of business due to the difficulty of sourcing the mortgage loans. Competition In the November 16, 1998 issue of National Mortgage News, NovaStar Mortgage was ranked number 15 of 60 in subprime mortgage lenders based on mortgage lending volume for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Based on market capitalization, as published in National Mortgage News, NovaStar Financial ranked number 16 of 24 publicly traded subprime lenders. Management's research of the asset size of these companies indicated NovaStar Financial ranks number 11 of the 24. We face intense competition in the business of originating, purchasing, selling and securitizing subprime mortgage loans. The number of participants is believed to be well in excess of 100 companies and no single participant holds a dominant share of the subprime market. In addition to other residential mortgage REITs, we are in competition for subprime borrowers with consumer finance companies, conventional mortgage bankers, commercial banks, credit unions and thrift institutions. We compete for holding mortgage loans with life insurance companies, institutional investors and other well-capitalized publicly-owned mortgage lenders. Many of these competitors are substantially larger than we are and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Competition among industry participants can take many forms, including convenience in obtaining a mortgage loan, amount and term of the loan, customer service, marketing/distribution channels, loan origination fees and interest rates. To the extent any competitor significantly expands its activities in the subprime mortgage loan market, we could be materially adversely affected. We believe that one of our key competitive strengths is our employees and the level of service they are able to provide our borrowers. By servicing our loan portfolio directly, we are able to stay in close contact with our borrowers and identify potential problems early. NovaStar Mortgage's servicing staff is comprised of seasoned mortgage professionals with significant experience in the subprime mortgage loan marketplace. 58 We effectively compete due to our: . experienced management team; . tax advantaged status as a REIT; . vertical integration through our relationship with NovaStar Mortgage, which originates and services mortgage loans; . direct access to capital markets to securitize our assets; and . cost-efficient operations. Generally, we do not intend to sell our mortgage loans in order to realize gain on sale for financial accounting or tax reporting purposes. Rather, we intend to finance our mortgages through structured debt vehicles where the emphasis is on earning net interest income and not taking gain on the sale of assets. The strategy is to build and hold a portfolio of mortgage loans and securities for investment that generates a net interest margin over time and allows us to take full advantage of our REIT status. While selling mortgage loans presents greater earnings and taxable income during the period of production, using constant portfolio assumptions, due to the current income recognition of the present value of future cash flows, we believe that over the long term we will produce a tax-advantaged stream of income and a more stable dividend flow to stockholders because our earnings will be dependent on the size of the portfolio of mortgage loans and securities, rather than on our quarterly mortgage loan production level. The accounting for gain on sale presents, as current income, the present value of expected future cash flows from the mortgage loans sold. Future performance expectations are subject to revision should actual losses, interest rates and prepayment experience differ from the assumed levels. Holding the mortgage loans as investments allows us to record income as interest is earned. While management intends to aggressively manage costs in all production cycles, holding the mortgage loans and recording income as interest is earned provides us the flexibility to reduce our mortgage loan production rate during periods in which we believe the market conditions for subprime mortgage loans are unattractive without necessarily experiencing an immediate decline in net income. Companies utilizing gain on sale accounting will typically experience a decline in net income during periods of declining mortgage loan origination volume. While the above is the optimal strategy for us, that strategy is dependent upon our having sufficient capital to increase our mortgage loan and security portfolio. During periods where market conditions do not allow us to increase our capital base, we can sell mortgage loans in the open market to sustain mortgage loan production. We believe we have an advantage over other mortgage REITs through our infrastructure that allows us to acquire wholesale loan production through our taxable affiliate, NovaStar Mortgage, at a total cost lower than purchasing those mortgage loans in the secondary market. Moreover, the relationship we have with NovaStar Mortgage results in a vertically integrated organization. Because of this integration, there are no material conflicts between the interests of the mortgage lending operation and the portfolio management operation. Conflicts may arise in REITs where the incentives and interest of management are dependent on asset size rather than return on equity or stockholder returns. Conflict may arise in entities that have external management contracts or situations where management's compensation is not directly related to the company's performance or return to stockholders. Our primary management incentive programs are dependent on return on equity, in the annual bonus plan, and stock price appreciation for forgivable loans to founders and the stock option plan. We file our own income tax return, while NFI Holding files consolidated income tax returns that include NovaStar Mortgage. This structure is designed to legally separate the mortgage loan origination operation from our operations, i.e., the REIT entity. This structure also allows for activities and transactions to be entered into by NovaStar Mortgage, while preserving our REIT status. These activities include such items as the sale of assets, hedging techniques and forms of indebtedness. NFI Holding was formed in order to provide an efficient means of adding additional taxable affiliates to the organization. 59 NovaStar is competitively disadvantaged because of its youth and relatively low production volume. NovaStar Mortgage has been in the business of originating subprime mortgage loans for two years and is still developing its lending network. Until the infrastructure is completely refined and developed, NovaStar Mortgage will not have the high volume/low cost per loan production experienced by its competition. In addition, NovaStar Financial requires significant capital to acquire assets and maximize earnings potential. Many competitors of NovaStar Financial have larger market capitalization. A larger market capitalization generally affords larger trading volume, more recognition in the marketplace and, therefore, greater ability to raise capital. Loan Origination As discussed in the following sections, NovaStar Mortgage originates and services subprime mortgage loans. Under the terms of a Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, NovaStar Financial may purchase the mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage. When NovaStar Mortgage chooses to retain the mortgage loans it originates, it pays a commitment fee to NovaStar Financial based on the mortgage loans it has retained. No fee is paid when NovaStar Financial is unwilling or unable to acquire the mortgage loans offered by NovaStar Mortgage. NovaStar Mortgage has agreed to service the mortgage loans owned by NovaStar Financial. NovaStar Financial pays an administrative outsourcing fee to NovaStar Mortgage as compensation for mortgage loan development, underwriting, funding and quality control services. The historical amounts and nature of these intercompany fees are further described under the "Fees from NovaStar Mortgage, Inc." and "General and Administrative Expenses" categories in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". Intercompany fees are also disclosed in the consolidated financial statements of NovaStar Financial and the notes thereto. Loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage are primarily subprime mortgage loans, generally secured by first liens on single family residential properties. Subprime mortgage lending involves lending to individuals whose borrowing needs are generally not being served by traditional financial institutions due to poor credit history and/or other factors which make it difficult for them to meet prime mortgage loan underwriting criteria. NovaStar Mortgage targets as potential customers individuals with relatively significant equity value in their homes, but who have impaired credit profiles, are self-employed, tend to experience some volatility in their income or have difficult-to-document sources of income, or are otherwise unable to qualify for traditional prime mortgage loans. Mortgage loan proceeds are used by borrowers for a variety of purposes such as to consolidate consumer credit card and other installment debt, to finance home improvements and to pay educational expenses. These borrowers are often seeking to lower their monthly payments by reducing the rate of interest they would otherwise pay or extending their debt amortization period or doing both. Customer service is emphasized by providing prompt responses and flexible terms to broker-initiated customer borrowing requests. Through this approach, NovaStar Mortgage expects to originate new mortgage loans and purchase closed mortgage loans with relatively higher interest rates than are typically charged by lenders for prime mortgage loans while having comparable or lower loan-to-value ratios. The pricing differential between typical prime non-conforming mortgage loans and subprime mortgage loans is often as much as 300 basis points. With proper management of the credit risk, most of this additional spread may become additional profit for the owner of these mortgage loans. Originations have primarily been made for debt consolidation purposes, with the remainder of our origination either rate/term refinances or purchase money loans. Given the borrowers needs, subprime mortgage lending tends to be less interest rate sensitive than the prime mortgage purchase market or rate/term refinance market, since borrowings secured by real estate are generally less expensive than credit card or installment debt. Subprime borrowers are also generally more willing to accept a prepayment penalty since they have fewer options for obtaining financing then the typical prime mortgage loan borrower. During 1998, 74% of the mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage had a prepayment penalty. 60 Marketing and Production Strategy General. NovaStar Mortgage's competitive strategy is to build efficient channels of production for originating subprime mortgage loans. NovaStar Mortgage has generated mortgage product through two distinctive production channels: . direct origination through a wholesale broker network; and . bulk acquisitions from originators. NovaStar Mortgage's long-term strategy is to emphasize production through the wholesale broker network. We believe that production channels that allow us to get closer to the customer and eliminate as many intermediaries as possible will generally be the most efficient over the long-term and that by developing the direct origination channel through a mortgage broker network, we will be able to differentiate ourselves from other end investors who purchase their production in bulk from other originators. From time to time, we may participate in the bulk acquisition market depending on market conditions and the availability of capital. We believe that subprime mortgage loans provide a relatively attractive net earnings profile, producing higher yields without commensurately higher credit risks when compared to prime mortgage loans. With the proper focus on underwriting, appraisal, management and servicing of subprime mortgage loans, we believe we can be successful in developing a profitable business in this segment of the market. While many new competitors have recently entered the subprime mortgage loan market, We believe that the experience of our management in this industry and the infrastructure, which has been established, allows it to effectively compete in this segment. Mortgage Products. NovaStar Mortgage offers a broad menu of products in order to serve our customers. These products are comprised of both fixed rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. During 1998, the percentage of fixed rate and adjustable rate loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage is 31% and 69%, respectively. NovaStar Mortgage categorizes the mortgage loans that it originates into one of six different credit risk classifications. Mortgage loans are assigned a credit classification based on several factors consisting of such things as loan-to-value ratios, the credit history of the borrower, debt ratios of the borrower and other characteristics. NovaStar Mortgage provides loans up to a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 95% based on the credit risk classification and the loan amount. For loans originated since inception the average loan-to-value ratio is 80% and the average loan amount is $106,000. Wholesale Channel. NovaStar Mortgage's wholesale origination consists of a network of brokers and mortgage lenders that offer our line of mortgage products. We believe that our wholesale channel allows NovaStar Mortgage to originate mortgage loans at a lower cost, including the cost to originate the loan, than it could purchase the loan in the market. For example, assume the price to purchase a loan in bulk is 105% of the face amount. If NovaStar Mortgage can originate the same loan at 101% of face amount and incurs origination costs of 2% of par, the wholesale loan would be 2% less expensive than the mortgage loan purchased in bulk. The wholesale origination infrastructure consists of a sales force to call on mortgage loan brokers, two underwriting and processing centers to underwrite, close and fund mortgage loans and systems to process data. As of December 31, 1998, we had a staff of 63 account executives, located in offices nationwide, whose job is to call on brokers. Supporting the sales force is a staff of 100 in Orange County, California. We believe we can originate loans through the wholesale channel at a price 1.5 to 2.0% lower than the cost of acquiring mortgage loans in bulk when our mortgage lending operation is running at full capacity. We believe we have been, and will continue to be, successful in competing in the wholesale business for several reasons. First, we are vertically integrated with our wholesale originator. Management believes this approach will provide a competitive advantage over many competitors who either only originate loans or only act as end investors because of the elimination of redundancy in separating the two functions. Second, we believe our REIT status gives us a pricing advantage over non-REIT mortgage investors. 61 Third, NovaStar Mortgage assembled a mortgage loan production staff with extensive experience and contacts in the subprime mortgage loan market. We believe that important factors influencing success or failure in the wholesale channel are offering competitive prices, consistent application of underwriting guidelines, and responsive service. Bulk Acquisitions. The bulk acquisition channel was the first channel developed by us as it required the least infrastructure to operate and it allowed us to acquire subprime mortgage loans very quickly. Although it generally carries a lower margin than the wholesale channel, from time to time we may still acquire mortgage loans through this channel. In bulk acquisitions, pools of mortgage loans ranging in size from $2 million to in excess of $25 million are acquired from large originators of mortgage loans. Due diligence with respect to bulk acquisitions may be performed from time to time by contract underwriters under the guidance of our Chief Credit Officer. The Chief Credit Officer personally reviews the resumes of each contract underwriter prior to the performance of the due diligence process. Any exceptions to our underwriting guidelines must be approved by the Chief Credit Officer. Only the Chief Credit Officer and the President can make the ultimate decision to approve a loan when the borrower has an open bankruptcy. Personnel for this channel are centralized in the mortgage operations headquarters with the only field personnel consisting of the sales force strategically located in select markets. Through this production channel, capital quickly invested in pools of subprime mortgage loans. Retail Channel. Neither NovaStar Mortgage nor NovaStar Financial has yet established a retail or direct origination channel to the consumer. This is the typical finance company model with a local office in a strip center and commissioned loan originators. Retail origination is the most expensive and potentially the most profitable origination channel. The overhead cost to originate retail mortgage loans can be as high as four to 6% of the face amount of the loan. However, the gross profit on such a mortgage loan can be as high as 10% of the face amount of the mortgage loan and the prepayment risk is mitigated due to the loan being funded at a discount to par. Success in retail origination often times depends on the branch's ability to generate leads, access to an outlet to sell mortgage loan products which are attractive to borrowers, and flexible, common sense underwriting. This segment of the mortgage industry remains highly fragmented and dominated by local brokers. While NovaStar Mortgage or NovaStar Financial do not have plans to implement a retail production channel initially, it may test a variety of direct consumer marketing strategies in the future. Profitability and Capital Allocation by Production Channel. In general, we believe that the closer it gets to the consumer in the mortgage process chain, the more profitable the production channel will be due to the elimination of unnecessary intermediaries. While over the long term we believe this to be true, there may be times when market conditions are such that the bulk acquisition channel, the furthest from the customer, is the most profitable. In order to properly manage the allocation of capital, we will measure the profitability of each channel on a stand-alone basis. Direct expenses will be tracked by channel and measured against mortgage loans originated via each channel. By measuring each channel independently, we intend to avoid supporting a channel, which has been unprofitable over time. In addition, by knowing the profitability of each channel at any given point in time, as well as on average over a specified time period, we can make the proper decisions in deciding where to invest our capital to obtain the best return for stockholders. Underwriting and Quality Control Strategy Underwriting Guidelines. We purchase loans in accordance with its underwriting guidelines. These underwriting guidelines were developed by our senior management utilizing their experience in the industry. The underwriting guidelines are intended to evaluate the credit history of the potential borrower, the capacity and willingness of the borrower to repay the loan and the adequacy of the collateral securing the loan. NovaStar Mortgage originates loans only in compliance with NovaStar Financial's underwriting guidelines. 62 NovaStar Mortgage underwrites all mortgage loans it originates through its wholesale channel. Loans acquired by the Company in bulk pools are subject to the same underwriting guidelines as established for NovaStar Mortgage production. NovaStar Mortgage has hired experienced underwriters who work under the supervision of the Chief Credit Officer. The underwriters hired by NovaStar Mortgage all have substantial experience in the underwriting of subprime mortgage loans. Underwriters are given approval authority only after their work has been reviewed by the Chief Credit Officer for a period of at least two weeks. Thereafter, the Chief Credit Officer re-evaluates the authority levels of all underwriting personnel on an ongoing basis. All mortgage loans in excess of $350,000 currently require the approval of the Chief Credit Officer. In addition, the President approves all mortgage loans in excess of $600,000. On a case-by-case basis, exceptions to the underwriting guidelines are made where compensating factors exist. Compensating factors may consist of factors like length of time in residence, lowering of the borrower's monthly debt service payments, the loan to value ratio on the mortgage loan or other criteria that in the judgment of the underwriter warrants an exception. The Chief Credit Officer and the President have the authority to approve a mortgage loan when the potential borrower has an open bankruptcy. Each loan applicant completes an application that includes information with respect to the applicant's income, assets, liabilities and employment history. A credit report is also submitted by the broker along with the loan application which provides detailed information concerning the payment history of the borrower on all of their debts. Prior to issuing an approval on the mortgage loan, the underwriter runs an independent credit report to verify that the information submitted by the broker is still accurate and up-to-date. An appraisal is also required on all mortgage loans and in many cases a review appraisal or second appraisal may be required depending on the value of the property and the underwriters comfort with the original valuation. All appraisals are required to conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice adopted by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation and are generally on forms acceptable to FNMA and FHLMC. The underwriting guidelines include three levels of applicant documentation requirements, referred to as "full documentation", "limited documentation", and "stated income". Under the full documentation program applicants generally are required to submit two written forms of verification of stable income for at least 12 months. Under the limited documentation program, verification of income is not required. However, personal or business bank statements for the most recent 12 months are required as evidence of cash flows. Under the stated income documentation program, an applicant may be qualified based on monthly income as stated in the loan application. 63 Our categories and criteria for grading the credit history of potential and the maximum loan to value ratios allowed for each category are shown below.
AA Risk A Risk A- Risk B Risk C Risk D Risk ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ --------------- Mortgage History.... No mortgage Maximum one Maximum two Maximum three Maximum five Maximum six lates allowed 30-day late 30-day lates 30 day lates 30 day 30 day lates, within the and no 60-day and no 60-day and one 60 lates, and and three 60 last 24 lates within lates within day late two 60 day day lates and months the last the last within the lates, and two 90 day 12 months 12 months last one 90 day lates within 12 months late within the last 12 the last months. Must be 12 months current at time of origination Other Credit........ Limited 30 Limited 30 Limited 30 Limited 60 Limited 90 Discretionary-- day lates day lates day lates day lates day lates credit is within the within the within the within the within the generally last 24 last 12 last 12 last 12 last 12 expected to be months. months. months months months late pay Generally Generally paid as paid agreed as agreed Bankruptcy Filings.. Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Chapter 13 and must be must be must be must be no seasoning 7 no seasoning discharged discharged discharged discharged required on required on minimum of minimum of minimum of minimum of discharge discharge with 2 years with 2 years with 1 year with 1 year with with evidence of reestablished reestablished reestablished reestablished evidence of satisfactory credit; credit; credit; credit; satisfactory discharge Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Chapter 7 discharge; must must must must Chapter 7 be discharged be discharged be discharged be discharged minimum minimum of minimum of minimum of minimum of discharge of 3 years with 3 years with 2 years with 2 years with 1 year reestablished reestablished reestablished reestablished credit credit credit credit Debt Service Ratio.. 45% 45% 80% 50% 55% 55% Maximum Loan-to- Value Ratio: Full documentation.. 95% 90% 80% 85% 75% 65% Limited documentation...... 90% 85% 80% 80% 70% 60% Stated income....... 85% 80% 80% 75% 65% NA
Loan Portfolio by Credit Risk Category. Table 5 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sets forth our mortgage loan portfolio by credit grade as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, all of which are non-conforming. Geographic Diversification. Close attention is paid to geographic diversification in managing our credit risk. We believe one of the best tools for managing credit risk is to diversify the markets in which we originate and purchase mortgage loans. We have established a diversification policy to be followed in managing this credit risk which states that no one market can represent a percentage of total mortgage loans we own higher than twice that market's percentage of the total national market share. While there generally is some geographic concentration in mortgage loans originated through the bulk acquisition channel, over time our mortgage lending operation plans to diversify our credit risk by selecting target markets through the wholesale channel. Presented in Table 7 of the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of this prospectus is a breakdown of our current geographic diversification as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. Collateral Valuation. Collateral valuation also receives close attention in our underwriting of our mortgage loans. Given that we primarily lend to subprime borrowers, we place great emphasis on the ability of collateral to protect against losses in the event of default by borrowers. We have established an appraisal policy as part of our underwriting guidelines. This policy includes requiring second and/or review appraisals on properties in order to verify the value of the property. 64 Quality Control. Quality control reviews are conducted to ensure that all mortgage loans, whether originated or purchased, meet established quality standards. The type and extent of the reviews depend on the production channel through which the mortgage loan was obtained and the characteristics of the mortgage loan. Reviews are performed on a high percentage of mortgage loans with principal balances in excess of $450,000, high loan to value, limited documentation, or those made for "cash out" refinance purposes. Appraisal reviews and compliance reviews are also performed as part of the quality control process to ensure adherence to appraisal policies and state and federal regulations. Regulation. We are regulated with respect to mortgage loan origination marketing efforts, credit application and underwriting activities, maximum finance and other charges, disclosure to customers, rights of rescission on mortgage loans, closing and servicing mortgage loans, collection and foreclosure procedures, qualification and licensing requirements for doing business in various jurisdictions and other trade practices. Mortgage loan origination activities are subject to the laws and regulations in each of the states in which those activities are conducted. Activities as a lender are also subject to various federal laws. The Truth in Lending Act, and Regulation Z promulgated thereunder, contain disclosure requirements designed to provide consumers with uniform, understandable information with respect to the terms and conditions of loans and credit transactions so consumers have the ability to compare credit terms. The Truth in Lending Act also guarantees consumers a three-day right to cancel credit transactions. The Truth in Lending Act also imposes disclosure, underwriting and documentation requirements on mortgage loans with (1) total points and fees upon origination in excess of eight percent of the mortgage loan amount or (2) an annual percentage rate of more than ten percentage points higher than comparably maturing U.S. treasury securities. We are also required to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, as amended, which prohibits creditors from discriminating against applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, age or marital status. Regulation B promulgated under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act restricts creditors from obtaining information from loan applicants. It also requires certain disclosures by the lender regarding consumer rights and requires lenders to advise applicants of the reasons for any credit denial. In instances where the applicant is denied credit or the rate or charge for a loan increases as a result of information obtained from a consumer credit agency, the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, requires the lender to supply the applicant with a name and address of the reporting agency. We will also be subject to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Debt Collection Practices Act pursuant to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. We will also be subject to the rules and regulations of, and examinations by, the Government National Mortgage Association, HUD and state regulatory authorities with respect to originating, processing, underwriting, selling and servicing loans. Mortgage Loan Servicing Strategy Overview. We plan to acquire the large majority of mortgage loans we purchase on a servicing released basis and thereby acquire the servicing rights. Through July 14, 1997, Advanta Mortgage Corp. USA was acting as sub-servicer for the mortgage loans we acquired. Effective, July 15, 1997, NovaStar Mortgage began servicing our mortgage loans. The servicing operation is located in the Westwood, Kansas office and is currently staffed with 70 employees. Servicing includes collecting and remitting loan payments, making required advances, accounting for principal and interest, holding escrow or impound funds for payment of taxes and insurance, making required inspections of the property, contacting delinquent borrowers and supervising foreclosures and property disposition in the event of unremedied defaults in accordance with company guidelines. NovaStar Mortgage's focus for the servicing of our subprime mortgage loans is based on effective credit risk. NovaStar Mortgage intends to employ the proper resources to mitigate the losses on the mortgage loans serviced. We also believe we can better manage prepayment risk by servicing our mortgage loans through our affiliate. Through our servicing function, we intend to pre-select borrowers that have an incentive to refinance and retain those mortgage loans by soliciting the borrowers directly rather than losing them to another mortgage lender. Although it is not a primary focus, we estimate that NovaStar Mortgage will be able to effectively service our loans at a cost less than the cost to outsource this to an unrelated company. 65 Procedures. We have prescribed procedures for servicing our mortgage loans which are to be followed by NovaStar Mortgage. In servicing subprime mortgage loans, NovaStar Mortgage uses collection procedures that are generally more stringent than those typically employed by a servicer of prime mortgage loans consistent with applicable laws. We believe one of the first steps in effectively servicing subprime mortgage loans is to establish contact with the borrower prior to any delinquency problems. To achieve this objective, each borrower is telephoned ten days prior to the first payment due date on the mortgage loan. With this telephone call, . NovaStar Mortgage ensures it has the proper telephone number for the borrower; . the borrower will be aware of who is servicing the loan, where payment is to be made, and has a contact to call in the event of any questions; and . NovaStar Mortgage is able to stress to the borrower the importance of making payments in a complete and timely manner. The first 30 days of a delinquency are, in our view, the crucial period for resolving the delinquency. At a minimum, all borrowers who have not made their mortgage payment by the 10th day of the month in which it is due receive a call from a collector. Borrowers whose payment history exhibits signs that the borrower may be having financial difficulty receive more attention. For example, any borrowers who made their previous months payment after the late charge date, generally the 15th of the month, receive a call from a collector no later than the second business day of the current month if their payment has not yet been received. This allows NovaStar Mortgage to be more aggressive with those borrowers who need the most attention and also focuses the efforts of the collection staff of NovaStar Mortgage on the higher risk borrowers. For accounts that have become 60 days or more delinquent, the collection follow-up is increased and a full financial analysis of the borrower is performed, a Notice of Intent to Foreclose is filed, and efforts to establish a work out plan with the borrower are instituted. Our policy allows for reasonable discretion to extend appropriate relief to borrowers who encounter hardship and who are cooperative and demonstrate proper regard for their obligation. NovaStar Mortgage is available to offer some guidance and make personal contact with delinquent borrowers as often as possible to seek to achieve a solution that will bring the mortgage loan current. However, no relief will be granted unless there is reasonable expectation that the borrower can bring the mortgage loan current within 180 days following the initial default. If properly managed from both an underwriting and a servicing standpoint, management believes it will be able to keep the level of delinquencies and losses in our mortgage loans in line with industry standards. Portfolio Management We build our mortgage asset portfolio from two sources--loans originated in the mortgage lending operation of NovaStar Mortgage and purchases in the mortgage and securities markets. Initially, the portfolio was comprised of purchased mortgage assets. As NovaStar Mortgage has developed its infrastructure of subprime mortgage lending, we have relied less on purchasing mortgage loans in bulk and more on wholesale origination. Ultimately, management expects a substantial portion of our portfolio to consist of retained interests in wholesale loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage collateralizing our structured debt instruments. Types of Mortgage Assets The mortgage assets we purchased are principally single family mortgage loans and mortgage securities backed by single family mortgage loans, as well as from time to time multifamily mortgage loans and mortgage securities backed by multifamily mortgage loans and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage securities backed by commercial mortgage loans. Single family mortgage loans are mortgage loans secured solely by first mortgages or deeds of trust on residences with one-to-four units. Multifamily mortgage loans are mortgage loans 66 secured solely by first mortgages or deeds of trust on residential properties with more than four units. Commercial mortgage loans are secured by commercial properties. Substantially all of our mortgage assets bear adjustable interest rates or have a fixed-rate coupon that has been paired with an interest rate cap, so that we have the proper matching of assets and liabilities. We have not and generally will not acquire residuals, first loss subordinated bonds rated below BBB, or mortgage securities rated below B. We could retain the subordinate class from mortgage loans securitized through our taxable affiliate. We may acquire interest-only or principal-only mortgage strips to assist in the hedging of prepayment or other risks. In addition, as discussed above we may create a variety of different types of assets, including the types mentioned in this paragraph, through the normal process of securitization of our own mortgage assets. Other than our taxable affiliates, we will not acquire or retain any REMIC residual interest that may give rise to excess inclusion income as defined under Section 860E of the Code. Excess inclusion income realized by a taxable affiliate is not passed through to our stockholders. Single Family Mortgage Loans. In future periods, we may acquire conforming mortgage loans--those that comply with the requirements for inclusion in a loan guarantee program sponsored by other FHLMC or FNMA. To date, we have acquired only nonconforming mortgage loans. We also may acquire FHA Loans or VA Loans, which qualify for inclusion in a pool of mortgage loans guaranteed by GNMA. To date, no loans insured by FHA or VA have been originated or owned. Under current regulations, the maximum principal balance allowed on conforming mortgage loans ranges from $240,000 for one-unit to $461,300 for four-unit residential loans. For properties located in either Alaska or Hawaii, the maximum principal balance allowed ranges from $360,000 for one-unit to $691,950 for four-unit residential loans. Nonconforming single family mortgage loans are single family mortgage loans that do not qualify in one or more respects for purchase by FNMA or FHLMC. We expect that a majority of the nonconforming mortgage loans it purchases will be nonconforming because they have original principal balances which exceed the requirements for FHLMC or FNMA programs or generally because they vary in certain other respects from the requirements of such programs including the requirements relating to creditworthiness of the mortgagors. A substantial portion of our nonconforming mortgage loans meet the requirements for sale to national private mortgage conduit programs which focus upon the subprime mortgage lending market. As of December 31, 1998, 83.7% of our mortgage loans were collateralized by single family residential properties. Multifamily Mortgage Loans. We have not, to date, acquired multifamily mortgage loans. However, these types of loans may be acquired in future periods. Multifamily mortgage loans generally involve larger principal amounts per loan than single family mortgage loans and require more complex credit and property evaluation analysis. Multifamily mortgage loans share many of the characteristics and risks associated with commercial mortgage loans and are often categorized as commercial loans rather than residential loans. For example, the credit quality of a multifamily mortgage loan typically depends upon the existence and terms of underlying leases, tenant credit quality and the historical and anticipated level of vacancies and rents on the mortgaged property and on the competitive market condition of the mortgaged property relative to other competitive properties in the same region, among other factors. Multifamily mortgage loans, however, constitute "qualified mortgages" for purposes of the REMIC regulations and the favorable tax treatment associated therewith and, when securitized, certain of the resulting rated classes of multifamily mortgage securities qualify as "mortgage-related securities" and for the favorable treatment accorded such securities under the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984. As of December 31, 1998, 3.6% of our mortgage loans were collateralized by multifamily residential property. Mortgage Securities. Mortgage securities we owned as of and during the period since inception and through December 31, 1998, have consisted of mortgage securities issued by corporations sponsored by the United States government, including FNMA, GNMA and FHLMC. Securities issued by FHLMC and FNMA are not guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. As discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998," of this prospectus, in October 1998, we sold all securities owned by NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage and paid off the related repurchase agreement financing, recognizing an aggregate loss of $15.4 million. 67 Mortgage assets purchased by us in the future may include mortgage securities as follows: (1) Single Family and Multifamily Privately Issued Certificates. Single family and multifamily privately issued certificates are issued by originators of, investors in, and other owners of mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks, mortgage banks, investment banks and special purpose "conduit" subsidiaries of such institutions. Single family and multifamily privately issued certificates are generally covered by one or more forms of private, i.e., non- governmental, credit enhancements. Forms of credit enhancements include, but are not limited to, surety bonds, limited issuer guarantees, reserve funds, private mortgage guaranty pool insurance, over-collateralization and subordination. (2) Agency Certificates. At present, all GNMA certificates are backed by single family mortgage loans. FNMA certificates and FHLMC certificates may be backed by pools of single family or multifamily mortgage loans. The interest rate paid on agency certificates may be fixed rate or adjustable rate. (3) Commercial Mortgage Securities. To the extent we will seek to acquire any mortgage assets either backed by or secured by commercial property, we intend to favor the acquisition of mortgage securities backed by commercial mortgage loans rather than direct acquisition of commercial mortgage loans. These mortgage securities generally have been structured as pass-through certificates with private, i.e., non-governmental, credit enhancements or as collateralized mortgage obligations. Because of the great diversity in characteristics of the commercial mortgage loans that secure or underlie these mortgage securities, such securities will also have diverse characteristics. Although many are backed by large pools of commercial mortgage loans with relatively small individual principal balances, these mortgage securities may be backed by commercial mortgage loans collateralized by only a few commercial properties or a single commercial property. Because the risk involved in single commercial property financing is highly concentrated, single commercial property mortgage securities to date have tended to be limited to extremely desirable commercial properties with excellent values and/or lease agreements with extremely creditworthy and reliable tenants, such as major corporations. Commercial Mortgage Loans. We will only acquire commercial mortgage loans when we believe we have the necessary expertise to evaluate and manage them and only if they are consistent with our capital asset guidelines. Commercial mortgage loans are secured by commercial properties, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, hotels and motels, hospitals, nursing homes and senior living centers. Commercial mortgage loans have certain distinct risk characteristics: commercial mortgage loans generally lack standardized terms, which may complicate their structure, although some of the new conduits are introducing standard form documents for use in their programs; commercial mortgage loans tend to have shorter maturities than single family mortgage loans; they may not be fully amortizing, meaning that they may have a significant principal balance or "balloon" due on maturity; and commercial properties, particularly industrial and warehouse properties, are generally subject to relatively greater environmental risks than non-commercial properties and the corresponding burdens and costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations. To date, we have not acquired commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 1998, we had no loans collateralized by commercial property. Asset Acquisition Policies We acquire only those mortgage assets that we believe we have the necessary expertise to evaluate and manage and which are consistent with our risk management objectives. Our strategy is to focus primarily on the acquisition of single family mortgage loans, single family mortgage securities, multifamily mortgage loans and multifamily mortgage securities. We focus primarily on the acquisition of floating-rate and adjustable-rate assets, so that assets and liabilities remain matched. Our asset acquisition strategy will change over time as market conditions change and as we evolve. Our investment policy allows for the acquisition of mortgage assets and certain other liquid investments, such as federal agency securities and commercial paper. We do not presently intend to invest in real estate, interests in real estate, or interests in persons primarily engaged in real estate activities. 68 We may also purchase the stock of other mortgage REITs or similar companies when we believe that such purchases will yield attractive returns on capital employed. We have not, nor do we presently intend to invest in the securities of other issuers for the purpose of exercising control or to underwrite securities of other issuers. We have not and we presently have no intention to repurchase or otherwise reacquire our shares or other securities. Although we have not, we may in the future acquire mortgage assets by offering our debt or equity securities in exchange for mortgage assets. We generally intend to hold mortgage assets to maturity. In addition, the REIT provisions of the Code limit our ability to sell mortgage assets. We may decide to sell assets from time to time, however, for a number of reasons, including, without limitation, to dispose of a mortgage asset as to which credit risk concerns have arisen, to reduce interest rate risk, to substitute one type of mortgage asset for another to improve yield or to maintain compliance with the 55% requirement under the Investment Company Act, and generally to restructure the balance sheet when we deem such action advisable. We will select any mortgage assets to be sold according to the particular purpose such sale will serve. The Board of Directors has not adopted a policy that would restrict our authority to determine the timing of sales or the selection of mortgage assets to be sold. Financing for Mortgage Lending Operations and Mortgage Security Acquisitions We finance our mortgage loan purchases through interim financing facilities such as repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a borrowing device evidenced by an agreement to sell securities or other assets to a third-party and a simultaneous agreement to repurchase them at a specified future date and price, the price differential constituting interest on the borrowing. A subprime mortgage lending operation is a capital intensive business. Depending on the type of product originated and the production channel, the amount of capital required as a percentage of the balance of mortgage loans originated may range from 6% to 12%. For illustration purposes only, based on a hypothetical monthly volume of $25 million, this will equate to a capital requirement of $1.5 to $3 million per month, and on a hypothetical volume of $50 million, this requirement doubles to $3 to $6 million per month. Our subprime mortgage lending operation is managed through a taxable affiliate, which provides us the flexibility to sell our mortgage loan production as whole loans or in the form of pass-through securities in the event it encounters restrictions in accessing the capital markets. To mitigate interest rate risk, we enter into transactions designed to hedge interest rate risk, which may include mandatory and optional forward selling of mortgage loans or mortgage assets, interest rate caps, floors and swaps, buying and selling of futures and options on futures, and acquisition of interest-only REMIC regular interests. The nature and quantity of these hedging transactions will be determined by us based on various factors, including market conditions and the expected volume of mortgage loan purchases. We believe our strategy of issuing long-term structured debt securities will also assist us in managing interest rate risk. Acquisitions of mortgage securities are generally financed using repurchase agreements. Mortgage Loans Held as Collateral for Structured Debt We intend to securitize the subprime mortgage loans produced by the mortgage lending operation as part of our overall asset/liability strategy. Securitization is the process of pooling mortgage loans and issuing equity securities, such as mortgage pass throughs, or debt securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations. We intend to securitize by issuing structured debt. Under this approach, for accounting purposes the mortgage loans securitized remain on the balance sheet as assets and the collateralized mortgage debt obligations appear as liabilities. A securitization results only in rearranging our borrowings, as proceeds from the structured debt issuance are applied against preexisting borrowings. The proceeds repay advances under the warehouse line of credit or borrowings under repurchase agreements. Issuing structured debt in this matter serves to lock in less expensive, non-recourse long-term financing that better matches the terms of the loans serving as collateral for the debt. 69 Proceeds from securitizations have been used to support new mortgage loan originations. Securitizations are long-term financing and are not subject to a margin call if a rapid increase in rates would reduce the value of the underlying mortgages. Our investment in retained interests under securitizations, as discussed above, reflects the excess of the mortgage loan collateral over the related liabilities on the balance sheet. The resulting stream of expected "spread" income will be recognized over time through the tax-advantaged REIT structure. Other forms of securitizations may also be employed from time to time under which a "sale" of interests in the mortgage loans occurs and a resulting gain or loss is reflected for accounting purposes at the time of sale. Under this form, only the net retained interest in the securitized mortgage loans remains on the balance sheet. We anticipate such sales will generally be made through one or more of our taxable affiliates. We may conduct securitization activities through one or more taxable affiliates or qualified REIT subsidiaries formed for such purpose. We expect our retained interests in our securitizations, regardless of the form used, will be subordinated to the classes of securities issued to investors in such securitizations with respect to losses of principal and interest on the underlying mortgage loans. Accordingly, any such losses incurred on the underlying mortgage loans will be applied first to reduce the remaining amount of our retained interest, until reduced to zero. Thereafter, any further losses would be borne by the investors or, if used, the monoline insurers in such securitizations rather than us. We will structure our securitizations so as to avoid the attribution of any excess inclusion income to our stockholders. NovaStar management is experienced in the securitization of subprime and other single family residential mortgage loans. We have financed our retained interests in our securitizations through a combination of equity and secured debt financings. Credit Risk Management Policies Mortgage Loans. With respect to our mortgage loan portfolio, we attempt to control and mitigate credit risk through: . ensuring that established underwriting guidelines are followed; . geographic diversification of our loan portfolio; . the use of early intervention, aggressive collection and loss mitigation techniques in servicing our mortgage loans; . the use of insurance and the securitization process to limit the amount of credit risk that it is exposed to on our retained interests in securitizations; and . maintenance of appropriate capital reserve levels. A summary of the credit quality and diversification of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 is presented in Table 5 of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Acquisitions. With respect to the mortgage assets we purchase, we review the credit risk associated with each investment and determine the appropriate allocation of capital to apply to such investment under our capital allocation guidelines. Because the risks presented by single family, multifamily and commercial mortgage assets are different, we analyze the risk of loss associated with such mortgage assets separately. In addition, we attempt to diversify our portfolio to avoid undue geographic, issuer, industry and certain other types of concentrations. We attempt to obtain protection against some risks from sellers and servicers through representations and warranties and other appropriate documentation. The Board of Directors will monitor the overall portfolio risk and determine appropriate levels of provision for losses. 70 With respect to our purchased mortgage assets, we are exposed to various levels of credit and special hazard risk, depending on the nature of the underlying mortgage assets and the nature and level of credit enhancements supporting such securities. Each of the mortgage assets acquired by us will have some degree of. Credit loss protection for privately issued certificates is achieved through the subordination of other interests in the pool to the interest held by us and/or through pool insurance. The degree of credit protection varies substantially among the privately issued certificates held by us. While privately issued certificates held by us will have some degree of credit enhancement, the majority of such assets are, in turn, subordinated to other interests. Thus, should such a privately issued certificate experience credit losses, such losses could be greater than our pro rata share of the remaining mortgage pool, but in no event could exceed our investment in such privately issued certificate. With respect to purchases of mortgage assets in the form of mortgage loans, we have developed a quality control program to monitor the quality of loan underwriting at the time of acquisition and on an ongoing basis. We will conduct a legal document review of each mortgage loan acquired to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the mortgage notes, security instruments and other pertinent documents in the file. As a condition of purchase, we will select a sample of mortgage loans targeted to be acquired, focusing on those mortgage loans with higher risk characteristics, and submit them to a third party, nationally recognized underwriting review firm for a compliance check of underwriting and review of income, asset and appraisal information. In addition, we or our agents will underwrite all multifamily and commercial mortgage loans. During the time it holds mortgage loans, we will be subject to risks of borrower defaults and bankruptcies and special hazard losses, such as those occurring from earthquakes or floods, that are not covered by standard hazard insurance. We will generally not obtain credit enhancements such as mortgage pool or special hazard insurance for our mortgage loans, although individual loans may be covered by FHA insurance, VA guarantees or private mortgage insurance and, to the extent securitized into agency certificates, by such government sponsored entity obligations or guarantees. 71 Capital and Leverage Policies Capital allocation guidelines. Our goal is to strike a balance between the under-utilization of leverage, which reduces returns to stockholders, and the over-utilization of leverage, which could reduce the ability of NovaStar to meet its obligations during adverse market conditions. The capital allocation guidelines have been approved by the Board of Directors. The capital allocation guidelines are intended to keep NovaStar Financial properly leveraged by (1) matching the amount of leverage allowed to the riskiness on return and liquidity of an asset and (2) monitoring the credit and prepayment performance of each investment to adjust the required capital. This analysis takes into account various hedges and other risk programs discussed below. In this way, the use of balance sheet leverage will be controlled. Following presents a summary of the capital allocation guidelines for the following levels of capital for the types of assets it owns.
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (F) Minimum Estimated Duration Liquidity (c + d) (b x e) (a + f) Lender Price Spread Spread Total Spread Equity Cushion CAG Equity Asset Category Haircut Duration Cushion Cushion Cushion (% of MV) Required -------------- ------- --------- -------- --------- ------------ -------------- ---------- Agency-issued: Conventional ARMs...... 3.00% 3.50% 50 -- 50 1.75% 4.75% GNMA ARMs.............. 3.00 4.50 50 -- 50 2.25 5.25 GNMA Fixed Rates....... 3.00 5.00 50 -- 50 2.50 5.50 Corporate Bonds........ 10.00 3.50 225 25 250 8.75 18.75 Mortgage loans: Collateral for warehouse financing... 2.00 3.00 100 50 150 4.50 7.50 Collateral for CMO..... 5.00 -- -- -- -- -- 5.00 Delinquent............. 100.00 -- -- -- -- -- 100.00 Hedging................ -- -- -- -- -- -- 5.80 Other.................. 100.00 -- -- -- -- -- 100.00
- -------- (A) Indicates the minimum amount of equity a typical lender would require with an asset from the applicable asset category. There is some variation in haircut levels among lenders. From the lender perspective, this is a "cushion" to protect capital in case the borrower is unable to meet a margin call. The size of the haircut depends on the liquidity and price volatility of the asset. Agency securities are very liquid, with price volatility in line with the fixed income markets, which means a lender requires a smaller haircut. On the other extreme, "B" rated securities and securities not registered with the SEC are substantially less liquid, and have more price volatility than agency securities, which results in a lender requiring a larger haircut. Particular securities that are performing below expectations would also typically require a larger haircut. (B) Duration is the price-weighted average term to maturity of financial instruments' cash flows. (C) Estimated cushion need to protect against investors requiring a higher return compared to U.S. Treasury securities, assuming constant interest rates. (D) Estimated cushion required due to a potential imbalance of supply and demand resulting in a wider bid/ask spread. (E) Sum of duration (C) and liquidity (D) spread cushions. (F) Product of estimated price duration (B) and total spread cushion. The additional equity, as determined by management, to reasonably protect NovaStar from lender margin calls. The size of each cushion is based on management's experience with the price volatility and liquidity in the various asset categories. Individual assets that have exposure to substantial credit risk will be measured individually and the leverage adjusted as actual delinquencies, defaults and losses differ with management's expectations. 72 Implementation of the capital allocation guidelines--mark to market. Each month, we mark our assets to market. This process consists of two steps: (1) valuing the mortgage assets we acquired and (2) valuing our non-security investments, such as our mortgage loans. For the purchased mortgage assets portfolio, we obtain market quotes for our mortgage assets from traders that make markets in securities similar to those in our portfolio. Market values for our mortgage loan portfolio are calculated internally using assumptions for losses, prepayments and discount rates. The face amount of all financing used for securities and mortgage loans is subtracted from the current market value of our assets and hedges. This is the current market value of our equity. This number is compared to the required capital as determined by the capital allocation guidelines. If our actual equity falls below the capital required by the capital allocation guidelines, we must prepare a plan to bring the actual capital above the level required by the capital allocation guidelines. Each quarter, management presents to the Board of Directors the results of the capital allocation guidelines compared to actual equity. Management may propose changing the capital required for a class of investments or for an individual investment based on our prepayment and credit performance relative to the market and our ability to predict or hedge the risk of the asset. Historical capital allocation is presented in capital allocation guidelines under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Interest Rate Risk Management We address the interest rate risk to which our mortgage portfolio is subject in part through our securitization strategy, which is designed to provide long- term financing for our mortgage loan production while maintaining a consistent spread in a variety of interest rate environments. In order to address any remaining mismatch of assets and liabilities, we follow the hedging section of our investment policy, as approved by the Board. Specifically our interest rate risk management program is formulated with the intent to offset the potential adverse effects resulting from rate adjustment limitations on our mortgage loans and mortgage assets and the differences between interest rate adjustment indices and interest rate adjustment periods of our adjustable-rate mortgage loans and related borrowings. We currently use interest rate caps and may, from time to time, purchase interest rate swaps, interest-only REMICs and similar instruments to attempt to mitigate the risk of the cost of our variable rate liabilities increasing at a faster rate than the earnings on our assets during a period of rising rates. In this way, we intend generally to hedge as much of the interest rate risk as management determines is in the best interests of our stockholders, given the cost of such hedging transactions and the need to maintain our status as a REIT. This determination may result in management electing to have us bear a level of interest rate risk that could otherwise be hedged when management believes, based on all relevant facts, that bearing such risk is advisable. We may also, to the extent consistent with our compliance with the REIT gross income tests and applicable law, utilize financial futures contracts, options and forward contracts as a hedge against future interest rate changes. We seek to build a balance sheet and undertake an interest rate risk management program which is likely, in management's view, to generate positive earnings and maintain an equity liquidation value sufficient to maintain operations given a variety of potentially adverse circumstances. Accordingly, the hedging program addresses both income preservation, as discussed in the first part of this section, and capital preservation concerns. Interest rate cap agreements are legal contracts between us and a third party firm, called the counter-party. The counter-party agrees to make payments to us in the future should the one or three month LIBOR interest rate rise above the "strike" rate specified in the contract. Under some of the contracts, we make quarterly premium payments to the counterparty under the contract. Under other interest cap agreements, we have paid the premium upfront. Each contract has a fixed "notional face" amount and a fixed interest rate, on which the interest is computed, and a set term to maturity. Should the reference LIBOR interest rate rise above the contractual strike rate, we will earn cap income. 73 Interest rate swap agreements we have entered into through December 31, 1998 stipulate we will pay a fixed rate of interest to the counterparty. In return, the counterparty pays us a variable rate of interest based on the notional amount. The agreements have fixed notional amounts, on which the interest is computed, and set terms to maturity. As discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-- Events of the Fourth Quarter 1998", we terminated all swap agreements and paid off the liabilities pertaining to these hedging instruments in October 1998, recognizing losses aggregating $8.0 million. In all of our interest rate risk management transactions, we follow procedures designed to limit credit exposure to counterparties, including dealing only with counterparties whose financial strength meets our requirements. In our assessment of the interest sensitivity and as an indication of our exposure to interest rate risk, management relies on models of financial information in a variety of interest rate scenarios. Using these models, the fair value and interest rate sensitivity of each financial instrument or groups of similar instruments is estimated, and then aggregated to form a comprehensive picture of the risk characteristics of the balance sheet. These amounts contain estimates and assumptions regarding prepayments and future interest rates. Actual economic conditions may produce results significantly different from the results depicted. However, management believes the interest sensitivity model used is a valuable tool to manage our exposure to interest rate risk. Our interest rate sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 1998 is presented in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of this prospectus. Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis. The sensitivity table is a tool used by management in assessing the impact of changing interest rates on our assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements. The values under the heading "Base" are management's estimates of the spread income for our assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements as of a specific point in time. The values under the headings "100" and "(100)" are management's estimates of the spread income of those same assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements assuming that interest rates were 100 basis points, 1%, higher and lower. The cumulative change in spread income represents the change in spread income of assets from base, net of the change in spread income of liabilities and interest rate agreements from base. The interest sensitivity analysis is prepared at least monthly. If the analysis demonstrates that a 100 basis point shift up or down in interest rates would result in 10% or more cumulative change in spread income from base, management will modify our portfolio by adding or removing interest rate cap or swap agreements. Assumption Used in Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis. Management uses estimates in determining the income of assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements. The estimation process is dependent upon a variety of assumptions, especially in determining the income of our subprime mortgage loan holdings. The following paragraphs discuss the nature of the process used in estimating the income of our assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements that are used in the interest rate sensitivity analysis. The estimates and assumptions have a significant impact on the results of this sensitivity analysis. Our analysis for assessing interest rate sensitivity on our subprime mortgage loans relies significantly on estimates for prepayment speeds. A prepayment model has been internally developed based upon four main factors: . Refinancing incentives, the interest rate of the mortgage compared with the current mortgage rates available to the borrower; . Borrower credit grades, a higher letter means a higher grade; . Loan-to-value ratios; and . Prepayment penalties, if any. 74 Generally speaking, when market interest rates decline, borrowers are more likely to refinance their mortgages. The higher the interest rate a borrower currently has on his or her mortgage, the more incentive he or she has to refinance the mortgage when rates decline. In addition, the higher the credit grade, the more incentive there is to refinance when credit ratings improve. When a borrower has a low loan-to-value ratio, he or she is more likely to do a "cash-out" refinance. Each of these factors presumably increases the chance for higher prepayment speeds during the term of the loan. On the other hand, prepayment penalties serve to mitigate the risk that loans will prepay, under the assumption that the penalty is a deterrent to refinancing. These factors are weighted based on management's experience and an evaluation of the important trends observed in the subprime mortgage origination industry. The following table is designed to display the impact of a change in each of the factors on prepayment speeds within our model.
Prepayment Factor Increase Prepayments Decrease Prepayments ----------------- -------------------- -------------------- refinancing incentives/current mortgage rates lower mortgage rates higher mortgage rates credit grade better credit worse credit loan-to-value lower loan-to-value higher loan-to-value prepayment penalty lower prepayment penalty cost higher prepayment penalty cost
NovaStar's projected prepayment rates in each interest rate scenario start at a prepayment speed less than 5% in month one and increase to a long-term prepayment speed in nine to 18 months, to account for the seasoning of the loans. The long-term prepayment speed range from 20% to 40% and depends on the characteristics of the loan which include type of product, adjustable or fixed rate, note rate, credit grade, loan-to-value, gross margin, weighted average maturity and lifetime and periodic caps and floors. This prepayment curve is also multiplied by a factor of 60% on average for periods when a prepayment penalty is in effect on the loan. These assumptions change with levels of interest rates. Historical rates of prepayment experienced on the loans owned by NovaStar Financial are shown in Table 10 of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." These speeds represent the actual weighted average rate of prepayment for all loans in each securitized pool. As shown in Table 10, the historical prepayment rates on loans that have been held in portfolio for shorter periods are slower than the estimated prepayment rates projected in the interest rate sensitivity analysis which is in the preceding paragraph. However, this table also indicates that as pools of loans held in portfolio season, the actual prepayment rates are more consistent with the long term prepayment rates used in the interest sensitivity analysis. The refinancing incentive measures the gain the borrower realizes from refinancing at current mortgage rates. The greater the incentive to refinance, interest rates lower than when the mortgage was originated, the higher the prepayment speeds. Conversely, if interest rates rise, the borrower is less likely to payoff their loan. A borrower's credit grade impacts projected prepayment due to the availability of refinancing options. "A" credit borrowers have more lenders willing to make mortgage loans to them than do "D" credit borrowers. Our prepayment model takes this fact into account over a continuum of credit grades. The loan-to-value ratio is another important factor in our prepayment model. Loans with a low loan-to-value ratio have more equity in their property and are more likely to take equity out of the homes through a cash-out refinancing. Borrowers with high loan-to-value ratios have fewer options and little equity to be taken out of the property, presumably resulting in lower prepayment speeds. The length and amounts of the prepayment penalty is another factor that drives the level of projected mortgage prepayments. A borrower with a significant prepayment penalty effectively increases the current mortgage rate, which reduces the refinancing incentive. Conversely, a borrower without a prepayment penalty has fewer financial barriers to realize the gains from refinancing an existing mortgage into a lower rate mortgage loan. 75 The prepayment projections have limits on how fast or how slow a pool of loans prepay. If interest rates rise, some borrowers still prepay their mortgages due to factors such as relocation or the purchase of a new home. If interest rates fall, some borrowers will not refinance their mortgage, regardless of their economic incentives to do so. We attempt to model the interrelation of these factors. The prepayment projections are estimates intended to provide management an indication of the change in cash flow in different interest rate scenarios. These estimates are used in preparing interest sensitivity analyses used by management in portfolio management. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in our model and the projected results as shown in the interest rate sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 1998 as presented in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of this prospectus. Our investment policy sets the following general goals: (1) Maintain the net interest margin between assets and liabilities, and (2) Diminish the effect of changes in interest rate levels on the market value of our assets. The interest rate sensitivity analysis as presented in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of this prospectus displays an estimate of the spread income of our assets, liabilities and interest rate agreements as of December 31, 1998. The analysis also shows the estimated changes in the spread income of financial instruments should interest rates increase or decrease 1% (100 basis points). Management uses this information to determine the impact on stockholders' equity of changing interest rates and to monitor the effectiveness of the interest rate risk management techniques discussed above. Although management evaluates the portfolio using interest rate increases and decreases greater than one percent, management focuses on the one percent increase as any further increase in interest rates would require action to adjust the portfolio to adapt to changing rates. Our investment policy allows for no more than a ten percent change in the net fair value of assets when interest rates rise or fall by one percent. Another measure of interest risk is elasticity, a refinement of duration. Duration is the price-weighted average term to maturity of financial instruments' cash flows. Elasticity is the change, expressed as a percent, in market value of a financial instrument, given a 100 basis point change in interest rates. Financial companies with relatively long duration assets financed by shorter duration liabilities generally experience market value losses when rates increase and market value gains when rates decrease. This pattern is complicated because many mortgages have prepayment options which result in shorter mortgage durations as these prepayment options are exercised in falling rate environment. Management's dynamic hedging strategies allow us to match the elasticity of our assets with the elasticity of our liabilities. Prepayment Risk Management We seek to minimize the effects of faster or slower than anticipated prepayment rates in our mortgage assets portfolio by acquiring mortgage loans with prepayment penalties, utilizing various financial instruments and the production of new mortgage loans as a hedge against prepayment risk, and capturing through our servicing of the mortgage loans and our portfolio retention department a large portion of those loans which are refinanced. Under certain state laws, prepayment charges may not be imposed or may be limited as to amount or period of time they can be imposed. Prepayment risk is monitored by management and through periodic review of the impact of a variety of prepayment scenarios on our revenues, net earnings, dividends, cash flow and net balance sheet market value. Although we believe we have developed a cost-effective asset/liability management program to provide a level of protection against interest rate and prepayment risks, no strategy can completely insulate us from the effects of interest rate changes, prepayments and defaults by counterparties. Further, certain of the federal income tax requirements that we must satisfy to qualify as a REIT limit our ability to fully hedge our interest rate and prepayment risks. 76 Taxable Affiliates We have implemented, and will continue to implement, portions of our business strategy from time to time through one of our taxable affiliates. Other taxable affiliates may be used to implement future business strategies. The REIT is entitled to up to 99% of dividends distributed by such taxable affiliate. The voting common stock of such corporation, however, is owned by persons other than the REIT due to the provisions of the Code limiting ownership by REITs of the voting stock of non-REIT qualifying entities. In our case, the voting common stock of NFI Holding, our taxable affiliate holding company, is held by Messrs. Hartman and Anderson. Such common stock will at all times have at least one percent of the dividends and liquidation rights of NFI Holding. We hold a class of preferred stock of the taxable affiliate holding company, which preferred stock is entitled to up to 99% of the dividends and liquidation proceeds distributable from NFI Holding. Taxable affiliates are not qualified REIT subsidiaries and would be subject to federal and state income taxes. In order to comply with the nature of asset tests applicable to us as a REIT, as of the last day of each calendar quarter, the value of the securities of any such affiliate held by us must be limited to less than five percent of the value of our total assets and no more than ten percent of the voting securities of any such affiliate may be owned by us. Taxable affiliates have not elected REIT status and distribute any net profit after taxes to us and our other stockholders. Any dividend income received by us from any such taxable affiliate, combined with all other income generated from our assets, other than qualified REIT assets, must not exceed 25% of our gross income. Before we form any additional taxable affiliate corporations, we will obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that the formation and contemplated method of operation of such corporation will not cause us to fail to satisfy the nature of assets and sources of income tests applicable to it as a REIT. The Clinton Administration's fiscal year 2000 budget would place several constraints on the activities and ownership by a REIT of a taxable subsidiary corporation. If the proposal is enacted in the form introduced, we could be required to modify certain business activities or the capital structure of NovaStar Mortgage. We do not anticipate that the Administration's budget proposal would have an adverse effect on our operations, including those of NovaStar Mortgage. Properties Our executive and administrative offices are located in Westwood, Kansas, and consist of approximately 6,000 square feet. The lease on the premises expires December 2002. The current annual rent for these offices is approximately $116,000. NovaStar Mortgage leases space for its mortgage lending operations in Orange County, California. Currently, these offices consist of approximately 35,000 and 15,000 square feet, respectively. The lease on the Orange County premises expires January 2005, and the current annual rent is approximately $917,000. NovaStar Mortgage also leases space for its mortgage servicing operation in Westwood, Kansas. The square footage on these premises is approximately 28,000, with annual rent of approximately $382,000, and a lease scheduled to expire in January 2007. Legal Proceedings We occasionally become involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. We believe that any liability with respect to such legal actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. 77 MANAGEMENT Directors and Executive Officers Our directors and executive officers and their positions are as follows:
Name Position ---- -------- Scott F. Hartman(1)........ Chairman of the Board, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer W. Lance Anderson(1)....... Director, President and Chief Operating Officer Mark J. Kohlrus............ Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Michael L. Bamburg......... Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer Edward W. Mehrer(2)(3)(4).. Director Gregory T. Barmore(2)(4)... Director Bart Johnson(2)(3)......... Director
- -------- (1) Founder of the Company. (2) Independent director. (3) Member of the Audit Committee. (4) Member of the Compensation Committee. Information regarding the background and experience of our directors and officers follows: Directors and Executive Officers Scott F. Hartman, age 39, is our co-founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1996. His main responsibilities are to manage our portfolio of investments, interact with the capital markets and oversee the securitization of our mortgage loan production. Mr. Hartman most recently served as Executive Vice President of Dynex Capital, Inc., (Dynex) formerly Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange listed REIT. His responsibilities while at Dynex included managing the investment portfolio, overseeing the securitization of mortgage loans originated through Dynex's mortgage operation and the administration of the securities issued by Dynex. Mr. Hartman left Dynex in June 1996 to pursue this opportunity. Prior to joining Dynex in February 1995, Mr. Hartman served as a consultant to Dynex for three years during which time he was involved in designing and overseeing the development of Dynex's analytical and securities structuring system. Mr. Hartman also serves as a director and Vice Chairman of NovaStar Mortgage. W. Lance Anderson, age 39, is our co-founder, President and Chief Operating Officer and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1996. His main responsibility is to manage our mortgage origination and servicing operations. Mr. Anderson most recently served as Executive Vice President of Dynex Capital, Inc., formerly Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc., a NYSE-listed REIT. In addition, Mr. Anderson was President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynex's single family mortgage operation, Saxon Mortgage. In this role he was responsible for the origination, underwriting, servicing, quality control and pricing functions for Saxon. He served in this capacity for two years prior to which he was Executive Vice President in charge of production for the single family operation. Mr. Anderson served from October 1989 at Dynex where he was responsible for the startup of the single family operation. Mr. Anderson was also responsible for re-focusing the conduit on the subprime mortgage market in late 1993. Mr. Anderson also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of NovaStar Mortgage. Mark J. Kohlrus, age 39, is Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage. In that role, Mr. Kohlrus is responsible for all accounting and finance functions, including external reporting and compliance with REIT regulations. Prior to his joining us in December 78 1996, Mr. Kohlrus was employed by the public accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, a predecessor firm to KPMG LLP, in Kansas City, Missouri for nearly 15 years. During his tenure with KPMG, Mr. Kohlrus worked extensively in the firm's financial services practice and was involved in several public stock and debt offerings. Michael L. Bamburg, age 36, is Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage. Mr. Bamburg is responsible for managing our portfolio of investments, interacting with the capital markets, overseeing the securitization of our mortgage loan production, and developing new business lines for us. Mr. Bamburg most recently served as a Principal of Smith Breeden Associates, a financial institution consulting and money management firm specializing in the evaluation and hedging of mortgage backed securities. Mr. Bamburg spent over 11 years with Smith Breeden where he analyzed and traded hundreds of millions of dollars of mortgage backed securities and consulted with various financial institutions regarding investments and asset/liability management issues. During the last 3 years with Smith Breeden, Mr. Bamburg spent most of his time marketing Smith Breeden's money management products. Edward W. Mehrer, age 59, has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1996. He is presently Chief Financial Officer of Cydex, a pharmaceutical company based in Overland Park, Kansas. Mr. Mehrer was previously associated with Hoechst Marion Roussel, formerly Marion Merrell Dow, Inc., an international pharmaceutical company, for approximately ten years until his retirement in December 1995. From December 1991, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Marion. Prior to that position, he served in a number of financial and administrative positions. Prior to joining Marion, Mr. Mehrer was a partner with the public accounting firm of Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co., a predecessor firm to KPMG LLP, in Kansas City, Missouri. Gregory T. Barmore, age 57, was most recently Chairman of the Board of GE Capital Mortgage Corporation, a subsidiary of GE Capital Corporation headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has served on the Board of Directors since 1996. He was responsible for overseeing the strategic development of GE Capital Mortgage Corporation's residential real estate- affiliated financial businesses, including mortgage insurance, mortgage services and mortgage funding. Prior to joining GE Capital Mortgage Corporation in 1986, Mr. Barmore was Chief Financial Officer of Employers Reinsurance Corporation, one of the nation's largest property and casualty reinsurance companies and also a subsidiary of GE Capital Corporation. Prior to his appointment at Employers Reinsurance Corporation, he held a number of financial and general management positions within GE. Mr. Barmore was selected to serve on our Board as an independent director without regard to the GE Capital Corporation investment and accordingly there are no arrangements with GE Capital Corporation or our affiliates regarding his term of office or other aspects of his service on the Board. Bart Johnson, age 50, has been a member of the Board since 1998 and is the GE Capital Corporation nominee. He is currently President of GE Capital Residential Connections, a division of GE Capital Mortgage Corporation, and is a 25-year mortgage industry veteran. Immediately prior to joining GE in 1997, Mr. Johnson served as Chief Financial Officer and National Residential Production Manager at Mellon Bank's Mortgage Banking Group beginning in 1989. Other Senior Officers James H. Anderson, age 35, is Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager of NovaStar Mortgage. His primary responsibilities include overseeing the overall marketing efforts of NovaStar Mortgage, including managing the sales force of account executives. Prior to joining NovaStar in November 1996, Mr. Anderson was President of his own marketing consulting business. From August 1992 through September 1996, Mr. Anderson was employed by Saxon, where he served as Vice President of Marketing, in charge of the Western Region of the United States. In addition, Mr. Anderson was in charge of Saxon's national sales force for correspondent lending. Manual X. Palazzo, age 48, is Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of NovaStar Financial and NovaStar Mortgage. His primary responsibility is to manage the underwriting and funding functions. Prior to 79 joining NovaStar in December 1996, Mr. Palazzo was Senior Vice President of Credit and Administration of Long Beach Mortgage Company since October 1995. From May 1994 Mr. Palazzo was with Household Financial as Director of Underwriting. Prior to his tenure at Household, Mr. Palazzo spent eight years as manager of the wholesale lending business for Novus Financial. Mr. Palazzo has been involved in the consumer finance industry since 1972. Christopher S. Miller, age 33, is Senior Vice President and Servicing Manager of NovaStar Mortgage. Mr. Miller is a former Vice President of Option One Mortgage Corporation, a subsidiary of Fleet Mortgage Corporation. From July 1995 to March 1997, Mr. Miller's responsibilities included managing the Collections Department, Customer Service Department, Escrow Analysis, Payoff Department, and Reconveyance. Prior to his tenure at Option One Mortgage in 1995, Mr. Miller spent over seven years at Novus Financial Corporation, a subsidiary of Dean Witter Financial Services, where he managed multiple servicing departments. Mr. Miller brings to NovaStar a diverse servicing background with an emphasis on default management. Terms of Directors and Officers Our Board of Directors consists of such number of persons as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time by resolution to be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, with each class to be as nearly equal in number of directors as possible. Currently there are five directors. Mr. Mehrer is a Class I director, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Barmore are Class II directors and Mr. Hartman and Mr. Johnson are Class III directors. Class I, Class II and Class III directors will stand for reelection at the annual meetings of stockholders held in 2000, 1998 and 1999, respectively. At each annual meeting, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that time are to be elected to hold office for a term of three years, and until their respective successors are elected and qualified, so that the term of one class of directors expires at each such annual meeting. We intend to maintain the composition of the Board so that there will be no more than six directors, with a majority of independent directors at all times, each of whom shall serve on the Audit and/or Compensation Committees. Mr. Johnson is the GE Capital Corporation nominee. Such nominee will serve as a Class III director with a term running until the 1999 annual meeting of stockholders. In the case of any vacancy on the Board of Directors, including a vacancy created by an increase in the number of directors, the vacancy may be filled by election of the Board of Directors or the stockholders, with the director so elected to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders, if elected by the Board of Directors, or for the remainder of the term of the director being replaced, if elected by the stockholders; any newly-created directorships or decreases in directorships are to be assigned by the Board of Directors so as to make all classes as nearly equal in number as possible. Directors may be removed only for cause and then only by vote of a majority of the combined voting power of stockholders entitled to vote in the election for directors. Subject to the voting rights of the holders of preferred stock, our charter may be amended by the vote of a majority of the combined voting power of stockholders, provided that amendments to the article dealing with directors may only be amended if it is advised by at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors and approved by vote of at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of stockholders. The effect of the foregoing as well as other provisions of our charter and bylaws may discourage takeover attempts and make more difficult attempts by stockholders to change management. Prospective investors are encouraged to review our charter and bylaws in their entirety. Our bylaws provide that, except in the case of a vacancy, a majority of the members of the Board of Directors will at all times be independent directors. Independent directors are defined as directors who are not officers or our employees or any affiliate or our subsidiary. GE Capital Corporation and our affiliates are expressly deemed not to be our affiliates for this purpose. Vacancies occurring on the Board of Directors among the independent directors may be filled by a vote of a majority of the remaining directors, including a majority of the remaining independent directors. Officers are elected annually and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There are no family relationships between the executive officers or directors. 80 Committees of the Board Audit Committee. We have established an Audit Committee composed of two independent directors. The Audit Committee makes recommendations concerning the engagement of independent public accountants, reviews with the independent public accountants, the plans and results of any audits, reviews other professional services provided by the independent public accountants, reviews the independence of the independent public accountants, considers the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviews the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. Compensation Committee. We have established a Compensation Committee composed of two independent directors. The Compensation Committee determines the compensation of our executive officers. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may establish other committees as deemed necessary or appropriate from time to time, including, but not limited to, an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Compensation of Directors We pay independent directors $10,000 per year plus $500 for each meeting attended in person. Independent directors also receive automatic stock options pursuant to our Stock Option Plan. However, as the GE Capital Corporation nominee and pursuant to GE Capital Corporation's internal policy, Mr. Johnson does not receive any compensation, whether fees or stock options, for his service on the Board of Directors. None of our directors have received any separate compensation for service on the Board of Directors or on any committee. In addition, each independent director has been granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at the fair market value of the common stock upon becoming a director and options to purchase 2,500 shares at the fair market value of the common stock on the day after each annual meeting of stockholders. All directors receive reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with meetings of the Board of Directors. No director who is our employee will receive separate compensation for services rendered as a director. Compensation Committee Interlocks No interlocking relationship exists between our Board of Directors or officers responsible for compensation decisions and the board of directors or compensation committee of any other company, nor has any such interlocking relationship existed in the past. 81 Executive Compensation The objective of senior management in constructing our own compensation packages as well as those of all our managers is to align the interests of management as closely as possible with those of the stockholders. This is accomplished by basing a large percentage of key managers' compensation on our profitability, measured by return on stockholders' equity, and the stock price. Executive Officer Summary Compensation Table
Long-term Compensation ------------------- Securities Other Annual Underlying All Other Name and Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation Options(#) DER's(5) Compensation - ----------------- ---- -------- ------- ------------ ---------- -------- ------------ Scott F. Hartman(1)....... 1998 $185,000 -- -- -- -- -- Chairman of the Board, 1997 130,833 -- $549,635(4) 40,000 -- -- Secretary and Chief 1996 70,000 -- -- 144,666 -- Executive Officer W. Lance Anderson(1)...... 1998 185,000 -- -- -- -- -- President and Chief 1997 130,833 -- 549,635(4) 40,000 -- -- Operating Officer 1996 70,000 -- -- 144,666 -- -- Mark J. Kohlrus(2)........ 1998 120,000 $86,000 -- 10,000 3,300 -- Senior Vice President, 1997 100,000 90,000 -- 20,000 700 -- Treasurer and Chief 1996 4,000 -- -- 10,000 -- -- Financial Officer Michael L. Bamburg(3)..... 1998 128,333 105,000 -- 50,000 -- -- Senior Vice President and 1997 -- -- -- -- -- -- Chief Investment Officer 1996 -- -- -- -- -- --
- -------- (1) Mr. Hartman and Mr. Anderson were reimbursed by us for services provided by them that were necessary and prudent in connection with our formation and our private placement in 1996, including payments in lieu of salary and for expenses directly attributable to our formation. Mr. Hartman and Mr. Anderson are employed by us at a base salary of $185,000 per year. (2) Mr. Kohlrus' employment with us began on December 16, 1996. He has an annual base salary of $120,000 per year. Mr. Kohlrus is eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 75 percent of his annual salary. After our initial public offering in October 1997, Mr. Kohlrus's annual salary increased to $120,000. This was the base salary used in determining Mr. Kohlrus's 1997 bonus. (3) Mr. Bamburg's employment with us began in February 1998 and provided for an annual salary of $140,000 through December 31, 1998. Mr Bamburg is eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 75% of his annual salary. (4) Represents forgiveness of one tranche of founders' forgivable debt. (5) 1996 options granted to Mr. Hartman and Mr. Anderson which vested on the closing of the initial public offering were granted without dividend equivalent rights. Options granted to Mr. Kohlrus which began to vest in December 1997 were granted with dividend equivalent rights. None of the 1997 and 1998 options were granted with dividend equivalent rights. 82 Bonus Incentive Compensation Plan. A bonus incentive compensation plan has been established for certain executive and key officers of us and our affiliates, and was effective commencing with the fiscal year beginning January 1, 1998. The annual bonus pursuant to the bonus incentive compensation plan will be paid one-half in cash and one-half in shares of our common stock, annually, following receipt of the audit for the related fiscal year. This program will award bonuses annually to those officers out of a total pool determined by stockholder return on equity as follows:
Return on Equity(1) Bonus as percent of in Excess of Base Rate(2) By: Average Net Worth(3) Outstanding ----------------------------- -------------------------------- zero or less 0% greater than 0% but less than 6% 10% x (actual return on equity - Base Rate) Greater than 6% (10% x 6%) + 15% x (actual return on equity - (Base Rate + 6%))
Of the amount so determined, one-half will be deemed contributed to the total pool in cash and the other half deemed contributed to the total pool in the form of shares of our common stock, with the number of shares to be calculated based on the average price per share during the preceding year. The total pool may not exceed $1 million for fiscal years ending December 31, 1998, and December 31, 1999. - -------- (1) Return on equity is determined for the fiscal year by averaging the monthly ratios calculated each month by dividing our monthly net income adjusted to an annual rate, by our average net worth for such month. For such calculations, our "net income" means our net income or net loss determined according to generally accepted accounting principles, but after deducting any dividends paid or payable on preferred stock that may be issued before giving effect to the bonus incentive compensation or any valuation allowance adjustment to stockholders' equity. The definition "return on equity" is used only for purposes of calculating the bonus incentive compensation payable pursuant to the bonus incentive compensation plan and is not related to the actual distributions received by stockholders. The bonus payments will be an operating expense of us. (2) "Base rate" is the average for each month of the ten-year U.S. Treasury rate, plus four percent. (3) "Average net worth" for any month means the arithmetic average of the sum of (1) the net proceeds from all offerings of equity securities since formation including exercise of Warrants and stock options and pursuant to the proposed dividend reinvestment plan, but excluding any offerings of preferred stock in the future, after deducting any underwriting discounts and commissions and other expenses and costs relating to the offerings, plus (2) our retained earnings without taking into account any losses incurred in prior fiscal years, after deducting any amounts reflecting taxable income to be distributed as dividends and without giving effect to any valuation allowance adjustment to stockholders' equity, computed by taking the daily average of such values during such period. 83 Stock Option Grants Options have been granted at exercise prices greater than or equal to the estimated fair value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. Options vest over four years and expire ten years after the date of grant, except for the founders' options, which vested upon the closing of our initial public offering in October 1997. Options to acquire 383,820 shares of common stock are outstanding to the date of this prospectus under our 1996 Stock Option Plan. The following table sets forth information concerning stock options granted during 1998 to each of the directors and executive officers.
Potential Realizable Value at Assumed Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation Individual Grants for Option Term ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------- Percent of Total Options Granted Exercise Price No. to Employees or Base Price Expiration Name Granted(1) During the Year ($/Share) Date 5% ($) 10% ($) - ---- ---------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- -------- ---------- Michael L. Bamburg...... 30,000 20.27% $17.01 1/28/08 $831,225 $1,323,587 Michael L. Bamburg...... 20,000 13.51% $ 6.38 12/30/08 $207,847 $ 330,962 Gregory T. Barmore...... 2,500 1.69% $20.81 5/14/08 $ 84,753 $ 134,956 Edward W. Mehrer........ 2,500 1.69% $20.81 5/14/08 $ 84,753 $ 134,956 Mark J. Kohlrus......... 10,000 6.76% $ 6.38 12/30/08 $103,923 $ 165,481 ------- ------ Total to Directors and Executive Officers..... 65,000 43.92% ======= ====== Total shares granted under SOP.............. 148,000 =======
- -------- (1) Twenty-five percent of the options granted will vest in 1999 and 25% in each year thereafter. Options do not include dividend equivalent rights. The following table sets forth information with respect to the value of the options as of December 31, 1998 held by the named directors and executive officers. Fiscal Year End Option Value
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money Options as of Options as of Shares Acquired Value December 31, 1998 December 31, 1998(1)(3) on Exercise Realized(2) ------------------------- ------------------------- Name (No. of Shares) ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable - ---- --------------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Scott F. Hartman(4)..... 144,666 $759,497 10,000 30,000 -- -- W. Lance Anderson(4).... 144,666 759,497 10,000 30,000 -- -- Gregory T. Barmore...... 2,500 39,350 1,250 8,750 -- $15,450 Edward W. Mehrer........ -- -- 3,750 8,750 $15,450 15,450 Michael L. Bamburg...... -- -- -- 50,000 -- -- Mark J. Kohlrus......... 2,500 9,075 5,000 30,000 -- 18,450
- -------- (1) "In-the-money" options whose exercise was less than the market price of common stock at December 31, 1998. (2) The "value realized" represents the difference between the exercise price of the option shares and the market price of the option shares on the date the option was exercised. The value realized was determined without considering any taxes which may have been owed. (3) Assuming a stock price of $6.19 per share, which was the closing price of a share of common stock reported for the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 1998. (4) During 1998, the founders exercised options to acquire 289,332 shares of common stock at $15.00 per share. In payment for the acquired common stock, the founders issued notes payable to NovaStar Financial. Unpaid principal on the notes was $4,340,000 as of December 31, 1998. During 1998, NovaStar Financial accrued interest of $220,000 and the founders paid $78,000 in interest. 84 Units Acquired with Forgivable Debt. Messrs. Hartman and Anderson have each acquired 108,333 units, each unit consisting of one share of preferred stock which converted to common stock at the closing of the initial public offering and one warrant, which were acquired at the price of $15 per unit on December 9, 1996. Payment for such units was made by delivering promissory notes, bearing interest at eight percent per annum compounded annually and secured by the units being acquired. Interest began accruing during the first year and was added to principal due under the note. Thereafter, interest became payable quarterly and upon forgiveness or at maturity of the notes, which is at the end of the fifth fiscal period. The principal amount of the notes is divided into three equal parts which we refer to as "tranches." Payment of principal on each tranche will be forgiven, if the following incentive performance tests are achieved: . During the first five fiscal periods after issuance of the notes: --One tranche will be forgiven for each fiscal period as to which we generate a total return to investors in units equal to or greater than 15%. The debt on the first tranche was forgiven and we recognized a non-cash charge against earnings of $1,083,330 for the fiscal period ending December 31, 1997. No debt was forgiven during 1998. --At the end of each of the five fiscal periods, all remaining tranches will be forgiven if we have generated a total cumulative return to investors in units, from date of initial issuance of the notes, equal to or greater than 100%. . For purposes of calculating the returns to such investors: --The term "fiscal period" will refer to each of five periods. The first period commenced with the closing of the private placement on December 9, 1996, and ends on December 31, 1997, and, thereafter, each succeeding fiscal period extends for twelve months and ends on each December 31. . The term "return" for each fiscal period will mean the sum of, on a per unit basis, (1) all cash dividends paid during, or declared with respect to, such fiscal period per share of preferred stock, or per share of common stock following conversion of the preferred stock upon completion of the initial public offering; (2) any increase or decrease in the price per share of preferred stock, or resulting common stock, during such fiscal period, measured by using the price per unit to investors in the private placement as the starting price ($15.00), and using the average public trading price during the last 90 days of each succeeding fiscal period for such succeeding periods, except such shorter period as the common stock was traded in 1997; and (3) any increase or decrease in the price per warrant during such fiscal period, determined in the same manner as in (2). For purposes of the fiscal period 15% return test, the total return for a given period will be equal to the sum of (1), (2) and (3) during the period, and for purposes of the cumulative 100% return test, the amounts in (1), (2) and (3) will all be measured from the beginning of the first fiscal period. The amount of that "return" will then be measured as a percentage of the investor's investment in the units on a per unit basis without regard to timing of receipt of dividends or timing of increases in per share or per warrant prices. . If one of the incentive tests is met, the amount of loan forgiveness for each tranche will be the principal amount of such tranche of the note. In addition, a loan will be made by us to Messrs. Hartman and Anderson in the amount of (1) personal tax liability resulting from the forgiveness of debt, and (2) interest accrued during the first year of the forgiven tranches. These notes are secured by the proportionate number of shares of common stock that had secured the forgiven tranche of the notes and will mature upon the earlier of the sale of these common shares or the termination of the officer's employment with us. Messrs. Hartman and Anderson have issued notes payable to NovaStar Financial 85 for the repayment of the tax liability and interest accrued on forgivable notes through December 31, 1997. Unpaid principal on the notes was $843,000 and $763,000 as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Interest accrues monthly at one-month LIBOR plus 1%, which was 6.54% as of December 31, 1998, and is payable quarterly. During 1998, NovaStar Financial accrued interest on these amounts totaling $47,000 and the founders paid interest totaling $18,000. Employment Agreements. We have entered into employment agreements with the founders, Mr. Hartman and Mr. Anderson. Each employment agreement provides for a term through December 31, 2001, and will be automatically extended for an additional year at the end of each year of the agreement, unless either party provides a prescribed prior written notice to the contrary. Each employment agreement provides for the annual base salary set forth in the compensation table above and for participation by the subject officer in the Bonus Incentive Compensation Plan. Each employment agreement provides for the subject officer to receive his annual base salary and bonus compensation to the date of the termination of employment by reason of death, disability or resignation and to receive base compensation to the date of the termination of employment by reason of a termination of employment for cause as defined in the agreement. Each employment agreement also provides for the subject officer to receive, if the subject officer resigns for "good reason" or is terminated without cause after a "change in control" as those terms are defined in the agreement, an amount, 50% payable immediately and 50% payable in monthly installments over the succeeding twelve months, equal to three times such officer's combined maximum base salary and actual bonus compensation for the preceding year, subject in each case to a maximum amount of one percent of our book equity value, exclusive of valuation adjustments, and a minimum of $360,000. In that instance, the subject officer is prohibited from competing with us for a period of one year. In addition, all outstanding options granted to the subject officer under the 1996 Stock Option Plan shall immediately vest. Section 280G of the Code may limit the deductibility of the payments to such officer by us for federal income tax purposes. "Change of control" for purposes of the agreements would include a merger or consolidation of NovaStar Financial, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, changes in the identity of a majority of the members of our Board of Directors, other than due to the death, disability or age of a director, or acquisitions of more than 25% of the combined voting power of our capital stock, subject to certain limitations. Absent a "change in control," if we terminate the officer's employment without cause, or if the officer resigns for "good reason," the officer receives an amount, payable immediately, equal to such officer's combined maximum base salary and actual bonus compensation for the preceding year, subject in each case to a maximum amount of one percent of our book value, exclusive of valuation adjustments, and a minimum of $120,000. If the officer resigns for any other reason, there is no severance payment and the officer is prohibited from competing with us for a period of one year following the resignation. Although we believes these forfeiture and non-compete provisions would generally be enforceable, there can be no assurance that the employee will not elect to terminate the agreement early despite these provisions and no longer remain in our employ. Stock Option Plan General. Our 1996 Executive and Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of qualified incentive stock options which meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, stock options not so qualified, deferred stock, restricted stock, performance shares, stock appreciation and limited stock awards and dividend equivalent rights. Purpose. The 1996 Stock Option Plan is intended to provide a means of performance-based compensation in order to attract and retain qualified personnel and to afford additional incentive to others to increase their efforts in providing significant services to us. Administration. The 1996 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which shall at all times be composed solely of non-employee directors as required by Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Members of the Compensation Committee are eligible to receive only non-qualified stock options pursuant to automatic grants of stock options discussed below. 86 Options and Awards. Options granted under the 1996 Stock Option Plan will become exercisable in accordance with the terms of the grants made by the Compensation Committee. Awards will be subject to the terms and restrictions of the awards made by the Compensation Committee. Option and award recipients shall enter into a written stock option agreement with us. The Compensation Committee has discretionary authority to select participants from among eligible persons and to determine at the time an option or award is granted when and in what increments shares covered by the option or award may be purchased or will vest and, in the case of options, whether it is intended to be an incentive stock option or a non-qualified stock option provided, however, that certain restrictions applicable to incentive stock options are mandatory, including a requirement that incentive stock options not be issued for less than 100% of the then fair market value of our common stock, 110% in the case of a grantee who holds more than ten percent of the outstanding common stock, and a maximum term of ten years, five years in the case of a grantee who holds more than 10% of the outstanding common stock. Fair market value means as of any given date, with respect to any option or Award granted, at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee, . the closing sale price of the common stock on such date as reported in the Western Edition of the Wall Street Journal; or . the average of the closing price of the common stock on each day of which it was traded over a period of up to twenty trading days immediately prior to such date; or . if the common stock is not publicly traded, the fair market value of the common stock as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee in the good faith exercise of their discretion. Eligible Persons. Our officers and directors and employees and other persons expected to provide significant services to us are eligible to participate in the 1996 Stock Option Plan. Incentive stock options may be granted to the officers and our key employees. Non-qualified stock options and awards may be granted to our directors, officers, key employees, agents and consultants or any of subsidiaries. Under current law, incentive stock options may not be granted to any of our directors who are not also an employee, or to directors, officers and other employees of entities unrelated to us. No options or awards may be granted under the 1996 Stock Option Plan to any person who, assuming exercise of all options held by such person, would own or be deemed to own more than 25% of the outstanding shares of our equity stock. Shares Subject to the Plan. The 1996 Stock Option Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase, and Awards of, an aggregate of up to 10% of our total outstanding shares at any time, provided that no more than 339,332 shares of common stock shall be cumulatively available for grant as incentive stock options. If an option granted under the 1996 Stock Option Plan expires or terminates, or an Award is forfeited, the shares subject to any unexercised portion of such option or award will again become available for the issuance of further options or awards under the 1996 Stock Option Plan. In connection with any reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, stock split or similar transaction, the Compensation Committee shall appropriately adjust the number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding options, awards and dividend equivalent rights and the total number of shares for which options, awards or dividend equivalent rights may be granted under the Plan. Term of the Plan. Unless previously terminated by the Board of Directors, the 1996 Stock Option Plan will terminate on September 1, 2006, and no options or awards may be granted under the 1996 Stock Option Plan thereafter, but existing options or awards will remain in effect until the options are exercised or the options or awards are terminated by their terms. Term of Options. Each option must terminate no more than ten years from the date it is granted, or five years in the case of incentive stock options granted to an employee who is deemed to own an excess of 10% of the combined voting power of our outstanding equity stock. Options may be granted on terms providing for exercise either in whole or in part at any time or times during their restrictive terms, or only in specified percentages at stated time periods or intervals during the term of the option. 87 Dividend equivalent rights. The Plan provides for granting of dividend equivalent rights in tandem with any options granted under the Plan. Such dividend equivalent rights accrue for the account of the optionee shares of common stock upon the payment of dividends on outstanding shares of common stock. The number of shares accrued is determined by a formula and such shares may be made transferable to the optionee either upon exercise of the related option or on a "current-pay" basis so that payments would be made to the optionee at the same time as dividends are paid to holders of outstanding common stock. Holders of dividend equivalent rights may be made eligible to participate not only in cash distributions but also in distributions of stock or other property made to holders of outstanding common stock. Shares of common stock accrued for the account of the optionee are eligible to receive dividends and distributions. dividend equivalent rights may also be made "performance based" by conditioning the right of the holder of the dividend equivalent rights to receive any dividend equivalent payment or accrual upon the satisfaction of specified performance objectives. Option Exercise. The exercise price of any option granted under the 1996 Stock Option Plan is payable in full in cash, or our equivalent as determined by the Compensation Committee. We may make loans available to option holders to exercise options evidenced by a promissory note executed by the option holder and secured by a pledge of common stock with fair value at least equal to the principal of the promissory note unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. Automatic Grants to Non-Employee Directors. Each of our non-employee directors are automatically granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock with dividend equivalent rights upon becoming a director, and is also automatically granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock, with dividend equivalent rights the day after each annual meeting of stockholders upon re-election to or continuation on the Board. Such automatic grants of stock options vest 25% on the anniversary date in the year following the date of the grant and 25% on each anniversary date thereafter. The exercise price for such automatic grants of stock options is the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant, and is required to be paid in cash. Amendment and Termination of Stock Option Plan. The Board of Directors may, without affecting any outstanding options or awards, from time to time revise or amend the 1996 Stock Option Plan, and may suspend or discontinue it at any time without stockholder approval, increase the number of shares subject to the 1996 Stock Option Plan, modify the class of participants eligible to receive options or awards granted under the 1996 Stock Option Plan or extend the maximum option term under the 1996 Stock Option Plan. 88 PRINCIPAL SECURITYHOLDERS Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Large Securityholders The following table sets forth the information we have with respect to beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 1, 1999, by each person other than members of management known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, the beneficial owners named have, to our knowledge, sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock(1) ---------------------- Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percent - ------------------------------------ ----------- ---------- Wallace R. Weitz & Company(2)............................ 6,372,262 48.99% 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 600 Omaha, NE 68124-6008 General Electric Capital Corporation(3).................. 1,333,332 15.16% 260 Long Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06927 Lindner Dividend Fund(4)................................. 1,216,567 13.83% 7711 Carondolet Avenue, Suite 700 St. Louis, MO 63104 GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation(5).................. 1,177,713 12.65% 8400 Normandale Lake Blvd., Suite 600 Minneapolis, MN 55437 McCarthy Group, Inc.(6).................................. 814,285 9.21% 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 450 Omaha, NE 68124 First Union Corporation(7)............................... 536,667 6.33% One First Union Center, TW9 Charlotte, NC 28288-0610 First Financial Fund(8).................................. 450,700 5.54% c/o Wellington Management Company 75 State Street Boston, MA 02109
- -------- (1) Assuming no exercise of warrants or conversion of preferred stock except by the securityholder named, separately, and no purchases by any of the listed securityholders in this offering. (2) Includes 1,305,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants and 3,571,429 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock. (3) Includes 666,666 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. (4) Includes 666,667 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. (5) Includes 1,177,713 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. (6) Includes 714,285 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock. (7) Includes 350,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. (8) Consists of shares of common stock currently outstanding. 89 Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Directors and Management The following table sets forth information we have with respect to beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 1, 1999, by (1) each director, (2) our executive officers, and (3) all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, the beneficial owners named have, to our knowledge, sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock(1) ----------------- Name of Beneficial Owner Number Percent - ------------------------ --------- ------- Scott F. Hartman(2)...................................................... 529,065 6.40 W. Lance Anderson(3)..................................................... 539,465 6.52 Edward W. Mehrer(4)...................................................... 39,750 * Gregory T. Barmore(5).................................................... 1,250 * Bart O. Johnson.......................................................... -- -- Michael L. Bamburg(6).................................................... 76,988 * Mark J. Kohlrus(7)....................................................... 16,305 * All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (7 persons).............. 1,202,823 14.57
- -------- * Less than one percent. (1) Assuming no exercise of the warrants and exercisable options, except by the listed securityholder named separately. (2) Consists of 390,732 shares of common stock and 128,333 warrants, including 224,066 of common stock and 20,000 of warrants owned jointly with his wife, and 10,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options. (3) Consists of 395,932 shares of common stock and 133,533 warrants, including 287,599 of common stock and 25,200 of warrants owned jointly with his wife, and 10,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options. (4) Consists of 24,000 shares of common stock and 12,000 of warrants, including 2,000 of each owned by his wife, and 3,750 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options. (5) Consists of 1,250 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options. (6) Consists of 46,188 shares of common stock and 23,300 warrants, including 1,228 shares of common stock owned by his wife, 300 warrants owned by his wife, 20,110 warrants owned jointly with his wife, and 7,500 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options. (7) Includes 9,805 shares of common stock and 1,500 warrants, all of which are owned jointly with his wife, except for 550 shares of common stock which are controlled by Mr. Kohlrus as custodian for his children, and 5,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options. 90 CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS Transactions with Management In May 1996, Messrs. Hartman and Anderson formed NovaStar Mortgage for the purpose of engaging in the subprime lending business. Following our private placement, NovaStar Mortgage began obtaining required licenses and permits, developing guidelines for the origination of mortgage loans through our wholesale lending channel and hiring critical senior personnel to put in place the infrastructure for our mortgage lending and servicing operations. Following the close of the private placement in December 1996, we moved to implement the portion of our business strategy to be conducted through taxable affiliates. In February 1997, NFI Holding was formed to serve as a holding company for such taxable affiliates. In March 1997, Messrs. Hartman and Anderson acquired all of the outstanding voting common stock of NFI Holding for a total price of $20,000 and we acquired all of the outstanding non-voting preferred stock of NFI Holding for a total price of $1,980,000. The voting common stock is entitled to one percent of the dividend distributions of NFI Holding and the preferred stock is entitled to 99% of such distributions. At the time of acquisition of the common stock, Messrs. Hartman and Anderson entered into an agreement of shareholders, to which we are a party, which contains certain management and control provisions and restrictions on transfer of the common stock. The obligations of Messrs. Hartman and Anderson under the agreement of shareholders are secured by the pledge of their common stock in NFI Holding. In February 1997, NFI Holding acquired all of the outstanding common stock of NovaStar Mortgage from Messrs. Hartman and Anderson. NovaStar Mortgage thereby became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFI Holding. Through NFI Holding, we thus own a beneficial interest in 99% of the future dividend distributions attributable to NovaStar Mortgage. We have entered into a loan sale and purchase agreement with NovaStar Mortgage pursuant to which we agree to buy from time to time and NovaStar Mortgage agrees to sell to us mortgage loans originated or acquired by NovaStar Mortgage. The loan purchase agreement is non-exclusive as to both parties and provides for a fair market value transfer of mortgage loans, generally on a servicing-released basis which means ownership of the loan servicing is transferred with the mortgage loan. Also, under the terms of this agreement, if NovaStar Mortgage chooses to sell its loan originations to other parties, it pays a fee to us for not delivering production under the purchase commitment. The fee is 1% of the principal balance of the loans originated but not sold to us. NovaStar Mortgage and NovaStar Financial also entered into a flow subservicing agreement under which NovaStar Mortgage agrees to service our mortgage loans initially for a fixed dollar fee per loan based on the fee in comparable subservicing arrangements. The subservicing agreement became effective with the commencement of NovaStar Mortgage's servicing operation in July 1997. Separate agreements have been executed for each pool of loans serving as collateral for NovaStar Financial's collateralized mortgage obligations. NovaStar Mortgage and NovaStar Financial further entered into an Administrative Services Outsourcing Agreement, dated as of January 30, 1998, pursuant to which NovaStar Mortgage will provide to us on a fee basis certain administrative services, including consulting with respect to the development of mortgage loan products, loan underwriting, loan funding and quality control. 91 Following is a summary of the fees, in thousands, which NovaStar Financial paid to and received from NovaStar Mortgage:
Year Ended December 31, --------------- 1998 1997 ------- ------ Amounts paid to NovaStar Mortgage Administrative fees........................................ $ 7,800 $3,650 Loan servicing fees........................................ 3,803 505 Amounts received from NovaStar Mortgage: Purchase commitment fee.................................... (5,117) -- ------- ------ Total.................................................... $ 6,486 $4,155 ======= ======
Indebtedness of Management Messrs. Hartman and Anderson are indebted to us pursuant to forgivable promissory notes, notes covering the related tax liability and notes issued to cover the exercise of options, each as described under "Management--Executive Compensation." The aggregate amount due on these notes as of December 31, 1998 was $7,608,000 which is included as amounts due from founders in the consolidated financial statement. Certain Business Relationships In connection with a commitment from General Electric Capital Corporation to purchase units in our private placement of units in 1996, we agreed that so long as GE Capital Corporation owns at least 10% of the outstanding common stock, assuming full exercise of all warrants, GE Capital Corporation will have the right to appoint one director, of up to six authorized directors, or, alternatively, to have board observation rights so long as it maintains more than 20% of its initial investment in us. The current director serving pursuant to these provisions is Bart Johnson, who replaced Jenne Britell in 1998. He will stand for election as an independent director at the 1999 annual meeting of stockholders. We also agreed, unless GE Capital Corporation waives our compliance, . to give GE Capital Corporation's insurance affiliate FGIC three years' right of first offer to issue credit enhancements on our securitizations; . to permit GE Capital Corporation's mortgage company affiliate GE Capital Mortgage Corporation to sell subprime mortgage loans, conforming to underwriting guidelines, to us on an arm's-length basis; and . to pay, subject to the subsequent closing of the private placement, GE Capital Corporation's reasonable legal and consulting fees up to $40,000 incurred in the private placement. To ensure that any purchases of subprime mortgage loans from GE Capital Mortgage Corporation are executed at arms-length, we will obtain two independent prices related to any such transaction. On October 13, 1998, NovaStar Financial executed a 90-day financing agreement with GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation, secured by certain mortgage assets. Under the terms of the agreement, NovaStar Financial borrowed $15 million to support immediate cash needs. In addition, NovaStar Financial agreed to pay a $3 million commitment fee at maturity of the note. The resulting $18 million obligation accrued interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5% and has been repaid in full. Additionally, GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation acquired 812,731 warrants for the purchase of common stock at a price of $4.5625, the closing price of the common stock on October 12, 1998, and 364,982 warrants for the purchase of common stock at a price of $15.00, the price in effect on our December 9, 1996 warrants. Pursuant to anti- dilution provisions, each warrant exercised at $15.00 per share will currently purchase 1.29 shares of our common stock, which represents an effective exercise price of $11.62 per share. 92 On February 12, 1999, NovaStar Financial entered into several lending arrangements with First Union National Bank for one year. The warehouse line of credit and master repurchase agreements with First Union allow NovaStar Financial to borrow up to $75 million and $300 million, respectively, and are secured by mortgage loans. At the same time, two additional lending arrangements were executed with First Union whereby NovaStar Financial can borrow up to $20 million secured by the residual interests of asset-backed bonds. NovaStar Financial will issue First Union 350,000 warrants to purchase common stock at $6.9375 per share, the closing price on February 11, 1999, in exchange for 186,667 existing warrants at $15.00 per share. On March 29, 1999, NovaStar Financial completed the private placement and issuance of 4,285,714 shares of Class B 7% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $7.00 per share, resulting in total proceeds of approximately $30 million, which includes approximately $25 million acquired by Wallace R. Weitz & Company. Weitz's present beneficial ownership of NovaStar Financial is 49% which includes 1.5 million shares of common stock outstanding, 1.3 million of the 1996 Warrants and over 3.5 million shares of convertible preferred stock. Each share of the preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of common stock and is redeemable at par by NovaStar Financial at any time after March 31, 2002. Conflict of Interest Policy On January 27, 1999, the Board of Directors of NovaStar Financial adopted a conflict of interest policy which includes, among others, the following provisions: If a director or officer has an interest that may conflict with those of NovaStar Financial, he or she must immediately disclose the matters and discuss them fully and frankly with the Board of Directors. An interested director or officer may participate in the discussion of the transaction and his or her presence may be counted for purposes of determining a quorum. However, he or she must not vote on any resolution or motion that authorizes, approves or ratifies a contract or transaction in which that director or officer may have a conflict of interest. Specifically, no director or officer shall: . Accept or seek on behalf of himself/herself, or any immediate family member, any financial advantage or gain of other than nominal value offered as a result of the individual's affiliation with NovaStar Financial; . Disclose any confidential information that is available solely as a result of the director or officer's affiliation with NovaStar Financial to any person not authorized to receive such information, or use to the disadvantage of NovaStar Financial any such confidential information, without the express authorization of NovaStar Financial; or . Knowingly take any action or make any statement intended to influence the conduct of NovaStar Financial in such a way to confer any financial benefit on such person or on any corporation or entity in which the individual has a significant interest or affiliation. 93 SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS At the date of this prospectus, the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock and warrants which may be offered pursuant to this prospectus by the selling securityholders is as set forth below. In addition, at the date of this prospectus, none of the underlying common stock is currently held by the selling securityholders but may be issued to them pursuant to the conversion of the preferred stock or the exercise of warrants, all of which underlying common stock, to the extent acquired by such selling securityholders, may be offered pursuant to this prospectus.
Beneficial Securities Covered by Beneficial Ownership Before Shelf Registration Ownership After Offering Statement Offering ------------------- ------------------------ ------------------- No. Shares No. Shares Outstanding No. Shares Outstanding Preferred No. Warrants Outstanding Common or Common or Common Common Name Stock Percent Stock(1) Stock(1) Stock Percent - ---- ----------- ------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------- Wallace R. Weitz & Company (2)............ 1,495,833 18.4 3,571,429 -- 1,495,833 18.4 McCarthy Group, Inc. (3).................... 100,000 1.2 714,285 -- 100,000 1.2 First Union Corporation (4).................... 186,667 2.3 -- 350,000 186,667 2.3 GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation............ -- -- -- 1,177,713 -- -- --------- ----- --------- --------- --------- ----- Subtotal............... 1,782,500 21.9 4,285,714 1,527,713 1,782,500 21.9 Shareholders not subject to this filing................ 6,347,569 78.1 -- -- 6,347,569 78.1 --------- ----- --------- --------- --------- ----- Total................. 8,130,069 100.0 4,285,714 1,527,713 8,130,069 100.0 ========= ===== ========= ========= ========= =====
- -------- (1) Reflects shares of common stock issuable to the holder upon the conversion of preferred stock or the exercise of warrants. (2) Includes securities owned by funds managed by Wallace R. Weitz & Company, including Weitz Series Fund, Inc.--Value Portfolio, Weitz Series Fund, Inc.--Hickory Portfolio, Weitz Series Fund, Inc.--Partners Value Fund and Weitz Partners III--Limited Partnership. (3) Includes securities owned by funds managed by McCarthy Group, Inc., including Fulcrum Capital Partners, LLC and McCarthy Group Asset Management, Inc. (4) Includes securities owned by First Union Corporation and its subsidiary, First Fidelity Incorporated. 94 FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES The following discussion summarizes the material federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a prospective purchaser of securities. This discussion is based on current law. The following discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax consequences. It does not give a detailed discussion of any state, local or foreign tax consequences, nor does it discuss all of the aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to a prospective investor in light of such investor's particular circumstances or to special classes of investors, including insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, financial institutions, broker/dealers, foreign corporations and persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States, subject to particular treatment under federal income tax laws. Each prospective purchaser of the securities is urged to consult with his or her own tax advisor regarding the specific consequences to him or her of the purchase, ownership and sale of the securities, including the federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences of such purchase, ownership and sale and the potential changes in applicable tax laws. General The Code provides special tax treatment for organizations that qualify and elect to be taxed as REITs. The discussion below summarizes the material provisions applicable to NovaStar Financial as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and to its stockholders in connection with their ownership of shares of stock of NovaStar Financial. However, it is impractical to set forth in this prospectus all aspects of federal, state, local and foreign tax law that may have tax consequences with respect to an investor's purchase of the common stock. The discussion of various aspects of federal taxation contained herein is based on the Code, administrative regulations, judicial decisions, administrative rulings and practice, all of which are subject to change. In brief, if detailed conditions imposed by the Code are met, entities that invest primarily in real estate assets, including mortgage loans, and that otherwise would be taxed as corporations are, with limited exceptions, not taxed at the corporate level on their taxable income that is currently distributed to their stockholders. This treatment eliminates most of the "double taxation", at the corporate level and then again at the stockholder level when the income is distributed, that typically results from the use of corporate investment vehicles. A qualifying REIT, however, may be subject to certain excise and other taxes, as well as normal corporate tax, on taxable income that is not currently distributed to its stockholders. NovaStar Financial elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1996. Opinion of tax counsel Jeffers, Wilson, Shaff & Falk, LLP, tax and ERISA counsel to NovaStar Financial, has advised NovaStar Financial in connection with the formation of NovaStar Financial, the private placement, our initial public offering, this offering and NovaStar Financial's election to be taxed as a REIT. Based on existing law and factual representations made to tax counsel by NovaStar Financial, tax counsel is of the opinion that NovaStar Financial, exclusive of any taxable affiliates, operated in a manner consistent with its qualifying as a REIT under the Code since the beginning of its taxable year ended December 31, 1996 through December 31, 1998, the date of the unaudited balance sheet and income statement made available to tax counsel, and the organization and contemplated method of operation of NovaStar Financial are such as to enable it to continue to so qualify throughout the balance of 1998 and in subsequent years. However, whether NovaStar Financial will in fact so qualify will depend on actual operating results and compliance with the various tests for qualification as a REIT relating to its income, assets, distributions, ownership and administrative matters, the results of which may not be reviewed by tax counsel. Moreover, some aspects of operations have not been considered by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service. There can be no assurance that the courts or the Internal Revenue Service will agree with this opinion. In addition, qualification as a REIT depends on future transactions and events that cannot be known at this time. In the opinion of tax counsel, this section of the 95 prospectus identifies and fairly summarizes the federal income tax consequences that are likely to be material to a holder of the common stock and to the extent such summaries involve matters of law, such statements of law are correct under the Code. Tax counsel's opinions are based on various assumptions and on the factual representations of NovaStar Financial concerning its business and assets. The opinions of tax counsel are also based upon existing law including the Code, existing Treasury Regulations, Revenue Rulings, Revenue Procedures, proposed regulations and case law, all of which is subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. Moreover, relevant laws or other legal authorities may change in a manner that could adversely affect NovaStar Financial or its stockholders. In the event NovaStar Financial does not qualify as a REIT in any year, it will be subject to federal income tax as a domestic corporation and its stockholders will be taxed in the same manner as stockholders of ordinary corporations. To the extent NovaStar Financial would, as a consequence, be subject to potentially significant tax liabilities, the amount of earnings and cash available for distribution to its stockholders would be reduced. Qualification as a REIT To qualify for tax treatment as a REIT under the Code, NovaStar Financial must meet certain tests which are described immediately below. Ownership of Stock. For all taxable years after the first taxable year for which a REIT election is made, NovaStar Financial shares of stock must be transferable and must be held by a minimum of 100 persons for at least 335 days of a 12 month year or a proportionate part of a short tax year. Since the closing of its private placement, NovaStar Financial has had more than 100 shareholders of record. NovaStar Financial must, and does, use the calendar year as its taxable year. In addition, at all times during the second half of each taxable year, no more than 50% in value of the shares of any class of the stock of NovaStar Financial may be owned directly or indirectly by five or fewer individuals. In determining whether NovaStar Financial shares are held by five or fewer individuals, the attribution rules apply. NovaStar Financial's charter imposes certain repurchase provisions and transfer restrictions to avoid more than 50% by value of any class of stock being held by five or fewer individuals, directly or constructively, at any time during the last half of any taxable year. Such repurchase and transfer restrictions will not cause the stock not to be treated as "transferable" for purposes of qualification as a REIT. NovaStar Financial has satisfied and intends to continue satisfying both the 100 stockholder and 50%/5 stockholder individual ownership limitations described above for as long as it seeks qualification as a REIT. Nature of Assets. On the last day of each calendar quarter at least 75% of the value of assets owned by NovaStar Financial must consist of qualified REIT assets, government securities, cash and cash items, the "75% of assets test". NovaStar Financial expects that substantially all of its assets, other than qualified hedges and the preferred stock of NFI Holding, will be "qualified REIT assets." Qualified REIT assets include interests in real property, interests in mortgage loans secured by real property and interests in REMICs. NovaStar Financial has complied with the 75% of assets test for each quarter since inception of its REIT election. Qualified hedges generally are financial instruments that a REIT enters into or acquires to protect against interest rate risks on debt incurred to acquire qualified REIT assets. On the last day of each calendar quarter, of the investments in securities not included in the 75% of assets test, the value of any one issuer's securities may not exceed 5% by value of total assets and NovaStar Financial may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding voting securities. Pursuant to its compliance guidelines, NovaStar Financial intends to monitor closely, on not less than a quarterly basis, the purchase and holding of assets in order to comply with the above assets tests. In particular, as of the end of each calendar quarter NovaStar Financial intends to limit and diversify its ownership of securities of any taxable affiliate, hedging contracts and other mortgage securities that do not constitute qualified REIT assets to less than 25%, in the aggregate, by value of its portfolio, to less than 5% by value as to any single issuer, including the stock of 96 any taxable affiliate, and to less than 10% of the voting stock of any single issuer, collectively the "25% of assets limits". If such limits are ever exceeded, NovaStar Financial intends to take appropriate remedial action to dispose of such excess assets within the 30 day period after the end of the calendar quarter, as permitted under the Code. As of December 31, 1998, NovaStar Financial complied with the tests described in this paragraph. When purchasing mortgage-related securities, NovaStar Financial may rely on opinions of counsel for the issuer or sponsor of such securities given in connection with the offering of such securities, or statements made in related offering documents, for purposes of determining whether and to what extent those securities and the income therefrom constitute qualified REIT assets and income for purposes of the 75% of assets test and the source of income tests. If NovaStar Financial invests in a partnership, NovaStar Financial will be treated as receiving its share of the income and loss of the partnership and owning a proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and any income from the partnership will retain the character that it had in the hands of the partnership. Sources of Income. NovaStar Financial must meet two separate income-based tests each year in order to qualify as a REIT. 1. The 75% Test. At least 75% of gross income, the "75% of income test" for the taxable year must be derived from the following sources among others: . interest on, other than interest based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person, and commitment fees to enter into obligations secured by mortgages on real property; . gains from the sale or other disposition of interests in real property and real estate mortgages, other than gain from property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business; and . income from the operation, and gain from the sale, of property acquired at or in lieu of a foreclosure of the mortgage secured by such property or as a result of a default under a lease of such property. The investments that NovaStar Financial intends to make will give rise primarily to mortgage interest qualifying under the 75% of income test. As of December 31, 1998, NovaStar Financial complied with the 75% income test on an annualized basis. 2. The 95% Test. In addition to deriving 75% of its gross income from the sources listed above, at least an additional 20% of gross income for the taxable year must be derived from those sources, or from dividends, interest or gains from the sale or disposition of stock or other securities that are not dealer property, the "95% of income test". Income attributable to assets other than qualified REIT assets, such as income from or gain on the disposition of qualified hedges, dividends on stock including any dividends from a taxable affiliate, interest on any other obligations not secured by real property, and gains from the sale or disposition of stock or other securities that are not qualified REIT assets will constitute qualified income for purposes of the 95% of income test only, and will not be qualified income for purposes of the 75% of income test. Income from mortgage servicing, loan guarantee fees or other contracts under which NovaStar Financial would earn fees for performing services and hedging other than from qualified REIT assets will not qualify for either the 95% or 75% of income tests. NovaStar Financial intends to severely limit its acquisition of any assets or investments the income from which does not qualify for purposes of the 95% of income test. Moreover, in order to help ensure compliance with the 95% of income test and the 75% of income test, NovaStar Financial intends to limit substantially all of the assets that it acquires, other than the shares of the preferred stock of any taxable affiliate and qualified hedges, to qualified REIT assets. The policy of NovaStar Financial to maintain REIT status may limit the type of assets, including hedging contracts, that NovaStar Financial otherwise might acquire. As of December 31, 1998, NovaStar Financial complied with the 95% income test on an annualized basis. For purposes of determining whether NovaStar Financial complies with the 75% of income test and the 95% of income test detailed above, gross income does not include gross income from "prohibited 97 transactions." A "prohibited transaction" is one involving a sale of dealer property, other than foreclosure property. Net income from "prohibited transactions" is subject to a 100% tax. NovaStar Financial intends to maintain its REIT status by carefully monitoring its income, including income from hedging transactions, futures contracts and sales of Mortgage Assets to comply with the 75% of income test and the 95% of income test. In order to help insure its compliance with the REIT requirements of the Code, NovaStar Financial has adopted guidelines the effect of which will be to limit its ability to earn certain types of income, including income from hedging, other than hedging income from qualified REIT assets and from qualified hedges. Failure to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% of income tests for any year may result in either (a) a 100% tax on the greater of the amounts of income by which it failed to comply with the 75% test of income or the 95% of income test, reduced by estimated related expenses, assuming such failure was for reasonable cause and not willful neglect, or (b) loss of REIT status. There can be no assurance that NovaStar Financial will always be able to maintain compliance with the gross income tests for REIT qualification despite periodic monitoring procedures. Moreover, there is no assurance that the relief provisions for a failure to satisfy either the 95% or the 75% of income tests will be available in any particular circumstance. Distributions. NovaStar Financial must distribute to its stockholders on a pro rata basis each year an amount equal to . 95% of its taxable income before deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gain, plus . 95% of the excess of the net income from foreclosure property over the tax imposed on such income by the Code, less . any "excess noncash income." NovaStar Financial intends to make distributions to its stockholders in amounts sufficient to meet this 95% distribution requirement. Such distributions must be made in the taxable year to which they relate or, if declared before the timely filing of the tax return for such year and paid not later than the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, in the following taxable year. A nondeductible excise tax, equal to 4% of the excess of such required distributions over the amounts actually distributed will be imposed for each calendar year to the extent that dividends paid during the year, or declared during the last quarter of the year and paid during January of the succeeding year, are less than the sum of . 85% of NovaStar Financial's "ordinary income," . 95% of NovaStar Financial's capital gain net income, and . income not distributed in earlier years. If NovaStar Financial fails to meet the 95% distribution test as a result of an adjustment to tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service, NovaStar Financial by following certain requirements set forth in the Code may pay a deficiency dividend within a specified period which will be permitted as a deduction in the taxable year to which the adjustment is made. NovaStar Financial would be liable for interest based on the amount of the deficiency dividend. A deficiency dividend is not permitted if the deficiency is due to fraud with intent to evade tax or to a willful failure to file a timely tax return. NovaStar Financial generally distributes dividends equal to 100% of its taxable income to eliminate corporate level tax. Taxation of NovaStar Financial In any year in which NovaStar Financial qualifies as a REIT, it generally will not be subject to federal income tax on that portion of its taxable income or net capital gain which is distributed to its stockholders. NovaStar Financial will, however, be subject to tax at normal corporate rates upon any net income or net capital gain not distributed. NovaStar Financial intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its stockholders on a pro rata basis in each year. 98 In addition, NovaStar Financial will also be subject to a tax of 100% of net income from any prohibited transaction and will be subject to a 100% tax on the greater of the amount by which it fails either the 75% or 95% of income tests, reduced by approximated expenses, if the failure to satisfy such tests is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if certain other requirements are met. NovaStar Financial may be subject to the alternative minimum tax on certain items of tax preference. If NovaStar Financial acquires any real property as a result of foreclosure, or by a deed in lieu of foreclosure, it may elect to treat such real property as foreclosure property. Net income from the sale of foreclosure property is taxable at the maximum federal corporate rate, currently 35%. Income from foreclosure property will not be subject to the 100% tax on prohibited transactions. NovaStar Financial will determine whether to treat such real property as foreclosure property on the tax return for the fiscal year in which such property is acquired. NovaStar Financial expects to so elect. NovaStar Financial securitizes mortgage loans and sells such mortgage loans through one or more taxable affiliates. However, if NovaStar Financial itself were to sell such mortgage assets on a regular basis, there is a substantial risk that it would be deemed "dealer property" and that all of the profits from such sales would be subject to tax at the rate of 100% as income from prohibited transactions. Such taxable affiliate will not be subject to this 100% tax on income from prohibited transactions, which is only applicable to REITs. NovaStar Financial will also be subject to the nondeductible four percent excise tax discussed above if it fails to make timely dividend distributions for each calendar year. NovaStar Financial generally will declare its fourth regular annual dividend during the final quarter of the year and make such dividend distribution no later than thirty-one (31) days after the end of the year in order to avoid imposition of the excise tax. Such a distribution would be taxed to the stockholders in the year that the distribution was declared, not in the year paid. Imposition of the excise tax on NovaStar Financial would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to stockholders. As a publicly held corporation, NovaStar Financial will not be allowed a deduction for applicable employee remuneration with respect to any covered employee in excess of $1 million per year. The million dollar limit on deductibility is subject to certain exceptions, including the exception for "performance based compensation" meeting each of the following criteria: . the agreement must have been approved by the corporation's stockholders; . the agreement must have been approved by a compensation committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors of the corporation; and . the performance based compensation payable to the employee must be based on objective performance criteria and the meeting of these criteria must have been certified by the compensation committee. Based on certain representations of NovaStar Financial, counsel is of the opinion that it is more likely than not that the deduction for compensation to the officers under the agreements would not be disallowed under the million dollar limit. Taxation of Taxable Affiliates NovaStar Financial has caused, and will continue to cause, the creation and sale of mortgage assets or conduct certain hedging activities through one or more taxable affiliates. To date, NovaStar Financial has caused the formation of NFI Holding and NovaStar Mortgage, the wholly owned subsidiary of NFI Holding. NovaStar Financial owns all of the preferred stock issued by NFI Holding. The common stock is the sole class of voting stock of NFI Holding, although NovaStar Financial would be entitled to vote on any matter that could adversely affect the rights of its preferred stock in NFI Holding. The assets of NFI Holding consist of the issued capital stock of NovaStar Mortgage and a nominal amount of cash. 99 In order to ensure that NovaStar Financial will not violate the prohibition on ownership of more than 10% of the voting stock of a single issuer and the prohibition on investing more than 5% of the value of its assets in the stock or securities of a single issuer, NovaStar Financial will primarily own only shares of nonvoting preferred stock of NFI Holding and will not own any of the NFI Holding's common stock. NovaStar Financial will monitor the value of its investment in NFI Holding on a quarterly basis to limit the risk of violating any of the tests that comprise the 25% of assets limits. In addition, the dividends that NFI Holding pays to NovaStar Financial will not qualify as income from qualified REIT assets for purposes of the 75% of income test, and in all events would have to be limited, along with other interest, dividends, gains on the sale of securities, hedging income, and other income not derived from qualified REIT assets to less than 25% of gross revenues in each year. NFI Holding will not elect REIT status, will be subject to income taxation on its net earnings and will generally be able to distribute only its net earnings to its stockholders, including NovaStar Financial, as dividend distributions. If NFI Holding creates a taxable mortgage pool, such pool itself will constitute a separate taxable subsidiary of NFI Holding. NFI Holding would be unable to offset the income derived from such a taxable mortgage pool with losses derived from any other activities. Termination or Revocation of REIT Status The election to be treated as a REIT will be terminated automatically if NovaStar Financial fails to meet the requirements described above. In that event, NovaStar Financial will not be eligible again to elect REIT status until the fifth taxable year which begins after the year for which the election was terminated unless all of the following relief provisions apply: . NovaStar Financial did not willfully fail to file a timely return with respect to the termination taxable year; . inclusion of incorrect information in such return was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax; and . NovaStar Financial establishes that failure to meet requirements was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. NovaStar Financial may also voluntarily revoke its election, although it has no intention of doing so, in which event NovaStar Financial will be prohibited, without exception, from electing REIT status for the year to which the revocation relates and the following four taxable years. Failure to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, NovaStar Financial would be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders with respect to any year in which NovaStar Financial fails to qualify as a REIT would not be deductible by NovaStar Financial nor would they be required to be made. Failure to qualify as a REIT would result in a reduction of its distributions to stockholders in order to pay the resulting taxes. If, after forfeiting REIT status, NovaStar Financial later qualifies and elects to be taxed as a REIT again, NovaStar Financial could face significant adverse tax consequences. Taxation of the Company's Stockholders General. For any taxable year in which NovaStar Financial is treated as a REIT for federal income purposes, amounts distributed by NovaStar Financial to its stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits will be includible by the stockholders as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes unless properly designated by NovaStar Financial as capital gain dividends. In the latter case, the distributions will be taxable to the stockholders as long-term capital gains. Distributions will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction available for non-REIT corporations. Stockholders may not deduct any net operating losses or capital losses of NovaStar Financial. Any loss on the sale or exchange of shares of the stock held by a stockholder for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividend received on the stock held by such stockholders. 100 If NovaStar Financial makes distributions to its stockholders in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, those distributions will be considered first a tax-free return of capital, reducing the tax basis of a stockholder's shares until the tax basis is zero. Such distributions in excess of the tax basis will be taxable as gain realized from the sale of shares. NovaStar Financial, exclusive of its taxable affiliates, does not expect to acquire or retain residual interests issued by REMICs. Such residual interests, if acquired by a REIT, would generate excess inclusion income to shareholders of the REIT. Excess inclusion income cannot be offset by net operating losses of a stockholder. If the stockholder is a tax-exempt entity, the excess inclusion income is fully taxable as unrelated trade or business income as defined in Section 512 of the Code. If allocated to a foreign stockholder, the excess inclusion income is subject to Federal income tax withholding without reduction pursuant to any otherwise applicable tax treaty. Excess inclusion income realized by a taxable affiliate is not passed through to stockholders. Potential investors, and in particular tax exempt entities, are urged to consult with their tax advisors concerning this issue. NovaStar Financial will notify stockholders after the close of the taxable year as to the portions of the distributions which constitute ordinary income, return of capital and capital gain. Dividends and distributions declared in the last quarter of any year payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in such month will be deemed to have been received by the stockholders and paid on December 31 of the record year, provided that such dividends are paid before February 1 of the following year. Redemption and Conversion of Preferred Stock Cash Redemption of Preferred Stock. A cash redemption of shares of the preferred stock will be treated under section 302 of the Code as a distribution taxable as a dividend, to the extent of NovaStar's current and accumulated earnings and profits, at ordinary income rates unless the redemption satisfies one of the tests set forth in the Code for treatment as a sale or exchange of the redeemed shares. The cash redemption will be treated as a sale or exchange if it (1) is "substantially disproportionate" with respect to the holder, (2) results in a "complete termination" of the holder's stock interest in NovaStar, or (3) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the holder. In determining whether any of these tests have been met, shares of capital stock, including common stock and other equity interests in NovaStar, considered to be owned by the holder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code, as well as shares of capital stock actually owned by the holder, must generally be taken into account. In general, a non-prorata redemption of preferred stock from a shareholder who owns only preferred stock is treated as a sale or exchange and not a dividend. Nevertheless, because the determination as to whether any of the alternative tests for capital gain treatment as a redemption will be satisfied with respect to any particular holder of the preferred stock depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the determination must be made, prospective holders of the preferred stock are advised to consult their own tax advisors to determine such tax treatment. If a cash redemption of shares of the preferred stock is not treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend to a particular holder, it will be treated, as to that holder, as a taxable sale or exchange. As a result, such holder will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received, less any portion thereof attributable to accumulated and declared but unpaid dividends, which will be able as a dividend to the extent of NovaStar's current and accumulated earnings and profits, and (2) the holder's adjusted basis in the shares of the preferred stock for tax purposes. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the shares of the preferred stock have been held as a capital asset, and will be long-term gain or loss if such shares have been held for more than one year. If a redemption of shares of the preferred stock is treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received by the holder. The holder's adjusted basis in the redeemed shares of the preferred stock for tax purposes will be transferred to the holder's remaining shares of capital stock in NovaStar, if any. A redemption of shares of the preferred stock for shares of common stock will be treated as a conversion of the preferred stock into common stock. 101 Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock. In general, no gain or loss will be recognized for federal income tax purposes upon conversion of the preferred stock solely into shares of common stock. The basis that a holder will have for tax purposes in the shares of common stock received upon conversion will be equal to the adjusted basis for the holder in the shares of preferred stock so converted, and provided that the shares of preferred stock were held as a capital asset, the holding period for the shares of common stock received would include the holding period for the shares of preferred stock converted. A holder will, however, generally recognize gain or loss on the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the holder's adjusted basis for tax purposes in the preferred stock for which cash was received. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, a holder of shares of preferred stock may recognize gain or dividend income to the extent that there are dividends in arrears on the shares at the time of conversion into common stock. Adjustments to Conversion Price. Adjustments in the conversion price, or the failure to make such adjustments, pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the preferred stock or otherwise may result in constructive distributions to the holders of preferred stock that could, under certain circumstances, be taxable to them as dividends pursuant to section 305 of the Code, If such a constructive distribution were to occur, a holder of preferred stock could be required to recognize ordinary income for tax purposes without receiving a corresponding distribution of cash. Warrants Upon the exercise of a warrant, a holder will not recognize gain or loss and will have a tax basis in the common stock received equal to the tax basis in such holder's warrant plus the exercise price of the warrant. The holding period for the common stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of a warrant will begin on the day following the date of exercise and will not include the period that the holder held the warrant. Upon a sale or other disposition of a warrant, a holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the holder's tax basis in the warrant. Such a gain or loss will be long-term if the holding period is more than one year. In the event that a warrant lapses unexercised, a holder will recognize a capital loss in an amount equal to his tax basis in the warrant. Such loss will be long-term if the warrant has been held for more than one year. Taxation of Tax-Exempt Entities In general, a tax-exempt entity that is a stockholder of NovaStar Financial is not subject to tax on distributions. The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that amounts distributed by a REIT to an exempt employees' pension trust do not constitute unrelated trade or business income and thus should be nontaxable to such a tax-exempt entity. Tax counsel is of the opinion that indebtedness incurred by NovaStar Financial in connection with the acquisition of real estate assets such as mortgage loans will not cause dividends paid to a stockholder that is a tax-exempt entity to be unrelated trade or business income, provided that the tax-exempt entity has not financed the acquisition of its stock with "acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning of the Code. Under some conditions, if a tax-exempt employee pension or profit sharing trust were to acquire more than 10% of the stock of NovaStar Financial, a portion of the dividends on such stock could be treated as unrelated trade or business income. For social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under Code Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20), respectively, income from an investment in NovaStar Financial will constitute unrelated trade or business income unless the organization is able to properly deduct amounts set aside or placed in reserve for certain purposes so as to offset the unrelated trade or business income generated by its investment. Such entities should review Code Section 512(a)(3) and should consult their own tax advisors concerning these "set aside" and reserve requirements. 102 Foreign Investors The preceding discussion does not address the federal income tax consequences to foreign investors, non-resident aliens and foreign corporations as defined in the Code, of an investment in NovaStar Financial. In general, foreign investors will be subject to special withholding tax requirements on income and capital gains distributions attributable to their ownership of NovaStar Financial stock. Foreign investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the federal income tax consequences to them of a purchase of shares of NovaStar Financial stock including the federal income tax treatment of dispositions of interests in, and the receipt of distributions from, REITs by foreign investors. In addition, federal income taxes must be withheld on certain distributions by a REIT to foreign investors unless reduced or eliminated by an income tax treaty between the United States and the foreign investor's country. A foreign investor eligible for reduction or elimination of withholding must file an appropriate form with NovaStar Financial in order to claim such treatment. Recordkeeping Requirement A REIT is required to maintain records regarding the actual and constructive ownership of its shares, and other information, and within 30 days after the end of its taxable year, to demand statements from persons owning above a specified level of the REIT's shares, e.g., if NovaStar Financial has over 200 but fewer than 2,000 stockholders of record, from persons holding 1% or more of outstanding shares of stock and if NovaStar Financial has 200 or fewer stockholders of record, from persons holding 1/2% or more of the stock, regarding their ownership of shares. NovaStar Financial must maintain, as part of its records, a list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand. Stockholders who fail or refuse to comply with the demand must submit a statement with their tax returns setting forth the actual stock ownership and other information. NovaStar Financial maintains the records and demand statements as required by these regulations. Backup Withholding The Code imposes a modified form of "backup withholding" for payments of interest and dividends. This withholding applies only if a stockholder, among other things, . fails to furnish NovaStar Financial with a properly certified taxpayer identification number; . fails properly to report interest or dividends from any source; or . under certain circumstances fails to provide NovaStar Financial or the stockholder's securities broker with a certified statement, under penalty of perjury, that he or she is not subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is 31% of "reportable payments," which include dividends. Stockholders should consult their tax advisors as to the procedure for insuring that distributions to them will not be subject to backup withholding. NovaStar Financial will report to its stockholders and the Internal Revenue Service the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year and the amount of tax withheld, if any. State and Local Taxes State and local tax laws may not correspond to the federal income tax principles discussed in this section. Accordingly, prospective stockholders should consult their tax advisers concerning the state and local tax consequences of an investment in NovaStar Financial's stock. 103 ERISA Investors A fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing plan, stock bonus plan or individual retirement account, including a plan for self-employed individuals and their employees or any other employee benefit plan subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of the Code or the fiduciary responsibility provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, commonly called "ERISA," should consider . whether the ownership of NovaStar Financial's stock is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the plan; . whether the ownership of NovaStar Financial's stock is consistent with the fiduciary's responsibilities and satisfies the requirements of Part 4 of Subtitle A of Title I of ERISA, if applicable, and, in particular, the diversification, prudence and liquidity requirements of Section 404 of ERISA; . the prohibitions under ERISA on improper delegation of control over, or responsibility for, "plan assets" and ERISA's imposition of co-fiduciary liability on a fiduciary who participates in, or permits, by action or inaction, the occurrence of, or fails to remedy, a known breach of duty by another fiduciary with respect to plan assets; and . the need to value the assets of the plan annually. As to the "plan assets" issue noted in the third bullet point above in connection with the Class B preferred stock, the responsibility for "plan assets," in the case of a plan's investment in an equity interest of an entity, such as the preferred stock, which is a class of securities that are not publicly-offered securities, the plan's assets include both the equity interest and an undividend interest in each of the underlying assets of the entity, unless it is established that, in the context of NovaStar Financial, that equity participation in the preferred stock by plan investors is not "significant." Equity participation is not "significant" if the aggregate ownership by plans of any class of equity interests issued by NovaStar Financial is at all times less than 25%. NovaStar Financial has represented that it will not permit any of its Class B preferred stock to be sold to a plan if such sale would cause ownership by plans of such class of preferred stock to equal or exceed 25% until such time as such class of preferred stock is, in the opinion of tax counsel, a publicly offered security under ERISA. NovaStar Financial will use reasonable efforts to maintain the ownership interest in the preferred stock held by plan investors at a level below the 25% limit. NovaStar Financial will be able to reject a potential investor that would cause aggregate ownership by plans to equal or exceed 25% of any class of stock that is not a publicly-offered security, excluding from such class any shares held by certain affiliates of NovaStar. Based on such representations, tax and ERISA counsel believes that NovaStar Financial's Class B preferred stock, and not the underlying assets of NovaStar Financial, will be considered the assets of a plan investing in the Class B preferred stock of NovaStar Financial. Based on certain representations of NovaStar Financial, tax and ERISA counsel is of the opinion that the common stock will qualify as "publicly offered securities" within the meaning of the regulations defining "plan assets" and therefore, in most circumstances, the common stock, and not the underlying assets of NovaStar Financial, will be considered the assets of a plan investing in the common stock. 104 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK General Our authorized capital stock will consist of 46,450,000 shares of common stock, of which 12,430,069 shares will be outstanding, and 3,550,000 shares of unclassified capital stock, none of which will be outstanding. Historical Capital Structure Our authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of capital stock, $0.01 par value. These shares of capital stock were initially classified as common stock. Our charter authorizes the Board of Directors to reclassify any of the unissued shares of authorized capital stock into other classes or series of capital stock, including classes or series of preferred stock. On December 6, 1996, we supplemented our charter to divide and classify 3,550,000 shares of our capital stock into a class of preferred stock. The Class A preferred stock had the rights and privileges of, and was subject to the conditions and terms set forth in, articles supplementary. On December 9, 1996, we issued (1) 3,333,333 shares of preferred stock as part of the units sold in our private placement, each unit consisting of one share of preferred stock and one warrant; and (2) 216,666 shares of preferred stock as part of the units acquired by the founders with forgivable debt. Effective on the closing of our initial public offering in December 1997, such shares of outstanding Class A preferred stock automatically converted to common stock. Shares of the preferred stock which we received upon the conversion and all remaining authorized shares of preferred stock were restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of capital stock, without designation as to class. Preferred Stock On March 24, 1999, articles supplementary were filed to divide and classify 4,300,000 shares of our capital stock into shares of the Class B preferred stock. Additional preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more classes or series, with such distinctive designations, rights and preferences as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Additional preferred stock would be available for possible future financing of, or acquisitions by, NovaStar Financial and for general corporate purposes without any legal requirement that further stockholder authorization for issuance be obtained. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of making more difficult any attempt to gain control of NovaStar Financial by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. Additional preferred stock, if issued, could have a preference on dividend payments. This would affect our ability to make dividend distributions to the holders of our common stock or our Class B preferred stock. The rights and preferences of the Class B 7% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, including the priority of cumulative dividends, conversion rights, liquidation preference, redemption options, voting rights and ranking, as set forth in articles supplementary are as follows: Dividends. The holders of Class B preferred stock shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, cumulative dividends payable in cash in an amount per share equal to the greater of (1) the base dividend of $0.1225 per quarter or (2) the cash dividends declared on the number of shares of common stock, or portion thereof, into which a share of preferred stock is convertible. Dividends are payable, with respect to each calendar quarter in arrears on the same basis as the common stock on the following January 10, May 10, August 10 and November 10 of each year, commencing May 10, 1999. Holders of preferred stock shall not be entitled to any dividends, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of cumulative dividends, as herein provided, on the preferred stock. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the preferred stock that may be in arrears. No dividends will be paid or set apart for payment on shares of common stock unless full cumulative dividends have been paid on the preferred stock. 105 Conversion. Holders of shares of preferred stock shall have the right to convert all or a portion of such shares into shares of common stock, at such holder's option, at any time, in whole or in part, into the number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of authorized but previously unissued shares of common stock per each share of preferred stock obtained by dividing the liquidation preference, excluding any accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends, per share by the conversion price, by surrendering such shares to be converted; provided, however, that the right to convert shares of preferred stock called for redemption shall terminate at the close of business on the call date fixed for redemption, unless NovaStar Financial shall default in making payment of cash upon such redemption. Holders of shares of preferred stock at the close of business on a dividend payment record date shall be entitled to receive the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the conversion thereof following such dividend payment record date and prior to such dividend payment date. Except as provided above, NovaStar Financial shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares or for dividends on the shares of common stock issued upon such conversion. Each conversion shall be deemed to have been effected immediately prior to the close of business on the date on which the certificates for shares of preferred stock shall have been surrendered and such notice received by NovaStar Financial. If more than one share shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the number of full shares of common stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of shares of preferred stock so surrendered. The conversion price shall be adjusted from time to time if NovaStar: . shall after the issue date pay a dividend or make a distribution on its capital stock in shares of common stock, subdivide its outstanding common stock into a greater number of shares; combine its outstanding common stock into a smaller number of shares or issue any shares of capital stock by reclassification of its outstanding common stock; . shall issue after the issue date rights, options or warrants to all holders of common stock entitling them, for a period expiring within 45 days after the record date, to subscribe for or purchase common stock at a price per share less than the fair market value per share of the common stock on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights, options or warrants; . shall after the issue date make a distribution on its common stock other than in cash or shares of common stock, including any distribution in securities other than rights, options or warrants. No adjustment in the conversion price shall generally be required unless such adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price. If NovaStar Financial shall be a party to any transaction, including without limitation a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, issuer or self tender offer for all or a substantial portion of the shares of common stock outstanding, sale of all or substantially all of NovaStar Financial's assets or recapitalization of the common stock, in each case as a result of which shares of common stock shall be converted into the right to receive stock, securities or other property, including cash or any combination thereof, each share of preferred stock which is not converted into the right to receive stock, securities or other property in connection with such transaction shall thereupon be convertible into the kind and amount of shares of stock, securities and other property, including cash or any combination thereof, receivable upon such consummation by a holder of that number of shares of common stock into which one share of preferred stock was convertible immediately prior to such transaction. There shall be no adjustment of the conversion price in case of the issuance of any capital stock of NovaStar Financial in a reorganization, acquisition or other similar transaction except as specifically set forth in this section. If NovaStar Financial shall take any action affecting the common stock, other than action described in this section, that in the opinion of the Board of Directors would materially adversely affect the conversion rights of the holders of preferred stock, the conversion price for the preferred stock may be adjusted, to the extent permitted by law, in such manner, if any, and at such time as the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may determine to be equitable under the circumstances. NovaStar Financial covenants that any shares of common stock issued upon conversion of the shares of preferred stock shall be validly issued, 106 fully paid and nonassessable. NovaStar Financial shall use its best efforts to list the shares of common stock required to be delivered upon conversion of the shares of preferred stock, prior to such delivery, upon each national securities exchange, if any, upon which the outstanding shares of common stock are listed at the time of such delivery. Liquidation Preference. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of NovaStar Financial, whether voluntary or involuntary, before any payment or distribution of NovaStar Financial, whether capital or surplus, shall be made to or set apart for the holders of junior stock, the holders of shares Class B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive $7.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all dividends, whether or not earned or declared, accumulated, accrued and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders; but such holders shall not be entitled to any further payment. Until the holders of the preferred stock have been paid in full, plus an amount equal to all dividends, whether or not earned or declared, accumulated, accrued and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders, no payment will be made to any holder of junior stock upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of NovaStar Financial. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of NovaStar Financial, the assets of NovaStar Financial, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of preferred stock and any class or series of parity stock shall be insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid and liquidating payments on any other shares of any class or series of parity stock, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among the holders of preferred stock and any such other parity stock ratably in the same proportion as the respective amounts that would be payable on such preferred stock and any such other parity stock if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. Redemption at the Option of NovaStar Financial. Shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable by NovaStar Financial prior to March 31, 2002. The shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of NovaStar Financial at any time on or after March 31, 2002 out of funds legally available therefor at a redemption price payable in cash equal to $7.00 per share, plus all accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends as provided below. NovaStar Financial shall pay in cash all cumulative, accrued and unpaid dividends for all dividend periods ending prior to the dividend period in which the redemption occurs, plus the dividend, determined by reference to the base rate if the call date precedes the date on which the dividend on the common stock is declared for such dividend period, accrued from the beginning of the dividend period in which the redemption occurs and ending on the call date; provided, however, that if such call date is on or after the record date for such dividend period, each holder of preferred stock at the close of business on such dividend record date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares prior to such dividend payment date. Except as provided above, NovaStar Financial shall make no payment or allowance for accumulated or accrued dividends on shares of preferred stock called for redemption or on the shares of common stock issued upon such redemption. The call date shall be selected by NovaStar Financial, shall be specified in the notice of redemption and shall be not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the date notice of redemption is sent by NovaStar Financial. Stock To Be Retired. All shares of Class B Preferred Stock which shall have been issued and reacquired in any manner by NovaStar Financial shall be restored to the status of authorized, but unissued shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share. NovaStar Financial may also retire any unissued shares of preferred stock, and such shares shall then be restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share. Ranking. Any class or series of capital stock of NovaStar Financial shall be deemed to rank: . prior or senior to the preferred stock, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if the holders of such class or series shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in preference or priority to the holders of preferred stock; . on a parity with the preferred stock, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether or not the dividend rates, dividend payment dates or 107 redemption or liquidation prices per share thereof be different from those of the preferred stock, if the holders of such class of stock or series and the preferred stock shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends and of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up in proportion to their respective amounts of accrued and unpaid dividends per share or liquidation preferences, without preference or priority one over the other or parity stock; and . junior to the preferred stock, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if such stock or series shall be common stock or if the holders of preferred stock shall be entitled to receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in preference or priority to the holders of shares of such class or series or junior stock. Voting. Except as otherwise expressly required by applicable law or NovaStar Financial's Articles of Incorporation or as described below, the holders of the preferred stock will not be entitled to vote on any matter and will not be entitled to notice of any meeting of shareholders of NovaStar Financial. If at any time NovaStar Financial falls in arrears in the payment of dividends on the preferred stock in an aggregate amount equal to the full accrued dividends for six quarterly dividend periods, or upon failure of NovaStar Financial to maintain consolidated shareholders' equity, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and giving any effect to any adjustment for the net unrealized gain or loss on assets available for sale, of at least 150 % of the sum of (a) the aggregate issue price of the then outstanding preferred stock and (b) the aggregate original issue price of any then outstanding parity stock, as defined below, the number of NovaStar Financial's directors will be increased, if not already increased by reason of similar types of provisions with respect to any parity stock, by two and the holders of the preferred stock, together with holders of all classes of parity stock, voting together as a single class, will have the right to elect two directors to fill the positions created, and such right will continue until all dividends in arrears shall have been paid, or such shareholders' equity has been restored to at least 150% of the sum of (a) the aggregate issue price of the then outstanding preferred stock and (b) the aggregate original issue price of any then outstanding parity stock, as the case may be. If any other class of parity stock with which the preferred is entitled to vote as a single class is entitled to elect two directors as a result of a failure to maintain a specified level of consolidated shareholders' equity, then, when such entitlement to vote is triggered, the separate entitlement of the preferred stock to vote for directors described in this paragraph shall be suspended. For purposes of the foregoing provisions and all other voting rights, each share of preferred stock shall have one (1) vote per share, except that when any class or series of parity stock shall have the right to vote with the preferred stock as a single class on any matter, then the preferred stock and such other class or series shall have with respect to such matters one (1) vote per $7.00 of stated liquidation preference. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or as set forth in this prospectus, the preferred stock shall not have any relative, participating, optional or other special voting rights and powers other than as set forth in this prospectus, and the consent of the holders thereof shall not be required for the taking of any corporate action. Common Stock The following summary of the rights of the common stock is qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter. A copy of our charter has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Voting. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of record on each matter submitted to a vote of holders of our capital stock. Our charter does not provide for cumulative voting. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock have the power to elect all directors to be elected each year. We hold annual meetings of our stockholders. Special meetings may be called by any member of the Board of Directors, by the President or generally by stockholders holding at least 20% of the outstanding shares 108 of capital stock entitled to be voted at the meeting. Our charter may be amended in accordance with Maryland law, subject to limitations set forth in the charter. Dividends; Liquidation; Other Rights. The holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds that are legally available, subject to the rights of the holders of the preferred stock or any other class or series of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of NovaStar Financial, the holders of our common stock will share ratably in all the assets of NovaStar Financial remaining after the payment of liabilities and after payment of the liquidation preference of any shares, classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued and outstanding. There are no preemptive or other subscription rights, conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to shares of common stock. The common stock is nonassessable. Registration Rights Each purchaser of units in our 1996 private placement is entitled to rights with respect to registration under the Securities Act. With respect to the shares of our common stock into which the shares of our Class A preferred stock have been converted, the 1996 warrants and the shares of underlying common stock, there is a registration rights agreement. In accordance with the 1996 registration rights agreement, we have filed with the Commission, within six months after the closing of our initial public offering, and then used our best efforts to effectuate, a shelf registration statement. We also agreed to use our best efforts to have the shares of common stock, upon the effectiveness of the initial public offering, and the 1996 warrants, upon the effectiveness of the shelf registration agreement, approved for quotation on the NYSE. We are required to keep the shelf registration statement effective until the sooner of three years or such time as, in the written opinion of our counsel, such registration is not required for the unrestricted resale of shares of common stock or warrants entitled to registration rights under the registration rights agreement. In addition, with respect to each investor who purchased 5% or more of the units sold in the private placement, a "5% purchaser", we have agreed to include with each registration statement we file that relates to a new issuance of common stock during the term of the registration rights agreement, shares of common stock of such 5% purchaser resulting from the conversion of the preferred stock or the exercise of warrants, subject to certain conditions. Such conditions provide, among other things, that the managing underwriter in any offering being so registered may determine that all of such shares of common stock proposed to be included in the offering cannot be sold. If this is the case, the number of such shares included will be reduced pro rata among such 5% purchasers proposing to participate according to the number of such shares proposed to be sold. Provided, however, that with respect to our first two public offerings of common stock exceeding a $50 million threshold, such purchasers will be entitled to participate pro rata in any amount that can be sold in excess of $50 million per offering. Following the end of the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement, each 5% purchaser shall have two demand registration rights, unless, in a written opinion of our counsel which is reasonably acceptable to such purchaser, such registration is not necessary for such 5% purchaser to sell its shares in the manner contemplated in compliance with applicable securities laws. If requested by any participating 5% purchaser, our management will conduct road shows to assist such 5% purchaser in selling its shares under either the shelf registration statement or the demand registrations. Messrs. Hartman and Anderson, as holders of the 216,666 shares of currently outstanding common stock, are entitled to rights with respect to registration under the Securities Act of such common stock. Under the terms of a founders registration rights agreement, such holders are entitled to include shares of our common stock held by such holders, subject to conditions and limitations, within any of our proposed registration statements under the Securities Act with respect to a firm commitment underwritten public offering of common stock, either for its own account or for the account of other security holders. Our warrant agreements with First Union and GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation contain anti-dilution protections and registration rights for warrantholders. We have also entered into a registration rights 109 agreement for the benefit of the holders of the preferred stock. We have agreed to file a shelf registration statement with the SEC covering the warrants and the preferred stock. This prospectus is a part of that shelf registration statement. Private Placement Purchase Terms Agreement According to a purchase terms agreement between NovaStar Financial and the placement agent in our private placement, we agreed to a number of provisions for the benefit of the purchasers of units. The purchase terms agreement included, among other covenants, the following: (1) financial reporting and information requirements prior to our initial public offering; (2) approval by a majority of independent directors of material increases in management compensation; (3) restrictions on affiliated transactions, excluding transactions with GE Capital Corporation and its affiliates; (4) prohibitions on entering unrelated lines of business, including, but not limited to, investments in commercial and multifamily mortgage and mortgage-backed securities or other REITs; (5) maintenance of key man life insurance on Messrs. Hartman and Anderson for five years; (6) maintenance of our status as a REIT; (7) changes in the capital allocation guidelines and hedge policies; (8) undertaking to carry out a liquidation of NovaStar Financial upon the vote of a majority of the stockholders recommending such action; and (9) prohibition on grants of stock options or other awards under our 1996 Stock Option Plan prior to our initial public offering other than those stock options described in "Management--Executive Compensation." Since our 1997 initial public offering or, in the case of clauses (4) and (5) above, for one year following our 1997 initial public offering, the provisions of clauses (2) through (7) above may be modified or waived by a majority of independent directors. During such one-year period, clauses (4) and (5) may be waived by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. Clauses (8) and (9) terminated upon the closing of our 1997 initial public offering. Repurchase of Shares and Restriction on Transfer Two of the requirements of qualification for the tax benefits accorded by the REIT provisions of the Code are that (1) during the last half of each taxable year not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares may be owned directly or indirectly by five or fewer individuals, which is the "50%/5 stockholder test", and (2) there must be at least 100 stockholders on 335 days of each taxable year of 12 months. In order that we may meet these requirements at all times, the charter prohibits any person from acquiring or holding, directly or indirectly, shares of capital stock in excess of 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of capital stock or in excess of 9.8%, in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our common stock. For this purpose, the term "ownership" is defined in accordance with the REIT provisions of the Code and the constructive ownership provisions of Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the Code. For purposes of the 50%/5 stockholder test, the constructive ownership provisions applicable under Section 544 of the Code attribute ownership of securities owned by a corporation, partnership, estate or trust proportionately to its stockholders, partners or beneficiaries. These code provisions also attribute ownership of securities owned by family members and partners to other members of the same family. Further these code 110 provisions treat securities with respect to which a person has an option to purchase as actually owned by that person. Finally, the code provisions set forth rules as to when securities constructively owned by a person are considered to be actually owned for the application of such attribution provisions i.e., "reattribution". Thus, for purposes of determining whether a person holds shares of capital stock in violation of the ownership limitations set forth in our charter, many types of entities may own directly more than the 9.8% limit because such entities shares are attributed to its individual stockholders. On the other hand, a person will be treated as owning not only shares of capital stock actually or beneficially owned, but also any shares of capital stock attributed to such person under the attribution rules. Accordingly, under some circumstances, shares of capital stock owned by a person who individually owns less than 9.8% of the shares outstanding may nevertheless be in violation of the ownership limitations set forth in our charter. Ownership of shares of our capital stock through such attribution is generally referred to as constructive ownership. The 100 stockholder test is determined by actual, and not constructive, ownership. We have greater than 100 shareholders of record. Under the constructive ownership provisions of Section 544 of the Code, a holder of a warrant will be treated as owning the number of shares of capital stock into which such warrant may be converted. Our charter further provides that if any transfer of shares of capital stock occurs which, if effective, would result in any person beneficially or constructively owning shares of capital stock in excess or in violation of the above transfer or ownership limitations, then that number of shares of capital stock the beneficial or constructive ownership of which otherwise would cause such person to violate such limitations, rounded to the nearest whole shares, shall be automatically transferred to the trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries, and the intended transferee shall not acquire any rights in such shares. Shares held by the trustee shall be issued and outstanding shares of capital stock. The intended transferee shall not benefit economically from ownership of any shares held in the trust, shall have no rights to dividends, and shall not possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares held in the trust. The trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to shares held in the trust, which rights shall be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the intended transferee prior to our discovery that shares of common stock have been transferred to the trustee shall be paid with respect to such shares to the trustee by the intended transferee upon demand and any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid shall be paid when due to the trustee. Our Board of Directors, in their discretion, may waive these requirements on owning shares in excess of the ownership limitations. Within 20 days of receiving notice from us that shares of capital stock have been transferred to the trust, the trustee shall sell the shares held in the trust to a person, designated by the trustee, whose ownership of the shares will not violate the ownership limitations set forth in the charter. Upon such sale, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate and the trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the intended transferee and to the charitable beneficiary as follows. The intended transferee shall receive the lesser of (1) the price paid by the intended transferee for the shares or, if the intended transferee did not give value for the shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be held in the trust, e.g., in the case of a gift, devise or other such transaction, the market price of the shares on the day of the event causing the shares to be held in the trust and (2) the price per share received by the trustee from the sale or other disposition of the shares held in the trust. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the intended transferee shall be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary. In addition, shares of capital stock transferred to the trustee shall be deemed to have been offered for sale to NovaStar Financial, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price per share in the transaction that resulted in such transfer to the trust, or, in the case of a devise or gift, the market price at the time of such devise or gift and (2) the market price on the date we, or our designee, accept such offer. We shall have the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold shares held in the trust. Upon such a sale to NovaStar Financial, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate and the trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the intended transferee. 111 The term "market price" on any date shall mean, with respect to any class or series of outstanding shares of our stock, the closing price for such shares on such date. The "closing price" on any date shall mean the last sale price for such shares, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, for such shares. In either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE or, if such shares are not listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which such shares are listed or admitted to trading or, if such shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if such shares are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such shares selected by the Board of Directors or, in the event that no trading price is available for such shares, the fair market value of the shares, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Every owner of more than 5% or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder of all classes or series of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, is required to give us written notice stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock beneficially owned and a description of the manner in which such shares are held. Each such owner shall provide us with such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limitations. Subject to some limitations, our Board of Directors may increase or decrease the ownership limitations. In addition, to the extent consistent with the REIT provisions of the Code, our Board of Directors may waive the ownership limitations for and at the request of purchasers in this offering or subsequent purchasers. The provisions described above may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for the holders of our capital stock and warrants to receive a premium for their shares or warrants that might otherwise exist in the absence of such provisions. Such provisions also may make us an unsuitable investment vehicle for any person seeking to obtain ownership of more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of capital stock. Indemnification Our charter obligates us to indemnify our directors and officers and to pay or reimburse expenses for such individuals in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Maryland law. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities, unless it is established that . the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith, or (2) was a result of active and deliberate dishonesty; . the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or . in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Limitation of Liability Maryland law permits the charter of a Maryland corporation to include a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholder for money damages, except to the extent that 112 (1) it is proved that the person actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, or (2) a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding that the person's action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. Our charter contains a provision providing for elimination of the liability of our directors and officers to NovaStar Financial or our stockholders for money damages to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law as amended or interpreted. Business Acquisitions Statutes Under Maryland law, "business combinations", including a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities, between a Maryland corporation and any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporations shares or an affiliate of the corporation which, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding voting stock of the corporation, an "interested stockholder", or an affiliate thereof, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of the corporation and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, the corporation's stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined by Maryland law, for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. These provisions of Maryland law do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors of the corporation prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution to the effect that the foregoing provisions of Maryland law shall not apply to any future business combination with any purchaser of units in the private placement, or an affiliate thereof, or to any other future business combination with NovaStar Financial. No assurance can be given that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any point in the future with respect to business combinations not involving a purchaser of units. Control Share Acquisitions Maryland law provides that "control shares" of a Maryland corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock owned by the acquiror or by officers or directors who are employees of the corporation. "Control shares" are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by such a person, would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: . one-fifth or more but less than one third; . one-third or more but less than a majority; or . a majority or more of all voting power. "Control shares" do not include shares of stock the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having owned stockholder approval. A "control share acquisition" means, subject to exceptions, the acquisition of, ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, control shares. A person who has made or proposes to make a "control share acquisition," upon satisfaction of conditions including an undertaking to pay expenses, may compel the Board of Directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders' meeting. If 113 voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as permitted by the statute, then, subject to conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the "control shares," except those for which voting rights have previously been approved, for fair value determined, without regard to absence of voting rights, as of the date of the last control share acquisition or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for "control shares" are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the stock, as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid in the control share acquisition, and certain limitations and restrictions otherwise applicable to the exercise of dissenters rights do not apply in the context of "control share acquisitions." The "control share acquisition" statute does not apply to stock acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction, or to acquisitions approved or exempted by a provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation adopted prior to the acquisition of the shares. We have adopted a provision in our bylaws that exempts our shares of capital stock from application of the control share acquisition statute. No assurance can be given, however, that such bylaw provision may not be removed at any time by amendment of the bylaws. Transfer Agent and Registrar We have appointed UMB Bank N.A. as transfer agent and registrar with respect to the common stock and the warrants. 114 DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS The warrants were issued pursuant to two warrant agreements. The following summary of the warrant agreements is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the warrant agreements including the definitions therein of terms used below. A copy of each warrant agreement is filed with the SEC. On February 12, 1999, we entered into a warrant agreement with First Union Corporation whereby we agreed to issue to First Union Corporation 350,000 warrants by two separate warrant certificates, one warrant certificate in the amount of 230,000 warrants and the other warrant certificate in the amount of 120,000 warrants, to purchase common stock at $6.9375 per share, the closing price on February 11, 1999, in exchange for 186,667 existing 1996 warrants at $15.00 per share. The registered holder of the warrant certificates may exercise, in whole or in part, but not as to a fractional share of common stock, the purchase rights represented by the warrant at any time prior to February 12, 2002. On March 10, 1999, we entered into a warrant agreement with GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation whereby we agreed to issue to GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation (1) a guaranty warrant to acquire 812,731 warrants for the purchase of our common stock at a price of $4.5625 per share, the closing price of the common stock on October 12, 1998 and (2) a tag along warrant to acquire 364,982 shares of our common stock at $15.00 per share, the price in effect on our December 9, 1996 warrants. Pursuant to anti-dilution provisions, each warrant exercised at $15.00 will currently purchase 1.29 shares of common stock, which represents an effective exercise price of $11.62 per share. The registered holder of the guaranty warrant may exercise, in whole or in part, but not as to a fractional share of common stock, the purchase rights represented by the warrant at any time prior to October 13, 2003. The registered holder of the tag along warrant may exercise, in whole or in part, but not as to a fractional share of common stock, the purchase rights represented by the warrant at any time and from time to time after March 10, 1999 up to and including the expiration date of the 1996 warrants, which is February 3, 2001. The warrants will be deemed to be exercised when NovaStar Financial has received: . a completed exercise agreement, executed by the person exercising all or part of the purchase rights represented by the warrant; . the warrant; . if the warrant is not registered in the name of the purchaser, an assignment or assignments evidencing the assignment of the warrant to the purchaser; and . either (1) a check payable to the NovaStar Financial in an amount equal to the product of the exercise price multiplied by the number of shares of common stock being purchased upon such exercise, (2) the surrender to NovaStar Financial of debt or equity securities of NovaStar Financial or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries having a market price equal to the aggregate exercise price of the common stock being purchased upon such exercise, provided that the market price of any note or other debt security or any preferred stock shall be deemed to be equal to the aggregate outstanding principal amount or liquidation value thereof plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon or accrued or declared and unpaid dividends thereon or (3) a written notice to NovaStar Financial that the purchaser is exercising the warrant, or a portion thereof, by authorizing NovaStar Financial to withhold from issuance a number of shares of common stock issuable upon such exercise of the warrant which when multiplied by the market price of the common stock is equal to the aggregate exercise price and such withheld shares shall no longer be issuable under the warrant. NovaStar Financial will deliver certificates for shares of common stock purchased upon exercise of the warrant to the purchaser within three business days, or five business days in the case of warrants exercised under the First Union warrant agreement. Unless the warrant has expired or all of the purchase rights represented have been exercised, NovaStar Financial shall prepare a new warrant, representing the rights which 115 have not been exercised and shall within such three or five day period deliver such new warrant to the person designated in the exercise agreement. The common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrant shall be deemed to have been issued to the purchaser at the opening of business on the date on which the exercise time occurs, and the purchaser shall be deemed for all purposes to have become the record holder of such common stock at the exercise time. The issuance of certificates for shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrant shall be made without charge to the registered holder or the purchaser for any issuance tax or other cost incurred by NovaStar Financial in connection with exercise and the related issuance of shares of common stock. NovaStar Financial will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of common stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon the exercise of the warrants, the number of shares of common stock then issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding warrants. All shares of common stock which are so issuable shall, when issued upon payment of the exercise price, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges. NovaStar Financial shall take all actions as may be necessary to assure that all shares of common stock may be so issued without violation of any applicable law or governmental regulation or any requirements of any domestic securities exchange upon which shares of common stock may be listed. NovaStar Financial shall not take any action which would cause the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock to be less than the number of shares required to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of the warrants. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. The holders of the warrants have no right to vote on matters submitted to our stockholders and no right to receive dividends. The holders of warrants not yet exercised are not entitled to share in the assets of NovaStar Financial in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs. There are no statutory, or to the best of NovaStar's knowledge, contractual stockholder preemptive rights or rights of first refusal with respect to the issuance of the warrants or the issuance of the common stock upon exercise of the warrants or any other issuance of common stock. In order to prevent dilution of the rights granted under the guaranty warrant, the exercise price of the guaranty warrants will be subject to adjustment from time to time and the number of shares of common stock obtainable upon exercise of the guaranty warrant will be subject to adjustment from time to time. If and whenever on or after the date of issuance NovaStar Financial issues or sells, or is deemed to have issued or sold, any share of common stock for a consideration per share less than the greater of (1) $4.5625 and (2) the market price per share of such common stock, then immediately upon such issue or sale the exercise price shall be reduced to the exercise price determined by multiplying (A) the exercise price in effect immediately prior to such issue or sale by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of (x) the number of shares of common stock deemed outstanding immediately prior to such issue or sale and (y) the number of shares that could be purchased at the base rate from the aggregate proceeds to NovaStar Financial from the issuance of such new shares of common stock, and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of common stock deemed outstanding immediately after such issue or sale. Upon each adjustment of the exercise price, the number of shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of the warrant shall be adjusted to the number of shares determined by multiplying the exercise price in effect immediately prior to the adjustment by the number of shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of the warrant immediately prior to the adjustment and dividing the product thereof by the exercise price resulting from the adjustment. So long as they are outstanding, if NovaStar Financial reprices, adjusts or amends in any manner the warrants issued pursuant to the warrant agreement dated as of December 9, 1996 between NovaStar Financial and the holders of such warrants, NovaStar Financial shall offer to make an identical change to the tag along warrant. 116 Pursuant to the warrant agreement with First Union the exercise price will be appropriately adjusted if we: . Pay a dividend or make a distribution on our common stock in shares of our common stock; . Subdivide our outstanding shares of our common stock into a greater number of shares; . Combine our outstanding shares of our common stock into a smaller number of shares; . Issue by reclassification of our common stock any shares of our capital stock; or . Issue shares of capital stock, as to the First Union warrants, at a price below the greater of (a) 6.9375 or (b) fair market value. In case of consolidations or mergers of NovaStar Financial, or our liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets to another corporation, each warrant will thereafter be deemed exercised for the right to receive the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property to which such holder would have been entitled as a result of such consolidation, merger or sale had the warrants been exercised immediately prior thereto and into shares of our common stock, less the exercise price. 117 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The offered preferred stock, the warrants and the underlying common stock subsequently acquired by the selling securityholders pursuant to the exercise of outstanding warrants or conversion of preferred stock, may be offered for sale from time to time by the selling securityholders named in this prospectus, or by their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest, to or through underwriters or directly to other purchasers or through agents in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in one or more private transactions, or in a combination of such methods of sale, at prices and on terms then prevailing, at prices related to such prices, or at negotiated prices. Under some circumstances, the selling securityholders and any broker- dealers that act in connection with the sale of such securities may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions or discounts and other compensation paid to such persons may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. At any time a particular offer of offered common stock, warrants or underlying common stock is made, if required, a prospectus supplement will be distributed that will set forth the aggregate amount of such securities being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting compensation from the selling securityholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Such prospectus supplement and, if necessary, a post-effective amendment to the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, will be filed with the SEC to reflect the disclosure of additional information with respect to the distribution of such securities. The underlying common stock offered hereby will be sold directly by us to the warrantholder at the exercise price of the warrants and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the warrant agreement governing the warrants, a copy of which has been filed as an exhibit to the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. To comply with the securities laws of different jurisdictions, the securities offered hereby may be offered or sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in different jurisdictions the securities offered hereby may not be offered or sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdictions or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with. The holders of the securities covered by this prospectus have agreed not to effect any public sale or distribution of our securities in periods surrounding underwritten public offerings by NovaStar Financial. 118 LEGAL MATTERS The validity of the common stock offered hereby and legal matters will be passed upon by Tobin & Tobin, a professional corporation, San Francisco, California. Tax matters will be passed on by Jeffers, Wilson, Shaff & Falk, LLP, Irvine, California. EXPERTS Our balance sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and our statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the period from September 13, 1996 (inception) to December 31, 1996 have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in reliance on the report of KPMG LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800- SEC-0300 for further information on the public reference rooms. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we sell all of the securities. . Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998; and . Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed July 6, 1998, October 12, 1998, October 13, 1998, October 15, 1998, December 22, 1998, February 23, 1999, and April 6, 1999. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address: Corporate Secretary NovaStar Financial, Inc. 1901 West 47th Place, Suite 105 Westwood, Kansas 66205 (913) 362-1090 You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document. 119 GLOSSARY As used in this Prospectus, the capitalized and other terms listed below have the meanings indicated. "agency" means FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA. "agency certificates" means pass-through certificates guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA. "agency securities" means securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA. "adjustable-rate mortgage" or "ARM" means a mortgage loan (including any mortgage loan underlying a mortgage security) that features adjustments of the underlying interest rate at predetermined times based on an agreed margin to an established index. An ARM is usually subject to periodic interest rate and/or payment caps and a lifetime interest rate cap. "capital stock" means the shares of capital stock issuable by NovaStar Financial under its charter, and includes common stock and preferred stock. "collateralized mortgage obligations" or "CMOs" means adjustable or short- term fixed-rate debt obligations or bonds, that are collateralized by mortgage loans or pass-through certificates issued by private institutions or issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "conforming mortgage loans" means mortgage loans that either comply with requirements for inclusion in credit support programs sponsored by FHLMC or FNMA or are FHA or VA Loans, all of which are secured by first mortgages or deeds of trust on single family (one to four units) residences. "dividend equivalent rights" or "DERs" means an element of our 1996 stock option plan, which are granted together with certain stock options. "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. "FHA" means the United States Federal Housing Administration. "FHLMC" means Freddie Mac, previously the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. "founders" means Scott F. Hartman and W. Lance Anderson. "FNMA" means Fannie Mae, previously the Federal National Mortgage Association. "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles. "GNMA" means Ginnie Mae, previously the Government National Mortgage Association. "independent directors" means a director of NovaStar Financial who is not an officer or employee of NovaStar Financial or any affiliate (excluding GE Capital and its affiliates) or subsidiary of NovaStar Financial. "IPO" means NovaStar Financial's initial public offering, which closed on December 1, 1997. "incentive stock options" or "ISOs" means stock options granted under our 1996 stock option plan which meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. 120 "loan-to-value" or "LTV" ratio is the percentage obtained by dividing the principal amount of a loan by the lower of the sales price or appraised value of the mortgaged property when the loan is originated. "Maryland GCL" means the general corporation laws of the State of Maryland, the state in which NovaStar Financial, Inc. is incorporated. "mortgage assets" means (1) mortgage loans, and (2) mortgage securities, and (3) other qualified REIT assets. "mortgage securities" means (1) pass-through certificates and (2) CMOs. "net interest spread" means the difference between the annual yield earned on interest-earning assets and the rate paid on borrowings. "NFI Holding" means NFI Holding Corporation, a taxable affiliate of NovaStar Financial. "NovaStar Mortgage" means NovaStar Mortgage, Inc., a taxable affiliate of NovaStar Financial, Inc. "non-qualified stock options" or "NQSOs", are an element of our 1996 Stock Option Plan, which are not treated as ISOs pursuant to Section 422 of the Code. "NYSE" means the New York Stock Exchange. "pass-through certificates" means securities (or interests therein) which are qualified REIT assets evidencing undivided ownership interests in a pool of mortgage loans, the holders of which receive a "pass-through" of the principal and interest paid in connection with the underlying mortgage loans in accordance with the holders' respective undivided interests in the pool. "private placement" means NovaStar Financial's private placement of units which closed December 9, 1996. Each unit consisted of one share of convertible preferred stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock. "qualified hedge" means any interest rate swap or cap agreement, option, futures contract, forward rate agreement, or any similar financial instrument, entered into by NovaStar Financial in a transaction to reduce NovaStar Financial's interest rate risk with respect to indebtedness (including NovaStar Financial's reverse repurchase obligations) incurred or to be incurred by NovaStar Financial to acquire and carry mortgage assets or other real estate assets. "qualified REIT assets" means pass-through certificates, mortgage loans, agency certificates and other assets of the type described in Code Section 856(c)(6)(B). "real estate asset" means interests in real property, interests in mortgages on real property, and regular or residual interests in REMICs. "REIT" means real estate investment trust as defined under Section 856 of the Code. "REMIC" means real estate mortgage investment conduit as defined under Section 860D of the Code. "reverse repurchase agreement" means a secured borrowing device evidenced by an agreement to sell securities or other assets to a third party and a simultaneous agreement to repurchase them at a specified future date and price, the price difference constituting the interest on the borrowing. "SMMEA" means the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. 121 "single family" means, with respect to mortgage loans, loans secured by one- to four-unit residential property. "tax-exempt entity" means a qualified pension, profit-sharing or other employee retirement benefit plan, Keogh Plans, bank commingled trust funds for such plans, IRAs and other similar entities intended to be exempt from federal income taxation. "taxable income" means for any year the taxable income of NovaStar Financial for such year (excluding any net income derived either from property held primarily for sale to customers or from foreclosure property) subject to certain adjustments provided in Section 857 of the Code. "tranches" means one of three equal parts that the principal amount of forgivable notes are divided into. "VA" means the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. 122 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page ---- December 31, 1998 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. Audited Financial Statements: Consolidated Balance Sheets.............................................. F-2 Consolidated Statements of Operations.................................... F-3 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.......................... F-4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.................................... F-5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... F-6 Independent Auditors' Report............................................... F-20
F-1 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
December 31, ---------------------- 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- Assets Mortgage loans, net.................................. $ 920,697 $ 574,984 Mortgage securities--available-for-sale.............. -- 517,246 Accrued interest receivable.......................... 9,702 7,088 Due from affiliates.................................. 51,528 20,701 Investment in NFI Holding Corporation................ 13 2,188 Amounts due from founders............................ 5,354 763 Assets acquired through foreclosure.................. 10,583 156 Other assets......................................... 4,359 3,126 ---------- ---------- Total assets..................................... $1,002,236 $1,126,252 ========== ========== Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Borrowings......................................... $ 909,944 $1,005,560 Dividends payable.................................. 2,845 783 Accounts payable and other liabilities............. 2,157 3,420 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities................................ 914,946 1,009,763 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Capital stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized: Common stock, 8,130,069 and 7,828,665 shares issued and outstanding, respectively............. 81 78 Additional paid-in capital......................... 122,180 117,084 Accumulated deficit................................ (32,804) (2,859) Accumulated other comprehensive income............. -- 4,353 Forgivable notes receivable from founders.......... (2,167) (2,167) ---------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity....................... 87,290 116,489 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity....... $1,002,236 $1,126,252 ========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-2 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts)
For the period from For the Year September 13, Ended December 1996 31, (inception) ----------------- to December 1998 1997 31, 1996 -------- ------- ------------- Interest income: Mortgage loans............................... $ 76,751 $25,154 $ -- Mortgage securities.......................... 23,996 11,807 155 -------- ------- ------ Total interest income.......................... 100,747 36,961 155 Interest expense............................... 80,794 28,185 -- -------- ------- ------ Net interest income............................ 19,953 8,776 155 Provision for credit losses.................... 7,430 2,453 -- -------- ------- ------ Net interest income after provision for credit losses........................................ 12,523 6,323 155 Gain (loss) on sales of securities and mortgage loans......................................... (14,962) 51 -- Loss on termination of interest rate agreements.................................... (7,977) -- Equity in net income (loss) of NFI Holding Corporation................................... (2,984) 28 -- Other income................................... 3,188 704 -- General and administrative expenses: Loan servicing fees paid to NovaStar Mortgage, Inc............................... 3,803 505 -- Fees for other services provided by NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. ............................. 2,683 3,650 -- Compensation and benefits.................... 1,785 839 199 Professional and outside services............ 1,117 676 200 Other loan servicing expenses................ 1,071 741 -- Office administration........................ 903 299 -- Forgiveness of notes receivable from founders.................................... -- 1,083 -- Other........................................ 247 448 58 -------- ------- ------ Total general and administrative expenses.. 11,609 8,241 457 -------- ------- ------ Net loss....................................... $(21,821) $(1,135) $( 302) ======== ======= ====== Basic and diluted loss per share............... $ (2.71) $ (0.26) $(0.08) ======== ======= ====== Weighted average shares outstanding............ 8,057 4,430 3,767 ======== ======= ======
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-3 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
Forgivable Accumulated Notes Convertible Additional Other Receivable Total Preferred Common Paid-in Accumulated Comprehensive from Stockholders' Stock Stock Capital Deficit Income Founders Equity ----------- ------ ---------- ----------- ------------- ---------- ------------- Balance, September 13, 1996 (inception)....... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- Issuance of 216,666 shares of Common stock.................. -- 2 -- -- -- -- 2 Proceeds from private placement of 3,333,333 units, net of costs of $3,304................. 34 -- 46,662 -- -- -- 46,696 Units (216,666) acquired with forgivable debt... 2 -- 3,248 -- -- (3,250) -- ----- ----- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------- Comprehensive loss: Net loss............... (302) -- (302) Other comprehensive loss--change in unrealized gain (loss) on available- for-sale securities... -- (16) (16) -------- ------- -------- Total comprehensive loss................ (302) (16) (318) -------- ------- -------- Balance, December 31, 1996................... 36 2 49,910 (302) (16) (3,250) 46,380 Private placement issuance costs......... -- -- (48) -- -- -- (48) Proceeds from initial public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs of $5,848................. (36) 76 67,216 -- -- -- 67,256 Exercise of stock options................ -- -- 6 -- -- -- 6 Dividends on convertible preferred stock ($0.18 per share)...... -- -- -- (639) -- -- (639) Dividends on common stock ($0.10 per share)................. -- -- -- (783) -- -- (783) Forgiveness of founders' notes receivable....... -- -- -- -- -- 1,083 1,083 ----- ----- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------- Comprehensive income (loss): Net loss............... (1,135) -- (1,135) Other comprehensive income (loss)--change in unrealized gain (loss) on available- for-sale securities, net of reclassification adjustments of $51 for gains included in net loss.............. -- 4,369 4,369 -------- ------- -------- Total comprehensive income (loss)....... (1,135) 4,369 3,234 -------- ------- -------- Balance, December 31, 1997................... -- 78 117,084 (2,859) 4,353 (2,167) 116,489 Initial public offering of common stock issuance costs......... -- -- (88) -- -- -- (88) Exercise of stock options and warrants... -- 3 5,184 -- -- -- 5,187 Dividends on common stock ($1.00 per share)................. -- -- -- (8,124) -- -- (8,124) ----- ----- -------- -------- ------- ------- -------- Comprehensive loss: Net loss............... (21,821) -- (21,821) Other comprehensive loss--change in unrealized gain (loss) on available- for-sales securities, net of reclassification adjustments of $15,268 for losses included in net loss.................. -- (4,353) (4,353) -------- ------- -------- Total comprehensive loss................ (21,821) (4,353) (26,174) -------- ------- -------- Balance, December 31, 1998................... $ -- $ 81 $122,180 $(32,804) $ -- $(2,167) $ 87,290 ===== ===== ======== ======== ======= ======= ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)
For the Year Ended For the period from December 31, September 13, 1996 ---------------------- (inception) to 1998 1997 December 31, 1996 --------- ----------- ------------------- Cash flow from operating activities: Net loss.......................... $ (21,821) $ (1,135) $ (302) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Amortization of premiums on mortgage loans................. 5,768 2,532 -- Amortization of premiums on mortgage securities............ 1,852 908 -- Amortization of deferred debt costs.......................... 4,562 93 -- Provision for credit losses..... 7,430 2,453 -- Forgiveness of notes receivable from founders.................. -- 1,083 -- Equity in net loss (income) of NFI Holding Corporation........ 2,984 (28) -- Losses (gains) on sales of mortgage loans and securities.. 14,962 (51) -- Loss on terminations of interest rate agreements................ 7,977 -- Change in: Accrued interest receivable... (2,614) (7,059) (29) Other assets.................. (1,638) (3,780) (109) Other liabilities............. (9,219) 3,223 176 --------- ----------- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities... 10,243 (1,761) (264) Cash flow from investing activities: Mortgage loans purchased from NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. ......... (556,158) (417,752) -- Mortgage loans purchased from others........................... -- (219,995) -- Mortgage loans sold to others..... 8,307 -- -- Mortgage loan repayments.......... 178,818 57,622 -- Purchases of available-for-sale securities....................... (375,051) (659,415) -- Settlement of amounts due to brokers.......................... -- (13,255) -- Proceeds from sales of available- for-sale securities.............. 705,906 110,067 -- Proceeds from paydowns on available-for-sale securities.... 165,233 48,694 -- Investment in NFI Holding Corporation...................... (990) (1,980) -- Net change in amounts due from NFI Holding Corporation.............. (30,827) (20,701) -- --------- ----------- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities... 95,238 (1,116,715) -- Cash flow from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations...................... 665,000 424,674 -- Payments on collateralized mortgage obligations............. (179,851) (13,596) -- Debt issuance costs paid on collateralized mortgage obligations...................... (2,821) (2,304) -- Change in short-term borrowings... (581,693) 596,693 -- Proceeds from issuance of capital stock and exercise of equity instruments, net of offering costs............................ (54) 67,214 46,698 Dividends paid.................... (6,062) (639) -- --------- ----------- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities... (105,481) 1,072,042 46,698 --------- ----------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents............. -- (46,434) 46,434 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.............. -- 46,434 -- --------- ----------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period........................... $ -- $ -- $46,434 ========= =========== ======= Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest............ $ 80,604 $ 27,436 $ -- ========= =========== ======= Note received in exchange for options exercised by founders.... $ 4,591 $ -- $ -- ========= =========== ======= Dividends payable................. $ 2,845 $ 783 $ -- ========= =========== ======= Assets acquired through foreclosure...................... $ 17,242 $ 156 $ -- ========= =========== ======= Issuance of units acquired with forgivable debt.................. $ -- $ -- $ 3,250 ========= =========== =======
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998 Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies NovaStar Financial, Inc. (the Company) is a Maryland corporation formed on September 13, 1996. The Company acquires subprime mortgage loans and mortgage securities and manages the resulting portfolio of mortgage assets. Financial Statement Presentation The Company's financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the period. The Company uses estimates and employs the judgements of management in determining the amount of its allowance for credit losses, amortizing premiums or accreting discounts on its mortgage assets, and establishing the fair value of its mortgage securities. While the financial statements and footnotes reflect the best estimates and judgments of management at the time, actual results could differ from those estimates. For example, it is possible that credit losses or prepayments could rise to levels that would adversely affect profitability if such levels were sustained for more than brief periods of time. The Company owns 100 percent of the common stock of three special purpose entities--NovaStar Assets Corporation, NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation and NovaStar Certificates Financial Corporation. The Company formed these entities in connection with the issuance of collateralized mortgage obligations. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of these entities. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company accounts for its investment in NFI Holding Corporation using the equity method. NovaStar Financial, Inc. owns 100 percent of the nonvoting preferred stock of NFI Holding Corporation, for which it receives 99 percent of any dividends paid by NFI Holding Corporation. The preferred stock was purchased in February 1997 for $1,980,000 and the Company contributed another $990,000 of capital to NFI Holding Corporation during 1998. NFI Holding Corporation owns 100 percent of the outstanding common stock of NovaStar Mortgage, Inc., a mortgage loan originator and servicer. NovaStar Mortgage originated a substantial portion of the subprime residential mortgage loans owned by the Company. The founders of the Company own 100 percent of the common stock of NFI Holding Corporation and serve as officers and directors of NFI Holding Corporation and NovaStar Mortgage. NFI Holding Corporation also owns 100 percent of the outstanding common stock of NovaStar Capital, Inc., which was formed to trade whole loans. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans include loans acquired from NovaStar Mortgage and in bulk pools from other originators and securities dealers. Mortgage loans are generally purchased at a premium over the outstanding principal balance and are stated at amortized cost. Premiums are amortized and discounts accreted as yield adjustments over the estimated lives of the loans using a method that approximates the interest method. Amortization includes the effect of prepayments. Interest is recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the mortgage loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management's opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in no case beyond when a loan becomes ninety days delinquent. Interest collected on non- accrual loans is recognized as income upon receipt. F-6 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level deemed appropriate by management. The allowance is based upon the assessment by management of various factors affecting its mortgage loan portfolio, including current and projected economic conditions, the makeup of the portfolio based on credit grade, loan to value, delinquency status and other factors deemed to warrant consideration. The allowance is maintained through ongoing provisions charged to operating income and is reduced by loans that are charged off. Mortgage Securities The Company classifies all of its mortgage securities as available-for-sale and, therefore, reports them at their estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted as yield adjustments over the estimated lives of the securities using a method that approximates the interest method. Amortization includes the effect of prepayments. Gains or losses on sales of securities are recognized using the specific identification method. Assets Acquired Through Foreclosure Real estate owned, which consists of residential real estate acquired in satisfaction of loans, is carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. Adjustments to the loan carrying value required at time of acquisition are charged to the allowance for credit losses. Losses or gains from the ultimate disposition of real estate owned are charged or credited to income. Transfers of Assets The Company uses the financial components approach when accounting for transfers of mortgage loans in repurchase and securitization transactions. Because the Company retains control over the loans, repurchase and securitization transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings rather than as sales. The borrowings under repurchase agreements and collateralized mortgage obligations included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets represent the remaining principal amount of funds received in the transfer. Stock-based Compensation Compensation expense for services the Company receives as consideration for stock issued through its employee stock option plans is measured by the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date less the amount, if any, that the employee is required to pay. Income Taxes The Company intends to operate and qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, the Company, and its qualified REIT subsidiaries, will generally not be subject to federal income taxes at the corporate level on taxable income distributed to stockholders. Requirements for qualification as a REIT include various restrictions on common stock ownership and the nature of assets and sources of income. In addition, a REIT must distribute at least 95 percent of its annual taxable income to its stockholders. If in any tax year, the Company does not qualify as a REIT, it will be taxed as a corporation and distributions to stockholders will not be deductible in computing taxable income. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any tax year, it will not be permitted to qualify for the succeeding four years. The most significant difference between GAAP earnings and taxable income relates to provisions for credit losses, which are not deductible for income tax purposes. The Company's non-REIT affiliate, NFI Holding Corporation files a consolidated federal income tax return with NMI. Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. For purposes of computing basic EPS, the Company has treated the convertible preferred stock, which was converted into common stock on October 31, 1997, as if it had been converted at inception of the Company. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS is calculated assuming that all options and warrants on the Company's common stock have been exercised, unless such exercise would be anti- dilutive. F-7 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) Financial Instruments with Off-balance-sheet Risk The Company has entered into interest rate swap and cap agreements and financial futures contracts designed to, in effect, alter the interest rates on its funding costs to more closely match the yield on interest-earning assets. Net income earned from or expense incurred on interest rate swap and cap agreements is accounted for on the accrual method and is recorded as an adjustment of interest expense. The gain or loss on early termination, sale or disposition of an interest rate swap or cap agreement is recognized in current earnings if the matched funding source is also extinguished. If the matched funding source is not extinguished, the unrealized gain or loss on the related interest rate swap or cap agreement is deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the remaining term of the matched funding source. Unmatched swap or cap agreements are recorded at fair value with changes in the unrealized gains or losses recorded in current earnings. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on futures contracts that meet the criteria for deferral accounting are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying financial instrument. The estimated fair values of futures contracts that do not qualify for deferral accounting are recorded at fair value, with changes in their fair value recorded in current operations. Comprehensive Income Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive income includes net income and revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net income. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 did not result in an adjustment to assets, liabilities, stockholders' equity or net loss. Segment Information Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 requires public business enterprises to report financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Generally, financial information is required to be reported on the basis that it is used internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources to segments. The Company has one reportable operating segment. The adoption of SFAS No. 131 did not result in an adjustment to assets, liabilities, stockholders' equity or net loss. New Accounting Pronouncements During 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 standardizes the accounting for derivative instruments, including instruments embedded in other contracts, by requiring that an entity recognize those items as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure them at fair value. If specific conditions are met, an entity may elect to designate a derivative instrument either as a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge or a hedge of foreign currency exposure. Generally, SFAS No. 133 provides for matching the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of hedge asset or liability that is attributable to the hedge risk or 2) the earnings effect of the hedge forecasted transaction. SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. Management is evaluating the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 133 on the financial statements of the Company. SFAS No. 134, "Accounting for Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the Securitization of Mortgage Loans Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise" was issued by the FASB during October 1998. SFAS No. 134 amends SFAS No. 65 and 115, and requires entities to classify retained mortgage-backed securities after the securitization of mortgage loans held for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115. However, a mortgage banking enterprise must classify as trading retained mortgage-backed securities that it commits to sell before or during the securitization process. This statement is effective for the first fiscal quarter beginning after F-8 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 15, 1998. Management does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations. Note 2. Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans, all of which are secured by residential properties, consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
1998 1997 -------- -------- Outstanding principal.................................. $903,402 $559,436 Net unamortized premium................................ 20,868 17,861 -------- -------- Amortized cost......................................... 924,270 577,297 Allowance for credit losses............................ (3,573) (2,313) -------- -------- $920,697 $574,984 ======== ========
Activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands):
1998 1997 ------ ------ Balance, January 1......................................... $2,313 $ -- Provision for credit losses................................ 7,430 2,453 Amounts charged off, net of recoveries..................... (6,170) (140) ------ ------ Balance, December 31....................................... $3,573 $2,313 ====== ======
All mortgage loans serve as collateral for various borrowing arrangements as discussed in Note 4. The weighted-average interest rate on these loans at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was 10.2%. Collateral for 16, 14 and 7 percent of the mortgage loans outstanding as of December 31, 1998 was located in California, Florida and Washington, respectively. The Company has no other significant concentration of credit risk. Note 3. Mortgage and Other Securities Mortgage securities, all classified as available-for-sale, consisted of the following as of December 31, 1997 (dollars in thousands):
Weighted Unrealized Average Amortized ----------- Carrying Coupon Cost Gain Loss Value -------- --------- ------ ---- -------- Mortgage securities issued by: Federal National Mortgage Association.................. 7.55% $272,773 $3,394 $(32) $276,135 Government National Mortgage Association.................. 5.74 234,745 845 (26) 235,564 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.................. 7.71 5,534 13 -- 5,547 -------- ------ ---- -------- $513,052 $4,252 $(58) $517,246 ======== ====== ==== ========
F-9 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) The contractual maturities of mortgage securities were approximately 28 years as of December 31, 1997. The expected maturities of mortgage securities may differ from contractual maturities since borrowers have the right to prepay the obligations. Gross gains and losses on sales of securities were as follows (in thousands):
For the period from Year Ended September 13, December 31, 1996 (inception) -------------- to December 31, 1998 1997 1996 -------- ---- --------------- Gross gains.............................. $ 222 $51 $ -- Gross losses............................. 15,490 -- $ -- -------- --- ---- Gains (losses) on the sale of mortgage and other securities.................... $(15,268) $51 $ -- ======== === ====
All mortgage securities were pledged as collateral under various borrowing arrangements as described in Note 4. As of December 31, 1997, the unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities as reported on the Company's balance sheet included $159,000 in net unrealized gains on the investments of NFI Holding Corporation. Note 4. Borrowings Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) The Company issues CMOs secured by its mortgage loans as a means for long-term financing. For financial reporting and tax purposes, the mortgage loans held as collateral for CMOs are recorded as assets of the Company and the CMOs are recorded as debt. Interest and principal on each CMO is payable only from principal and interest on the underlying mortgage loans collateralizing the CMO. Interest rates reset monthly and are indexed to one-month LIBOR. The estimated weighted-average months to maturity is based on estimates and assumptions made by management. The actual maturity may differ from expectations. However, the Company retains the option to repay the CMO, and reacquire the mortgage loans, when the remaining unpaid principal balance of the underlying mortgage loans falls below 35 percent of their original amounts for issue 97-01 and 25 percent on 97-02, 98-01 and 98- 02. F-10 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) Following is a summary of outstanding CMOs (dollars in thousands):
Mortgage Loans ------------------------------ Collateralized Mortgage Estimated Obligation Weighted ------------------- Weighted Average Remaining Interest Remaining Average Months Principal Rate Principal Coupon to Maturity --------- -------- --------- -------- ----------- As of December 31, 1998: NovaStar Home Equity Series: Issue 1997-1.......... $163,419 5.88% $166,821 10.56% 29 Issue 1997-2.......... 164,496 5.88 166,544 10.37 31 Issue 1998-1.......... 268,152 5.69 272,742 10.01 35 Issue 1998-2.......... 300,161 5.74 301,749 9.95 38 Unamortized debt issuance costs, net.. (4,284) -------- $891,944 ======== As of December 31, 1997: NovaStar Home Equity Series: Issue 1997-1.......... $250,262 5.95% $252,166 10.28% 35 Issue 1997-2(A)....... 160,376 6.25 168,712 10.20 36 Unamortized debt issuance costs, net.. (1,771) -------- $408,867 ========
- -------- (A) Excludes $50 million of additional borrowings and mortgage loans added during second closing for the transaction on January 20, 1998. Short-term Financing Arrangements As of December 31, 1998, the Company has a short-term financing arrangement with GMAC/Residential Funding Corporation (GMAC/RFC) secured by residual interests in the Company's CMOs. In 1998, the Company borrowed $15 million from GMAC/RFC. Under the terms of the agreement, at maturity the Company will pay principal and a $3 million financing fee. The $15 million in principal and the $3 million fee are included in borrowings in the accompanying December 31, 1998 consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the agreement, the Company issued 812,731 warrants to GMAC/RFC for the purchase of the Company's stock at $4.63 per share. Originally, the agreement matured on January 15, 1999 but was extended to February 28, 1999. Interest is payable monthly at one-month LIBOR plus five percent (10.63 percent as of December 31, 1998). The financing fee and the estimated value of the warrants ($813,000) were recognized as additional interest expense in 1998. The Company had no other short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 1998. During 1998, the average daily balance for repurchase agreements secured by mortgage securities, repurchase agreements secured by mortgage loans, borrowings under the warehouse line of credit and other short-term borrowings were $392,859,000, $118,380,000, $14,991,000, and $3,945,000, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a $300 million master repurchase agreement with Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation. Interest on borrowings under the master repurchase agreement was paid at various rates priced in connection with respective purchases of mortgage assets. The Company also had a $75 million warehouse line of credit agreement with First Union National Bank. Interest on advances under the line were based on the Federal Funds rate. Other repurchase agreements F-11 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) were used to finance mortgage securities bear interest at market rates and mature in 30 days to one year. The following tables summarize the Company's short-term borrowings as of December 31, 1997 (dollars in thousands):
Average Daily Balance Weighted During the Weighted Days to Year Ended Average Reset or December 31, Rate Maturity Balance 1997 -------- -------- -------- ------------ Repurchase agreements secured by mortgage securities.................. 5.92% 87 $501,430 $172,829 Master repurchase agreement secured by mortgage loans....................... 6.69 31 55,013 170,344 -------- Total repurchase agreements......... 556,443 Warehouse line of credit.............. 7.09 Demand 40,250 18,402 -------- Total borrowings.................... $596,693 ========
The Company is a co-borrower with NovaStar Mortgage under warehouse lending and master repurchase agreements with First Union National Bank. As of December 31, 1998, the Company and NovaStar Mortgage can borrow up to $75 million under the warehouse lending agreement and $200 million under the master repurchase agreement. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had no borrowings outstanding and NovaStar Mortgage had borrowings of $203,341,000 outstanding under these arrangements. Borrowings under these arrangements are secured by mortgage loans owned by the Company or NovaStar Mortgage. The interest rate on borrowings under the warehouse lending arrangement is indexed to the Federal funds rate. Under the master repurchase agreement, borrowings are indexed to one-month LIBOR. On February 12, 1999, the lending agreements with First Union National Bank were renewed for a one-year term. The borrowing limit for the master repurchase agreement was increased to $300 million. Interest rate structures for borrowings under the agreements did not change. At the same time, two additional one-year agreements were executed with First Union whereby the Company and/or NovaStar Mortgage can borrow up to $20 million secured by residual interests in CMOs issued by the Company, its affiliates or subsidiaries. Borrowings under these arrangements bear interest at one-month LIBOR plus five percent. All arrangements with First Union require NovaStar to maintain minimum tangible net worth, meet equity ratio tests and comply with other customary debt covenants. The Company was in compliance with the covenants as of February 12, 1999. Note 5. Financial Instruments with Off-balance-sheet Risk The Company's interest rate swap and cap agreements and financial futures contracts result in off-balance-sheet risk. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk in addition to the amount recognized in the financial statements. Credit Risk The Company's exposure to credit risk on interest rate swap and cap agreements is limited to the cost of replacing contracts should the counterparty fail. The Company seeks to minimize credit risk through the use of credit approval and review processes, the selection of only the most creditworthy counterparties, continuing review and monitoring of all counterparties, exposure reduction techniques and through legal scrutiny of agreements. Prior to engaging in negotiated derivative transactions with any counterparty, the Company has in place fully executed written agreements. Agreements with counterparties also call for full two-way netting of payments. Under such agreements, on each payment exchange date all gains and losses of a counterparty are netted into a single amount, limiting exposure to the counterparty to any net positive value. Financial futures contracts are exchange-traded, and, as such, credit risk is considered nominal. F-12 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) Market Risk The potential for financial loss due to adverse changes in market interest rates is a function of the sensitivity of each position to changes in interest rates, the degree to which each position can affect future earnings under adverse market conditions, the source and nature of funding for the position, and the net effect due to offsetting positions. The synthetic product of these transactions is a "matched" position for the Company. The combination of off-balance-sheet instruments with on-balance-sheet liabilities leaves the Company in a market risk position that is designed to be a better position than if the derivative had not been used in interest rate risk management. Derivatives instruments used in matched transactions as described above are classified as derivatives held for purposes other than trading. No derivatives were held for trading purposes during the periods ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. Other Risk Considerations The Company is cognizant of the risks involved with financial derivatives. The Company's policies and procedures seek to mitigate risk associated with the use of financial derivatives in ways appropriate to its business activities, considering its risk profile as a limited end-user. Information regarding the Company's financial instruments with off-balance- sheet risk is as follows.
Weighted Average Unrealized Weighted Interest Rate Accrued Interest Notional ------------- Days to Cap ------------------ ------------------ Value Gains Losses Maturity Rate Receivable Payable Receivable Payable -------- ------ ------ -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- As of December 31, 1998: Interest rate cap agreements........... $625,000 $1,194 $ -- 709 6.27% NA NA -- -- ======== ====== ====== As of December 31, 1997: Interest rate swap agreements--fixed rate pay............. $276,000 $ -- $1,380 670 NA 5.91% 6.27% $2,157 $2,291 Interest rate cap agreements........... 270,000 1,268 -- 770 5.99% NA NA -- -- Financial futures contracts: Eurodollar March 1998................ 200,000 -- 20 77 NA NA NA NA NA Eurodollar June 1998................ 200,000 -- 46 168 NA NA NA NA NA -------- ------ ------ $946,000 $1,268 $1,446 ======== ====== ======
During the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company recognized $2,891,000 and $1,047,000, respectively, in interest expense relating to off- balance-sheet financial instruments. The Company terminated interest rate agreements with an aggregate notional value of $469 million as a result of the sale of the Company's portfolio of mortgage securities and repayment of the related financing under repurchase agreements in 1998, incurring net losses of $7,977,000. Note 6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments presents amounts that have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies could have a material impact on the estimated fair value amounts. F-13 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):
1998 1997 ----------------- ----------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value -------- -------- -------- -------- Financial assets: Mortgage loans.......................... $920,697 $925,800 $574,984 $608,600 Mortgage securities..................... -- -- 517,246 517,200 Financial liabilities: Collateralized mortgage obligations... 891,944 883,000 408,867 409,300 Other borrowings...................... 18,000 18,000 -- -- Repurchase agreements................. -- -- 556,443 556,800 Warehouse line of credit.............. -- -- 40,250 40,200 Off-balance-sheet financial instruments.......................... 1,157 1,200 -- (200)
Market quotations were used to estimate the fair value of mortgage securities. The fair value of all other financial instruments is estimated by discounting projected future cash flows, including projected prepayments for mortgage assets, at current market rates. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest receivable and payable approximates its carrying value. Note 7. Stockholders' Equity The Company was formed and capitalized by its founders in September 1996. In December 1996, the Company successfully completed a private placement offering of 3,549,999 units. Each unit consisted of one share of convertible preferred stock and one warrant, which entitled the holder to purchase one share of common stock for $15.00 per share. The underwriter received 100,000 warrants in addition to underwriting discounts. The Company raised $47 million in the offering, net of $3 million of offering costs. The warrants became exercisable in February 1998 and remain exercisable until February 2001 at an exercise price of $15.00 per share. During 1998, warrants to acquire 181 shares were exercised. As of December 31, 1998, 3,649,818 warrants remained outstanding and exercisable. Included in the units issued in the Company private placement were 108,333 units acquired by each of the two founders at a price of $15.00 per unit. Payment was made by the founders delivering to the Company forgivable promissory notes, bearing interest at eight percent per annum and secured by the units acquired. Thereafter, interest is payable quarterly, upon forgiveness or at maturity of the notes on December 31, 2001. During 1998, the Company accrued interest on these notes totaling $189,000, of which the founders paid $103,000. The principal amount of the notes is divided into three equal tranches. Payment of principal on each tranche will be forgiven if certain incentive targets are achieved. These notes have been reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During 1997, the Company surpassed its first incentive target resulting in the forgiveness of one-third of the notes and the recognition of compensation expense in December 1997 of $1,083,000. The Company did not meet the incentive targets in 1998 and, accordingly, no debt forgiveness occurred. On December 1, 1997, the Company completed the sale of its common stock in an initial public offering of 4,059,500 shares at a price of $18.00 per share. The Company raised $67 million in net proceeds from this offering. Under the provisions of the private placement agreements, the preferred stock automatically converted to common stock at the closing of the initial public offering. As a result, 3,549,999 shares of preferred stock were converted into common stock on November 4, 1997. F-14 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) Note 8. Stock Option Plan The Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the Plan) provides for the grant of qualified incentive stock options (ISOs), non-qualified stock options (NQSOs), deferred stock, restricted stock, performance shares, stock appreciation and limited stock awards, and dividend equivalent rights (DERs). ISOs may be granted to the officers and employees of the Company. NQSOs and awards may be granted to the directors, officers, employees, agents and consultants of the Company or any subsidiaries. Under the terms of the Plan the number of shares available for issuance is equal to 10 percent of the Company's outstanding common stock with a current cap on ISO grants at 339,332. Unless previously terminated by the Board of Directors, the Plan will terminate on September 1, 2006. All options have been granted at exercise prices greater than or equal to the estimated fair value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. Outstanding options vest over four years and expire ten years after the date of grant. The following table summarizes option activity under the 1996 Plan for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively:
1998 1997 1996 ------------------ ----------------- ---------------- Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price -------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Outstanding at the beginning of year...... 557,472 $15.22 334,332 $13.24 -- $ -- Granted................. 148,000 9.38 225,640 18.00 334,332 13.24 Exercised............... (300,582) 14.51 (2,500) 2.50 -- -- Canceled................ (21,070) 18.00 -- -- -- -- -------- ------- ------- Outstanding at the end of year................ 383,820 $13.37 557,472 $15.22 334,332 $13.24 ======== ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== Exercisable at the end of year................ 61,625 $15.70 298,082 $14.61 -- $ -- ======== ====== ======= ====== ======= ======
Certain options granted during 1998, 1997, and 1996 were granted with DERs. Under the terms of the DERs, a recipient is entitled to receive additional shares of stock upon the exercise of options. The DERs accrue at a rate equal to the number of options outstanding times the dividends per share amount at each dividend date. The accrued DERs convert to shares based on the stock's fair value on the dividend declaration date. Certain of the options exercised in 1998 had DERs attached to them. As a result of these exercises, an additional 641 shares of common stock were issued in 1998. No DERs were converted to common stock upon the exercise of options in 1997 and 1996. As discussed in Note 9, the Company's two founders exercised options to acquire 289,332 shares of common stock in 1998. The following table presents information on stock options outstanding as of December 31, 1998.
Outstanding Exercisable ------------------------------ ----------------- Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Contractual Exercise Exercise Quantity Life (years) Price Quantity Price -------- ----------- -------- -------- -------- $0.01-$2.50............... 31,250 7.9 $ 1.90 8,750 $ 1.79 $6.38..................... 108,000 10.0 6.38 -- -- $17.01-$20.81............. 244,570 8.9 17.92 52,875 18.00 ------- ------ Outstanding at the end of year..................... 383,820 9.1 $13.37 61,625 $15.70 ======= ==== ====== ====== ======
F-15 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company has chosen to not record the fair value of stock options at their grant date. If recorded the expense would not have been material and the Company's diluted loss per share for 1998, 1997 and 1996 would have been unchanged. The following table summarizes the weighted average fair value of the options granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the assumptions used in their determination.
1998 1997 1996 ----- ---- ----- Weighted average: Fair value........................................... $4.59 $-- $0.18 Expected life in years............................... 5 7 5 Annual risk-free interest rate....................... 5.1% 6.5% 7.0% Volatility........................................... 4.0 -- -- Dividend yield....................................... 5.0% 8.0% --
Note 9. Related Party Transactions The Company and NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. are parties to a mortgage loan purchase and sale agreement, an administrative services outsourcing agreement and loan servicing agreements. Under the terms of the mortgage loan purchase and sale agreement, the Company purchases mortgage loans originated by NovaStar Mortgage at prices that vary with the nature and terms of the underlying mortgage loans. The agreement was modified effective January 1, 1998 to include a purchase commitment fee. If NovaStar Mortgage chooses to retain the mortgage loans it originates or sell them to third parties, it pays a fee to the Company for not delivering its loan production under the purchase commitment. During 1998, NovaStar Mortgage originated $877 million, of which the Company acquired approximately $500 million. During 1997, NovaStar Mortgage originated $735 million in subprime mortgage loans, all acquired by the Company. Under the outsourcing services agreement, the Company pays NovaStar Mortgage a fee for providing certain services, including the development of loan products, underwriting, funding, and quality control. Under the terms of loan servicing agreements, NovaStar Mortgage services loans owned by the Company. Individual agreements have been executed for each pool of loans serving as collateral for the Company's CMOs. A separate agreement exists between the Company and NovaStar Mortgage for those loans that do not serve as collateral for CMOs. Following is a summary of the fees, in thousands, paid to and received from NovaStar Mortgage.
Year Ended December 31, -------------- 1998 1997 ------ ------ Amounts paid to NovaStar Mortgage: Administrative fees................................... $7,800 $3,650 Loan servicing fees................................... 3,803 505 Amounts received from NovaStar Mortgage--purchase commitment fee......................................... (5,117) -- ------ ------ $6,486 $4,155 ====== ======
As discussed in note 8, during 1998 the founders of the Company exercised options to acquire 289,332 shares of common stock. In payment for the acquired common stock, the founders issued notes payable to the Company. Unpaid principal on the notes was $4,340,000 as of December 31, 1998. During 1998, the Company accrued interest income of $220,000 and the founders paid $78,000 in interest on these notes. F-16 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) As discussed in Note 7, during 1997 the founders issued notes payable to the Company for the units acquired in the Company's private placement offering of capital stock. In accordance with the terms of the private placement, the Company agreed to advance funds for the payment of the founders' personal tax liability arising from the forgiveness of the private placement notes receivable. The founders have issued notes payable to the Company for the repayment of the tax liability and interest accrued on forgivable notes through December 31, 1997. Unpaid principal on the notes was $843,000 and $763,000 as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. During 1998, the Company accrued interest interest on these amounts totaling $47,000 and the founders paid interest totaling $18,000 on these notes. Interest on the foregoing notes due from founders accrues monthly at one- month LIBOR plus one percent (6.54 percent as of December 31, 1998) and is payable quarterly. The notes mature on the earlier of the founder's employment termination or their sale of the common stock. Common stock of the Company owned by the founders serves as collateral for the notes. The aggregate amounts due under these arrangements was $5,354,000 and $763,000 as of December 31, 1998 and 1987, respectively, and are included as amounts due from founders in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Note 10. Income Taxes The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and accordingly has deducted for income tax purposes, all dividends paid on its common and preferred stock. Because the Company has paid or will pay dividends in amounts approximating its taxable income or has a taxable loss, no provision for income taxes has been provided in the accompanying financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997. Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies A dividend of $0.35 per share was declared by the Board of Directors during September 1998 to be paid to stockholders of record on October 15, 1998. Subsequently, the dividend was deferred and is scheduled for payment on April 15, 1999. In the normal course of its business, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Company leases facilities and equipment under operating leases. Rent expense and future obligations under these leases are not material to the financial statements. F-17 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) Note 12. Condensed Financial Statements of NFI Holding Corporation NFI Holding Corporation and its subsidiary, NovaStar Mortgage had no operations, revenues or expenses prior to February 1997, when NovaStar Mortgage began originating subprime mortgage loans through a network of wholesale brokers and correspondents. Effective July 15, 1997, NovaStar Mortgage began servicing mortgage loans on behalf of the Company. NFI Holding Corporation has no operations of its own and, therefore, its consolidated financial statements generally reflect the operations of NovaStar Mortgage. Following are the condensed consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations of NFI Holding Corporation for 1998 and 1997 (in thousands): NFI Holding Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balances Sheets
December 31, ---------------- 1998 1997 -------- ------- Assets Cash and cash equivalents..................................... $ 5,759 $ -- Restricted cash............................................... 33,007 20,424 Mortgage loans................................................ 216,839 -- Mortgage securities........................................... -- 55,195 Other assets.................................................. 4,492 1,675 -------- ------- Total assets............................................ $260,097 $77,294 ======== ======= Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Borrowings................................................ $203,341 $53,490 Due to NovaStar Financial, Inc............................ 51,528 20,701 Accounts payable and other liabilities.................... 5,215 915 Stockholders' equity...................................... 13 2,188 -------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.............. $260,097 $77,294 ======== =======
F-18 NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) NFI Holding Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the period from Year Ended February 6, 1997 December 31, (inception) to 1998 December 31, 1997 ------------ ------------------- Interest income............................... $11,812 $1,136 Interest expense.............................. 7,501 945 ------- ------ Net interest income......................... 4,311 191 Other income: Fees from third parties..................... 2,829 1,271 Fees received from, net of paid to, NovaStar Financial, Inc............................. 6,486 4,155 Net gain on sales of mortgage assets........ 3,148 -- ------- ------ Total other income........................ 12,463 5,426 General and administrative expenses........... 19,789 5,569 ------- ------ Net income (loss) before taxes................ (3,015) 48 Income tax expense............................ -- 20 ------- ------ Net income (loss)............................. $(3,015) $ 28 ======= ======
F-19 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Board of Directors NovaStar Financial, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NovaStar Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the period from September 13, 1996 (inception) to December 31, 1996. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NovaStar Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the period from September 13, 1996 (inception) to December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. KPMG LLP Kansas City, Missouri January 29, 1999 except for the last paragraph of Note 4, as to which the date is February 12, 1999 F-20 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not offering the securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. We do not claim that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date stated on the cover. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4,285,714 Shares NovaStar Financial, Inc. Convertible Preferred Stock 5,813,427 Shares NovaStar Financial, Inc. Common Stock 1,527,713 NovaStar Financial Inc. Stock Purchase Warrants [LOGO OF NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC.] --------------- Prospectus May 12, 1999 --------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----