XML 152 R27.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting
Basis of Accounting — The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP’’). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of New Residential and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. New Residential consolidates those entities in which it has control over significant operating, financial and investing decisions of the entity, as well as those entities deemed to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which New Residential is determined to be the primary beneficiary. VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. A VIE is required to be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. For entities over which New Residential exercises significant influence, but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation, New Residential uses the equity method of accounting whereby it records its share of the underlying income of such entities.
New Residential’s investments in Non-Agency RMBS are variable interests. New Residential monitors these investments and analyzes the potential need to consolidate the related securitization entities pursuant to the VIE consolidation requirements. New Residential has not consolidated the securitization entities that issued its Non-Agency RMBS. This determination is based, in part, on New Residential’s assessment that it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities, such as through ownership of a majority of the currently controlling class. In addition, New Residential is not obligated to provide, and has not provided, any financial support to these entities.
Noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests in certain consolidated subsidiaries held by entities or persons other than New Residential. These interests are related to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities that hold New Residential’s investment in servicer advances (Note 6).
The consolidated financial statements for periods prior to May 15, 2013 have been prepared on a spin-off basis from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Newcastle and reflect New Residential’s historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, New Residential did not have any cash balance during periods prior to April 5, 2013, which is the first date Newcastle contributed cash to New Residential. All of its cash activity occurred in Newcastle’s accounts during these periods. The consolidated financial statements for periods prior to May 15, 2013 do not necessarily reflect what New Residential’s consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had New Residential operated as an independent company prior to the spin-off.
Certain expenses of Newcastle, comprised primarily of a portion of its management fee, have been allocated to New Residential to the extent they were directly associated with New Residential for periods prior to the spin-off on May 15, 2013. The portion of the management fee allocated to New Residential prior to the spin-off represents the product of the management fee rate payable by Newcastle (1.5%) and New Residential’s gross equity, which management believes is a reasonable method for quantifying the expense of the services provided by the employees of the Manager to New Residential. The incremental cost of certain legal, accounting and other expenses related to New Residential’s operations prior to May 15, 2013 are reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. New Residential and Newcastle do not share any expenses following the spin-off.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. In addition, New Residential completed a one-for-two reverse stock split in October 2014 (Note 13). The impact of this reverse stock split has been retroactively applied to all periods presented.
Risks and Uncertainties
Risks and Uncertainties — In the normal course of business, New Residential encounters primarily two significant types of economic risk: credit and market. Credit risk is the risk of default on New Residential’s investments that results from a borrower’s or counterparty’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of investments due to changes in prepayment speeds, interest rates, spreads or other market factors, including risks that impact the value of the collateral underlying New Residential’s investments. Management believes that the carrying values of its investments are reasonable taking into consideration these risks along with estimated prepayments, financings, collateral values, payment histories, and other information. Furthermore, for each of the periods presented, a significant portion of New Residential’s assets are dependent on Nationstar’s ability to perform its obligations as the servicer of residential mortgage loans underlying New Residential’s investments in Excess MSRs, servicer advances, Non-Agency RMBS and residential mortgage loans. If Nationstar is terminated as the servicer, New Residential’s right to receive its portion of the cash flows related to interests in MSRs is also terminated. New Residential is similarly dependent on Springleaf as the servicer of the loans underlying its investment in the Consumer Loan Companies (Note 9).
Income Tax Uncertainties
Additionally, New Residential is subject to significant tax risks. If New Residential were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, New Residential would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax), which could be material. Unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, New Residential would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income — Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. For New Residential’s purposes, comprehensive income represents net income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income, adjusted for unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale.
Income Recognition - Investments in Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights (''Excess MSRs'')
Investments in Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights (“Excess MSRs”) — Excess MSRs are aggregated into pools as applicable; each pool of Excess MSRs is accounted for in the aggregate. Interest income for Excess MSRs is accreted into interest income on an effective yield or “interest” method, based upon the expected excess mortgage servicing amount through the expected life of the underlying mortgages. Changes to expected cash flows result in a cumulative retrospective adjustment, which will be recorded in the period in which the change in expected cash flows occurs. Under the retrospective method, the interest income recognized for a reporting period is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis at the end of the period and the amortized cost basis at the beginning of the period, plus any cash received during the period. The amortized cost basis is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows using an effective yield, which is the yield that equates all past actual and current estimated future cash flows to the initial investment. In addition, New Residential’s policy is to recognize interest income only on its Excess MSRs in existing eligible underlying mortgages. The difference between the fair value of Excess MSRs and their amortized cost basis is recorded as “Change in fair value of investments in excess mortgage servicing rights.” Fair value is generally determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using discount rates that incorporate the market risks and liquidity premium specific to the Excess MSRs, and therefore may differ from their effective yields.
Income Recognition - Investments in Servicer Advances (''Servicer Advances'')
Investments in Servicer Advances (“Servicer Advances”) — New Residential accounts for its investments in Servicer Advances similarly to its investments in Excess MSRs. Interest income for Servicer Advances is accreted into interest income on an effective yield or “interest” method, based upon the expected aggregate cash flows of the servicer advances, including the basic fee component of the related MSR (but excluding any Excess MSR component) through the expected life of the underlying mortgages, net of a portion of the basic fee component of the MSR that New Residential remits to the servicer as compensation for the servicer’s servicing activities. Changes to expected cash flows result in a cumulative retrospective adjustment, which will be recorded in the period in which the change in expected cash flows occurs. Refer to “—Investments in Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights” for a description of the retrospective method. Fair value is generally determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using discount rates that incorporate the market risks and liquidity premium specific to the Servicer Advances, and therefore may differ from their effective yields.
Income Recognition - Investments in Real Estate Securities
Investments in Real Estate Securities — Discounts or premiums are accreted into interest income on an effective yield or “interest” method, based upon a comparison of actual and expected cash flows, through the expected maturity date of the security. For securities acquired at a discount for credit quality (i.e. where it is probable at acquisition that New Residential will not collect all contractually required interest and principal repayments), the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at acquisition is not accreted (non-accretable difference). For these securities, the excess of expected cash flows over the carrying value (accretable yield) is recognized as interest income on an effective yield basis.
Depending on the nature of the investment, changes to expected cash flows may result in a prospective change to yield or a retrospective change which would include a catch up adjustment. Deferred fees and costs, if any, are recognized as a reduction to the interest income over the terms of the securities using the interest method. Upon settlement of securities, the specific identification method is used to determine the excess (or deficiency) of net proceeds over the net carrying value of such security recognized as a realized gain (or loss) in the period of settlement.
Income Recognition - Investments in Residential Mortgage Loans and REO
Investments in Residential Mortgage Loans and REO - New Residential evaluates the credit quality of its loans, as of the acquisition date, for evidence of credit quality deterioration. Loans with evidence of credit deterioration since their origination, and where it is probable that New Residential will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments, are Purchased Credit Impaired (“PCI “) loans. At acquisition, New Residential aggregates PCI loans into pools based on common risk characteristics and the aggregated loans are accounted for as if each pool were a single loan with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows. The excess of the total cash flows (both principal and interest) expected to be collected over the carrying value of the PCI loans is referred to as the accretable yield. This amount is not reported on New Residential’s Consolidated Balance Sheets but is accreted into interest income at a level rate of return over the remaining estimated life of the pool of loans.

Loans where New Residential expects to collect all contractually required principal and interest payments are considered performing loans. Interest income on performing loans is accrued and recognized as interest income at their effective yield, which includes contractual interest and the amortization of purchase price discount or premium and deferred fees or expenses.

Loans acquired with the intent to sell and loans not acquired with the intent to sell that New Residential decides to sell are classified as held-for-sale. Loans held-for-sale are measured at the lower of cost or fair value, with valuation changes recorded in impairment. Purchase price discounts or premiums are deferred in a contra loan account until the related loan is sold. The deferred discounts or premiums are an adjustment to the basis of the loan and are included in the quarterly determination of the lower of cost or fair value adjustments and/or the gain or loss recognized at the time of sale.

Real estate owned (“REO”) assets are those individual properties where New Residential receives the property in satisfaction of a debt (e.g., by taking legal title or physical possession). New Residential measures REO assets at the lower of cost or fair value, with valuation changes recorded in other income.
Impairment of Securities and Loans
Impairment of Securities - Securities are considered to be impaired when it is probable that New Residential will be unable to collect all principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the original agreements, or for securities purchased at a discount for credit quality or that represent retained beneficial interests in securitizations, when New Residential determines that it is probable that it will be unable to collect as anticipated.

The evaluation of a security’s estimated cash flows includes the following, as applicable: (i) review of the credit of the issuer or borrower, (ii) review of the credit rating of the security, (iii) review of the key terms of the security or underlying loans, (iv) review of the performance of the underlying loans, including debt service coverage and loan to value ratios, (v) analysis of the value of the underlying loans, (vi) analysis of the effect of local, industry and broader economic factors, and (vii) analysis of historical and anticipated trends in defaults, loss severities and prepayments for similar securities or underlying loans. New Residential must record a write down if it has the intent to sell a given security in an unrealized loss position, or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell such a security. Upon determination of impairment, New Residential records a direct write down for securities based on the estimated fair value of the security or underlying collateral using a discounted cash flow analysis or based on an observable market value. Subsequent to a determination of impairment, and a related write down, income on securities is accrued on an effective yield method from the new carrying value to the related expected cash flows, with cash received treated as a reduction of basis.

Impairment of Loans - To the extent that they are classified as held-for-investment, New Residential must periodically evaluate each of these loans or loan pools for possible impairment. Impairment is indicated when it is deemed probable that New Residential will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan, or for PCI loans, when it is deemed probable that New Residential will be unable to collect as anticipated. Upon determination of impairment, New Residential establishes an allowance for loan losses with a corresponding charge to earnings.

Performing loans are aggregated into pools for the evaluation of impairment based on like characteristics, such as loan type and acquisition date. Pools of loans are evaluated based on criteria such as an analysis of borrower performance, credit ratings of borrowers, loan to value ratios, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, the key terms of the loans and historical and anticipated trends in defaults and loss severities for the type and seasoning of loans being evaluated. This information is used to estimate provisions for estimated unidentified incurred losses on pools of loans. Significant judgment is required in determining impairment and in estimating the resulting loss allowance.

For PCI loans, New Residential estimates the total cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of each pool. Probable decreases in expected cash flows trigger the recognition of impairment. Impairments are recognized through the provision for loans and an increase in the allowance for loan losses. Probable and significant increases in expected cash flows would first reverse any previously recorded allowance for loan losses with any remaining increases recognized prospectively as a yield adjustment over the remaining estimated lives of the underlying loans.

A loan is determined to be past due when a monthly payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more. Loans, other than PCI loans, are placed on nonaccrual status and considered non-performing when full payment of principal and interest is in doubt, which generally occurs when principal or interest is 120 days or more past due unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. A loan may be returned to accrual status when repayment is reasonably assured and there has been demonstrated performance under the terms of the loan or, if applicable, the terms of the restructured loan. New Residential’s ability to recognize interest income on nonaccrual loans as cash interest payments are received rather than as a reduction of the carrying value of the loans is based on the recorded loan balance being deemed fully collectible.
Loans held-for-sale are subject to the nonaccrual policy described above, however, as loans held-for-sale are recognized at the lower of cost or fair value, New Residential’s allowance for loan losses and charge-off policies do not apply to these loans.
Expense Recognition - Interest Expense
Interest Expense — New Residential finances certain investments using floating rate repurchase agreements and loans. Interest is expensed as incurred.
Expense Recognition - General and Administrative Expenses and Loan Servicing Expense
General and Administrative Expenses and Loan Servicing Expense — General and administrative expenses, including legal fees, audit fees, insurance premiums, and other costs, as well as loan servicing expenses, and are expensed as incurred.
Expense Recognition - Management and Incentive Compensation to Affiliate
Management Fee and Incentive Compensation to Affiliate — These represent amounts due to the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. For further information on the Management Agreement, see Note 15.
Balance Sheet Measurement - Investments in Servicing Related Assets
Investments in Servicing Related Assets — Servicing Related Assets consist of New Residential’s investments in Excess MSRs and Servicer Advances. Upon acquisition, New Residential has elected to record each of such investments at fair value. New Residential elected to record its investments at fair value in order to provide users of the financial statements with better information regarding the effects of prepayment risk and other market factors on Servicing Related Assets. Under this election, New Residential records a valuation adjustment on its investments in Servicing Related Assets on a quarterly basis to recognize the changes in fair value in net income as described in “Income Recognition — Investments in Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights” and “Income Recognition — Investments in Servicer Advances.”
Balance Sheet Measurement - Investments in Real Estate Securities and Residential Mortgage Loans
Investments in Real Estate Securities — New Residential has classified its investments in real estate securities as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at market value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, to the extent impairment losses are considered temporary. At disposition, the net realized gain or loss is determined on the basis of the amortized cost of the specific investments and is included in earnings. Unrealized losses on securities are charged to earnings if they reflect a decline in value that is other-than-temporary.

Investments in Residential Mortgage Loans — Residential mortgage loans for which New Residential has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, are classified as held-for-investment. Performing loans held-for-investment are presented at the aggregate unpaid principal balance adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, an allowance for loan losses, charge-offs and write-down for impaired loans. PCI loans held-for-investment are initially recorded at fair value at acquisition and are subsequently measured net of any allowance for loan losses. To the extent that the loans are classified as held-for-investment, New Residential periodically evaluates such loans for possible impairment as described in “-Impairment of Loans.”

Loans which New Residential does not have the intent or the ability to hold into the foreseeable future are considered held-for-sale and are carried at the lower of their amortized cost basis or fair value. New Residential discontinues the accretion of discounts or amortization of premiums on loans if they are reclassified from held-for-investment to held-for-sale.
Balance Sheet Measurement - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash — New Residential considers all highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Substantially all amounts on deposit with major financial institutions exceed insured limits.
Balance Sheet Measurement - Derivatives
Derivatives — New Residential financed certain investments with the same counterparty from which it purchased those investments, and accounts for the contemporaneous purchase of the investments and the associated financings as "linked transactions." Accordingly, New Residential records a non-hedge derivative instrument on a net basis, with changes in market value recorded as “Other Income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, New Residential presents the linked transactions on a gross basis with the related asset purchased reflected as an investment activity and the related financing as a financing activity.
Balance Sheet Measurement - Income Taxes
Income Taxes — New Residential operates so as to qualify as a REIT under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code. Requirements for qualification as a REIT include various restrictions on ownership of New Residential’s stock, requirements concerning distribution of taxable income and certain restrictions on the nature of assets and sources of income. A REIT must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders of which 85% plus any undistributed amounts from the prior year must be distributed within the taxable year in order to avoid the imposition of an excise tax. Distribution of the remaining balance may extend until timely filing of New Residential’s tax return in the subsequent taxable year. Qualifying distributions of taxable income are deductible by a REIT in computing taxable income.
Certain activities of New Residential are conducted through taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) and therefore are subject to federal and state income taxes. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases upon the change in tax status. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
New Residential recognizes tax benefits for uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included as a component of the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations.
Balance Sheet Measurement - Other Assets and Other Liabilities
Other Assets and Other Liabilities — Other assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
 
Other Assets
 
 
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
 
December 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
Margin receivable, net
$
59,021

 
$
40,132

 
Interest payable
$
7,857

 
$
4,010

Interest and other receivables
10,455

 
7,548

 
Accounts payable
28,059

 
2,829

Deferred financing costs, net(A)
4,446

 
4,773

 
Derivative liabilities
14,220

 
18

Principal paydown receivable
3,595

 

 
Current taxes payable
2,349

 

Receivable from government
    agency
9,108

 

 
Other liabilities
20

 

Call rights
3,728

 

 
 
$
52,505

 
$
6,857

Other assets
9,516

 
689

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
99,869

 
$
53,142

 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Deferred financing costs consist primarily of costs incurred in obtaining financing, net of accumulated amortization of $8.8 million and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is amortized into interest expense over the term of the financing generally using the effective interest method.
Balance Sheet Measurement - Repurchase Agreements and Notes Payable
Repurchase Agreements and Notes Payable — New Residential’s repurchase agreements and notes payable are generally short-term debt that expire within one year. Such agreements and notes payable are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified by each repurchase or financing agreement, and generally treated as collateralized financing transactions.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The standard clarifies the timing of when a creditor is considered to have taken physical possession of residential real estate collateral for a consumer mortgage loan, resulting in the reclassification of the loan receivable to real estate owned. A creditor has taken physical possession of the property when either (1) the creditor obtains legal title through foreclosure, or (2) the borrower transfers all interests in the property to the creditor via a deed in lieu of foreclosure or a similar legal agreement. The standard also requires disclosure of the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in residential real estate mortgage loans that are in process of foreclosure. The ASU is effective for New Residential in the first quarter of 2015. Early adoption is permitted. New Residential has adopted the new guidance and has determined there is no impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The ASU is effective for New Residential in the first quarter of 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance in the ASU. New Residential is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. The standard changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financing transactions to secured borrowing accounting. The ASU also expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers accounted for as secured borrowings. The ASU is effective for New Residential in the first quarter of 2015. Early adoption is not permitted. Disclosures are not required for comparative periods presented before the effective date. New Residential has determined that, as of January 1, 2015, its linked transactions (Note 10) will be accounted for as secured borrowings as further described in Note 18.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard provides guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by requiring management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding on certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. The ASU is effective for New Residential for the annual period ending on December 31, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. New Residential is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact that it may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). The standard provides guidance on how to classify and measure certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. A mortgage loan is to be derecognized and a separate other receivable is to be recognized upon foreclosure in the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor if (1) the loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure, (2) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim, and 3) at the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. The ASU is effective in the first quarter of 2015 and early adoption is permitted.

New Residential adopted ASU No. 2014-14 as of September 30, 2014, as it relates to the reverse mortgage portfolio. This portfolio is comprised primarily of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-guaranteed reverse mortgage loans. Upon foreclosure of a reverse mortgage loan, New Residential receives the real estate property in satisfaction of the loan and intends to dispose of the property for the best possible economic value. To the extent the liquidation proceeds are less than the unpaid principal balance (UPB) of the loan, New Residential submits a claim to HUD for the lesser of the remaining UPB or the pre-determined HUD claim amount. New Residential’s exposure to market risk while the foreclosed property is in its possession is limited to the extent the HUD claim amount is unlikely to cover any shortfall in property disposal proceeds. After the adoption of ASU No. 2014-14, upon foreclosure of a guaranteed reverse mortgage loan, New Residential records a “receivable from government agency” for the expected liquidation proceeds, comprised of both the property disposal proceeds and the maximum HUD claim amount. New Residential used the modified retrospective transition method of adoption, that resulted in no cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the current fiscal year.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation. The standard amends the consolidation considerations when evaluating certain limited partnerships, variable interest entities and investment funds. The ASU is effective for New Residential in the first quarter of 2016.  Early adoption is permitted. New Residential does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
The FASB has recently issued or discussed a number of proposed standards on such topics as financial statement presentation, financial instruments and hedging. Some of the proposed changes are significant and could have a material impact on New Residential’s reporting. New Residential has not yet fully evaluated the potential impact of these proposals, but will make such an evaluation as the standards are finalized.