corresp

3000 Leadenhall Road
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
October 14, 2010
Via Overnight Courier and EDGAR
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Corporation Finance
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549-3628
Attn: Michael R. Clampitt, Esq.
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Re: |
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PHH Corporation
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010
Schedule 14A and Amendment to Schedule 14A, filed April 30, 2010
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010, filed April 30, 2010
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010, filed August 3, 2010
File No. 001-07797 |
Dear Mr. Clampitt:
This letter is submitted in response to the comments of the staff (the Staff) of the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) as set forth in the Staffs comment
letter dated September 10, 2010 (the Comment Letter), in respect of the following filings
of PHH Corporation, a Maryland corporation (we, our or us): (i) our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Commission on March
1, 2010 (the 2009 Form 10-K); (ii) our Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the
Commission on April 30, 2010 and the Amendment thereto (the Proxy Statement); (iii) our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010, filed with the
Commission on April 30, 2010 (the First Quarter Form 10-Q); and our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010, filed with the Commission on August 3, 2010
(the Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
The responses to the Comment Letter are set forth below, with each paragraph numbered to correspond
to the comment number set forth in the Comment Letter. For your convenience, the comments have
been reproduced below, together with our responses.
October 14, 2010
Page 2
FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
General
Comment No. 1
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Please undertake to minimize in your future filings your frequent use of defined and
abbreviated terms throughout the document which makes your disclosure difficult for
an investor to understand contrary to Rule 421(b)(3). In addition, please refer
throughout the document to Cendant as Cendant (now known as Avis Budget Group,
Inc.) to avoid confusion. |
Response:
We will undertake to minimize in our future filings the frequent use of defined and abbreviated
terms and to refer to Cendant Corporation as Cendant Corporation (now known as Avis Budget Group,
Inc.) to avoid confusion.
Business, page 5
History, page 5
Comment No. 2
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We note your obligations to Cendant and its successor Avis Budget Group and the risk
factors relating to these obligations. Pursuant to Item 101(a), please expand your
one sentence description, on page 5, of the spin-off from Cendant to summarize the
circumstances and terms of the spin off and to describe all of your continuing legal
obligations and business relationships with Cendant, its successors and any entities
spun off from Cendant. Please discuss the relationship between Realogy, Cendant and
you, including common ownership. |
Response:
We completed our spin-off from Cendant Corporation (now known as Avis Budget Group, Inc.)
(Cendant) on January 31, 2005, and have been a separate reporting company since February 1, 2005.
We note that Realogy Corporation (formerly Cendants real estate services division) was spun-off
from Cendant in 2006 and, as a result, neither we nor Realogy Corporation are currently owned by
Cendant. Due, in part, to the conclusion during the third quarter of 2010 of the audit by the
Internal Revenue Service of Cendants 2003-2006 federal income tax returns, we no longer view the
circumstances of our spin-off from Cendant, or the Separation Agreement (as defined in the 2009
Form 10-K) or the Amended Tax Sharing Agreement (as defined in the 2009 Form 10-K) that we entered
into with Cendant, as material to our business or results of operations. Accordingly, we intend to
revise our disclosures beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December
31, 2010, to eliminate references to our spin-off from Cendant in our disclosures required by Item
101(a) of Regulation S-K. Further, we undertake to include in our future filings disclosures
describing our continuing legal obligations and business relationships with Cendant, its successors
and any entities spun off from
October 14, 2010
Page 3
Cendant, including Realogy Corporation, to the extent such obligations and business relationships
are material and such disclosures are required by Regulation S-K.
Mortgage Servicing Segment, page 10
Comment No. 3
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We note your disclosure of major geographical concentrations of mortgage loan
servicing activities. Given the significant increase in mortgage loans delinquent
for more than 90 days in 2009, please consider revising your future filings to also
provide geographical concentrations of delinquency and foreclosure statistics for
your loan servicing portfolio. |
Response:
We intend to include in our future filings beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2010, disclosures concerning geographical concentrations of delinquency and
foreclosure statistics for our loan servicing portfolio.
Mortgage Guaranty Reinsurance Business, page 10
Comment No. 4
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In order to help investors better understand how you may be affected by regional
housing and economic conditions, please revise future filings here or in the table
on page 86 to disclose any geographical concentrations of loans for which you have
provided mortgage reinsurance. |
Response:
We intend to include in our future filings beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2010, disclosures concerning geographical concentrations of loans for which
we have provided mortgage reinsurance.
Risk Factors, page 17
Comment No. 5
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We note that you identify thirty three risk factors described in over fifteen pages
of your Form 10-K. Please provide to us and undertake to include in your future
filings, revision of this section to comply with Item 503(c) of Regulation S-K. Item
503(c) requires that you disclose in this section the most significant factors that
make the offering speculative or risky. Item 503(c) explicitly directs: Do not
present risks that could apply to any issuer or any offering. Please delete those
risk factors that do not comply with these requirements and prohibitions including,
but not limited to, the following: |
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the second risk factor, which is on page 17, regarding the risks from
general business economic environmental and political conditions; |
October 14, 2010
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the sixth risk factor, which is on page 20, regarding the risk from
adverse developments in the asset-backed securities market; |
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the eleventh risk factor, which is on page 22, regarding the risks from
changes in interest rates; |
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the twelfth risk factor, which is on page 22, regarding the risks from
the values of your assets being based on your estimates; |
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the twentieth risk factor, which is on page 27, regarding the risks of
various legal proceedings; |
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the twenty first risk factor, which is on page 27, regarding the risks
from assumptions and estimates; |
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the twenty second risk factor, which is on page 27, regarding the risks
from changes in accounting standards; |
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the twenty third risk factor, which is on page 28, regarding the risks
from your dependence on information provided by customers and
counterparties; |
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the twenty fourth risk factor, which is on page 28, regarding the risks
from an interruption or breach of your information systems; |
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the twenty fifth risk factor, which is on page 28, regarding the risks
from not adopting to technological changes; |
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the twenty ninth risk factor, which is on page 29, regarding the risks
of a limited public market (despite being listed on the New York Stock
Exchange) and stock price volatility; and |
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the thirtieth risk factor, which is on page 29, regarding the risks of
further issuances of stock and hedging may depress the trading price of
your common stock. |
Response:
We intend to include a comprehensive revised risk factors section in our Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, and to delete the following risk factors
consistent with the Staffs comment:
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the second risk factor on page 17 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from general
business economic environmental and political conditions; |
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the twentieth risk factor on page 27 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks of
various legal proceedings; |
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the twenty first risk factor on page 27 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
assumptions and estimates; |
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the twenty second risk factor on page 27 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
changes in accounting standards; |
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the twenty third risk factor on page 28 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
our dependence on information provided by customers and counterparties; |
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the twenty fourth risk factor on page 28 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
an interruption or breach of our information systems; |
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the twenty fifth risk factor on page 28 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
not adapting to technological changes; and |
October 14, 2010
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the twenty ninth risk factor on page 29 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks of a
limited public market and stock price volatility. |
We intend to combine the sixth risk factor on page 20 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks
from adverse developments in the asset-backed securities market with the thirteenth risk factor on
page 22 of our 2009 Form 10-K in response to the Staffs comments provided in Comment Number 6
below. We also intend to retain and revise in response to the Staffs comments provided in Comment
Number 6 below (i) the eleventh risk factor on page 22 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks
from changes in interest rates, (ii) the twelfth risk factor on page 22 of our 2009 Form 10-K
regarding the risks from the values of our assets being based on our estimates, and (iii) the
thirtieth risk factor on page 29 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks of further issuances of
stock and hedging activities may depress the trading price of our common stock, each as set forth
in Exhibit A attached to this letter except to the extent that any such disclosures would
no longer be accurate due to changed circumstances.
Further, in connection with our preparation of the attached Exhibit A, we have also
determined that the following risk factors included in our 2009 Form 10-K are no longer material or
relevant in light of recent events and, accordingly, we intend to delete such risk factors:
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the ninth risk factor on page 21 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
conditions in the North American automotive industry; |
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the sixteenth risk factor on page 25 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
government agency audits associated with our Fleet Management Services government
contracts; |
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the seventeenth risk factor on page 25 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks that
some of our mortgage loan origination arrangements with financial institutions could be
subject to termination in certain change in control transactions; |
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the eighteenth risk factor on page 26 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks from
vicarious liability in connection with our Fleet Management Services activities; |
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the twenty sixth risk factor on page 28 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks
associated with our agreements with Cendant and Realogy not necessarily reflecting
arms-length negotiations; |
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the twenty seventh risk factor on page 29 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks
associated with our indemnification obligations to, and our rights to seek indemnification
from, Cendant and Realogy; |
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the twenty eighth risk factor on page 29 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the tax risks
associated with our arrangements and agreements with Cendant entered into in connection
with our spin-off from Cendant; and |
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the thirty second risk factor on page 30 of our 2009 Form 10-K regarding the risks
associated with the accounting for our convertible notes. |
Comment No. 6
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Please revise the risk factor section to comply with the requirements of Securities
Act Release No. 33-7497 that you place any risk factor in context so investors can
understand the specific risk as it applies to your company and its operations and
Staff Legal Bulletin No. 7, which directs that you provide the information investors
need to assess the magnitude of each risk and explain why each risk may result
in a material |
October 14, 2010
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adverse effect on you and which directs that you include specific disclosure of how
your [operations] [financial condition] [business] would be affected by each risk. |
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For instance, most of your risk factors repeatedly state that the risks could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations
or cash flows. Please be more specific in distinguishing the effect of one factor
from another and describing how you would or could be affected and the magnitude of
the effect and any secondary or indirect effects. In addition, almost all of your
risks include effects that you claim could or may occur when it is more accurate to
indicate that an effect would or will occur. |
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Please provide to us and undertake to include in your future filings, revision of
your risk factors as follows: |
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revise the first risk factor to better explain the magnitude of the risk
including but not limited to the following: |
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revise the last sentence of the first paragraph
to disclose the amount and percentage of your revenues and profits
attributable to loans derived from Realogy and its affiliates; |
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revise the first bullet point to identify those
representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements that
have the most risk that you might materially breach them; |
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explain that if you lose the exclusive
recommendation, a competitor will replace you as the recommended
provider of mortgage and loans and the risk is you will likely lose
most if not all of the business from Realogy; |
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discuss any other risks that you may lose the
business from the exclusive recommendation; |
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revise the third risk factor, which is on page 18, to identify in the
types of adverse developments that pose a high risk to you and explain
specific consequences from lack liquidity under our debt arrangements to
fund future loan commitments; |
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revise the fourth risk factor, which is on page 19, to quantify the
amount of your loan sales in your last fiscal year that you sold to
Government Sponsored Enterprises, identify the other material financial
benefits that you receive from any GSE and quantify those benefits, and
explain how you would be affected by the loss of those benefits and the
loss of that market for your mortgages; |
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revise the fifth risk factor, which his on page 19 to revise the caption
to clarify that you have been adversely impacted and the risk is that the
impact may increase and discuss the extent to which the composition of your
mortgage portfolio and the terms under which you sell mortgages (such as
selling them with recourse) contribute to the risks; |
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revise the seventh risk factor, which is on page 20, to revise the
caption to include the risk that you will incur substantial losses from
hedging beyond those you would have suffered from a change in interest
rates alone and that-you use hedging to mitigate the prepayment risks,
identify specific hedging strategies that you have employed to manage
interest rate risks, explain the risks of each strategy, quantify the range
in the exposure during the past fiscal year, disclose |
October 14, 2010
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the extent to which these hedging strategies are reflected on your balance
sheet or off, and disclose in the first paragraph on page 21 the losses you
refer to from hedging; |
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revise the eighth risk factor, which is on page 21, and the related
caption to reflect the risk that your business depends on a few major
business relationships (which you should identify) without any one of which
you would suffer a material loss in revenues; |
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revise the tenth risk, factor, which is on page 22, to identify
substance of the representations and warranties that provide the basis for
the claims against you, clarify that breaches of these do (not may)
require you to repurchase or indemnify, quantify the trends your identify
(increase in loan repurchase, loan repurchase demands, indemnification
payment and indemnification requests), explain the consequences to you of
repurchasing a loan and explain that the nature of your indemnification
including whether there is any limit on the amount and identify the direct
effect of the increases instead of repeating the vague phrase in the last
sentence; |
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revise the eleventh risk factor, which is on page 22, to move it to
accompany the seventh risk factor and to identify in both risk factors
those assets that you use derivative and other strategies to hedge against
changes and those that you dont; |
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revise the twelfth risk factor, which is on page 22, to quantify the
amount and percentage of substantial portion your assets are valued based
on your estimates of fair market value, identify the major categories of
assets whose value is estimated by you, explain the role of hedging and
derivatives in making these estimates and delete the phrase at the end of
the risk factor and replace it with statement that the risk is that value
of your assets may be overstated or understated; |
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combine the thirteen risk factor which is on page 22 with the sixth risk
factor which also relates to your sources of funding; |
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revise the fifteenth risk factor, which is on page 24, to address
specific risks that constitute the most significant factors that make ...
[an investment in your stock] speculative or risky and delete the fourth
paragraph reading vicarious liability since you address those risks in the
eighteenth risk factor; |
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revise the nineteenth risk factor, which is on page 26, to clarify in
the caption that you face risks due to your debt no longer being rated
investment grade, briefly discuss the reasons for the downgrade, and
address any risk of further downgrades; |
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revise the twenty fifth risk factor which is on page 28, to revise the
caption and the text to identify specific risks that constitute the most
significant factors that, make ... [an investment in your stock]
speculative or risky, explain why the negotiations were not arms length,
identify the general effect of the lack of arms length negations on the
terms of the agreements (were they more or less favorable to you), identify
all the agreements to which you refer, and identify specific provisions of
the relevant agreements that pose the highest risk to you; |
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revise the twenty seventh risk factor, which is on page 29, to quantify
your obligations which you characterize as significant, under the
indemnification |
October 14, 2010
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agreements, disclose that the IRS is auditing the tax returns of Cendant and
whether there is a risk the IRS may challenge the tax free treatment of the
Spinoff or other transactions, clarify which entities have the right to
indemnification, identify the transactions to which the indemnification
applies and discuss the indemnification rights you have Cendant or Realogy
that you refer to in the caption and the last sentence; |
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revise the twenty eighth risk factor, which is on page 29, to identify
each of the arrangement and agreements to which you refer, revise your
statement that they could impact you to identify and quantify specific
consequences to you and clarify that the audits to which you refer are
being conducted the Internal Revenue Service and disclose the years being
audited and the settlement of any audits; |
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revise the thirty first risk factor, which is on page 30, to quantify
the maximum number of shares that may be sold in comparison to the average
daily trading volume, and disclose the timing of the observations period to
which you refer in the second to last sentence; and |
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revise the thirty first risk factor, which is on page 30, to quantify
the original issue discount and the stated coupon rates of the convertible
notes. |
Response:
In response to the Staffs comment, we have carefully considered each element of the Staffs
comment and have prepared a substantially revised risk factors section that we intend to include in
our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, as shown in
the attached Exhibit A to this letter except to the extent that any such disclosures would
no longer be accurate due to changed circumstances.
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, page
35
Comment No. 7
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Please revise the Overview as follows: |
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revise the first paragraph to discuss the ramifications of your
dependence on the mortgage service segments for more than 75 percent of
your profits given the trends in the real estate industry; and |
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revise the second paragraph to identify the specific types of expenses
that you have reduced and plan to reduce. |
Response:
We intend to revise the Overview section included in Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, to discuss the ramifications of our dependence on
our Mortgage Production and Mortgage Servicing segments for a substantial portion of our profits
given the trends in the real estate industry, including the high degree of earnings volatility
resulting from our significant exposure to the real estate markets. We also intend to revise the
second paragraph of the
October 14, 2010
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Overview section to identify specific types of expenses that we have reduced and plan to reduce
in connection with our transformation initiatives.
Fleet Industry Trends, page 40
Comment No. 8
You disclose on page 41 that you have modified the lease pricing associated with
billings to the clients of your Fleet Management Services segment to correlate more
closely with your underlying cost of funds. Please tell us and revise future filings
to disclose the impact, if any, this modification of lease pricing is expected to
have on the segments future profitability and/or results of operations.
Response:
As disclosed on page 41 of our 2009 Form 10-K, we have worked to modify the lease pricing
associated with billings to the clients of our Fleet Management Services segment to correlate more
closely with our underlying costs of funds, which we believe is also reflective of revised pricing
throughout the fleet management industry. Overall, these efforts have had a positive impact on the
profitability of our Fleet Management Services segment. Although we presently expect that these
efforts will continue to benefit future periods, we do not presently expect that such benefits will
directly result in a material impact on the future profitability and/or results of operations of
our Fleet Management Services segment. Accordingly, we no longer believe this matter constitutes a
known material trend or uncertainty and we have not included any disclosure regarding this matter
in our First Quarter Form 10-Q or our Second Quarter Form 10-Q.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Mortgage Reinsurance, page 85
Comment No. 9
You disclose on page 85 that your liability for incurred but not reported losses
associated with your mortgage reinsurance activities was $108 million as of December
31, 2009. However, your table on page 86 indicates the maximum potential exposure to
reinsurance losses for loans originated in 2005 through 2007 was $142 million and
you expect cumulative losses for loans originated in these years will reach their
maximum potential exposure for each respective year. Therefore, please tell us and
revise your future filings to clarify why your liability for mortgage reinsurance
activities is less than the $142 million in expected losses for loans originated in
2005 through 2007.
Response:
In accordance with ASC 944-40-25-1, we record a liability for mortgage reinsurance losses when
losses attributable to reinsured loans are incurred and incurred but not reported.
Our mortgage reinsurance liability as of December 31, 2009, was $108 million and reflects our
estimate of incurred and incurred but not reported losses as of December 31, 2009, in accordance
with ASC 944-40-
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25-1. For loans originated in 2005 through 2007, based on current actuarial projections, we expect
future losses incurred throughout the remaining term of our respective reinsurance contracts will
eventually equal our maximum potential exposure to reinsurance losses of $142 million for such
loans.
ASC 944-40-25-1 requires that we accrue for incurred and incurred but not reported losses existing
as of the balance sheet date, rather than the maximum potential future exposure or expected future
reinsurance losses. Expected future losses and expected future premiums are considered in
determining whether or not an additional premium deficiency reserve is required. As of December
31, 2009, our liability of $108 million represents losses that have been incurred and incurred but
not reported. Based upon our estimates of expected future losses and expected future premiums, no
premium deficiency reserve was required.
We intend to revise our future filings beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, to clarify why our liability for mortgage reinsurance
losses is less than the $142 million in expected losses for loans originated in 2005 through 2007.
Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 11 Debt and Borrowing Arrangements, page 120
Comment No. 10
It appears from your disclosures on page 125 that the 2014 Sold Warrants and the
2012 Sold Warrants contain certain anti-dilution adjustments. Please tell us how you
considered the second criteria of ASC 815-40-15-7 as well as Examples 9 and 17 of
ASC 815-40-55 in determining equity classification for your 2014 Sold Warrants, 2012
Sold Warrants, 2012 Conversion Option and 2012 Purchased Option as of December 31,
2009. Please describe how you considered the second criteria of ASC 815-40-15-7
separately for each instrument.
Response:
The second criteria of ASC 815-40-15-7 requires the evaluation of the settlement provisions of the
instruments (or embedded feature) to determine whether an instrument or embedded feature shall be
considered indexed to an entitys own stock.
Set forth below is a summary of our analysis and conclusion as it relates to the second criteria of
ASC 815-40-15-7 with reference to Example 9 and Example 17 of ASC 815-40-55, where applicable, in
determining equity classification for our (A) 2014 Sold Warrants and 2012 Sold Warrants, (B) 2012
Conversion Option and (C) 2012 Purchased Options.
(A) 2014 Sold Warrants and 2012 Sold Warrants (the Sold Warrants)
Background
In connection with the sale of our 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (the 2014 Convertible
Notes), we sold warrants (the 2014 Sold Warrants) to purchase shares of our common stock with a
strike price of $34.74 per share which, in concert with the 2014 Purchased Options (as defined in
the
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2009 Form 10-K), generally have the effect of increasing the conversion price of the 2014
Convertible Notes to $34.74 per share.
In connection with the sale of our 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012 (the 2012 Convertible
Notes), we sold warrants (the 2012 Sold Warrants) to purchase shares of our common stock with a
strike price of $27.20 per share which, in concert with the 2012 Purchased Options (as defined in
the 2009 Form 10-K), generally have the effect of increasing the conversion price of the 2012
Convertible Notes to $27.20 per share.
Both the 2014 Sold Warrants and 2012 Sold Warrants were sold pursuant to agreements that, for
purposes relevant to our analysis and conclusions in determining equity classification, have
substantially the same anti-dilution provisions and, therefore, have been evaluated together for
purposes of this response.
Evaluation of Step 2 of ASC 815-40-15-7
In accordance with Step 2 of ASC 815-40-15-7, an equity linked instrument is considered to be
indexed to the reporting entitys stock if either of the following two conditions is met:
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The instrument is a fixed-for-fixed forward or option on equity shares, or |
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When the instruments strike price or number of shares used to
calculate the settlement amount is not fixed, the only variables that could
affect the instruments settlement amount are inputs used in the pricing (fair
value measurement) of a fixed-for-fixed forward or option on equity shares. |
For the Sold Warrants, the calculation of the settlement amount of the shares is based upon the
stock price at the date of exercise less the strike price of the instruments. We reviewed the
potential settlement adjustments of the Sold Warrants to determine whether or not the Sold Warrants
would be considered indexed to our stock based on the two conditions above. We noted that the
strike price or number of shares could change based upon the occurrence of certain events,
including the issuance of a dividend or the issuance or sale of shares related to a merger or
acquisition. Therefore, we evaluated whether or not these variables that could affect the
settlement amount are inputs used in the pricing (fair value measurement) of a fixed-for-fixed
forward or option on equity shares.
ASC 815-40-15-7G provides various assumptions that are implicit in standard pricing models for
equity-linked financial instruments. For example, the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model
assumes that the underlying shares can be sold short without transaction costs and that stock
prices will be continuous. Accordingly, for purposes of applying Step 2, fair value inputs include
adjustments to neutralize the effects of events that can cause stock price discontinuities.
Analysis
In reviewing the potential settlement adjustments for the Sold Warrants, we concluded that the
settlement adjustments were designed to adjust the terms of the instrument to offset the net gain
or loss resulting from an event that is potentially dilutive to the value of the Sold Warrants such
as a dividend, merger announcement, or other related activity. A standard pricing model would have
an implicit assumption that
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the settlement provisions of the Sold Warrants would be adjusted for these types of activities such
that the position could be hedged without undue transaction costs. Therefore, the valuation of the
Sold Warrants would only be subject to ordinary market price changes in our underlying stock.
Consideration of Example 9 and Example 17
In Example 9, the strike price was reset based upon an entity selling or issuing shares at a
then-current market price that is below the current strike price. Since the issuance or sale of
shares for an amount equal to the then-current market price of those shares would not dilute the
holders of outstanding shares and equity-linked instruments, it would not be considered a fair
value input of a fixed-for-fixed option or forward contract on equity shares and, therefore, would
not be considered indexed to the entitys own stock. In the case of the Sold Warrants, the
provisions only adjust the settlement calculation to offset any net gain or loss resulting from an
event that is potentially dilutive to the value of the Sold Warrants. Therefore, Example 9 would
not be applicable to the Sold Warrants.
Example 17 is similar to the Sold Warrants in that the only adjustments to the settlement
calculation are adjustments to offset any net gain or loss that was a direct effect of the dilutive
event. Thus, the conclusion in Example 17 supports our conclusion that the Sold Warrants are
indexed to our common stock.
Conclusion
Since the potential settlement adjustments for the Sold Warrants would be considered fair value
inputs in a fixed-for-fixed forward or option on equity shares, the Sold Warrants are considered to
be indexed to our stock.
(B) 2012 Conversion Option
Background
The 2012 Convertible Notes provide each holder thereof with the option of converting (the 2012
Conversion Option) such notes into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of
approximately $20.50 per share.
The 2012 Convertible Notes Indenture pursuant to which the 2012 Convertible Notes were issued
includes certain anti-dilution provisions similar to the Sold Warrants that may result in an
adjustment to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the 2012 Convertible Notes Indenture).
Evaluation of Step 2 of ASC 815-40-15-7
We reviewed the potential settlement adjustments of the 2012 Conversion Option and noted that they
were substantially the same as discussed above related to the Sold Warrants and were designed to
adjust the terms of the 2012 Conversion Option to offset the net gain or loss resulting from a
dividend, merger announcement, or other related activity that could be dilutive to the value of the
2012 Conversion Option. Since the evaluation of the settlement provisions for the 2012 Conversion
Option is similar to the analysis for the Sold Warrants, please refer to the discussion above for
the Sold Warrants.
October 14, 2010
Page 13
Conclusion
Since the potential settlement adjustments for the 2012 Conversion Option would be considered fair
value inputs in a fixed-for-fixed forward or option on equity shares, the 2012 Conversion Option is
considered to be indexed to our stock.
(C) 2012 Purchased Options
Background
We purchased the 2012 Purchased Options with an exercise price equal to the initial conversion
price of the 2012 Convertible Notes (or approximately $20.50 per common share) in a quantity
equal to the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the 2012 Convertible Notes.
Evaluation of Step 2 of ASC 815-40-15-7
We reviewed the potential settlement adjustments of the 2012 Purchased Options and noted that any
settlement adjustments to the strike price, number of units, or any other variable are made to
mirror any adjustments made under the 2012 Conversion Option. Since the 2012 Purchased Options
have substantially the same settlement adjustments as the 2012 Conversion Option and Sold Warrants,
please refer to the discussion above for the Sold Warrants.
Conclusion
Since the potential settlement adjustments for the 2012 Purchased Options would be considered fair
value inputs in a fixed-for-fixed forward or option on equity shares, the 2012 Purchased Options
are considered to be indexed to our stock.
Note 14 Commitments and Contingencies Loan Recourse, page 133
Comment No. 11
We note your disclosure that you sell a majority of your loans on a non-recourse
basis. We also note your disclosure that you provide representations and warranties
to purchasers and insurers of the loans sold and may be required to repurchase a
mortgage loan or indemnify the purchaser, and any subsequent loss on the mortgage
loan may have to be borne by you. Please tell us and revise your future filings to
address the following for your representations and warranties exposure:
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If you have a liability related to your representations and warranties,
and if so, quantify the amount as of each period end; |
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Disclose the level of significant unresolved claims existing at the
balance sheet dates by claimant (purchaser, insurer, other) and loan type
(prime, subprime, Alt-A, etc.); |
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Whether, as part of your estimation of your accrued liability, you are
only considering currently impaired loans that have been sold or if you
consider all loans sold, including currently performing loans. If the
former, tell us how you are satisfied that all incurred losses have been
appropriately accrued for; |
October 14, 2010
Page 14
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If you are aware of any pending or threatened litigation initiated by
investors or purchasers of mortgage-backed securities, including but not
limited to claims alleging breaches of representations and warranties on
the underlying loan sales. If so, revise your disclosure in future filings
to provide the disclosures required by ASC 450-20-50 as it relates to this
loss contingency and advise us as to any amounts accrued; |
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Whether the claims resulting are arising in greater part due to loans
sourced from brokers or other mortgage companies and explain how this is
factored into the estimation of your accrued liability; and |
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Address any trends or differences in your exposure to repurchase
requests relative to others in your industry. |
Response:
The following table presents a trend of our liability for loan repurchases and indemnifications
(which includes potential claims from alleged breaches of representations and warranties) for the
periods indicated:
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(in millions) |
June 30, |
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March 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
2010 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
$ 68
|
|
$60
|
|
$51
|
|
$32 |
The following table presents a summary of our outstanding loan repurchase and indemnification
claims by claimant as of June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009:
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Unpaid Principal Balance of Loans Subject to |
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June 30, |
|
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December 31, |
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Loan Repurchase and Indemnification Claims: |
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2010 |
|
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2009 |
|
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(In millions) |
|
Investor Requests: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims pending (1) |
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
Claims appealed (2) |
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Claims open to review (3) |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investor requests |
|
|
92 |
|
|
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71 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Insurer Requests: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Claims pending (1) |
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|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
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Claims appealed (2) |
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11 |
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7 |
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Claims open to review (3) |
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11 |
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12 |
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Total insurer requests |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total outstanding loan repurchase and
indemnification claims |
|
$ |
115 |
|
|
$ |
92 |
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|
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(1) |
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Loans in claim pending status above represent loans that have completed the review
process where we have agreed with the representation and warranty breach and
repurchases are pending final execution. |
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(2) |
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Loans in appealed status above represent loans that have completed the review
process where we have disagreed with the representation and warranty breach and a
response from the claimant is pending. Based on claims received and appealed between
June 30, 2009, and June 30, 2010, that have been resolved, we were successful in
refuting over 90% of such claims. |
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(3) |
|
Loans in open to review status above represent loans where we have not
completed our review process. We appealed approximately 65% of claims received between
June 30, 2009, and June 30, 2010. |
October 14, 2010
Page 15
Substantially all of our historical originations have been prime mortgage loans. Less than 6%
of our claims over the past 12 months related to specialty products which would include Alt-A
originations. Accordingly, we do not believe that disclosure of our loan repurchase and
indemnification claims by product enhances investor understanding or is material. As a result, we
intend to revise our future filings beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, to disclose outstanding loan repurchase and
indemnification claims by claimant, including investors and insurers.
As part of our estimation of our loan repurchase and indemnification liability, we consider all
loans that were originated or are serviced by us, including both performing and non-performing
loans.
We are not presently aware of any pending litigation in which we are a named defendant, or
litigation threatened against us, by investors or purchasers of mortgage-backed securities. We are
also not aware of any loan repurchase and indemnification claims other than the unresolved loan
repurchase and indemnification claims described above. Therefore, we have no amounts accrued for
any such loss contingencies separate from our loan repurchase and indemnification liability
referenced above.
We have not experienced a materially greater incidence of claims arising from loans sourced from
brokers or other mortgage companies. The estimation of our loan repurchase and indemnification
liability is based upon projected loan repurchase and indemnification claims from all sources. In
estimating our loan repurchase and indemnification liability, the source of the loan origination is
not a factor that we currently consider.
We included a discussion of loan repurchase and indemnification trends on page 38 of our 2009 Form
10-K. Our loan repurchase and indemnification losses have increased as delinquencies in our
mortgage servicing portfolio have increased and home prices have declined. Industry data indicates
that our overall mortgage servicing portfolio has a lower percentage of delinquent loans on average
than our industry peers. Accordingly, although we would anticipate that our lower percentage of
loan delinquencies in our mortgage servicing portfolio relative to our peers would result in lower
loan repurchase and indemnification claims and losses relative to our peers, we are not aware of
specific loan repurchase and indemnification data for our peers that are publicly available and
readily accessible and, accordingly, we do not monitor such data.
We intend to revise our future filings beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, to provide additional detail regarding our loan
repurchase and indemnification exposure, including disclosure of any material outstanding loan
repurchase and indemnification claims existing as of the applicable balance sheet date.
Comment No. 12
So that we may better understand how your exposure to loan recourse has changed from
prior periods, please quantify for us your liability for probable losses related to
your recourse exposure as of December 31, 2008 and at the end of each interim
reporting period in 2010. In future filings, please quantify these amounts for all
balance sheet periods presented.
October 14, 2010
Page 16
Response:
Our recourse exposure arises from loan repurchase and indemnification claims. As of December 31,
2008, and each interim reporting period through June 30, 2010, our loan repurchase and
indemnification liability was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
June 30, |
|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
2010 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
$68
|
|
$60
|
|
$51
|
|
$32 |
We intend to revise our future filings beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, to separately disclose our loan repurchase and
indemnification liability as of each balance sheet date presented.
Comment No. 13
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With respect to your loans sold with specific recourse, please tell us and revise
your future filings to explain the following: |
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How you determine the amount of liability appropriate to cover your
exposure to probable losses on loans sold with specific recourse for which
a breach of representation or warranty provisions were identified
subsequent to sale. In particular, please describe the factors you
consider, including the value of any underlying collateral, and how often
you update your assessment of collateral values, if applicable. |
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The average length of time between when you sell a loan with recourse
and when you become aware of a breach of representation or warranty
provisions after the sale; and |
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Any limitations on the time period during which a purchaser of mortgage
loans must notify you of a breach of representation or warranty before you
are no longer obligated to assume recourse; |
Response:
As noted in our response to Comment 11 above, we consider all loans that were originated or are
serviced by us, including both performing and non-performing loans, as part of our estimation of
our loan repurchase and indemnification liability. When we have determined that a loss is probable
on a non-performing loan in which we have the risk of loss (either through retained recourse or an
identified representation and warranty violation), we estimate the liability at the loan level
based upon the current loss exposure considering the current carrying value of the loan and the
estimated current value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell. The value of the
underlying collateral is based upon broker price opinions that are updated at least every six
months.
Our loan repurchase and indemnification liability related to estimated loan repurchase and
indemnification obligations is based upon an estimate of probable loan repurchase and
indemnification losses. In deriving this estimate, we utilize our historical loan repurchase and
indemnification claim experience, considering current trends, segregated by year of origination.
An estimated loss severity is applied to
October 14, 2010
Page 17
probable loan repurchases and indemnifications in calculating our estimated loan repurchase and
indemnification liability.
We generally are not notified of a loan repurchase or indemnification claim until after the
borrower has defaulted on the underlying loan. Accordingly, the average length of time between
when a loan is originated and when we are notified of any loan repurchase or indemnification claim
associated with such loan will vary widely from loan to loan depending on borrower behavior. As
our exposure for loan repurchase and indemnification claims generally continues for the life of
each underlying loan, we do not measure the average length of time between when a loan is
originated and when we are notified of a loan repurchase or indemnification claim.
Previously, we had a program in which we retained risk of loss on loans sold for the first 18
months. This program, however, has been discontinued. Any risk of loss presently borne by us in
respect of loans sold under this program is immaterial. Other than applicable statute of
limitations or express contractual provisions to the contrary, there is generally no time limit
within which an investor may assert a loan repurchase or indemnification claim.
We intend to revise our future filings beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, to expand our disclosures of our loan repurchase and
indemnification exposures and related reserve estimates.
Note 14 Commitments and Contingencies Mortgage Reinsurance, page 133
Comment No. 14
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Please tell us and revise your future filings to explain the following about your
mortgage reinsurance activities: |
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|
How you determine the amount of liability appropriate to cover your exposure to
mortgage reinsurance losses. In particular, please describe the factors you
consider, including the value of any underlying collateral, and how often you
update your assessment of collateral values, if applicable. |
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|
The average age of the loans for which you have realized reinsurance losses
during 2009; and |
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How you determine the dollar amount of securities to be held in trust as of each
reporting period related to this potential obligation. |
Response:
Our mortgage reinsurance liability is determined based upon an actuarial analysis of our loans
subject to mortgage reinsurance that considers current and projected delinquency rates, home prices
and the credit characteristics of the underlying loans, including FICO score and loan-to-value
ratios. Our actuarial analysis is updated on a quarterly basis and considers current economic
trends and the related impact on the housing market to estimate incurred losses in our mortgage
reinsurance portfolio at the end of each reporting period. Based on these factors, the actuarial
analysis projects the future reinsurance losses over the term of the reinsurance contract and
provides an estimated reserve for incurred and incurred but not reported losses as of the end of
each reporting period. In addition to the actuarial analysis, we also
October 14, 2010
Page 18
evaluate the incurred and incurred but not reported losses provided by the primary mortgage
insurance companies for loans subject to mortgage reinsurance to assess the adequacy of the
actuarial-based reserve. For additional information concerning our mortgage reinsurance liability,
please refer to our response to Comment 9 above.
Realized losses for the year ended December 31, 2009, included losses paid pursuant to our
reinsurance contracts as well as losses related to the commutation of two reinsurance agreements.
The entire amount of realized losses paid pursuant to our reinsurance contracts in 2009 related to
loans originated during 2006.
The dollar amount of securities held in trust as of each reporting period is contractually
specified in the underlying reinsurance agreements based on the original risk in force and the
amount of incurred losses to date.
We intend to revise our future filings beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 2010 to include additional disclosures concerning our mortgage
reinsurance liability.
SCHEDULE 14A
Board of Directors, page 7
Comment No. 15
|
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|
Please provide to us and undertake to include in your future filings, revision of
this section to comply with the requirements of Items 401(e)(1) of Regulation S-K by
providing more detail regarding the experience of Mr. Selitto, your President and
CEO, at Ellie Mae including his positions and dates of service as well as a brief
description of Ellie Mae. In addition, provide more detail regarding his experience
and role at Deep Green including the year in which it originated over $5 billion in
home equity loans, the amount of revenues in that year and whether it was a public
company at the time. Please identify Mr. Egan as your Chairman. |
Response:
We intend to revise our disclosures regarding the experience of Mr. Selitto beginning with our
Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders as reflected in Exhibit B
attached to this letter except to the extent that any such disclosures would no longer be accurate
due to changed circumstances.
We intend to revise our disclosures regarding the experience of Mr. James O. Egan under the section
captioned Board of Directors beginning with our Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to indicate that Mr. Egan currently serves as our non-executive Chairman of the Board.
October 14, 2010
Page 19
Director Compensation, page 19
Comment No. 16
|
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|
Please provide disclosure regarding your processes and procedures for considering,
and determining compensation for your directors, as required by Item 407(e)(3).
Revise your disclosure to disclose the role of your CEO and other executive officers
in determining or recommending the amount or form of director compensation as
required by Item 407(e)(3)(ii). In addition, please revise the third paragraph to
reconcile your disclosure of director compensation with the Director Compensation
Table on page 20 which shows compensation less than the amount in the table. In
addition, revise the fourth paragraph to reconcile your disclosure that you grant
restricted stock units worth $60,000 to each non-employee director with the Director
Compensation Table on page 20 which shows stock awards well in excess of $60,000. |
Response:
Except to the extent that any such disclosures would no longer be accurate due to changed
circumstances, we intend to revise our future filings beginning with our Proxy Statement for our
2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to:
|
|
|
Include expanded disclosure regarding our processes and procedures for
considering and determining compensation for our directors, as required by Item
407(e)(3) of Regulation S-K, consistent with our recent disclosures in our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 20, 2010, concerning changes
in the amount and form of our non-employee director compensation, and taking into
account our Human Capital and Compensation Committee Charter that was amended on
July 29, 2010, to, among other things, provide such Committee with the authority to
review and make recommendations to our Board of Directors as to the amount and form
of compensation paid to our non-employee directors; and |
|
|
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|
Include an explicit statement that none of our executive officers played a role
in determining or recommending the amount or form of director compensation. |
We acknowledge the Staffs comment to revise our disclosure in the third paragraph under the
section captioned Director Compensation in the Proxy Statement to reconcile our disclosure of
director compensation with the Director Compensation Table on page 20 of the Proxy Statement, which
shows compensation less than the amount in the Director Compensation Table on page 20 of the Proxy
Statement. As disclosed in the footnotes to the Director Compensation Table appearing on page 20
of the Proxy Statement, Messrs. A.B. Krongard, Allan Z. Loren, Gregory J. Parseghian and Francis J.
Van Kirk did not serve on our Board of Directors for the full year ended December 31, 2009, and
received the director compensation disclosed in the Proxy Statement under the third paragraph of
the section captioned Director Compensation, pro rated based upon the portion of each calendar
quarter that such individual actually served on our Board of Directors during the year. We intend
to revise our disclosures regarding the payment practices for director compensation appearing under
the section captioned Director Compensation beginning with our Proxy Statement for our 2011
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to state our practice to pro rate non-employee director compensation
for the portion of each
October 14, 2010
Page 20
calendar quarter on which an individual director actually serves as a non-employee director on our
Board of Directors. We also intend to revise the Director Compensation Table beginning with our
Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to include footnote disclosure
regarding, as applicable, a directors service as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
or as a chair or member of a committee of the Board of Directors and, if a director did not serve
in such position for the entire year, the date such directors service as Non-Executive Chairman of
the Board of Directors or as a chair or member of a committee of the Board of Directors commenced
or ended.
We acknowledge the Staffs comment to revise the fourth paragraph to reconcile our disclosure in
the fourth paragraph under the section captioned Director Compensation regarding our practice to
grant restricted stock units worth $60,000 to each non-employee director with the Director
Compensation Table on page 20 which shows stock awards well in excess of $60,000. We note that our
disclosures in the fourth paragraph appearing under the section captioned Director Compensation
in the Proxy Statement describes a one-time grant of restricted stock units with an aggregate grant
date fair value of approximately $60,000 at the end of the first calendar quarter following the
date that a non-employee director first commences service as a member of our Board of Directors.
Messrs. James O. Egan, Allan Loren and Gregory Parseghian each began their service as a
non-employee director on our Board of Directors in 2009 and were our only non-employee directors to
receive these one-time grants of restricted stock units during 2009. In addition, as disclosed in
the fifth paragraph under the section captioned Director Compensation in the Proxy Statement,
non-employee director compensation (other than the initial, one-time grants of restricted stock
units to new directors) paid during 2009 was paid half in restricted stock units that are granted
under the PHH Corporation Amended and Restated 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan and the remaining
half in cash. Accordingly, the stock awards granted to Messrs. Egan, Loren, and Parseghian in
excess of $60,000 in 2009, and all of the restricted stock unit awards granted to Messrs. Brinkley,
Mariner and Van Kirk and Ms. Logan in 2009, each as reflected in the Director Compensation Table,
represent the portion of their respective non-employee director compensation paid in restricted
stock units pursuant to the payment practices for non-employee directors disclosed in the Proxy
Statement. As disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 20,
2010, our Board of Directors has eliminated the one-time $60,000 initial grant of restricted stock
units for non-employee directors that first commence service on our Board of Directors after August
18, 2010.
As disclosed in paragraph 7 under the section captioned Director Compensation in the Proxy
Statement, non-employee directors are also entitled to defer all or any portion of the cash portion
of their director compensation pursuant to the PHH Corporation Non-Employee Directors Deferred
Compensation Plan. If any cash compensation is deferred, a non-employee director is credited with
additional restricted stock units with a fair market value equal to the value of the cash
compensation that such non-employee director elected to defer. As noted in footnote 4 to the
Director Compensation Table appearing in the Proxy Statement, Mr. A.B. Krongard elected to defer
$29,128.85 of his director compensation pursuant to the PHH Corporation Non-Employee Directors
Deferred Compensation Plan. The balance of the stock awards granted to Mr. Krongard in 2009
reflected the portion of his non-employee director compensation paid in restricted stock units
pursuant to our payment practices for non-employee director compensation disclosed in the Proxy
Statement.
October 14, 2010
Page 21
Nominating Process and Qualification for Director Nominees, page 16
Comment No. 17
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|
Please provide to us and undertake to include in your future filings, revision of
the first paragraph of this section to comply with the requirements of Item
407(c)(2) including, but not limited to, the following: |
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|
describe any specific minimum qualifications that a nominee must have
to be recommended by the Corporate Governance Committee including specific
qualities or skills, as required by Item 407(c)(2)(v); |
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|
describe the process for identifying nominees for director, as required
by Item 407(c)(2)(vi); and |
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|
describe how the Corporate Governance Committee considers diversity
in identifying nominees for director, as required by Item 407(c)(2)(vi). |
Response:
We intend to revise our disclosures regarding our nominating process and the qualifications for
director nominees beginning with our Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders as
reflected in Exhibit C attached to this letter except to the extent that any such
disclosures would no longer be accurate due to changed circumstances.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis, page 24
Comment No. 18
|
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|
Please provide to us and undertake to include in your future filings, |
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|
|
revise the section entitled Role of Management in Executive
Compensation Decisions to replace the general disclosure with specific
disclosure consistent with Item 402(b)(xv) and Item 407(e)(3)(ii) that
indicates the actual role that your Chief Executive Officer and other
executive officers played in determining or recommending the amount or
form of executive and director compensation including whether the CEO made
recommendations as to his own compensation and disclosure of what the
Compensation Committee actually did with the CEOs recommendations
regarding the amount and form of compensation for any of the executive
officers; and |
|
|
|
|
revise the section entitled Executive Compensation Consultants, on
page 26, to discuss the role played by your Chairman, Mr. Egan (who
previously was a partner at PWC for fourteen years) in selecting PWC to
provide services to you to assist in determining compensation for both
executives and directors and the extent to which the Board considered his
relationship with PWC. |
Response:
We intend to revise our disclosures appearing in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section
under the caption Role of Management in Executive Compensation Decisions beginning with our Proxy
Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders as reflected in Exhibit D attached to
this letter
October 14, 2010
Page 22
except to the extent that any such disclosures would no longer be accurate due to changed
circumstances.
We also intend to revise our disclosures appearing in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
section under the caption Executive Compensation Consultants beginning with our Proxy Statement
for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders as reflected in Exhibit E attached to this
letter except to the extent that any such disclosures would no longer be accurate due to changed
circumstances.
* * *
Pursuant to the Staffs request, we hereby acknowledge that:
|
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|
we are responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the disclosure in our filings with
the Commission; |
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Staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to Staff comments do not foreclose
the Commission from taking any action with respect to our filings with the Commission; and |
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we may not assert Staff comments as a defense in any proceeding initiated by the
Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United States. |
Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. We hope that the foregoing responses
address the issues raised in the Comment Letter and would be happy to discuss with you any
remaining questions or concerns that you may have. Please contact Bill Brown at 856-917-0903
should you have any questions concerning this letter or require further information.
Very truly yours,

Jerome J. Selitto
President and Chief Executive Officer
Attachment
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cc:
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William F. Brown, Esq. |
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J. Christopher Clifton, Esq. |
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Wm. David Chalk, Esq. |
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Penny J. Minna, Esq. |
EXHIBIT A
Risks Related to our Company
The businesses in which we engage are complex and heavily regulated, and changes in the
regulatory environment affecting our businesses could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our Mortgage Production and Mortgage Servicing segments are subject to numerous federal, state
and local laws and regulations and may be subject to various judicial and administrative decisions
imposing various requirements and restrictions on our business. These laws, regulations and
judicial and administrative decisions to which our Mortgage Production and Mortgage Servicing
segments are subject include those pertaining to: real estate settlement procedures; fair lending;
fair credit reporting; truth in lending; compliance with net worth and financial statement delivery
requirements; compliance with federal and state disclosure and licensing requirements; the
establishment of maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges; secured transactions;
collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims-handling procedures; other trade practices and
privacy regulations providing for the use and safeguarding of non-public personal financial
information of borrowers and guidance on non-traditional mortgage loans issued by the federal
financial regulatory agencies. By agreement with our financial institution clients, we are required
to comply with additional requirements that our clients may be subject to through their regulators.
During the third quarter of 2010, several of our mortgage servicing competitors announced the
suspension of foreclosure proceedings in various judicial foreclosure states due to concerns
associated with the preparation and execution of affidavits used in connection with foreclosure
proceedings in such states. In addition, at least one such competitor has announced the temporary
suspension of foreclosure proceedings in all 50 states while it reviews its foreclosure procedures.
Due, in part, to these announcements, we have received inquiries from regulators and attorneys
general of certain states requesting information as to our foreclosure processes and procedures.
Additionally, various inquiries and investigations of, and legal proceedings against, certain of
our competitors have been initiated by attorneys general of certain states and the U.S. Department
of Justice, and certain title insurance companies have announced that they will suspend issuing
title insurance policies on properties that have been foreclosed upon by such firms. While we are
continuing to monitor these developments, these developments could result in new legislation and
regulations that could materially and adversely affect the manner in which we conduct our mortgage
servicing business, heightened federal or state regulation and oversight of our mortgage servicing
activities, increased costs and potential litigation associated with our mortgage servicing
business and foreclosure related activities, and a temporary decline in home purchase loan
originations in our mortgage production business due to the heightened number of distressed
property sales that have recently characterized existing home sales.
Further, some local and state governmental authorities have taken, and others are
contemplating taking, regulatory action to require increased loss mitigation outreach for
borrowers, including the imposition of waiting periods prior to the filing of notices of default
and the completion of foreclosure sales and, in some cases, moratoriums on foreclosures altogether.
Such regulatory changes in the foreclosure process could increase mortgage servicing costs and
could reduce the ultimate proceeds received on the resale of foreclosed properties if real estate
values continue to decline. In such event, these changes would also have a negative impact on our
liquidity as we may be required to repurchase loans without the ability to sell the underlying
property on a timely basis.
Additionally, on July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law for the express purpose
of further regulating the financial services industry, including mortgage origination, sales, and
securitization. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the operation and practices of
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and require sponsors of securitizations to retain a portion of the
economic interest in the credit risk associated with the assets securitized by them. Federal
regulators have been authorized to provide exceptions to the risk retention requirements for
certain qualified mortgages and mortgages meeting certain underwriting standards prescribed in
such regulations. It is unclear whether future
Exhibit A-1
regulations related to the definition of qualified mortgages will include the types of
conforming mortgage loans we typically sell into GSE-sponsored mortgage-backed securities. If the
mortgage loans we typically sell into GSE-sponsored mortgage-backed securities do not meet the
definition of a qualified mortgage, then the GSEs may be required to retain a portion of the risk
of assets they securitize, which may in turn substantially reduce or eliminate the GSEs ability to
issue mortgage-backed securities. Substantial reduction in, or the elimination of, GSE demand for
the mortgage loans we originate would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows since we sell substantially all of our loans
pursuant to GSE sponsored programs. It is also unclear what effect future laws or regulations may
have on the ability of the GSEs to issue mortgage-backed securities and it is not currently
possible to determine what changes, if any, Congress may make to the structure of the GSEs.
The Dodd-Frank Act also establishes an independent federal bureau of consumer financial
protection to enforce laws involving consumer financial products and services, including mortgage
finance. The bureau is empowered with examination and enforcement authority. The Dodd-Frank Act
also establishes new standards and practices for mortgage originators, including determining a
prospective borrowers ability to repay their mortgage, removing incentives for higher cost
mortgages, prohibiting prepayment penalties for non-qualified mortgages, prohibiting mandatory
arbitration clauses, requiring additional disclosures to potential borrowers and restricting the
fees that mortgage originators may collect. In addition, our ability to enter into future ABS
transactions may be impacted by the Dodd-Frank Act and other proposed reforms related thereto, the
effect of which on the ABS market is currently uncertain. While we are continuing to evaluate all
aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act, such legislation and regulations promulgated pursuant to such
legislation could materially and adversely affect the manner in which we conduct our businesses,
result in heightened federal regulation and oversight of our business activities, and result in
increased costs and potential litigation associated with our business activities.
Our failure to comply with the laws, rules or regulations to which we are subject, whether
actual or alleged, would expose us to fines, penalties or potential litigation liabilities,
including costs, settlements and judgments, any of which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The industries in which we operate are highly competitive and, if we fail to meet the
competitive challenges in our industries, it would have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We operate in highly competitive industries that could become even more competitive as a
result of economic, legislative, regulatory or technological changes. Competition for mortgage
loan originations comes primarily from commercial banks and savings institutions. Many of our
competitors for mortgage loan originations that are commercial banks or savings institutions
typically have access to greater financial resources, have lower funding costs, and are less
reliant than we are on the sale of mortgage loans into the secondary markets to maintain their
liquidity, and may be able to participate in government programs that we are unable to participate
in because we are not a state or federally chartered depository institution, all of which places us
at a competitive disadvantage. The advantages of our largest competitors include, but are not
limited to, their ability to hold new mortgage loan originations in an investment portfolio and
have access to lower rate bank deposits as a source of liquidity. Additionally, more restrictive
loan underwriting standards and the widespread elimination of Alt-A and subprime mortgage products
throughout the industry have resulted in a more homogenous product offering, which has increased
competition across the industry for mortgage originations.
The fleet management industry in which we operate is also highly competitive. We compete
against large national competitors, such as GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services, Wheels, Inc.,
Automotive Resources International, Lease Plan International and other local and regional
competitors, including numerous competitors who focus on one or two products. Growth in our Fleet
Management Services segment is driven principally by increased market share in fleets greater than
75 units and increased fee-based services. Competitive pressures in the Fleet Management industry
resulting in a decrease in our market share or lower prices would adversely affect our revenues and
results of operations.
Exhibit A-2
We are substantially dependent upon our secured and unsecured funding arrangements, including
our unsecured credit facilities and other unsecured debt, as well as our secured funding
arrangements, including issuances of asset-backed securities, short-term mortgage repurchase
facilities and other secured credit facilities. If any of our funding arrangements are terminated,
not renewed or otherwise become unavailable to us, we may be unable to find replacement financing
on economically viable terms, if at all, which would have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We are substantially dependent upon various sources of funding, including unsecured
credit facilities and other unsecured debt, as well as secured funding arrangements, including
asset-backed securities, mortgage repurchase facilities and other secured credit facilities to fund
mortgage loans and vehicle acquisitions, a significant portion of which is short-term in nature.
Our access to both the secured and unsecured credit markets is subject to prevailing market
conditions. Renewal of our existing series of, or the issuance of new series of, vehicle lease
asset-backed notes on terms acceptable to us or our ability to enter into alternative vehicle
management asset-backed debt arrangements could be adversely affected in the event of: (i) the
deterioration in the quality of the assets underlying the asset-backed debt arrangement;
(ii) increased costs associated with accessing or our inability to access the asset-backed debt
market; (iii) termination of our role as servicer of the underlying lease assets in the event that
we default in the performance of our servicing obligations or we declare bankruptcy or become
insolvent or (iv) our failure to maintain a sufficient level of eligible assets or credit
enhancements, including collateral intended to provide for any differential between variable-rate
lease revenues and the underlying variable-rate debt costs. In addition, our access to and our
ability to renew our existing mortgage asset-backed debt could suffer in the event of: (i) the
deterioration in the performance of the mortgage loans underlying the asset-backed debt
arrangement; (ii) our failure to maintain sufficient levels of eligible assets or credit
enhancements; (iii) increased costs associated with accessing or our inability to access the
mortgage asset-backed debt market; (iv) our inability to access the secondary market for mortgage
loans or (v) termination of our role as servicer of the underlying mortgage assets in the event
that (a) we default in the performance of our servicing obligations or (b) we declare bankruptcy or
become insolvent.
Certain of our debt arrangements require us to comply with certain financial covenants
and other affirmative and restrictive covenants, including requirements to post additional
collateral or to fund assets that become ineligible under our secured funding arrangements. An
uncured default of one or more of these covenants would result in a cross-default between and
amongst our various debt arrangements. Consequently, an uncured default under any of our debt
arrangements that is not waived by our lenders and that results in an acceleration of amounts
payable to our lenders or the termination of credit facilities would materially and adversely
impact our liquidity, could force us to sell assets at below market prices to repay our
indebtedness, and could force us to seek relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, all of which would
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash
flows. See Note 9, Debt and Borrowing Arrangements in the accompanying Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt arrangements and
related financial covenants and other affirmative and restrictive covenants.
If any of our credit facilities are terminated, including as a result of our breach, or
are not renewed or if conditions in the credit markets worsen dramatically and it is not possible
or economical for us to complete the sale or securitization of our originated mortgage loans or
vehicle leases, we may be unable to find replacement financing on commercially favorable terms, if
at all, which could prevent us from originating new mortgage loans or vehicle leases, reduce our
revenues attributable to such activities, or require us to sell assets at below market prices, all
of which would have a material adverse effect on our overall business and consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows.
Adverse developments in the secondary mortgage market have had, and in the future could have,
a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash
flows.
Exhibit A-3
We historically have relied on selling or securitizing our mortgage loans into the
secondary market in order to generate liquidity to fund maturities of our indebtedness, the
origination and warehousing of mortgage loans, the retention of mortgage servicing rights and for
general working capital purposes. We bear the risk of being unable to sell or securitize our
mortgage loans at advantageous times and prices or in a timely manner. Demand in the secondary
market and our ability to complete the sale or securitization of our mortgage loans depends on a
number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including general economic conditions,
general conditions in the banking system, the willingness of lenders to provide funding for
mortgage loans, the willingness of investors to purchase mortgage loans and mortgage-backed
securities and changes in regulatory requirements. If it is not possible or economical for us to
complete the sale or securitization of certain of our mortgage loans held for sale, we may lack
liquidity under our mortgage financing facilities to continue to fund such mortgage loans and our
revenues and margins on new loan originations would be materially and negatively impacted, which
would materially and negatively impact our Net revenues and Segment profit (loss) of our Mortgage
Production segment and also have a material adverse effect on our overall business and our
consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The severity of the impact
would be most significant to the extent we were unable to sell conforming mortgage loans to the
GSEs or securitize such loans pursuant to GSE sponsored programs.
Our senior unsecured long-term debt ratings are below investment grade and, as a result,
we may be limited in our ability to obtain or renew financing on economically viable terms or at
all.
Our senior unsecured long-term debt ratings are below investment grade due, in part, to
substantial losses incurred in 2008 and high volatility in our earnings, our reliance on short-term
secured funding arrangements to finance a substantial portion of our assets, our limited ability to
access the credit markets during the height of the recent global credit crisis, and broader
economic trends. As a result of our senior unsecured long-term debt credit ratings being below
investment grade, our access to the public debt markets may be severely limited in comparison to
the ability of investment grade issuers to access such markets. We may be required to rely on
alternative financing, such as bank lines and private debt placements and pledge otherwise
unencumbered assets. There can be no assurances that we would be able to find such alternative
financing on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Furthermore, we may be unable to renew all of our
existing bank credit commitments beyond the then-existing maturity dates. As a consequence, our
cost of financing could rise significantly, thereby negatively impacting our ability to finance our
mortgage loans held for sale, mortgage servicing rights and net investment in fleet leases. Any of
the foregoing would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
There can be no assurances that our credit rating by the primary ratings agencies
reflects all of the risks of an investment in our Common stock or our debt securities. Our credit
ratings are an assessment by the rating agency of our ability to pay our obligations. Actual or
anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our Common
stock and our debt securities. Our credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of
risks related to market conditions generally or other factors on the market value of, or trading
market for, our Common stock or our debt securities.
We are highly dependent upon programs administered by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae
to generate revenues through mortgage loan sales to institutional investors in the form of
mortgage-backed securities and for our mortgage servicing business. Changes in existing U.S.
government-sponsored mortgage programs or servicing eligibility standards could materially and
adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our ability to generate revenues through mortgage loan sales to institutional investors in the
form of mortgage-backed securities depends to a significant degree on programs administered by
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and others that facilitate the issuance of mortgage-backed
securities in the secondary market. These entities play a powerful role in the residential
mortgage industry, and we have significant business relationships with them. During 2009, 95% of
our mortgage loan sales were sold to, or were sold pursuant to programs sponsored by, Fannie Mae,
Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. We also derive other material financial benefits from our relationships
with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie
Exhibit A-4
Mae, including the assumption of credit risk by these entities on loans included in
mortgage-backed securities in exchange for our payment of guarantee fees, the ability to avoid
certain loan inventory finance costs through streamlined loan funding and sale procedures and the
use of uncommitted mortgage repurchase facilities with Fannie Mae pursuant to which, as of December
31, 2009, we had total uncommitted capacity of $3.0 billion. Any discontinuation of, or significant
reduction or material change in, the operation of these entities or any significant adverse change
in the level of activity in the secondary mortgage market or the underwriting criteria of these
entities would likely prevent us from originating and selling most, if not all, of our mortgage
loan originations, and the discontinuation or material decrease in the availability of, or our
capacity under, our uncommitted mortgage repurchase facilities with Fannie Mae, could materially
and adversely affect our ability to originate mortgage loans, all of which would materially and
adversely affect our Net revenues and Segment profit (loss) derived from our Mortgage Production
segment, which loss would have a material adverse effect on our overall business and our
consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, we service loans on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as loans that
have been securitized pursuant to securitization programs sponsored by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and
Ginnie Mae in connection with the issuance of agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities and a
majority of our mortgage servicing rights relate to these servicing activities. Our status as a
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae approved seller/servicer is subject to compliance with each
entitys respective selling and servicing guides. Loss of our approved seller/servicer status with
any of these entities would have a material adverse impact on our Net revenues and Segment profit
(loss) derived from our Mortgage Serving segment, which loss would have a material adverse effect
on our overall business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash
flows.
Continued or worsening conditions in the real estate market have adversely impacted, and in
the future could continue to adversely impact, our business, financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
The U.S. economic recession has resulted, and could continue to result, in increased mortgage
loan payment delinquencies, home price depreciation and a lower volume of home sales. These trends
have negatively impacted and may continue to negatively impact our Mortgage Production and Mortgage
Servicing segments through increased loss severities in connection with loan repurchase and
indemnification claims due to declining home prices, increased mortgage reinsurance losses due to
increased delinquencies and loss severities, and lower home purchase mortgage originations.
However, we have experienced a relatively smaller impact from these trends than many of our current
and former competitors because we generally sell substantially all of the mortgage loans we
originate shortly after origination, we do not generally maintain credit risk on the loans we
originate or maintain a loan investment portfolio, substantially all of our mortgage loan
originations are prime mortgages rather than Alt-A or subprime mortgages, and our mortgage loan
servicing portfolio has experienced a lower rate of payment delinquencies than that of many of our
competitors. Nevertheless, these trends have resulted in an increase in the incidence of loan
repurchase and indemnification claims and associated losses, as well as an increase in mortgage
reinsurance losses, resulting in an increase in our reserves for loan repurchase and
indemnification losses and mortgage reinsurance losses. Continuation of these trends could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Exhibit A-5
Our Mortgage Production segment is substantially dependent upon our relationships with
Realogy, Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab, which represented approximately 37%, 16% and 15%,
respectively, of our mortgage loan originations for the year ended December 31, 2009, and the
termination or non-renewal of our contractual agreements with Realogy, Merrill Lynch or Charles
Schwab would materially and adversely impact our mortgage loan originations and resulting Net
revenues and Segment profit (loss) of our Mortgage Production segment and this would have a
material adverse effect on our overall business and our consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
We have relationships with several clients that represent a significant portion of our
revenues and mortgage loan originations for our Mortgage Production segment. In particular,
Realogy, Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab represented approximately 37%, 16% and 15%, respectively,
of our mortgage loan originations for the year ended December 31, 2009. The loss of any one of
these clients, whether due to insolvency, their unwillingness or inability to perform their
obligations under their respective contractual relationships with us, or if we are not able to
renew on commercially reasonable terms any of their respective contractual relationships with us,
would materially and adversely impact our mortgage loan originations and resulting Net revenues and
Segment profit (loss) of our Mortgage Production segment and this would also have a material
adverse effect on our overall business and our consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
The termination of our status as the exclusive recommended provider of mortgage products and
services promoted by the residential and commercial real estate brokerage business owned and
operated by Realogys affiliate, NRT, the title and settlement services business owned and operated
by Realogys affiliate, TRG, and the relocation business owned and operated by Realogys affiliate,
Cartus, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Under the Strategic Relationship Agreement, we are the exclusive recommended provider of
mortgage loans to the independent sales associates affiliated with the residential and commercial
real estate brokerage business owned and operated by Realogys affiliates and certain customers of
Realogy. The marketing agreement entered into between Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation,
Century 21 Real Estate LLC, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc., Sothebys International Affiliates, Inc.
and PHH Mortgage Corporation (the Marketing Agreement) similarly provides that we are the
exclusive recommended provider of mortgage loans and related products to the independent sales
associates of Realogys real estate brokerage franchisees, which include Coldwell Banker Real
Estate Corporation, Century 21 Real Estate LLC, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. and Sothebys
International Affiliates, Inc.
In addition, the Strategic Relationship Agreement provides that Realogy has the right to
terminate the covenant requiring it to exclusively recommend us as the provider of mortgage loans
to the independent sales associates affiliated with the residential and commercial real estate
brokerage business owned and operated by Realogys affiliates and certain customers of Realogy,
following notice and a cure period, if:
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we materially breach any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained
in the Strategic Relationship Agreement, the Marketing Agreement, trademark license
agreements (the Trademark License Agreements) or certain other related agreements,
including, without limitation, our confidentiality agreements in the Mortgage Venture
Operating Agreement and the Strategic Relationship Agreement, and our non-competition
agreements in the Strategic Relationship Agreement; |
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we or the Mortgage Venture become subject to any regulatory order or governmental
proceeding and such order or proceeding prevents or materially impairs the Mortgage
Ventures ability to originate mortgage loans for any period of time (which order or
proceeding is not generally applicable to companies in the mortgage lending business) in a
manner that adversely affects the value of one or more of the quarterly distributions to be
paid by the Mortgage Venture pursuant to the Mortgage Venture Operating Agreement; |
Exhibit A-6
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the Mortgage Venture otherwise is not permitted by law, regulation, rule, order or other
legal restriction to perform its origination function in any jurisdiction, but in such case
exclusivity may be terminated only with respect to such jurisdiction; or |
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the Mortgage Venture does not comply with its obligations to complete an acquisition of
a mortgage loan origination company under the terms of the Strategic Relationship
Agreement. |
If Realogy were to terminate its exclusivity obligations with respect to us, one of our
competitors could replace us as the recommended provider of mortgage loans to Realogy and its
affiliates and franchisees, which would result in our loss of most, if not all, of our mortgage
loan originations, Net revenues and Segment profit (loss) of our Mortgage Production segment
derived from Realogys affiliates, which loss would have a material adverse effect on our overall
business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Moreover, certain of the events that give Realogy the right to terminate its exclusivity
obligations with respect to us under the Strategic Relationship Agreement would also give Realogy
the right to terminate its other agreements and arrangements with us. For example, the Mortgage
Venture Operating Agreement also permits Realogy to terminate the Mortgage Venture with us upon our
material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the
Strategic Relationship Agreement, the Marketing Agreement, the Trademark License Agreements or
certain other related agreements that is not cured following any applicable notice or cure period
or if we or the Mortgage Venture become subject to any regulatory order or governmental proceeding
that prevents or materially impairs the Mortgage Ventures ability to originate mortgage loans for
any period of time (which order or proceeding is not generally applicable to companies in the
mortgage lending business) in a manner that adversely affects the value of one or more of the
quarterly distributions to be paid by the Mortgage Venture pursuant to the Mortgage Venture
Operating Agreement. Upon a termination of the Mortgage Venture by Realogy or its affiliates,
Realogy will have the right either (i) to require that we or certain of our affiliates purchase all
of Realogys interest in the Mortgage Venture or (ii) to cause us to sell our interest in the
Mortgage Venture to an unaffiliated third party designated by certain of Realogys affiliates.
Additionally, any termination of the Mortgage Venture will also result in a termination of the
Strategic Relationship Agreement and our exclusivity rights under the Strategic Relationship
Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Mortgage Venture Operating Agreement, beginning on
February 1, 2015, Realogy will have the right at any time upon two years notice to us to terminate
its interest in the Mortgage Venture. If Realogy were to terminate the Mortgage Venture or our
other arrangements with Realogy, including its exclusivity obligations with respect to us, any such
termination would likely result in our loss of most, if not all, of our mortgage loan originations,
Net revenues and Segment profit (loss) of our Mortgage Production segment derived from Realogys
affiliates, which loss would have a material adverse effect on our overall business and our
consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Certain hedging strategies that we may use to manage risks associated with our assets,
including mortgage loans held for sale, interest rate lock commitments, mortgage servicing rights
and foreign currency denominated assets, may not be effective in mitigating those risks and could
result in substantial losses that could exceed the losses that would have been incurred had we not
used such hedging strategies.
We may employ various economic hedging strategies in an attempt to mitigate the interest
rate and prepayment risk inherent in many of our assets, including our mortgage loans held for
sale, interest rate lock commitments and, from time to time, our mortgage servicing rights. Our
hedging activities may include entering into derivative instruments. We also seek to manage
interest rate risk in our Mortgage Production and Mortgage Servicing segments partially by
monitoring and seeking to maintain an appropriate balance between our loan production volume and
the size of our mortgage servicing portfolio, as the value of mortgage servicing rights and the
income they provide tend to be counter-cyclical to the changes in production volumes and the gain
or loss on loans that result from changes in interest rates. This approach requires our management
to make significant estimates with regards to future replenishment rates for our mortgage servicing
rights, loan margins, the value of additions to our
Exhibit A-7
mortgage servicing rights and loan origination costs, and many factors can impact these estimates,
including loan pricing margins and our ability to adjust staffing levels to meet changing consumer
demand.
We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk associated with our investment in our Canadian
operations and with foreign exchange forward contracts that we have entered into, or may in the
future enter into, to hedge U.S. dollar denominated borrowings used to fund Canadian dollar
denominated leases and operations. Our hedging decisions in the future to manage these foreign
exchange risks will be determined in light of the facts and circumstances existing at the time and
may differ from our current hedging strategy.
During the third quarter of 2008, we assessed the composition of our capitalized mortgage
servicing portfolio and its relative sensitivity to refinance if interest rates decline, the costs
of hedging and the anticipated effectiveness of the hedge given the current economic environment.
Based on that assessment, we made the decision to close out substantially all of our derivatives
related to mortgage servicing rights during the third quarter of 2008. As of December 31, 2009,
there were no open derivatives related to mortgage servicing rights, which has resulted in
increased volatility in the results of operations for our Mortgage Servicing segment. Our decisions
regarding the levels, if any, of our derivatives related to mortgage servicing rights could result
in continued volatility in the results of operations for our Mortgage Servicing segment.
Our hedging strategies may not be effective in mitigating the risks related to changes in
interest rates or foreign exchange rates. Poorly designed strategies or improperly executed
transactions could actually increase our risk and losses, and could result in losses in excess of
what our losses would have been from had we not used such hedging strategies. There have been
periods, and it is likely that there will be periods in the future, during which we incur losses
after consideration of the results of our hedging strategies. As stated earlier, the success of our
interest rate risk management strategy and our replenishment strategies for our mortgage servicing
rights are largely dependent on our ability to predict the earnings sensitivity of our loan
servicing and loan production activities in various interest rate environments, as well as our
ability to successfully manage any capacity constraints in our mortgage production business. Our
hedging strategies also rely on assumptions and projections regarding our assets and general market
factors. If these assumptions and projections prove to be incorrect or our hedges do not adequately
mitigate the impact of changes including, but not limited to, interest rates or prepayment speeds
or foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we may incur losses that could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Changes in interest rates could materially and adversely affect our volume of mortgage loan
originations or reduce the value of our mortgage servicing rights, either of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Changes in and the level of interest rates are key drivers of our mortgage loan originations
in our Mortgage Production segment and mortgage loan refinancing activity, in particular. The
level of interest rates are significantly affected by monetary and related policies of the federal
government, its agencies and government sponsored entities, which are particularly affected by the
policies of the Federal Reserve Board that regulates the supply of money and credit in the United
States. The Federal Reserve Boards policies, including initiatives to stabilize the U.S. housing
market and to stimulate overall economic growth, affect the size of the mortgage loan origination
market, the pricing of our interest-earning assets and the cost of our interest-bearing
liabilities. Changes in any of these policies are beyond our control, difficult to predict,
particularly in the current economic environment, and could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Historically, rising interest rates have generally been associated with a lower volume of loan
originations in our Mortgage Production segment due to a disincentive for borrowers to refinance at
a higher interest rate, while falling interest rates have generally been associated with higher
loan originations due to an incentive for borrowers to refinance at a lower interest rate. Our
ability to generate Gain on mortgage loans, net in our Mortgage Production segment is significantly
dependent on our level
Exhibit A-8
of mortgage loan originations. Accordingly, increases in interest rates could materially and
adversely affect our mortgage loan origination volume, which could have a material and adverse
effect on our Mortgage Production segment, as well as our overall business and our consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Changes in interest rates are also a key driver of the performance of our Mortgage Servicing
segment as the values of our mortgage servicing rights are highly sensitive to changes in interest
rates. Historically, the value of our mortgage servicing rights have increased when interest rates
rise and have decreased when interest rates decline due to the effect those changes in interest
rates have on prepayment estimates, with changes in fair value of our mortgage servicing rights
being included in our consolidated results of operations. Because we do not currently utilize
derivatives to hedge against changes in the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights, our
consolidated financial positions, results of operations and cash flows are susceptible to
significant volatility due to changes in the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights as
interest rates change. As a result, substantial volatility in interest rates materially effect our
Mortgage Servicing segment, as well as our consolidated financial position, results of operations
and cash flows.
Losses incurred in connection with actual or projected loan repurchase and indemnification
claims may exceed our financial statement reserves and we may be required to increase such reserves
in the future. Increases to our reserves and losses incurred in connection with actual loan
repurchases and indemnification payments could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial position, results of operation or cash flows.
In connection with the sale of mortgage loans, we make various representations and
warranties concerning such loans that, if breached, require us to repurchase such loans or
indemnify the purchaser of such loans for actual losses incurred in respect of such loans. These
representations and warranties vary based on the nature of the transaction and the purchasers or
insurers requirements but generally pertain to the ownership of the mortgage loan, the real
property securing the loan and compliance with applicable laws and applicable lender and GSE
underwriting guidelines in connection with the origination of the loan. The aggregate unpaid
principal balance of loans sold or serviced by us represents the maximum potential exposure related
to loan repurchase and indemnification claims, including claims for breach of representation and
warranty provisions. Due, in part, to recent increased mortgage payment delinquency rates and
declining housing prices, we have experienced, and may in the future continue to experience, an
increase in loan repurchase and indemnification claims due to actual or alleged breaches of
representations and warranties in connection with the sale or servicing of mortgage loans. The
estimation of our loan repurchase and indemnification liability is subjective and based upon our
projections of the incidence of loan repurchase and indemnification claims, as well as loss
severities. Given these trends, losses incurred in connection with such actual or projected loan
repurchase and indemnification claims may be in excess of our financial statement reserves, and we
may be required to increase such reserves and may sustain additional losses associated with such
loan repurchase and indemnification claims in the future. Accordingly, increases to our reserves
and losses incurred by us in connection with actual loan repurchases and indemnification payments
in excess of our reserves could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
Additionally, some of our counterparties from whom we have purchased mortgage loans or
mortgage servicing rights and from whom we may seek indemnification or against whom we may assert a
loan repurchase demand in connection with a breach of a representation or warranty are highly
leveraged and have been adversely affected by the recent economic decline in the United States,
including the pronounced downturn in the debt and equity capital markets and the U.S. housing
market, and unprecedented levels of credit market volatility. As a result, we are exposed to
counterparty risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to our various contracts,
including, without limitation, as a result of the rejection of an agreement or transaction in
bankruptcy proceedings, which could result in substantial losses for which we may not have
insurance coverage.
The fair values of a substantial portion of our assets are determined based upon significant
estimates and assumptions made by our management. As a result, there could be material
Exhibit A-9
uncertainty about the fair value of such assets that, if subsequently proven incorrect or
inaccurate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
A substantial portion of our assets are recorded at fair value based upon significant
estimates and assumptions with changes in fair value included in our consolidated results of
operations. The determination of the fair value of such assets, including our mortgage loans held
for sale, interest rate lock commitments and mortgage servicing rights, involves numerous estimates
and assumptions made by our management. Such estimates and assumptions include, without limitation,
estimates of future cash flows associated with our mortgage servicing rights based upon assumptions
involving interest rates as well as the prepayment rates and delinquencies and foreclosure rates of
the underlying serviced mortgage loans.
As of December 31, 2009, 34% of our total assets were measured at fair value on a recurring
basis, and less than 1% of our total liabilities were measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
As of December 31, 2009, approximately 43% of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value
were valued using primarily observable inputs and were categorized within Level Two of the
valuation hierarchy. Our assets and liabilities categorized within Level Two of the valuation
hierarchy are comprised of the majority of our mortgage loans held for sale and derivative assets
and liabilities. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 58% of our assets and liabilities measured
at fair value were valued using significant unobservable inputs and were categorized within Level
Three of the valuation hierarchy. Approximately 86% of our assets and liabilities categorized
within Level Three of the valuation hierarchy are comprised of our mortgage servicing rights.
The ultimate realization of the value of our assets that are measured at fair value on a
recurring basis may be materially different than the fair values of such assets as reflected in our
consolidated statement of financial position as of any particular date. The use of different
estimates or assumptions in connection with the valuation of these assets could produce materially
different fair values for such assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Accordingly, there may be
material uncertainty about the fair value of a substantial portion of our assets.
We may be unable to fully or successfully execute or implement our business strategies or
achieve our objectives, including our transformation initiatives and goals, and we may be unable to
effectively manage the inherent risks of our businesses, including market, credit, operational, and
legal and compliance risks, any failure of which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The businesses in which we engage are complex and heavily regulated and we are exposed to
various market, credit, operational and legal and compliance risks. Due, in part, to these
regulatory constraints and risks, we may be unable to fully or successfully execute or implement
our business strategies or achieve our objectives, including our transformation initiatives and
goals, and we may be unable to effectively manage the inherent risks of our businesses, including
market, credit, operational, and legal and compliance risks, any failure of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In 2009, after assessing our cost structure and processes, we initiated a transformation
effort directed towards creating greater operational efficiencies, improving scalability of our
operating platforms and reducing our operating expenses. This effort involves evaluating and
improving operational and administrative processes, eliminating inefficiencies and targeting areas
of the market where we can leverage our competitive strengths. We may be unable to fully or
successfully execute or implement our transformation initiatives and objectives, in whole or in
part, and, if we are successful, there can be no assurances that we can implement these initiatives
in a cost efficient manner or that these initiatives will have the impact that we intend on our
business activities and results of operations. Our inability to achieve the goals targeted by our
transformation efforts, or to implement and execute these initiatives within the timeframe we have
projected, could result in us not achieving our stated goals.
Exhibit A-10
Risks Related to our Common Stock
Future issuances of our Common stock or securities convertible into our Common stock and
hedging activities may result in dilution of our stockholders or depress the trading price of our
Common stock.
If we issue any shares of our Common stock or securities convertible into our Common stock in
the future, including the issuance of shares of Common stock upon conversion of our 4.0%
Convertible Senior Notes due 2012 (the 2012 Convertible Notes) and 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes
due 2014 (the 2014 Convertible Notes) or the issuance of shares of Common stock upon exercise or
settlement of any outstanding stock options, restricted stock units or performance stock units
granted under the PHH Corporation Amended and Restated 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan, such
issuances will dilute the voting power and ownership percentage of our stockholders and could
substantially decrease the trading price of our Common stock. In addition, the price of our Common
stock could also be negatively affected by possible sales of our Common stock by investors who
engage in hedging or arbitrage trading activity that we expect to develop involving our Common
stock following the issuance of the 2012 Convertible Notes and 2014 Convertible Notes
(collectively, the Convertible Notes).
We also may issue shares of our Common stock or securities convertible into our Common stock
in the future for a number of reasons, including to finance our operations and business strategy
(including in connection with acquisitions, strategic collaborations or other transactions), to
increase our capital, to adjust our ratio of debt to equity, to satisfy our obligations upon the
exercise of outstanding warrants or options or for other reasons. We cannot predict the size of
future issuances of our Common stock or securities convertible into our Common stock or the effect,
if any, that such future issuances might have to dilute the voting interests of our stockholders or
otherwise on the market price for our Common stock.
The convertible note hedge and warrant transactions may negatively affect the value of our
Common stock.
In connection with our offering of the 2012 Convertible Notes, we entered into convertible
note hedge transactions that cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 12,195,125
shares of our Common stock and sold warrants to purchase, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, up
to approximately 12,195,125 shares of our Common stock with affiliates of the initial purchasers of
the 2012 Convertible Notes. In connection with the issuance and sale of the 2014 Convertible
Notes, we also entered into convertible note hedge transactions that cover, subject to
anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 8,525,484 shares of our Common stock and sold warrants to
purchase, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, up to approximately 8,525,484 shares of our Common
stock with affiliates of the initial purchasers of the 2014 Convertible Notes (together with the
affiliates of the initial purchasers of the 2012 Convertible Notes that are parties to the
convertible note hedge and warrant transactions associated with the 2012 Convertible Notes, the
Option Counterparties). The convertible note hedge and warrant transactions are expected to
reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the 2012 Convertible Notes and 2014 Convertible
Notes, respectively.
In connection with hedging these transactions, the Option Counterparties and/or their
respective affiliates entered into various derivative transactions with respect to our Common
stock. The Option Counterparties and/or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge
positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to our Common
stock or by selling or purchasing our Common stock in secondary market transactions while the
Convertible Notes are convertible, which could adversely impact the price of our Common stock. In
order to unwind its hedge position with respect to those exercised options, the Option
Counterparties and/or their respective affiliates are likely to sell shares of our Common stock in
secondary transactions or unwind various derivative transactions with respect to our Common stock
during the observation period for the converted 2012 Convertible Notes and 2014 Convertible Notes.
These activities could negatively affect the value of our Common stock.
Exhibit A-11
Provisions in our charter and bylaws, the Maryland General Corporation Law, and the indentures
for the 2012 Convertible Notes and 2014 Convertible Notes may delay or prevent our acquisition by a
third party.
Our charter and by-laws contain several provisions that may make it more difficult for a
third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These
provisions include, among other things, a classified Board of Directors, advance notice for
raising business or making nominations at meetings and blank check preferred stock. Blank check
preferred stock enables our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, to designate and
issue additional series of preferred stock with such dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or
other rights, including the right to issue convertible securities with no limitations on
conversion, as our Board of Directors may determine, including rights to dividends and proceeds in
a liquidation that are senior to the Common stock.
We are also subject to certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law which could
delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction
that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price for
their Common stock or may otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. These include,
among other provisions:
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The business combinations statute which prohibits transactions between a Maryland
corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder
for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes
an interested stockholder and |
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The control share acquisition statute which 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. |
Our by-laws contain a provision exempting any share of our capital stock from the control
share acquisition statute to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law.
However, our Board of Directors has the exclusive right to amend our by-laws and, subject to their
fiduciary duties, could at any time in the future amend the by-laws to remove this exemption
provision.
Finally, if certain changes in control or other fundamental changes under the terms of the
Convertible Notes occur prior to their respective maturity date, holders of the Convertible Notes
will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their
Convertible Notes and, in some cases, such a transaction will cause an increase in the conversion
rate for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such a
transaction. In addition, the indentures for the 2012 Convertible Notes and 2014 Convertible Notes
prohibit us from engaging in certain changes in control unless, among other things, the surviving
entity assumes our obligations under the Convertible Notes. These and other provisions of the
indentures for the Convertible Notes could prevent or deter potential acquirers and reduce the
likelihood that stockholders receive a premium for our Common stock in an acquisition.
Certain provisions of the Mortgage Venture Operating Agreement and the Strategic Relationship
Agreement that we have with Realogy and certain provisions in our other mortgage loan origination
agreements could discourage third parties from seeking to acquire us or could reduce the amount of
consideration they would be willing to pay our stockholders in an acquisition transaction.
Pursuant to the terms of the Mortgage Venture Operating Agreement, Realogy has the right to
terminate the Mortgage Venture, at its election, at any time on or after February 1, 2015 by
providing two years notice to us. In addition, under the Mortgage Venture Operating Agreement,
Realogy may terminate the Mortgage Venture if we effect a change in control transaction involving
certain competitors or other third parties. In connection with such termination, we would be
required to make a liquidated damages payment in cash to Realogy of an amount equal to the sum of
(i) two times the Mortgage Ventures trailing 12 months net income (except that, in the case of a
termination by Realogy following a change in control of us, we may be required to make a cash
payment to Realogy in an amount equal to
Exhibit A-12
the Mortgage Ventures trailing 12 months net income multiplied by (a) if the Mortgage
Venture Operating Agreement is terminated prior to its twelfth anniversary, the number of years
remaining in the first 12 years of the term of the Mortgage Venture Operating Agreement, or (b) if
the Mortgage Venture Operating Agreement is terminated on or after its tenth anniversary, two
years), and (ii) all costs reasonably incurred by Cendant (now known as Avis Budget Group, Inc.)
and its subsidiaries in unwinding its relationship with us pursuant to the Mortgage Venture
Operating Agreement and the related agreements, including the Strategic Relationship Agreement,
the Marketing Agreement and the Trademark License Agreements. Pursuant to the terms of the
Strategic Relationship Agreement, we are subject to a non-competition provision, the breach of
which could result in Realogy having the right to terminate the Strategic Relationship Agreement,
seek an injunction prohibiting us from engaging in activities in breach of the non-competition
provision or result in our liability for damages to Realogy.
In addition, our agreements with some of our financial institution clients, such as Merrill
Lynch and Charles Schwab, provide the applicable financial institution client with the right to
terminate its relationship with us prior to the expiration of the contract term if we complete
certain change in control transactions with certain third parties. Because we may be unable to
obtain consents or waivers from such clients in connection with certain change in control
transactions, the existence of these provisions may discourage certain third parties from seeking
to acquire us or could reduce the amount of consideration they would be willing to pay to our
stockholders in an acquisition transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2009, approximately
63% of our mortgage loan originations were derived from our financial institutions channel,
pursuant to which we provide outsourced mortgage loan services for customers of our financial
institution clients.
Exhibit A-13
EXHIBIT B
Jerome J. Selitto, 68, has served as a director and as President and Chief Executive
Officer since October 26, 2009. Prior to joining PHH, Mr. Selitto worked at Ellie Mae, Inc., a
provider of enterprise solutions, including an online network, software and services for the
residential mortgage industry. While at Ellie Mae, Mr. Selitto initially served as a senior
consultant beginning in 2007 and, later in 2007 through 2009, as Executive Vice President, Lender
Division, a role in which he helped to develop a sales and marketing strategy for a new division of
the company focused on linking lenders and mortgage originators on a real-time basis, allowing the
lender to immediately screen for loan attributes that met its purchase criteria. Prior to that, in
2000, Mr. Selitto founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of DeepGreen Financial, a
privately-held, innovative web-based federal savings bank and mortgage company that grew to become
one of the nations most successful online home equity lenders, originating over $5 billion in home
equity loans during the period from its founding in 2000 through January 2005. From 1992 to 1999,
he served as founder and Vice Chairman of Amerin Guaranty Corporation (now Radian Guaranty), a
mortgage insurance company he helped grow to an 8% market share and a successful IPO. Mr. Selitto
previously served as a Managing Director at First Chicago Corporation and PaineWebber Inc., and as
a senior executive at Kidder, Peabody & Co., William R. Hough & Company, and the Florida Federal
Savings and Loan Association. Mr. Selittos position as President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company and his financial services industry and leadership experience led to a conclusion that
it is appropriate that he continue to serve as a director.
Exhibit B-1
EXHIBIT C
Nomination Process and Qualifications for Director Nominees
The Board has established certain procedures and criteria for the selection of nominees for
election to our Board. In accordance with such procedures and criteria as set forth in our
Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board seeks members from diverse professional and personal
backgrounds who combine a broad spectrum of experience and expertise with a reputation for
integrity. Pursuant to its charter, the Corporate Governance Committee is required to identify
individuals qualified to become members of the Board, which shall be consistent with the Boards
criteria for selecting new directors. In identifying possible director candidates, the Corporate
Governance Committee considers recommendations of professional search firms, stockholders, and
members of management or the Board. In evaluating possible director candidates, the Corporate
Governance Committee, consistent with the Boards Corporate Governance Guidelines and its charter,
considers criteria such as diversity, age, skills and experience so as to enhance the Boards
ability to oversee in the interest of our stockholders our affairs and business, including, when
applicable, to enhance the ability of Committees of the Board to fulfill their duties and/or to
satisfy any independence requirements imposed by law, regulation or NYSE requirement. In
considering diversity, in particular, the Corporate Governance Committee considers general
principles of diversity in the broadest sense. The Corporate Governance Committee seeks to
recommend the nomination of directors who represent different qualities and attributes and a mix of
professional and personal backgrounds and experiences that will enhance the quality of the Boards
deliberations and oversight of our business. The Corporate Governance Committee is also
responsible for conducting a review of the credentials of individuals it wishes to recommend to the
Board as a director nominee, recommending director nominees to the Board for submission for a
stockholder vote at either an annual meeting of stockholders or at any special meeting of
stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, reviewing the suitability for continued
service as a director of each Board member when his or her term expires and when he or she has a
significant change in status, including but not limited to an employment change, and recommending
whether such a director should be re-nominated to the Board or continue as a director. The
Corporate Governance Committees assessment of director nominees includes an examination of whether
the individual is independent, as well as consideration of diversity, age, skills and experience in
the context of the needs of the Board. Additionally, the Corporate Governance Committee conducts a
vetting process that generally includes, among other things, personal interviews, discussions with
professional references, background and credit checks, and resume verification. When formulating
its director nominee recommendations, the Corporate Governance Committee also considers the advice
and recommendations from others as it deems appropriate.
Exhibit C-1
EXHIBIT D
Role of Management in Executive Compensation Decisions. Generally, PHHs Chief Executive Officer
makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee as it relates to the compensation of the
Companys other executive officers. In addition, the Companys executive officers, including the
Companys Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and human resources personnel, may
provide input and make proposals as requested by the Compensation Committee regarding the design,
operation, objectives and values of the various components of compensation in order to provide
appropriate performance and retention incentives for key employees. These proposals may be made on
the initiative of the Chief Executive Officer, the executive officers or upon the request of the
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee, however, makes the ultimate decisions relating
to executive compensation design and payouts.
During 2009, George J. Kilroy, PHHs Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, recommended to
the Compensation Committee that the base salaries of Mark Danahy and Bill Brown be increased based
upon and consistent with the recommendations of the Compensation Committees compensation
consultant as discussed below in more detail under 2009 Executive Compensation Program
DesignBase Salaries. PHHs President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,
Executive Vice President, Fleet and Executive Vice President, Mortgage also made recommendations
and consulted with PwC and the Compensation Committee during 2009 in connection with (i) the design
of, and the establishment of the performance targets under, the 2009 PHH Corporation Management
Incentive Plan, the 2009 PHH Arval Management Incentive Plan and the 2009 PHH Mortgage Management
Incentive Plan, as discussed below in more detail under 2009 Executive Compensation Program
DesignVariable Annual Cash Compensation Programs, and (ii) the change in the form of compensation
under the long-term incentive plan from performance-accelerated RSUs to a mix of Stock Options and
performance-vested RSUs, as discussed below in more detail under 2009 Executive Compensation
Program DesignVariable Annual Long-Term Incentive Awards. Jerome J. Selitto, who was appointed
PHHs President and Chief Executive Officer on October 26, 2009, did not make recommendations or
provide input or make proposals regarding the design, operation, objectives and values of the
various components of compensation of our executive officers during 2009.
Exhibit D-1
EXHIBIT E
Executive Compensation Consultants. During 2009, the Compensation Committee retained PwC to assist
it with the evaluation of the Companys executive compensation. In determining to retain PwC, the
Compensation Committee considered PwCs prior engagements by the Compensation Committee since
February 2008, which was prior to Mr. Egan joining the Board, and did not consider Mr. Egans past
employment relationship with PwC that ended in 1996. Mr. Egan is not a member of the Compensation
Committee and played no role in the Compensation Committees decision to engage PwC. Pursuant to
its engagement, PwC analyzed and provided comparative executive and director compensation data and
compensation program design assistance for the Compensation Committees consideration in evaluating
and setting the compensation of the Named Executive Officers and the overall structure of the
Companys compensation policies, as well as assistance with market-competitive data in connection
with the Companys Chief Executive Officer search. The compensation services PwC provided to the
Compensation Committee resulted in approximately $265,000 in fees paid to PwC during 2009. During
2009, upon prior approval, PwC also provided certain other consulting services to management.
These additional services were provided by individuals different from those who work directly with
the Compensation Committee. These additional services, which mainly related to corporate tax
management/planning, internal audit outsourcing and other consulting services, resulted in payments
to PwC of approximately $2,050,000 during 2009. The projects associated with many of these
additional services have been completed, and it is expected that work during 2010 related to the
remaining services will be about 15% of the amount paid to PwC during 2009 in respect of such
services. The Compensation Committee believes that these other services, which are performed by PwC
employees other than the PwC employees providing compensation consulting services to the
Compensation Committee, do not compromise PwCs ability to provide the Compensation Committee with
an independent perspective on executive compensation. The Compensation Committee has asked PwC to
provide executive compensation consulting services to the Compensation Committee again in 2010.
Exhibit E-1