UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  FORM 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______                    
Commission file number: 001-35449
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONSTARLOGOA04.JPG
Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
45-2156869
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
8950 Cypress Waters Blvd, Coppell, TX
 
75019
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (469) 549-2000
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
¨
Accelerated Filer
x
Non-Accelerated Filer
¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
Smaller reporting company
¨
 
 
Emerging growth company
¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x
Number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of October 31, 2017 was 97,726,450 .




NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 


2

PART I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements
NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions of dollars)
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
224

 
$
489

Restricted cash
356

 
388

Mortgage servicing rights, $2,956 and $3,160 at fair value, respectively
2,961

 
3,166

Advances and other receivables, net of reserves of $253 and $184, respectively
1,625

 
1,749

Reverse mortgage interests, net of reserves of $88 and $131, respectively
10,299

 
11,033

Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value
1,646

 
1,788

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
143

 
151

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $156 and $118, respectively
127

 
136

Derivative financial instruments at fair value
76

 
133

Other assets
547

 
560

Total assets
$
18,004

 
$
19,593

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Unsecured senior notes, net
$
1,873

 
$
1,990

Advance facilities, net
797

 
1,096

Warehouse facilities, net
2,774

 
2,421

Payables and accrued liabilities
1,188

 
1,470

MSR related liabilities - nonrecourse at fair value
1,066

 
1,241

Mortgage servicing liabilities
53

 
48

Derivative financial instruments at fair value
7

 
13

Other nonrecourse debt, net
8,569

 
9,631

Total liabilities
16,327

 
17,910

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)


 


Preferred stock at $0.01 par value - 300,000 thousand shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
—

 
—

Common stock at $0.01 par value - 1,000,000 thousand shares authorized, 109,915 thousand and 109,915 thousand shares issued, respectively
1

 
1

Additional paid-in-capital
1,127

 
1,122

Retained earnings
690

 
701

Treasury shares at cost -12,192 thousand and 12,418 thousand shares, respectively
(148
)
 
(147
)
Total Nationstar stockholders' equity
1,670

 
1,677

Noncontrolling interest
7

 
6

Total stockholders' equity
1,677

 
1,683

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
18,004

 
$
19,593

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

3

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(millions of dollars, except for earnings per share data)

 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
$
252

 
$
310

 
$
748

 
$
507

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
154

 
232

 
465

 
619

Total revenues
406

 
542

 
1,213

 
1,126

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
183

 
211

 
557

 
613

General and administrative
185

 
196

 
552

 
619

Total expenses
368

 
407

 
1,109

 
1,232

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
157

 
103

 
435

 
313

Interest expense
(181
)
 
(165
)
 
(557
)
 
(493
)
Other income (expenses)
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
4

 
(2
)
Total other income (expenses), net
(26
)
 
(64
)
 
(118
)
 
(182
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
12

 
71

 
(14
)
 
(288
)
Less: Income tax expense (benefit)
5

 
29

 
(4
)
 
(106
)
Net income (loss)
7

 
42

 
(10
)
 
(182
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
—

 
(3
)
 
1

 
(3
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
$
7

 
$
45

 
$
(11
)
 
$
(179
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Nationstar:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.07

 
$
0.46

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
(1.78
)
Diluted
$
0.07

 
$
0.46

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
(1.78
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Basic
97,706

 
97,461

 
97,685

 
100,524

       Dilutive effect of stock awards
988

 
893

 
—

 
—

       Diluted
98,694

 
98,354

 
97,685

 
100,524

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

4


NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 
Number of Shares Outstanding (in thousands)
 
Amount
(millions of dollars)
 
Common Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Treasury Share Amount
 
Total Nationstar Stockholders'
Equity
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2015
108,000

 
$
1

 
$
1,105

 
$
682

 
$
(30
)
 
$
1,758

 
$
9

 
$
1,767

Shares issued (surrendered) under incentive plan, net
87

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
(3
)
Share-based compensation
—

 
—

 
18

 
—

 
—

 
18

 
—

 
18

Excess tax deficiency from share based compensation
—

 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
(4
)
Repurchase of common stock
(10,589
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(114
)
 
(114
)
 
—

 
(114
)
Net loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
(179
)
 
—

 
(179
)
 
(3
)
 
(182
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
97,498

 
$
1

 
$
1,119

 
$
503

 
$
(147
)
 
$
1,476

 
$
6

 
$
1,482

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
97,497

 
$
1

 
$
1,122

 
$
701

 
$
(147
)
 
$
1,677

 
$
6

 
$
1,683

Shares issued (surrendered) under incentive plan, net
226

 
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
—

 
(4
)
Share-based compensation
—

 
—

 
13

 
—

 
—

 
13

 
—

 
13

Dividends to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
(5
)
Net (loss) income
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11
)
 
—

 
(11
)
 
1

 
(10
)
Balance at September 30, 2017
97,723

 
$
1

 
$
1,127

 
$
690

 
$
(148
)
 
$
1,670

 
$
7

 
$
1,677


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

5

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(millions of dollars)

 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to Nationstar
$
(11
)
 
$
(179
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash attributable to operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
1

 
(3
)
Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
(465
)
 
(619
)
Reverse mortgage loan interest income
(368
)
 
(251
)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
(8
)
 
2

Provision for servicing reserves
113

 
101

Fair value changes and amortization of mortgage servicing rights
361

 
778

Fair value changes in excess spread financing
—

 
(74
)
Fair value changes in mortgage servicing rights financing liability
(7
)
 
(2
)
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts
63

 
48

Depreciation and amortization
44

 
48

Share-based compensation
13

 
18

Other losses
5

 
—

Repurchases of forward loan assets out of Ginnie Mae securitizations
(943
)
 
(1,138
)
Repurchases of reverse loan assets out of Ginnie Mae securitizations, net of assignments to prior servicers
(2,468
)
 
(1,609
)
Mortgage loans originated and purchased, net of fees, and other purchase-related activities
(14,002
)
 
(15,063
)
Sales proceeds and loan payment proceeds for mortgage loans held for sale and held for investment
15,472

 
16,268

Excess tax (deficiency) benefit from share-based compensation
(1
)
 
4

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Advances and other receivables, net
55

 
504

Reverse mortgage interests, net
3,494

 
2,022

Other assets
(17
)
 
(136
)
Payables and accrued liabilities
(284
)
 
(139
)
Net cash attributable to operating activities
1,047

 
580

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Property and equipment additions, net of disposals
(34
)
 
(49
)
Purchase of forward mortgage servicing rights, net of liabilities incurred
(28
)
 
(36
)
Net proceeds from acquisition of reverse mortgage servicing portfolio and HECM related receivables
16

 
—

Proceeds on sale of forward and reverse mortgage servicing rights
25

 
25

Proceeds on sale of assets
16

 
—

Net cash attributable to investing activities
(5
)
 
(60
)
Continued on following page.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.  

6


NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
(millions of dollars)
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Increase in warehouse facilities
351

 
718

Decrease in advance facilities
(298
)
 
(458
)
Proceeds from issuance of HECM securitizations
701

 
724

Repayment of HECM securitizations
(484
)
 
(624
)
Proceeds from issuance of participating interest financing in reverse mortgage interests
437

 
337

Repayment of participating interest financing in reverse mortgage interests
(1,730
)
 
(817
)
Repayment of excess spread financing
(168
)
 
(146
)
Repayment of nonrecourse debt – legacy assets
(12
)
 
(12
)
Repurchase of unsecured senior notes
(122
)
 
(29
)
Repurchase of common stock
—

 
(114
)
Transfers from restricted cash, net
38

 
—

Excess tax deficiency from share based compensation
—

 
(4
)
Surrender of shares relating to stock vesting
(4
)
 
(3
)
Debt financing costs
(11
)
 
(10
)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
(5
)
 
—

Net cash attributable to financing activities
(1,307
)
 
(438
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(265
)
 
82

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
489

 
613

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
224

 
$
695

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Activities
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest expense
$
577

 
$
510

Net cash paid for income taxes
$
92

 
$
29

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.  

7


NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(millions of dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1. Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Business
Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation, including its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, "Nationstar" or the "Company"), earns fees through the delivery of servicing, origination and transaction based services related primarily to single-family residences throughout the United States.

Basis of Presentation
The consolidated interim financial statements of Nationstar have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Nationstar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods have been included. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share data and other key metrics, unless otherwise noted.

Nationstar evaluated subsequent events through the date these interim consolidated financial statements were issued.

The Company describes its significant accounting policies in Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , no significant changes were made to those accounting policies except that the Company updated its policy on advances and other receivables to include more detailed description of its position on write-offs of advance balances. Nationstar records reserves for advances and other receivables and evaluates the sufficiency of such reserves through consideration of both historical and expected recovery rates on claims filed with government agencies, government sponsored enterprises, vendors, prior servicers and other counterparties. Recovery of advances and other receivables is subject to significant judgment and estimates based on the Company’s assessment of its compliance with servicing guidelines, its ability to produce the necessary documentation to support claims, its ability to support amounts from prior servicers and to effectively negotiate settlements, as needed. Each period, management reviews recorded advances and other receivables and upon determination that no further recourse for recovery is available from all means known to management, the recorded balances associated with these receivables are written-off against the reserve.

The Company periodically evaluates corporate allocation methods in order to appropriately align corporate costs with its business. Certain 2016 costs within salaries, wages and benefits and operational expenses were reclassified between segments to conform to current year allocation methods. Such reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income or shareholders' equity. See Note 17, Business Segment Reporting for information on the changes in the Company's reportable segments.

Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nationstar, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, and those variable interest entities ("VIE") where Nationstar is the primary beneficiary. Nationstar applies the equity method of accounting to investments where it is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the policies and procedures of the entity and owns less than 50% of the voting interests. Intercompany balances and transactions on consolidated entities have been eliminated. Assets and liabilities of VIEs and their respective results of operations are consolidated from the date that Nationstar became the primary beneficiary through the date Nationstar ceases to be the primary beneficiary.


8

Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted
Effective January 1, 2017, the Company prospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09), which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, calculation of earnings per share, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of cash flows. Amendments related to accounting for excess tax benefits or deficiencies have been adopted prospectively, resulting in the recognition of $1 of excess tax deficiencies within income tax expense rather than additional paid in capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The impact on diluted earnings per share is $0.01 per share for the period. Excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments are now included in operating cash flows rather than financing cash flows. This change has been applied prospectively in accordance with ASU 2016-09 and prior periods have not been adjusted. The amendments allow for a one-time accounting policy election to either account for forfeitures as they occur or continue to estimate forfeitures as required by current guidance. The Company has elected to continue estimating forfeitures under the current guidance.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12 and 2016-20, collectively implemented as FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 ("ASC 606") Revenue from Contracts with Customers, provides guidance for revenue recognition. This ASC’s core principle requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also clarifies the principal versus agent considerations, providing the evaluation must focus on whether the entity has control of the goods or services before they are transferred to the customer. The new standard permits the use of either the modified retrospective or full retrospective transition method. The Company's revenue is generated from loan servicing, loan originations, and services provided by Xome. Servicing revenue is comprised of servicing fees and other ancillary fees in connection with our servicing activities as well as fees earned under subservicing arrangements. Origination revenue is comprised of fee income earned at origination of a loan, interest income earned for the period the loans are held, and gain on sale on loans upon disposition of the loan. Xome's revenue is comprised of income earned from real estate exchange, real estate services and real estate technology and support. We have performed a preliminary review of the new guidance as compared to our current accounting policies and are currently evaluating all services rendered to our customers as well as underlying contracts to determine the impact of this standard to our revenue recognition process. The majority of services rendered by the Company in connection with originations and servicing are not within the scope of ASC 606. However, through our review, we have identified one service offering (Services and Software as a Service) under the Xome operating segment that is within the scope of ASC 606. Although revenue recognition may be impacted to some degree for this service offering, we do not anticipate the impact to be materially different from the current revenue recognition processes. Our implementation efforts to date include identification of revenue streams within the scope of the guidance, and we are in the process of reviewing revenue contracts to assess the impact at a customer level. The Company expects to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2018 with a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings, as necessary.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02), primarily impacts lessee accounting by requiring the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for long-term lease agreements. The lease liability will be equal to the present value of all reasonably certain lease payments. The right-of-use asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment for initial direct costs. Lease agreements with terms 12 months or less are permitted to be excluded from the balance sheet. In general, leases will be amortized on a straight-line basis with the exception of finance lease agreements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements and to its debt covenants and capitalization requirements.
Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (ASU 2016-13), requires expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date to be measured based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The update eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and instead reflects an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. Previously, when credit losses were measured under GAAP, an entity generally only considered past events and current conditions in measuring the incurred loss. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements.


9

Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15) and Accounting Standards Update No 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18) both relate to the Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) and are intended to provide specific guidance to reduce diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 addresses the following eight cash flow classification issues: (1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, (2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, (3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, (4) proceeds from the settlement of life insurance claims, (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, (6) distributions received from equity method investees, (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions and (8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and will require adoption on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the application of ASU 2016-15 will have on the Company’s classification of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 addresses the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This new standard requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Entities will also be required to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the nature of the restrictions. ASU 2016-18 will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-18 on its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment for all entities by requiring impairment charges to be based on the first step in today’s two-step impairment test under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350. The standard has tiered effective dates, starting in 2020 for calendar-year public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2017-04 on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-04 is effective for the Company for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. ASU 2017-04 will be adopted prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.


2. Mortgage Servicing Rights ("MSRs") and Related Liabilities

The following table sets forth the carrying value of Nationstar's MSRs and the related liabilities.
MSRs and Related Liabilities
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Forward MSRs - fair value
$
2,956

 
$
3,160

Reverse MSRs - amortized cost
5

 
6

Mortgage servicing rights
$
2,961

 
$
3,166

 
 
 
 
Mortgage servicing liabilities - amortized cost
$
53

 
$
48

 
 
 
 
Excess spread financing - fair value
$
1,046

 
$
1,214

Mortgage servicing rights financing liability - fair value
20

 
27

MSR related liabilities (nonrecourse)
$
1,066

 
$
1,241


Forward Mortgage Servicing Rights - Fair Value
The Company owns and records at fair value the rights to service traditional residential mortgage loans ("forward" loans) for others either as a result of purchase transactions or from the retained servicing associated with the sales and securitizations of loans originated. Forward MSRs are comprised of servicing rights related to both agency and non-agency loans.

10


The following table sets forth the activities of forward MSRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
 
Nine months ended September 30,
Forward MSRs - Fair Value
2017
 
2016
Fair value - beginning of period
$
3,160

 
$
3,358

Additions:
 
 
 
Servicing retained from mortgage loans sold
151

 
142

Purchases of servicing rights
30

 
39

Dispositions:
 
 
 
Sales of servicing assets
(24
)
 
(24
)
Changes in fair value:
 
 
 
Changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model
(113
)
 
(494
)
Other changes in fair value
(248
)
 
(296
)
Fair value - end of period
$
2,956

 
$
2,725


From time to time, the Company sells its ownership interest in certain MSRs and is retained as the subservicer for the sold assets. The Company has evaluated the sale accounting requirements related to these transactions given the continued involvement as the subservicer and concluded that these transactions qualify for sale accounting treatment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 the Company sold $2,920 in unpaid principal balance ("UPB") of forward MSRs, of which none was retained by the Company as subservicer. In August 2017, the Company entered into a special arrangement where the Company sold $26 MSRs and subsequently purchased back $8 MSRs. In connection with the transaction, the Company used the proceeds to pay down $9 excess spread financing liabilities. In addition, during the second quarter of 2017, the Company sold forward MSR with a negative balance of $2 associated with the cost to dispose of nonperforming loan portfolio. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , $4,560 in UPB of forward MSRs was sold and the Company was retained as the subservicer for $3,507 UPB of the sold MSRs collateralized by assets.

MSRs measured at fair value are segregated between credit sensitive and interest sensitive pools. Interest sensitive pools are primarily impacted by changes in forecasted interest rates, which in turn impact voluntary prepayment speeds. Credit sensitive pools are primarily impacted by borrower performance under specified repayment terms, which most directly impacts involuntary prepayments and delinquency rates. The Company assesses whether acquired portfolios are more credit sensitive or interest sensitive in nature on the date of acquisition. Numerous factors are considered in making this assessment, including loan-to-value ratios, FICO scores, percentage of portfolio previously modified, portfolio seasoning and similar criteria. Once the determination for a pool is made on the date of acquisition, subsequent changes are not made.

Interest sensitive portfolios generally consist of lower delinquency, single-family conforming residential forward mortgage loans for agency investors. Credit sensitive portfolios generally consist of higher delinquency, single-family non-conforming residential forward mortgage loans serviced for agency and non-agency investors.

The following table provides a breakdown of credit and interest sensitive UPBs for Nationstar's forward owned MSRs.
Forward MSRs - Sensitivity Pools
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
UPB
 
Fair Value
 
UPB
 
Fair Value
Credit sensitive
$
174,318

 
$
1,640

 
$
198,935

 
$
1,818

Interest sensitive
114,132

 
1,316

 
113,141

 
1,342

Total
$
288,450

 
$
2,956

 
$
312,076

 
$
3,160



11

Nationstar used the following key weighted-average inputs and assumptions in estimating the fair value of MSRs.
Credit Sensitive
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Discount rate
11.4
%
 
11.6
%
Total prepayment speeds
15.4
%
 
15.4
%
Expected weighted-average life
5.6 years

 
6.0 years

 
 
 
 
Interest Sensitive
 
 
 
Discount rate
9.2
%
 
9.3
%
Total prepayment speeds
11.3
%
 
10.7
%
Expected weighted-average life
6.5 years

 
6.8 years


The following table shows the hypothetical effect on the fair value of the forward MSRs fair value when applying certain unfavorable variations of key assumptions to these assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .
 
Discount Rate
 
Total Prepayment Speeds
Forward MSRs - Hypothetical Sensitivities
100 bps
Adverse
Change
 
200 bps
Adverse
Change
 
10%
Adverse
Change
 
20%
Adverse
Change
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage servicing rights
$
(106
)
 
$
(205
)
 
$
(122
)
 
$
(235
)
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage servicing rights
$
(114
)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
(117
)
 
$
(224
)

These hypothetical sensitivities should be evaluated with care. The effect on fair value of a 10% variation in assumptions generally cannot be determined because the relationship of the change in assumptions to the fair value may not be linear. Additionally, the impact of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value is calculated while holding other assumptions constant. In reality, changes in one factor may lead to changes in other factors, which could impact the above hypothetical effects.

Reverse Mortgage Servicing Rights and Liabilities - Amortized Cost
Nationstar owns the right to service certain Home Equity Conversion Mortgage ("HECM") reverse mortgage loans with an unpaid principal balance of $36,412 and $38,940 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The following table sets forth the activities of reverse MSRs and mortgage servicing liabilities ("MSLs") for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . Management evaluates reverse MSRs and MSLs each reporting period for impairment. Based on management's assessment at September 30, 2017 , no impairment was required to be recorded for reverse MSRs.
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Reverse MSRs and Liabilities - Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance - beginning of period
$
6

 
$
48

 
$
9

 
$
25

Increase in MSL (1)  
—

 
6

 
—

 
—

Amortization/accretion
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(14
)
Balance - end of the period
$
5

 
$
53

 
$
7

 
$
11

Fair value - end of period
$
5

 
$
9

 
$
25

 
$
2


(1) The Company executed an asset purchase agreement in December 2016 with a large financial institution, acquiring the servicing rights related to a $9,305 UPB reverse loan portfolio of HECM loans owned by a GSE. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded a $17 MSL reflecting the fair value associated with this reverse servicing portfolio on the date of acquisition. In September 2017, the Company executed another mortgage servicing rights purchase agreement to acquire servicing rights on a reverse mortgage portfolio of $747 UPB.

12


Excess Spread Financing - Fair Value
To finance the acquisition of certain forward MSRs on various forward loan pools ("Portfolios"), Nationstar has entered into sale and assignment agreements with a third-party associated with funds and accounts under management of BlackRock Financial Management Inc. ("BlackRock"), and with certain affiliated entities formed and managed by New Residential Investment Corp. ("New Residential"), which is managed by an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC ("Fortress"). Nationstar sold to such entities the right to receive a specified percentage of the excess cash flow generated from the Portfolios after receipt of a fixed base servicing fee per loan. Servicing fees associated with traditional MSRs can be segregated into a contractually specified base fee component and an excess servicing fee. The base servicing fee, along with ancillary income, is designed to cover costs incurred to service the specified pool plus a reasonable profit margin. The remaining servicing fee is considered excess. Nationstar retains all the base servicing fee and ancillary revenues associated with servicing the Portfolios and retains a portion of the excess servicing fee. Nationstar continues to be the servicer of the Portfolios and provides all servicing and advancing functions.

Contemporaneous with the above, Nationstar has entered into refinanced loan obligations with New Residential and BlackRock. Should Nationstar refinance any loan in the Portfolios, subject to certain limitations, it will be required to transfer the new loan or a replacement loan of similar economic characteristics into the Portfolios. The new or replacement loan will be governed by the same terms set forth in the sale and assignment agreement described above, which is the primary driver of the recapture rate assumption.

The range of key assumptions used in Nationstar's valuation of excess spread financing are as follows.
Excess Spread Financing
Prepayment Speeds
 
Average
Life (Years)
 
Discount
Rate
 
Recapture Rate
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Low
6.7%
 
4.3
 
8.5%
 
7.1%
High
21.1%
 
6.8
 
14.1%
 
30.0%
Weighted-average
13.9%
 
5.9
 
10.8%
 
18.8%
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Low
6.1%
 
4.1
 
8.5%
 
6.7%
High
21.2%
 
8.5
 
14.1%
 
29.8%
Weighted-average
13.9%
 
6.3
 
10.8%
 
19.0%

The following table shows the hypothetical effect on the excess spread financing fair value when applying certain unfavorable variations of key assumptions to these liabilities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .
 
Discount Rate
 
Prepayment
Speeds
Excess Spread Financing - Hypothetical Sensitivities
100 bps
Adverse
Change
 
200 bps
Adverse
Change
 
10%
Adverse
Change
 
20%
Adverse
Change
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess spread financing
$
39

 
$
81

 
$
36

 
$
75

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess spread financing
$
49

 
$
101

 
$
41

 
$
85


As the cash flow assumptions utilized in determining the fair value amounts in the excess spread financing are based on the related cash flow assumptions utilized in the financed MSRs, any fair value changes recognized in the MSRs would inherently have an inverse impact on the carrying amount of the related excess spread financing. For example, while an increase in discount rates would negatively impact the value of the Company's MSRs, it would reduce the carrying value of the associated excess spread financing liability.


13

These hypothetical sensitivities should be evaluated with care. The effect on fair value of a 10% variation in assumptions generally cannot be determined because the relationship of the change in assumptions to the fair value may not be linear. Additionally, the impact of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value is calculated while holding other assumptions constant. In reality, changes in one factor may lead to changes in other factors, which could impact the above hypothetical effects. Also, a positive change in the above assumptions would not necessarily correlate with the corresponding decrease in the net carrying amount of the excess spread financing.

Forward Mortgage Servicing Rights Financing
From December 2013 through June 2014, Nationstar entered into agreements to sell a contractually specified base fee component of certain forward MSRs and servicing advances under specified terms to a joint venture capitalized by New Residential and certain unaffiliated third-party investors. Nationstar continues to be the named servicer and, for accounting purposes, ownership of the mortgage servicing rights continues to reside with Nationstar. Accordingly, Nationstar records the MSRs and a MSR financing liability associated with this transaction in its consolidated balance sheets. See Note 19, Transactions with Affiliates for additional information.

The following table sets forth the weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of the mortgage servicing rights financing liability.
Mortgage Servicing Rights Financing Assumptions
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Advance financing rates
3.5
%
 
3.2
%
Annual advance recovery rates
23.3
%
 
23.9
%

The following table sets forth the items comprising of revenue associated with servicing loan portfolios.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
Servicing Revenue
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Contractually specified servicing fees (1)
$
251

 
$
254

 
$
759

 
$
786

Other service-related income (1)
44

 
67

 
142

 
214

Incentive and modification income (1)
19

 
35

 
63

 
82

Late fees (1)
22

 
20

 
67

 
57

Reverse servicing fees
16

 
11

 
43

 
46

Mark-to-market (2)
(48
)
 
(9
)
 
(176
)
 
(502
)
Counterparty revenue share (3)
(53
)
 
(75
)
 
(174
)
 
(223
)
Amortization, net of accretion (4)
(60
)
 
(92
)
 
(187
)
 
(235
)
Total servicing revenue
$
191

 
$
211

 
$
537

 
$
225


(1) Amounts include subservicing related revenues.
(2) Mark-to-market includes fair value adjustments on MSR, excess spread financing and MSR financing liabilities. The amount of MSR MTM reflected is net of cumulative incurred losses related to advances and other receivables associated with inactive and liquidated loans that are no longer part of the MSR portfolio and these incurred losses have been transferred to reserves on advances and other receivables. These cumulative incurred losses totaled $20 and $27 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $69 and $85 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
(3) Counterparty revenue share represents the excess servicing fee that the Company pays to the counterparties under the excess spread financing arrangements and the payments made associated with MSRs financing arrangements.
(4) Accretion was $41 and $46 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $123 and $149 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.



14

3. Advances and Other Receivables, Net

Advances and other receivables, net consists of the following.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Servicing advances
$
1,489

 
$
1,614

Receivables from agencies, investors and prior servicers
389

 
319

Reserves
(253
)
 
(184
)
Total advances and other receivables, net
$
1,625

 
$
1,749


Nationstar as loan servicer is contractually responsible to advance funds on behalf of the borrower and investor primarily for loan principal and interest, property taxes and hazard insurance, and foreclosure costs. Advances are primarily recovered through reimbursement from the investor, proceeds from sale of loan collateral, or mortgage insurance claims. Reserves for advances and other receivables on loans transferred out of the MSR portfolio are established within advances and other receivables.
The Company estimates and records an asset for estimated recoveries from prior servicers for their respective portion of the losses associated with the underlying loans that were not serviced in accordance with established guidelines. Receivables from prior servicers totaled $139 and $94 for the Company's forward loan portfolio at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
The activity of the reserves for advances and other receivables is set forth below.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
Advances and Other Receivables Reserves
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Balance - beginning of period (1)
$
236

 
$
238

 
$
184

 
$
163

Provision and other additions (2)
30

 
37

 
106

 
126

Write-offs
(13
)
 
(95
)
 
(37
)
 
(109
)
Balance - end of period
$
253

 
$
180

 
$
253

 
$
180


(1) Beginning reserve balance as of January 1, 2016 was updated to reflect the reclassification of reserves for advances and other receivables from the MSR.
(2) A provision of $20 and $27 was recorded through the MTM adjustment in service related revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $69 and $85 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, for inactive and liquidated loans that are no longer part of the MSR portfolio. Other additions represent reclassifications of required reserves from other balance sheet accounts.


4. Reverse Mortgage Interests, Net

Reverse mortgage interests, net consist of the following.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Participating interests in HMBS
$
7,573

 
$
8,839

Other interests securitized
985

 
753

Unsecuritized interests
1,829

 
1,572

Reserves
(88
)
 
(131
)
Total reverse mortgage interests, net
$
10,299

 
$
11,033


Participating interests in HMBS
Participating interests in HMBS consist of the Company's reverse mortgage interests in HECM loans which have been transferred to Ginnie Mae and subsequently securitized through the issuance of HMBS. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , a total of $416 in UPB was transferred to Ginnie Mae and securitized. Also, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased $3,270 of HECM loans that reached 98% maximum claim amount which will be assigned to HUD or a third party.

15


Other interests securitized
Other interests securitized consist of reverse mortgage interests that no longer meet HMBS program eligibility criteria and have been repurchased out of HMBS; these reverse mortgage interests have subsequently been transferred to private securitization trusts and are accounted for as a secured borrowing. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , a total of $747 UPB was securitized through Trust 2017-1 and Trust 2017-2 and $307 UPB was collapsed through Trust 2015-2 and Trust 2016-1. Refer to Other Nonrecourse Debt in Note 8, Indebtedness for additional information.

Unsecuritized interests
Unsecuritized interests in reverse mortgages consist of the following.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Repurchased HECM loans
$
1,407

 
$
1,000

HECM related receivables
291

 
301

Funded borrower draws not yet securitized
113

 
236

Foreclosed assets
18

 
35

Total unsecuritized interests
$
1,829

 
$
1,572


Unsecuritized interests include repurchased HECM loans for which the Company is required to repurchase from the HMBS pool when the outstanding principal balance of the HECM loan is equal to or greater than 98% of the maximum claim amount established at origination in accordance with HMBS program guidelines. The Company repurchased a total of $3,270 and $2,270 HECM loans out of Ginnie Mae HMBS securitizations during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, of which $802 and $661 were subsequently assigned to a prior servicer in accordance with applicable servicing agreements, respectively.

The Company also estimates and records an asset for probable recoveries from prior servicers for their respective portion of the losses associated with the underlying loans that were not serviced in accordance with established guidelines. Receivables from prior servicers totaled $19 and $38 for the Company's reverse loan portfolio at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Purchase of Reverse Mortgage Servicing Rights and Interests
On December 1, 2016 , the Company executed an asset purchase agreement with a large financial institution, acquiring the servicing rights and participating interests in securitized HECM loans and related HMBS obligations. Refer to Note 2, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities for discussion of the servicing portfolio acquired. In addition to the servicing portfolio, the purchase agreement also included $3,840 UPB of Ginnie Mae participating interest in HECM loans and related HMBS obligations. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company updated its initial relative fair value allocation resulting in the Company recording $3,749 reverse mortgage interests and the corresponding liabilities as nonrecourse debt of $3,691 . Additionally, the Company recorded a purchase discount of $118 within unsecuritized interests as part of the relative fair value allocation, of which $22 has been accreted to interest income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company received cash of $96 for the acquisition of these assets and assumption of related liabilities.

As part of the December 2016 asset purchase agreement, the Company agreed to acquire remaining components of the reverse portfolio, primarily including servicing of whole HECM loans and REO advances upon receiving regulatory approval. In September 2017, the Company executed a mortgage servicing rights purchase agreement and a subservicing agreement to acquire servicing rights and subservicing on the remaining reverse portfolio in the amounts of $747 UPB and $505 UPB, respectively. Upon this acquisition the Company performed a relative fair value allocation, resulting in the Company recording $10 of REO advances related to the servicing portfolio acquired in HECM related receivables within reverse mortgage interests. The Company received net proceeds of $16 for the acquisition of these assets and assumption of related liabilities. Refer to Note 2, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities for discussion of the servicing portfolio acquired.

Reserves for Reverse Mortgage Interests
Nationstar records reserves related to reverse mortgage interests based on potential unrecoverable costs and loss exposures expected to be realized. Recoverability is determined based on the Company’s ability to meet HUD servicing guidelines and is viewed as two different categories of expenses: financial and operational. Financial exposures are defined as the cost of doing business related to servicing the HECM product and include potential unrecoverable costs primarily based on HUD claim guidelines related to recoverable expenses and unfavorable changes in the appraised value of the loan collateral. Operational exposures are defined as unrecoverable debenture interest curtailments imposed for missed FHA-specified servicing timelines.


16

The activity of the reserves for reverse mortgage interests is set forth below.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Reserves for reverse mortgage interests - beginning of period
$
149

 
$
71

 
$
131

 
$
53

Provision (1)
22

 
28

 
44

 
43

Write-offs (2)
(29
)
 
(7
)
 
(33
)
 
(7
)
Other (3)
(54
)
 
1

 
(54
)
 
4

Reserves for reverse mortgage interests - end of period
$
88

 
$
93

 
$
88

 
$
93


(1) During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , reserves increased attributable to the Company refining its method to estimate losses from a pool-level view to a loan-level view based on characteristics of individual loans.
(2) The write-offs in the three months ended September 30, 2017 were primarily attributable to transactions that were fully reserved and processed after conversion to the Company's new internally developed reverse servicing platform.
(3) During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company reclassified certain amounts within reverse mortgage interests to be comparable to prior periods and also updated its initial estimate of the relative fair value allocation related to the servicing portfolio acquired in December 2016 and reclassified $61 from reserves to a purchase price discount. This amount is now included in the net basis of unsecuritized interest of reverse mortgage interests.

Reverse Interest Income
The Company accrues interest income for its participating interest in reverse mortgages based on the stated rates underlying HECM loans and FHA guidelines. Total interest earned on the Company's reverse mortgage interests was $135 and $81 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $ 368 and $ 251 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
    

5. Mortgage Loans Held for Sale and Investment

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Nationstar maintains a strategy of originating mortgage loan products primarily for the purpose of selling to government-sponsored enterprises ("GSEs") or other third-party investors in the secondary market on a servicing-retained basis. Nationstar focuses on assisting customers currently in the Company's servicing portfolio with refinancing of loans or new home purchases. Generally, all newly originated mortgage loans held for sale are securitized and transferred to GSEs or delivered to third-party purchasers shortly after origination on a servicing-retained basis.

Mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at fair value as set forth below.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Mortgage loans held for sale – unpaid principal balance
$
1,592

 
$
1,759

Mark-to-market adjustment (1)
54

 
29

Total mortgage loans held for sale
$
1,646

 
$
1,788

(1) The mark-to-market adjustment is recorded in net gain on mortgage loans held for sale in the consolidated statements of operations.

Nationstar accrues interest income as earned and places loans on non-accrual status after any portion of principal or interest has been delinquent for more than 90 days. Accrued interest is recorded as interest income in the consolidated statements of operations.

The total UPB of mortgage loans held for sale on nonaccrual status was as follows for the dates indicated.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale - Unpaid Principal Balance
UPB
 
Fair Value
 
UPB
 
Fair Value
Non-accrual
$
81

 
$
78

 
$
106

 
$
103



17

From time to time, Nationstar exercises its right to repurchase individual delinquent loans in Ginnie Mae securitization pools to minimize interest spread losses, to re-pool into new Ginnie Mae securitizations, or to otherwise sell to third-party investors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, Nationstar repurchased $236 and $201 of delinquent Ginnie Mae loans, respectively, and securitized or sold to third-party investors $253 and $88 of previously repurchased loans, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, $59 and $18 of the repurchased loans have reperformed and were held in accrual status, respectively, and remaining balances continue to be held under a nonaccrual status.
The total UPB of mortgage loans held for sale for which the Company has begun formal foreclosure proceedings was $63 and $84 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
The following table details a roll forward of the change in the account balance of mortgage loans held for sale.
 
Nine months ended September 30,
Mortgage loans held for sale
2017
 
2016
Balance - beginning of period
$
1,788

 
$
1,430

Mortgage loans originated and purchased, net of fees
13,988

 
14,977

Loans sold
(15,107
)
 
(15,743
)
Repurchase of loans out of Ginnie Mae securitizations
943

 
1,138

Transfer of mortgage loans held for sale to advances/accounts receivable related to claims (1)
(16
)
 
(16
)
Net transfer of mortgage loans held for sale from REO in other assets (2)
20

 
9

Changes in fair value
16

 
14

Other purchase-related activities (3)
14

 
30

Balance - end of period
$
1,646

 
$
1,839


(1) Amounts are comprised of claims made on certain government insured mortgage loans upon completion of the REO sale.
(2) Net amounts are comprised of REO in the sales process which are transferred to other assets and certain government insured mortgage REO which are transferred from other assets upon completion of the sale so that the claims process can begin.
(3) Amounts are comprised primarily of non-Ginnie Mae loan purchases and buyouts.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company received proceeds of $ 15,470 and $ 16,183 , respectively, on the sale of mortgage loans held for sale, resulting in gains of $ 363 and $ 440 , respectively.

Nationstar has the right to repurchase any individual loan in a Ginnie Mae securitization pool if that loan meets certain criteria, including being delinquent greater than 90 days. The majority of Ginnie Mae repurchased loans are repurchased solely with the intent to re-pool into new Ginnie Mae securitizations upon re-performance of the loan or to otherwise sell to third-party investors. The amounts repurchased out of Ginnie Mae pools, as presented above, are primarily in connection with loan modifications and loan resolution activity as part of Nationstar's contractual obligations as the servicer of the loans.

Mortgage Loans Held for Investment, Net
The following sets forth the composition of mortgage loans held for investment, net.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Mortgage loans held for investment, net – UPB
$
198

 
$
216

Transfer discount:
 
 
 
Non-accretable
(43
)
 
(52
)
Accretable
(12
)
 
(13
)
Total mortgage loans held for investment, net
$
143

 
$
151



18

The changes in accretable yield discount on loans transferred to mortgage loans held for investment are set forth below.  
 
Nine months ended September 30,
Accretable Yield Discount
2017
 
2016
Balance - beginning of the period
$
(13
)
 
$
(15
)
Accretion
2

 
2

Reclassifications from non-accretable discount
(1
)
 
(1
)
Balance - end of the period
$
(12
)
 
$
(14
)
Nationstar may periodically modify the terms of any outstanding mortgage loans held for investment for loans that are either in default or in imminent default. Modifications often involve reduced payments by borrowers, modification of the original terms of the mortgage loans, forgiveness of debt and/or modified servicing advances. As a result of the volume of modification agreements entered into, the estimated average outstanding life in this pool of mortgage loans has been extended. Nationstar records interest income on the transferred loans on a level-yield method. To maintain a level-yield on these transferred loans over the estimated extended life, Nationstar reclassified to accretable yield discount approximately $1 of transfer discount designated as reserves for future loss, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . No provision for reserves was required for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as the fair value of the underlying collateral exceeded the carrying value of the loans, net of the non-accretable discount.

The total UPB of mortgage loans held for investment for which the Company has begun formal foreclosure proceedings was $22 and $29 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.


6. Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Accrued revenues
$
152

 
$
165

Loans subject to repurchase right from Ginnie Mae
143

 
152

Goodwill
72

 
74

Prepaid expenses
28

 
16

Deposits
22

 
25

Real estate owned (REO), net
21

 
30

Intangible assets
20

 
28

Receivables from affiliates, net
6

 
6

Other
83

 
64

       Total other assets
$
547

 
$
560


Accrued revenues
Accrued revenue is primarily comprised of service fees earned but not received based upon the terms of the Company's servicing and subservicing agreements.

Goodwill and intangible assets
In connection with the sale of Xome's retail title division, the Company wrote off $2 goodwill and $4 intangible assets in June 2017. See further discussion in Note 16, Dispositions and Exit Costs .
Loans subject to repurchase right from Ginnie Mae
Forward loans are sold to Ginnie Mae in conjunction with the issuance of mortgage backed securities. Nationstar, as the issuer of the mortgage backed securities, has the unilateral right to repurchase any individual loan in a Ginnie Mae securitization pool if that loan meets certain criteria, including being delinquent greater than 90 days. Once Nationstar has the unilateral right to repurchase a delinquent loan, it has effectively regained control over the loan and recognizes these rights to the loan on its consolidated balance sheets and establishes a corresponding repurchase liability regardless of Nationstar’s intention to repurchase the loan.


19

Real estate owned
Real estate owned ("REO") includes $14 and $21 of REO loans with government insurance at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Other
Other primarily includes non-advance related accounts receivable due from investors.


7. Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative instruments utilized by Nationstar primarily include interest rate lock commitments ("IRLCs"), Loan Purchase Commitments ("LPCs"), forward Mortgage Backed Securities ("MBS") trades, Eurodollar and Treasury futures, interest rate swap agreements and interest rate caps.

Associated with the Company's derivatives are $4 and $ 29 in collateral deposits on derivative instruments recorded in other assets and payables and accrued liabilities on the Company's balance sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments with amounts collected and/or deposited on derivative instruments in its consolidated balance sheets.

20

The following table provides the outstanding notional balances, fair values of outstanding positions and recorded gains/(losses).
 
Expiration
Dates
 
Outstanding
Notional
 
Fair
Value
 
Recorded
Gains /
(Losses)
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan sale commitments (1)
2017
 
$
1

 
$
0.1

 
$
—

Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRLCs
2017
 
2,531

 
68.7

 
(23.5
)
Forward sales of MBS
2017
 
2,524

 
4.7

 
(34.5
)
LPCs
2017
 
132

 
1.0

 
(0.9
)
Treasury futures
2017
 
255

 
2.0

 
2.0

Eurodollar futures (1)
2017-2021
 
11

 
—

 
—

Interest rate swaps (1)
2017
 
—

 
—

 
(0.1
)
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRLCs (1)
2017
 
7

 
—

 
1.1

Forward sales of MBS
2017
 
1,137

 
3.2

 
6.8

LPCs
2017
 
335

 
1.2

 
0.3

Treasury futures
2017
 
479

 
2.0

 
(2.0
)
Eurodollar futures (1)
2017-2021
 
45

 
—

 
—

Interest rate swaps (1)
2017
 
—

 
—

 
0.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan sale commitments
2017
 
$
1

 
$
0.1

 
$
(0.2
)
Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRLCs
2017
 
3,675

 
92.2

 
3.1

Forward sales of MBS
2017
 
2,580

 
39.2

 
33.1

LPCs
2017
 
203

 
1.9

 
(2.0
)
Eurodollar futures (1)
2017-2021
 
35

 
—

 
(0.1
)
Interest rate swaps
2017
 
9

 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRLCs
2017
 
176

 
1.1

 
(1.1
)
Forward sales of MBS
2017
 
1,689

 
10.0

 
(6.3
)
LPCs (1)
2017
 
111

 
1.5

 
—

Eurodollar futures (1)
2017-2021
 
27

 
—

 
0.1

Interest rate swaps
2017
 
9

 
0.1

 
0.4


(1) Fair values or recorded gains/(losses) of derivative instruments are less than $0.1 for the specified dates.



21

8. Indebtedness

Notes Payable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Advance Facilities
 
Interest Rate
 
Maturity Date
 
Collateral
 
Capacity Amount
 
Outstanding
 
Collateral Pledged
 
Outstanding
 
Collateral pledged
Nationstar agency advance receivables trust
 
LIBOR+2.0% to 2.6%
 
November 2017 (1)
 
Servicing advance receivables
 
$
650

 
$
440

 
$
503

 
$
485

 
$
578

Nationstar mortgage advance receivable trust
 
LIBOR+1.4% to 6.5%
 
November 2018
 
Servicing advance receivables
 
500

 
163

 
286

 
260

 
301

Nationstar agency advance financing facility
 
LIBOR+1.0% to 7.4%
 
January 2018
 
Servicing advance receivables
 
200

 
101

 
145

 
164

 
186

MBS servicer advance facility (2014)
 
LIBOR+3.5%
 
October 2018
 
Servicing advance receivables
 
125

 
38

 
131

 
88

 
142

MBS advance financing facility
 
LIBOR+2.5%
 
March 2018
 
Servicing advance receivables
 
80

 
56

 
56

 
55

 
60

MBS advance financing facility (2012) (2)
 
LIBOR+5.0%
 
January 2017
 
Servicing advance receivables
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
44

 
52

Advance facilities principal amount
 
 
 
 
 
798

 
1,121

 
1,096

 
1,319

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Advance facilities, net
 
 
 
$
797


$
1,121

 
$
1,096

 
$
1,319

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Warehouse Facilities
 
Interest Rate
 
Maturity Date
 
Collateral
 
Capacity Amount
 
Outstanding
 
Collateral Pledged
 
Outstanding
 
Collateral pledged
$1,200 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+2.0% to 2.9%
 
October 2018
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
$
1,200

 
$
719

 
$
762

 
$
682

 
$
747

$1,000 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+2.1% to 2.4%
 
September 2018
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
1,000

 
317

 
325

 
250

 
256

$750 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+2.0% to 2.8%
 
November 2017 (1)
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
750

 
514

 
555

 
410

 
415

$500 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+1.8% to 2.8%
 
September 2018
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
500

 
221

 
226

 
229

 
237

$500 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+1.8% to 3.3%
 
June 2018
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
500

 
384

 
417

 
496

 
539

$350 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+2.5% to 2.8%
 
April 2018
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
350

 
186

 
202

 
12

 
13

$450 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+2.5% to 2.6%
 
November 2017 (1)
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
450

 
281

 
292

 
173

 
189

$300 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+2.3%
 
January 2018
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
300

 
127

 
152

 
153

 
180

$200 warehouse facility
 
LIBOR+1.5%
 
April 2019
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
200

 
22

 
23

 
7

 
8

$40 warehouse
facility
 
LIBOR+3.0%
 
December 2017
 
Mortgage loans or MBS
 
40

 
4

 
6

 
11

 
18

Warehouse facilities principal amount
 
 
 
 
 
2,775

 
2,960

 
2,423

 
2,602

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
(1
)
 
—

 
(2
)
 
—

Warehouse facilities, net
 
 
 
$
2,774

 
$
2,960

 
$
2,421

 
$
2,602

 
Pledged Collateral:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,602

 
$
1,692

 
$
1,693

 
$
1,427

Reverse mortgage interests, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,173

 
1,268

 
730

 
834

MSR and other collateral
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
341

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) This facility has not matured as of the date this report is filed.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) This MBS Advance Financing facility was paid off in full in February 2017.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company entered into two new warehouse facility agreements in the third quarter of 2017 with a total capacity amount of $200 . As of September 30, 2017 , the Company has not borrowed or pledged any collateral against these facilities.

22

Unsecured Senior Notes

A summary of the balances of unsecured senior notes is presented below.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
$600 face value, 6.500% interest rate payable semi-annually, due July 2021
$
594
 
 
$
595
 
$400 face value, 7.875% interest rate payable semi-annually, due October 2020
397
 
 
400
 
$475 face value, 6.500% interest rate payable semi-annually, due August 2018
364
 
 
461
 
$375 face value, 9.625% interest rate payable semi-annually, due May 2019
324
 
 
345
 
$300 face value, 6.500% interest rate payable semi-annually, due June 2022
206
 
 
206
 
Unsecured senior notes principal amount
1,885
 
 
2,007
 
Unamortized debt issuance costs
(12
)
 
(17
)
Unsecured senior notes, net
$
1,873
 
 
$
1,990
 

Nationstar repurchased $26 and $120 in principal amount of outstanding notes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 resulting in a loss of $1 and $3 , respectively. Nationstar also repurchased $4 and $29 in principal amount of outstanding notes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 .

The indentures for the unsecured senior notes contain various covenants and restrictions that limit the ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, make certain investments, create liens, consolidate, merge or sell substantially all of their assets or enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The indentures contain certain events of default, including (subject, in some cases, to customary cure periods and materiality thresholds) defaults based on (i) the failure to make payments under the indenture when due, (ii) breach of covenants, (iii) cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness, (iv) certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, (v) material judgments and (vi) invalidity of material guarantees.

The indentures for the unsecured senior notes provide that Nationstar may redeem all or a portion of the notes prior to certain fixed dates by paying a make-whole premium plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption dates. In addition, Nationstar may redeem all or a portion of the unsecured senior notes at any time on or after certain fixed dates at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the indentures plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption dates.

Additionally, the indentures provide that on or before certain fixed dates, Nationstar may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the unsecured senior notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at fixed redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption dates, subject to compliance with certain conditions.
The ratios included in the indentures for the unsecured senior notes are incurrence-based compared to the customary ratio covenants that are often found in credit agreements that require a company to maintain a certain ratio.
As of September 30, 2017 , the expected maturities of Nationstar's unsecured senior notes based on contractual maturities are as follows.
Year ending December 31,
 
Amount
2017
 
$
—

2018
 
364

2019
 
324

2020
 
397

2021
 
594

Thereafter
 
206

Unsecured senior notes principal amount
 
1,885

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
(12
)
Unsecured senior notes, net
 
$
1,873



23

Other Nonrecourse Debt

A summary of the balances of other nonrecourse debt is presented below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Issue Date
 
Maturity Date
 
Class of Note
 
Securitized Amount
 
Outstanding
 
Outstanding
Participating Interest Financing (1)
—
 
—
 
—
 
$
—

 
$
7,640

 
$
8,914

Securitization of nonperforming HECM loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust 2015-2
November 2015
 
November 2025
 
A, M1, M2
 
—

 
—

 
114

Trust 2016-1
March 2016
 
February 2026
 
A, M1, M2
 
—

 
—

 
194

Trust 2016-2
June 2016
 
June 2026
 
A, M1, M2
 
132

 
105

 
158

Trust 2016-3
August 2016
 
August 2026
 
A, M1, M2
 
183

 
153

 
208

Trust 2017-1
May 2017
 
May 2027
 
A, M1, M2
 
268

 
240

 
—

Trust 2017-2
September 2017
 
September 2027
 
A, M1, M2
 
399

 
399

 
—

Nonrecourse debt - legacy assets
November 2009
 
October 2039
 
A
 
133

 
39

 
50

Other nonrecourse debt principal amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,576

 
9,638

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Other nonrecourse debt, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
8,569

 
$
9,631


(1) Amounts represent the Company's participating interest in GNMA HMBS securitized portfolios.
Participating Interest Financing
Participating interest financing represents the obligation of HMBS pools to third-party security holders. The Company issues HMBS in connection with the securitization of advances and accrued interest on HECM loans. Proceeds are received in exchange for securitized advances on the HECM loan amounts transferred to GNMA, and the Company retains a beneficial interest (referred to as a "participating interest") in the securitization trust in which the HECM loans and HMBS obligations are held and assume both issuer and servicer responsibilities in accordance with GNMA HMBS program guidelines. Monthly cash flows generated from the HECM loans are used to service the HMBS obligations. The interest rate is based on the underlying HMBS rate with a range of 1.5% to 7.0% .

Securitizations of Nonperforming HECM Loans
From time to time, Nationstar securitizes its interests in non-performing reverse mortgages. The transactions provide investors with the ability to invest in a pool of non-performing HECM loans that are covered by FHA insurance and secured by one-to-four-family residential properties and a pool of REO properties acquired through foreclosure or grant of a deed in lieu of foreclosure in connection with reverse mortgage loans that are covered by FHA insurance. The transactions provide Nationstar with access to liquidity for the non-performing HECM loan portfolio, ongoing servicing fees, and potential residual returns. The transactions are structured as secured borrowings with the reverse mortgage loans included in the consolidated financial statements as reverse mortgage interests and the related financing included in other nonrecourse debt. Interest is accrued at a rate of 2.0% to 6.5% on the outstanding securitized notes and recorded as interest expense in consolidated statements of operations. The HECM securitizations are callable with expected weighted average lives of one to three years. The Company may re-securitize the previously called loans from earlier HECM securitizations to achieve a lower cost of funds.


24

Nonrecourse Debt–Legacy Assets
During November 2009, Nationstar completed the securitization of approximately $222 of Asset-Backed Securities ("ABS"), which was accounted for as a secured borrowing. This structure resulted in Nationstar carrying the securitized mortgage loans in its consolidated bal ance sheets and recognizing the asset-backed certificates acquired by third parties. The principal and interest on these notes are paid using the cash flows from the underlying mortgage loans, which serve as collateral for the debt. The interest rate paid on the outstanding securities is 7.5% , which is subject to an available funds cap. The total outstanding principal balance on the underlying mortgage loans serving as collateral for the debt was approximately $186 and $208 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The carrying values on the outstanding loans was $45 and $58 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and the carrying value of the nonrecourse debt was $39 and $50 , respectively.

Financial Covenants
The Company's borrowing arrangements and credit facilities contain various financial covenants which primarily relate to required tangible net worth amounts, liquidity reserves, leverage requirements, and profitability requirements. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company is in compliance with its financial covenants.

Nationstar is required to maintain a minimum tangible net worth of at least $682 as of each quarter-end related to its outstanding Master Repurchase Agreements on its outstanding repurchase facilities. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company is in compliance with these minimum tangible net worth requirements.


9. Payables and Accrued Liabilities

Payables and accrued liabilities consist of the following.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Payables to servicing and subservicing investors
$
572

 
$
655

Loans subject to repurchase from Ginnie Mae
143

 
152

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
89

 
178

Accrued bonus and payroll
78

 
95

Accrued interest
64

 
65

Payable to insurance carriers and insurance cancellation reserves
60

 
73

Professional and legal
54

 
47

Payable to GSEs and securitized trusts
53

 
58

Lease obligations
28

 
24

Taxes
21

 
84

Repurchase reserves
15

 
18

MSR purchases payable including advances
11

 
21

Total payables and accrued liabilities
$
1,188

 
$
1,470


Payables to servicing and subservicing investors and Payables to GSEs and securitized trusts
Payables to servicing and subservicing investors represent amounts due to investors in connection with loans serviced that are paid from collections of the underlying loans, insurance proceeds or proceeds from property disposal.

Loans subject to repurchase from Ginnie Mae
See Note 6, Other Asset s for a description of assets and liabilities related to loans subject to repurchase from Ginnie Mae.

Accounts payables and other accrued liabilities
Other payables are primarily comprised of liabilities related to various vendor and servicing activities.

Payables to insurance carriers and insurance cancellation reserves
Payable to insurance carriers and insurance cancellation reserves consist of insurance premiums received from borrower payments awaiting disbursement to the insurance carrier and/or amounts due to third-party investors on liquidated loans.


25

Repurchase reserves
The activity of the outstanding repurchase reserves is set forth below.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
Repurchase Reserves
2017
 
 2016
 
2017
 
 2016
Balance - beginning of period
$
14

 
$
26

 
$
18

 
$
26

Provision, net of release
2

 
—

 
(1
)
 
1

Charge-offs
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Balance - end of period
$
15

 
$
25

 
$
15

 
$
25


The provision for repurchases represents an estimate of losses to be incurred on the repurchase of loans or indemnification of purchaser's losses related to forward loans. Certain sale contracts and GSE standards require Nationstar to repurchase a loan or indemnify the purchaser or insurer for losses if a borrower fails to make initial loan payments or if the accompanying mortgage loan fails to meet certain customary representations and warranties, such as the manner of origination, the nature and extent of underwriting standards.

In the event of a breach of the representations and warranties, Nationstar may be required to either repurchase the loan or indemnify the purchaser for losses it sustains on the loan. In addition, an investor may request that we refund a portion of the premium paid on the sale of mortgage loans if a loan is prepaid within a certain amount of time from the date of sale. Nationstar records a reserve for estimated losses associated with loan repurchases, purchaser indemnification and premium refunds. The provision for repurchase losses is charged against net gain on mortgage loans held for sale. A release of repurchase reserves is recorded when Company's assessment reveals that previously recorded reserves are no longer needed.

A selling representation and warranty framework was introduced by the GSEs in 2013 and enhanced in 2014 that helps address concerns of loan sellers with respect to loan repurchase risk. Under the framework, a GSE will not exercise its remedies, including the issuance of repurchase requests, for breaches of certain selling representations and warranties if a mortgage meets certain eligibility requirements. For loans sold to GSEs on or after January 1, 2013, repurchase risk for Home Affordable Refinance Program ("HARP") loans is lowered if the borrower stays current on the loan for 12 months and representation and warranty risks are limited for non-HARP loans that stay current for 36 months.

The Company regularly evaluates the adequacy of repurchase reserves based on trends in repurchase and indemnification requests, actual loss experience, settlement negotiation, estimated future loss exposure and other relevant factors including economic conditions. Current loss rates have significantly declined attributable to stronger underwriting standards and due to the falloff of loans underwritten prior to mortgage loan crisis period prior to 2008. The Company believes its reserve balances as of September 30, 2017 are sufficient to cover future loss exposure associated with repurchase contingencies.


10. Securitizations and Financings

Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
In the normal course of business, Nationstar enters into various types of on- and off-balance sheet transactions with special purpose entities ("SPE") determined to be VIEs, which primarily consist of securitization trusts established for a limited purpose. Generally, these SPEs are formed for the purpose of securitization transactions in which Nationstar transfers assets to an SPE, which then issues to investors various forms of debt obligations supported by those assets.

Nationstar has determined that the SPEs created in connection with the (i) Nationstar Home Equity Loan Trust 2009-A, (ii) Nationstar Mortgage Advance Receivables Trust (NMART), (iii) Nationstar Agency Advance Financing Trust (NAAFT) and (iv) Nationstar Advance Agency Receivables Trust (NAART) should be consolidated as Nationstar is the primary beneficiary of each of these entities. Also, Nationstar consolidated four reverse mortgage SPEs as it is the primary beneficiary of each of these entities. These SPEs include the Nationstar HECM Loan Trusts.


26

A summary of the assets and liabilities of Nationstar’s transactions with VIEs included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements is presented below for the dates indicated.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Transfers
Accounted for as
Secured
Borrowings
 
Reverse Secured Borrowings
 
Transfers
Accounted for as
Secured
Borrowings
 
Reverse Secured Borrowings
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash
$
121

 
$
25

 
$
190

 
$
37

Reverse mortgage interests, net
—

 
8,515

 
—

 
9,557

Advances and other receivables, net
934

 
—

 
1,065

 
—

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
142

 
—

 
150

 
—

Other assets
2

 
—

 
4

 
—

Total assets
$
1,199

 
$
8,540

 
$
1,409

 
$
9,594

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advance facilities (1)
$
704

 
$
—

 
$
909

 
$
—

Payables and accrued liabilities
1

 
—

 
1

 
—

Participating interest financing (2)
—

 
7,573

 
—

 
8,840

HECM Securitizations (HMBS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust 2015-2
—

 
—

 
—

 
114

Trust 2016-1
—

 
—

 
—

 
194

Trust 2016-2
—

 
105

 
—

 
158

Trust 2016-3
—

 
153

 
—

 
208

Trust 2017-1
—

 
240

 
—

 
—

Trust 2017-2
—

 
399

 
—

 
—

Nonrecourse debt–legacy assets
39

 
—

 
50

 
—

Total liabilities
$
744

 
$
8,470

 
$
960

 
$
9,514


(1) Advance facilities include the Nationstar agency advance financing facility and notes payable recorded by the Nationstar Mortgage Advance Receivable Trust, and the Nationstar Agency Advance Receivables Trust. Refer to Notes Payable in Note 8, Indebtedness for additional information.
(2) Participating interest financing excludes premiums.

A summary of the outstanding collateral and certificate balances for securitization trusts for which Nationstar was the transferor, including any retained beneficial interests and MSRs, that were not consolidated by Nationstar for the dates indicated as follows.
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016

Total collateral balances
$
2,373

 
$
2,704

Total certificate balances
$
2,214

 
$
2,455


Nationstar has not retained any variable interests in the unconsolidated securitization trusts that were outstanding as of September 30, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , and therefore does not have a significant maximum exposure to loss related to these unconsolidated VIEs.

A summary of mortgage loans transferred by Nationstar to unconsolidated securitization trusts that are 60 days or more past due and the credit losses incurred in the unconsolidated securitization trusts are presented below:
Principal Amount of Loans 60 Days or More Past Due
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Unconsolidated securitization trusts
$
430

 
$
548



27


11. Stockholders' Equity

Nationstar's Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $100 of the Company's common stock from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. No shares were repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 .

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , certain employees of Nationstar were granted 3 thousand and 1,062 thousand restricted stock units ("RSUs"), respectively. The RSUs generally vest in installments of 33.3% , 33.3% and 33.4% respectively on each of the first three anniversaries of the awards, provided that (i) the participant remains continuously employed with us during that time or (ii) the participant's employment has terminated by reason of retirement. In addition, upon death, disability or a change in control of the Company, the unvested shares of an award will vest. The ultimate value of the award, however, depends on the market value of Nationstar common stock on the vesting date. The Company recognized $4 and $6 of expense related to the share-based awards during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $13 and $18 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.


12. Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense (benefit) on continuing operations were as follows.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
5

 
$
29

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(106
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
37.1
%
 
40.6
%
 
29.1
%
 
36.8
%

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal rate of 35% due to recurring items, such as state tax benefit offset by excess tax deficiency related to restricted share-based compensation recognized within income rather than shareholder’s equity under ASU 2016-09. In the second quarter of 2017, we recognized approximately $4 of tax expense as a discrete item in connection with the sale of Xome's retail title division.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal rate of 35% primarily due to the elimination of the book loss of a less-than-wholly-owned subsidiary, state taxes and certain other permanent differences. The relative impact of these permanent differences on the effective tax rate was based upon forecasted income or loss before tax for the year.


13. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement and should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, a three-tiered fair value hierarchy has been established based on the level of observable inputs used in the measurement of fair value (e.g., Level 1 representing quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market; Level 2 representing values using observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1; and Level 3 representing estimated values based on significant unobservable inputs).
The following describes the methods and assumptions used by Nationstar in estimating fair values.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash (Level 1) – The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Level 2) – Nationstar originates mortgage loans in the U.S. that it intends to sell into Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae MBS (collectively, the "Agencies"). Additionally, Nationstar holds mortgage loans that it intends to sell into the secondary markets via whole loan sales or securitizations. Nationstar measures newly originated prime residential mortgage loans held for sale at fair value.

28

Mortgage loans held for sale are typically pooled together and sold into certain exit markets, depending upon underlying attributes of the loan, such as agency eligibility, product type, interest rate, and credit quality. Mortgage loans held for sale are valued on a recurring basis using a market approach by utilizing either: (i) the fair value of securities backed by similar mortgage loans, adjusted for certain factors to approximate the fair value of a whole mortgage loan, including the value attributable to mortgage servicing and credit risk, (ii) current commitments to purchase loans or (iii) recent observable market trades for similar loans, adjusted for credit risk and other individual loan characteristics. As these prices are derived from market observable inputs, Nationstar classifies these valuations as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures.

The Company may acquire mortgage loans held for sale from various securitization trusts for which it acts as servicer through the exercise of various clean-up call options as permitted through the respective pooling and servicing agreements. The Company has elected to account for these loans at the lower of cost or market. Nationstar classifies these valuations as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures.

Nationstar may also purchase loans out of a Ginnie Mae securitization pool if that loan meets certain criteria, including being delinquent greater than 90 days. Nationstar has elected to carry these loans at fair value. See Note 5, Mortgage Loan Held for Sale and Investment for more information.
Mortgage Loans Held for Investment, Net (Level 3) – Nationstar determines the fair value of loans held for investment based on the expected future cash flows discounted over the expected life of the loans at a rate commensurate with the risk of the estimated cash flows. Significant assumptions include expected prepayment speeds and discount rates. These internal inputs require the use of judgment by Nationstar and can have a significant impact on the determination of the loan’s fair value. As these fair values are derived from internally developed valuation models, Nationstar classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 5, Mortgage Loan Held for Sale and Investment for more information.
Mortgage Servicing Rights – Fair Value (Level 3) – Nationstar estimates the fair value of its forward MSRs on a recurring basis using a process that combines the use of a discounted cash flow model and analysis of current market data to arrive at an estimate of fair value. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions being mortgage prepayment speeds, discount rates, ancillary revenues and costs to service. These assumptions are generated and applied based on collateral stratifications including product type, remittance type, geography, delinquency and coupon dispersion. These assumptions require the use of judgment by Nationstar and can have a significant impact on the fair value of the MSRs. Quarterly, management obtains third-party valuations to assess the reasonableness of the fair value calculations provided by the internal cash flow model. Because of the nature of the valuation inputs, Nationstar classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 2, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities for more information.
Advances and Other Receivables, Net (Level 3) - Advances and other receivables are valued at their net realizable value after taking into consideration the reserves. Advances have no stated maturity. Their net realizable value approximates fair value as the net present value based on discounted cash flow is not materially different from the net realizable value.
Reverse Mortgage Interests, Net (Level 3) – The Company’s reverse mortgage interests are primarily comprised of HECM loans that are insured by FHA and guaranteed by Ginnie Mae upon securitization. Fair value for active reverse mortgage loans is estimated based on pricing of recent securitizations with similar attributes and characteristics, such as collateral values and prepayment speeds and adjusted as necessary for differences. The recent timing of these transactions allows the pricing to consider the current interest rate risk exposures. The fair value of inactive reverse mortgage loans is established based upon a discounted par value of the loan derived from the Company’s historical loss factors experienced on foreclosed loans.
Derivative Financial Instruments (Level 2) – Nationstar enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments as part of its hedging strategy and measures these instruments at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet. The majority of these derivatives are exchange-traded or traded within highly active dealer markets. In order to determine the fair value of these instruments, Nationstar utilizes the exchange price or dealer market price for the particular derivative contract; therefore, these contracts are classified as Level 2. In addition, Nationstar enters into IRLCs and LPCs with prospective borrowers and other loan originators. These commitments are carried at fair value based on the fair value of underlying mortgage loans which are based on observable market data. Nationstar adjusts the outstanding IRLCs with prospective borrowers based on an expectation that it will be exercised and the loan will be funded. IRLCs and LPCs are recorded in derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheets. These commitments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures, as the valuations are based on market observable inputs. Nationstar has entered into Eurodollar futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. The futures contracts are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and classified as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures as the valuation is based on market observable data. See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information.

29

Advance Facilities and Warehouse Facilities (Level 2) – As the underlying warehouse and advance finance facilities bear interest at a rate that is periodically adjusted based on a market index, the carrying amount reported on the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value. See Note 8, Indebtedness for more information.
Unsecured Senior Notes (Level 1) – The fair value of unsecured senior notes, which are carried at amortized cost, is based on quoted market prices and is considered Level 1 from the market observable inputs used to determine fair value. See Note 8, Indebtedness for more information.
Nonrecourse Debt – Legacy Assets (Level 3) – Nationstar estimates fair value based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value for similar financial instruments. These prices are derived from a combination of internally developed valuation models and quoted market prices, and are classified as Level 3. See Note 8, Indebtedness for more information.
Excess Spread Financing (Level 3) – Nationstar estimates fair value on a recurring basis based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value for similar financial instruments. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions being mortgage prepayment speeds, average life, recapture rates and discount rate. As these prices are derived from a combination of internally developed valuation models and quoted market prices based on the value of the underlying MSRs, Nationstar classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 2, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities for more information.
Mortgage Servicing Rights Financing Liability (Level 3) - Nationstar estimates fair value on a recurring basis based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value for similar financial instruments. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions being advance financing rates, annual advance recovery rates and working capital. As these assumptions are derived from internally developed valuation models based on the value of the underlying MSRs, Nationstar classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 2, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities for more information.
Participating Interest Financing (Level 2) – Nationstar estimates the fair value using a market approach by utilizing the fair value of securities backed by similar participating interests in reverse mortgage loans. Nationstar classifies these valuations as Level 2 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 2, Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities , and Note 8, Indebtedness for more information.
HECM Securitizations (Level 3) – Nationstar estimates fair value of the nonrecourse debt related to HECM securitization based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating that of similar financial instruments. As the prices are derived from both internal models and other observable inputs, Nationstar classifies this as Level 3 in the fair value disclosures. See Note 8, Indebtedness for more information.


30

The following table presents the estimated carrying amount and fair value of Nationstar’s financial instruments and other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
Total Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale (1)
$
1,645.7

 
$
—

 
$
1,645.7

 
$
—

Mortgage servicing rights (1)
2,956.1

 
—

 
—

 
2,956.1

Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRLCs
68.7

 
—

 
68.7

 
—

Forward MBS trades
4.7

 
—

 
4.7

 
—

LPCs
1.0

 
—

 
1.0

 
—

Treasury futures
2.0

 
—

 
2.0

 
—

Total assets
$
4,678.2

 
$
—

 
$
1,722.1

 
$
2,956.1

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward MBS trades
$
3.2

 
$
—

 
$
3.2

 
$
—

LPCs
1.2

 
—

 
1.2

 
—

Treasury futures
2.0

 
—

 
2.0

 
—

Mortgage servicing rights financing
20.5

 
—

 
—

 
20.5

Excess spread financing
1,045.6

 
—

 
—

 
1,045.6

Total liabilities
$
1,072.5

 
$
—

 
$
6.4

 
$
1,066.1

 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
Total Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale (1)
$
1,788.0

 
$
—

 
$
1,788.0

 
$
—

Mortgage servicing rights (1)
3,160.0

 
—

 
—

 
3,160.0

Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRLCs
92.2

 
—

 
92.2

 
—

Forward MBS trades
39.2

 
—

 
39.2

 
—

LPCs
1.9

 
—

 
1.9

 
—

Interest rate swaps and caps
0.1

 
—

 
0.1

 
—

Total assets
$
5,081.4

 
$
—

 
$
1,921.4

 
$
3,160.0

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRLCs
$
1.1

 
$
—

 
$
1.1

 
$
—

Forward MBS trades
10.0

 
—

 
10.0

 
—

LPCs
1.5

 
—

 
1.5

 
—

Interest rate swaps and caps
0.1

 
—

 
0.1

 
—

Mortgage servicing rights financing
27.0

 
—

 
—

 
27.0

Excess spread financing
1,214.0

 
—

 
—

 
1,214.0

Total liabilities
$
1,253.7

 
$
—

 
$
12.7

 
$
1,241.0


(1) Based on the nature and risks of the underlying assets and liabilities, the fair value is presented for the aggregate account.




31

The table below presents a reconciliation for all of Nationstar’s Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Mortgage servicing rights
 
Excess spread financing
 
Mortgage servicing rights financing
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Balance - beginning of period
$
3,160

 
$
1,214

 
$
27

Total gains or losses included in earnings
(361
)
 
—

 
(7
)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
30

 
—

 
—

Issuances
151

 
—

 
—

Sales
(24
)
 
—

 
—

Settlements
—

 
(168
)
 
—

Balance - end of period
$
2,956

 
$
1,046

 
$
20

 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Mortgage servicing rights
 
Excess spread financing
 
Mortgage servicing rights financing
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Balance - beginning of period
$
3,358

 
$
1,232

 
$
69

Total gains or losses included in earnings
(496
)
 
25

 
(42
)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
157

 
—

 
—

Issuances
208

 
155

 
—

Sales
(67
)
 
—

 
—

Settlements
—

 
(198
)
 
—

Balance - end of period
$
3,160

 
$
1,214

 
$
27


No transfers were made into or out of Level 3 fair value assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or the year ended December 31, 2016 , respectively.

32

The table below presents a summary of the estimated carrying amount and fair value of Nationstar’s financial instruments.
 
September 30, 2017
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
224

 
$
224

 
$
—

 
$
—

Restricted cash
356

 
356

 
—

 
—

Advances and other receivables, net
1,625

 
—

 
—

 
1,625

Reverse mortgage interests, net
10,299

 
—

 
—

 
10,539

Mortgage loans held for sale
1,646

 
—

 
1,646

 
—

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
143

 
—

 
—

 
143

Derivative financial instruments
76

 
—

 
76

 
—

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured senior notes
1,885

 
1,920

 
—

 
—

Advance facilities
798

 
—

 
798

 
—

Warehouse facilities
2,775

 
—

 
2,775

 
—

Mortgage servicing rights financing liability
20

 
—

 
—

 
20

Derivative financial instruments
7

 
—

 
7

 
—

Excess spread financing
1,046

 
—

 
—

 
1,046

Participating interest financing
7,640

 
—

 
7,840

 
—

HECM Securitization (HMBS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust 2016-2
105

 
—

 
—

 
121

Trust 2016-3
153

 
—

 
—

 
170

Trust 2017-1
240

 
—

 
—

 
252

Trust 2017-2
399

 
—

 
—

 
400

Nonrecourse debt - legacy assets
39

 
—

 
—

 
38

 
December 31, 2016
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
489

 
$
489

 
$
—

 
$
—

Restricted cash
388

 
388

 
—

 
—

Advances and other receivables, net
1,749

 
—

 
—

 
1,749

Reverse mortgage interests, net
11,033

 
—

 
—

 
11,232

Mortgage loans held for sale
1,788

 
—

 
1,788

 
—

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
151

 
—

 
—

 
153

Derivative financial instruments
133

 
—

 
133

 
—

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured senior notes
2,007

 
2,047

 
—

 
—

Advance facilities
1,096

 
—

 
1,096

 
—

Warehouse facilities
2,423

 
—

 
2,423

 
—

Mortgage servicing rights financing liability
27

 
—

 
—

 
27

Excess spread financing
1,214

 
—

 
—

 
1,214

Derivative financial instruments
13

 
—

 
13

 
—

Participating interest financing
8,914

 
—

 
9,151

 
—

HECM Securitization (HMBS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust 2015-2
114

 
—

 
—

 
125

Trust 2016-1
194

 
—

 
—

 
203

Trust 2016-2
158

 
—

 
—

 
156

Trust 2016-3
208

 
—

 
—

 
205

Nonrecourse debt - legacy assets
50

 
—

 
—

 
50



33

14. Capital Requirements

Certain Nationstar secondary market investors require minimum net worth ("capital") requirements, as specified in the respective selling and servicing agreements. In addition, these investors may require capital ratios in excess of the stated requirements to approve large servicing transfers. To the extent that these requirements are not met, Nationstar's secondary market investors may utilize a range of remedies ranging from sanctions, suspension or ultimately termination of Nationstar's selling and servicing agreements, which would prohibit Nationstar from further originating or securitizing these specific types of mortgage loans or being an approved servicer.
Among Nationstar's various capital requirements related to its outstanding selling and servicing agreements, the most restrictive of these requires Nationstar to maintain a minimum adjusted net worth balance of $1,000 . As of September 30, 2017 , Nationstar was in compliance with its selling and servicing capital requirements.


15. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation and Regulatory Matters
Nationstar and its subsidiaries are routinely and currently involved in a significant number of legal proceedings concerning matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The legal proceedings are at varying stages of adjudication, arbitration or investigation. These actions and proceedings are generally based on alleged violations of consumer protection, securities, employment, contract, tort, common law fraud and other numerous laws, including, without limitation, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Service Member’s Civil Relief Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Truth in Lending Act, Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in violation of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Title 11 of the United States Code (aka the "Bankruptcy Code"), False Claims Act and Making Home Affordable loan modification programs.

In addition, along with others in our industry, the Company is subject to repurchase and indemnification claims and may continue to receive claims in the future, regarding alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to the sale of mortgage loans, the placement of mortgage loans into securitization trusts or the servicing of mortgage loans securitizations. The Company is also subject to legal actions or proceedings related to loss sharing and indemnification provisions of our various acquisitions. Certain of the pending or threatened legal proceedings include claims for substantial compensatory, punitive and/or, statutory damages or claims for an indeterminate amount of damages.

Nationstar’s business is also subject to extensive examinations, investigations and reviews by various federal, state and local regulatory and enforcement agencies. Nationstar has historically had a number of open investigations with various regulators or enforcement agencies. We have experienced an increase in regulatory and governmental investigations, subpoenas, examinations and other inquiries. Nationstar is currently the subject of various regulatory or governmental investigations, subpoenas, examinations and inquiries related to its residential loan servicing and origination practices, bankruptcy and collections practices, its financial reporting and other aspects of its businesses. These matters include investigations by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"), the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Executive Office of the United States Trustees, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the multistate coalition of mortgage banking regulators, various State Attorneys General, the New York Department of Financial Services, and the California Department of Business Oversight. These specific matters and other pending or potential future investigations, subpoenas, examinations or inquiries may lead to administrative, civil or criminal proceedings or settlements, and possibly result in remedies including fines, penalties, restitution, or alterations in our business practices, and in additional expenses and collateral costs. Responding to these matters requires Nationstar to devote substantial legal and regulatory resources, resulting in higher costs and lower net cash flows.


34

For example, Nationstar continues to progress towards resolution of certain legacy regulatory matters involving regulatory examination findings for alleged violations of certain laws related to our business practices. In March 2017, Nationstar entered into a consent order with the CFPB for failure to comply with certain data reporting requirements of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Additionally, Nationstar is currently in negotiations with the California Department of Business Oversight to resolve two examinations, one of which dates to 2012. The Company is also in negotiations with the New York Department of Financial Services regarding two examinations. In both instances, the resolution will involve the payment of civil monetary penalties and other remedial measures. However, management does not believe that resolution of either of these matters would have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In addition, Nationstar is a defendant in a class action proceeding originally filed in state court in March 2012, and then removed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington under the caption Laura Zamora Jordan v. Nationstar Mortgage LLC. The suit was filed on behalf of a class of Washington borrowers and challenges property preservation measures we took, as loan servicer, after the borrowers defaulted and our vendors determined that the borrowers had vacated or abandoned their properties. The case raises claims for (i) common law trespass, (ii) statutory trespass, and (iii) violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, and seeks recovery of actual, statutory, and treble damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and litigation costs. The Company believes that is has meritorious defenses and will continue to vigorously defend itself in this matter. An adverse judgment in this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. However, if Nationstar receives a final adverse judgment, it intends to seek reimbursement from the owners of the loans it serviced, but there can be no assurance that the Company would prevail with any claims for reimbursement.
The Company seeks to resolve all claims, demands, litigation and regulatory and governmental matters in the manner management believes is in the best interest of the Company and contests liability, allegations of wrongdoing and, where applicable, the amount of damages or scope of any penalties or other relief sought as appropriate in each pending matter. The Company has entered into agreements with a number of entities and regulatory agencies that toll applicable limitations periods with respect to their claims.

On at least a quarterly basis, the Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal and regulatory and governmental proceedings utilizing the latest information available. Where available information indicates that it is probable, a liability has been incurred, and the Company can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss, an accrued liability is established. The actual costs of resolving these proceedings may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts accrued.

As a litigation or regulatory matter develops, the Company, in conjunction with any outside counsel handling the matter, evaluates on an ongoing basis whether such matter presents a loss contingency that is both probable and estimable. If, at the time of evaluation, the loss contingency is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments that would make such loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. Once the matter is deemed to be both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company will establish an accrued liability and record a corresponding amount to litigation related expense. The Company will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability that has been previously established. Litigation related expense, which includes legal settlements and the fees paid to external legal service providers, of $10 and $29 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $16 and $49 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, was included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

For a number of matters for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, the Company may be able to estimate a range of possible loss. In determining whether it is possible to provide an estimate of loss or range of possible loss, the Company reviews and evaluates its material litigation and regulatory matters on an ongoing basis, in conjunction with any outside counsel handling the matter. For those matters for which an estimate is possible, management currently believes the aggregate range of reasonably possible loss is $23 to $62 in excess of the accrued liability (if any) related to those matters as of September 30, 2017 . This estimated range of possible loss is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment, numerous assumptions and known and unknown uncertainties. The matters underlying the estimated range will change from time to time, and actual results may vary substantially from the current estimate. Those matters for which an estimate is not possible are not included within the estimated range. Therefore, this estimated range of possible loss represents what management believes to be an estimate of possible loss only for certain matters meeting these criteria. It does not represent the Company's maximum loss exposure and the Company cannot provide assurance that its litigations reserves will not need to be adjusted in the future. Thus, our exposure and ultimate losses may be higher, possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued or this aggregate amount.


35

In our experience, legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable. One or more of the following factors frequently contribute to this inherent unpredictability: the proceeding is in its early stages; the damages sought are unspecified, unsupported or uncertain; it is unclear whether a case brought as a class action will be allowed to proceed on that basis or, if permitted to proceed as a class action, how the class will be defined; the other party is seeking relief other than or in addition to compensatory damages (including, in the case of regulatory and governmental investigations and inquiries, the possibility of fines and penalties); the matter presents meaningful legal uncertainties, including novel issues of law; we have not engaged in meaningful settlement discussions; discovery has not started or is not complete; there are significant facts in dispute; predicting possible outcomes depends on making assumptions about future decisions of courts or regulatory bodies or the behavior of other parties; and there are a large number of parties named as defendants (including where it is uncertain how damages or liability, if any, will be shared among multiple defendants). Generally, the less progress that has been made in the proceedings or the broader the range of potential results, the harder it is for us to estimate losses or ranges of losses that it is reasonably possible we could incur.

Based on current knowledge, and after consultation with counsel, management believes that the current legal accrued liability, within payables and accrued liabilities, is appropriate, and the amount of any incremental liability arising from these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition of the Company, although the outcome of such proceedings could be material to the Company’s operating results and cash flows for a particular period depending, on among other things, the level of the Company’s revenues or income for such period. However, in the event of significant developments on existing cases, it is possible that the ultimate resolution, if unfavorable, may be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other Loss Contingencies
As part of the Company's ongoing operations, it acquires servicing rights of forward and reverse mortgage loan portfolios that are subject to indemnification based on the representations and warranties of the seller. From time to time, the Company will seek recovery under these representations and warranties for incurred costs. The Company believes all recorded balances sought from sellers represent valid claims. However, the Company acknowledges that the claims process can be a prolonged due to the required time to perfect claims at the loan level. Because of the required time to perfect or remediate these claims, management relies on the sufficiency of documentation supporting the claim, current negotiations with the counterparty and other evidence to evaluate whether a reserve is required for non-recoverable balances. In the absence of successful negotiations with the seller, all amounts claimed may not be recovered. Balances may be written-off and charged against earnings when management identifies amounts where recoverability from the seller is not likely. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company believes all recorded balances for which recovery is sought from the seller are valid claims and no evidence suggests additional reserves are warranted at this time.

Loan and Other Commitments
Nationstar enters into IRLCs with prospective borrowers whereby the Company commits to lend a certain loan amount under specific terms and interest rates to the borrower. Nationstar also enters into LPCs with prospective sellers. These loan commitments are treated as derivatives and are carried at fair value. See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information.

Nationstar has certain reverse MSRs and reverse mortgage loans related to approximately $35,906 and $38,940 of UPB in reverse mortgage loans as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. As servicer for these reverse mortgage loans, among other things, the Company is obligated to fund borrowers' draws to the loan customers as required in accordance with the loan agreement. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company’s maximum unfunded advance obligation to fund borrower draws related to these MSRs and loans was approximately $3,921 and $4,396 , respectively. Upon funding any portion of these draws, the Company expects to securitize and sell the advances in transactions that will be accounted for as secured borrowings.


16. Disposition and Exit Costs

Nationstar periodically initiates programs to reduce costs and improve operating effectiveness in order to improve current operating performance and to respond to changes in the Company's business model. These cost reduction initiatives include the restructuring of our facilities lease portfolio, closing of offices and the termination of portions of Nationstar’s workforce. As part of these restructuring plans, Nationstar has incurred severance and other exit costs totaling $0.3 and $7 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. Included in the severance and other exit costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is a total cost of $3 associated with the closure of the Company's facility in Buffalo, New York and its facilities lease.

36


In June 2017, the Company sold Xome's retail title division and recognized $8 gain, which was recorded in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. The disposal of the retail title division allows Xome to better align the title business with its operations. In connection with the sale, the Company wrote off net assets of $7 , including customer relationships of $4 in intangible assets and $2 goodwill.


17. Business Segment Reporting

Nationstar’s segments are based upon Nationstar’s organizational structure, which focuses primarily on the services offered. The accounting policies of each reportable segment are consistent with those of Nationstar except for 1) expenses for consolidated back-office operations and general overhead-type expenses such as executive administration and accounting, and 2) revenues generated on inter-segment services performed. Expenses are allocated to individual segments based on the estimated value of services performed, including estimated utilization of square footage and corporate personnel as well as the equity invested in each segment. Revenues generated on inter-segment services performed are valued based on similar services provided to external parties.

The following tables present financial information by segment.
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Servicing
 
Originations
 
Xome
 
Eliminations
 
Total Operating Segments
 
Corporate and Other
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
 
$
191

 
$
16

 
$
65

 
$
(20
)
 
$
252

 
$
—

 
$
252

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
 
—

 
134

 
—

 
20

 
154

 
—

 
154

Total revenues
 
191

 
150

 
65

 
—

 
406

 
—

 
406

Total Expenses
 
185

 
106

 
54

 
—

 
345

 
23

 
368

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
141

 
14

 
—

 
—

 
155

 
2

 
157

Interest expense
 
(130
)
 
(13
)
 
—

 
—

 
(143
)
 
(38
)
 
(181
)
Other
 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
—


(2
)
Total Other Income (expenses), net
 
9

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
10

 
(36
)
 
(26
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
15

 
$
45

 
$
11

 
$
—

 
$
71

 
$
(59
)
 
$
12

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
6

 
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
—

 
$
12

 
$
3

 
$
15

Total assets
 
15,147

 
4,644


382

 
(2,948
)
 
17,225

 
779

 
18,004


37

 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2016 (1)
 
 
Servicing
 
Originations
 
Xome
 
Eliminations
 
Total Operating Segments
 
Corporate and Other
 
Consolidated
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
 
$
211

 
$
16

 
$
107

 
$
(23
)
 
$
311

 
$
(1
)
 
$
310

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
 
—

 
208

 
—

 
23

 
231

 
1

 
232

Total revenues
 
211

 
224

 
107

 
—

 
542

 
—

 
542

Total Expenses
 
150

 
141

 
87

 
—

 
378

 
29

 
407

Other income (expenses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
82

 
17

 
—

 
—

 
99

 
4

 
103

Interest expense
 
(108
)
 
(16
)
 
—

 
—

 
(124
)
 
(41
)
 
(165
)
Other
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Total Other Income (expenses), net
 
(26
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(26
)
 
(38
)
 
(64
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
35

 
$
83

 
$
20

 
$
—

 
$
138

 
$
(67
)
 
$
71

Depreciation and amortization  
 
$
6

 
$
3

 
$
4

 
$
—

 
$
13

 
$
4

 
$
17

Total assets
 
12,250

 
4,523

 
345

 
(2,432
)
 
14,686

 
1,160

 
15,846


(1) The Company periodically evaluates corporate allocation methods in order to appropriately align corporate costs with its business. Certain 2016 costs within salaries, wages and benefits and operational expenses were reclassified between segments to conform to current year allocation methods.

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Servicing
 
Originations
 
Xome
 
Eliminations
 
Total Operating Segments
 
Corporate and Other
 
Consolidated
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
 
$
537

 
$
47

 
$
226

 
$
(63
)
 
$
747

 
$
1

 
$
748

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
 
—

 
402

 
—

 
63

 
465

 
—

 
465

Total revenues
 
537

 
449

 
226

 
—

 
1,212

 
1

 
1,213

Total Expenses
 
518

 
326

 
193

 
—

 
1,037

 
72

 
1,109

Other income (expenses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
384

 
39

 
—

 
—

 
423

 
12

 
435

Interest expense
 
(402
)
 
(39
)
 
—

 
—

 
(441
)
 
(116
)
 
(557
)
Other
 
(2
)
 
—

 
8

 
—

 
6

 
(2
)
 
4

Total Other Income (expenses), net
 
(20
)
 
—

 
8

 
—

 
(12
)
 
(106
)
 
(118
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
123

 
$
41

 
$
—

 
$
163

 
$
(177
)
 
$
(14
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
16

 
$
8

 
$
10

 
$
—

 
$
34

 
$
10

 
$
44

Total assets
 
15,147

 
4,644

 
382

 
(2,948
)
 
17,225

 
779

 
18,004



38

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (1)
 
 
Servicing
 
Originations
 
Xome
 
Eliminations
 
Total Operating Segments
 
Corporate and Other
 
Consolidated
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
 
$
225

 
$
47

 
$
327

 
$
(93
)
 
$
506

 
$
1

 
$
507

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
 
—

 
526

 
—

 
93

 
619

 
—

 
619

Total revenues
 
225

 
573

 
327

 
—

 
1,125

 
1

 
1,126

Total Expenses
 
477

 
394

 
274

 
—

 
1,145

 
87

 
1,232

Other income (expenses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
254

 
48

 
—

 
—

 
302

 
11

 
313

Interest expense
 
(325
)
 
(44
)
 
—

 
—

 
(369
)
 
(124
)
 
(493
)
Other
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Total Other Income (expenses), net
 
(71
)
 
3


—


—


(68
)

(114
)

(182
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
(323
)
 
$
182

 
$
53

 
$
—

 
$
(88
)
 
$
(200
)
 
$
(288
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
17

 
$
9

 
$
16

 
$
—

 
$
42

 
$
6

 
$
48

Total assets
 
12,250

 
4,523

 
345

 
(2,432
)
 
14,686

 
1,160

 
15,846


(1) The Company periodically evaluates corporate allocation methods in order to appropriately align corporate costs with its business. Certain 2016 costs within salaries, wages and benefits and operational expenses were reclassified between segments to conform to current year allocation methods.


18. Guarantor Financial Statement Information

As of September 30, 2017 , Nationstar Mortgage LLC and Nationstar Capital Corporation (1) (collectively, the "Issuer"), both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nationstar, have issued $1,873 aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes, net of repayments, which mature on various dates through June 2022. The unsecured senior notes are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by all of Nationstar Mortgage LLC’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries other than its securitization and certain finance subsidiaries, certain other restricted subsidiaries, excluded restricted subsidiaries and subsidiaries that in the future Nationstar Mortgage LLC designates as unrestricted subsidiaries. All guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned by Nationstar Mortgage LLC. Nationstar and its two direct wholly-owned subsidiaries are guarantors of the unsecured senior notes as well. Presented below are the condensed consolidating financial statements of Nationstar, Nationstar Mortgage LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries for the periods indicated.

In the condensed consolidating financial statements presented below, Nationstar allocates income tax expense to Nationstar Mortgage LLC as if it were a separate tax payer entity pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes.

(1) Nationstar Capital Corporation has no assets, operations or liabilities other than being a co-obligor of the unsecured senior notes.

39

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
—

 
$
201

 
$
1

 
$
22

 
$
—

 
$
224

Restricted cash
—

 
211

 
—

 
145

 
—

 
356

Mortgage servicing rights
—

 
2,931

 
—

 
30

 
—

 
2,961

Advances and other receivables, net
—

 
1,625

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,625

Reverse mortgage interests, net
—

 
9,357

 
—

 
942

 
—

 
10,299

Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value
—

 
1,646

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,646

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
—

 
1

 
—

 
142

 
—

 
143

Property and equipment, net
—

 
108

 
—

 
19

 
—

 
127

Derivative financial instruments at fair value
—

 
76

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
76

Other assets
—

 
445

 
177

 
731

 
(806
)
 
547

Investment in subsidiaries
1,801

 
507

 
—

 
—

 
(2,308
)
 
—

Total assets
$
1,801

 
$
17,108

 
$
178

 
$
2,031

 
$
(3,114
)
 
$
18,004

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured senior notes
$
—

 
$
1,873

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,873

Advance facilities, net
—

 
93

 
—

 
704

 
—

 
797

Warehouse facilities, net
—

 
2,774

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,774

Payables and accrued liabilities
—

 
1,149

 
2

 
37

 
—

 
1,188

MSR related liabilities - nonrecourse at fair value
—

 
1,046

 
—

 
20

 
—

 
1,066

Mortgage servicing liabilities
—

 
53

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
53

Derivative financial instruments, at fair value
—

 
7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
7

Other nonrecourse debt, net
—

 
7,632

 
—

 
937

 
—

 
8,569

Payables to affiliates
124

 
680

 
—

 
2

 
(806
)
 
—

Total liabilities
124

 
15,307

 
2

 
1,700

 
(806
)
 
16,327

Total stockholders' equity
1,677

 
1,801

 
176

 
331

 
(2,308
)
 
1,677

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,801

 
$
17,108

 
$
178

 
$
2,031

 
$
(3,114
)
 
$
18,004


(1) Issuer balances exclude the balances of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.

40

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
$
—

 
$
181

 
$
7

 
$
64

 
$
—

 
$
252

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
153

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
154

Total revenues
—

 
334

 
7

 
65

 
—

 
406

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages benefits
—

 
153

 
1

 
29

 
—

 
183

General and administrative
—

 
154

 
4

 
27

 
—

 
185

Total expenses
—

 
307

 
5

 
56

 
—

 
368

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
—

 
145

 
—

 
12

 
—

 
157

Interest expense
—

 
(168
)
 
—

 
(13
)
 
—

 
(181
)
Other income (expense)
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
1

 
—

 
(2
)
Gain (loss) from subsidiaries
7

 
11

 
—

 
—

 
(18
)
 
—

Total other income (expenses), net
7

 
(15
)
 
—

 
—

 
(18
)
 
(26
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
7

 
12

 
2

 
9

 
(18
)
 
12

Less: Income tax expense
—

 
5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5

Net income (loss)
7

 
7

 
2

 
9

 
(18
)
 
7

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
$
7

 
$
7

 
$
2

 
$
9

 
$
(18
)
 
$
7


(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.




41

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SPETEMBER 30, 2017
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
$
—

 
$
497

 
$
21

 
$
230

 
$
—

 
$
748

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
464

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
465

Total revenues
—

 
961

 
21

 
231

 
—

 
1,213

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages benefits
—

 
451

 
3

 
103

 
—

 
557

General and administrative
—

 
440

 
10

 
102

 
—

 
552

Total expenses
—

 
891

 
13

 
205

 
—

 
1,109

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
—

 
396

 
—

 
39

 
—

 
435

Interest expense
—

 
(515
)
 
—

 
(42
)
 
—

 
(557
)
Other income (expense)
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
9

 
—

 
4

Gain (loss) from subsidiaries
(11
)
 
40

 
—

 
—

 
(29
)
 
—

Total other income (expenses), net
(11
)
 
(84
)
 
—

 
6

 
(29
)
 
(118
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
(11
)
 
(14
)
 
8

 
32

 
(29
)
 
(14
)
Less: Income tax expense
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
Net income (loss)
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
8

 
32

 
(29
)
 
(10
)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
$
(11
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
8

 
$
32

 
$
(29
)
 
$
(11
)

(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.



42

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
$
(11
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
8

 
$
32

 
$
(29
)
 
$
(11
)
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash attributable to operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gain) loss from subsidiaries
11

 
(40
)
 
—

 
—

 
29

 
—

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
—

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
(464
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
(465
)
Reverse mortgage loan interest income
—

 
(368
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(368
)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
—

 
1

 
—

 
(9
)
 
—

 
(8
)
Provision for servicing reserves
—

 
113

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
113

Fair value changes and amortization of mortgage servicing rights
—

 
361

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
361

Fair value changes in excess spread financing
—

 
2

 
—

 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

Fair value change in mortgage servicing rights financing liability
—

 
(7
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discount
—

 
55

 
—

 
8

 
—

 
63

Depreciation and amortization
—

 
33

 
—

 
11

 
—

 
44

Share-based compensation
—

 
9

 
—

 
4

 
—

 
13

Other losses
—

 
5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5

Repurchases of forward loans assets out of Ginnie Mae securitizations
—

 
(943
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(943
)
Repurchases of reverse loan assets out of Ginnie Mae securitizations, net of assignments to prior servicers
—

 
(2,468
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,468
)
Mortgage loans originated and purchased, net of fees, and other purchase-related activities
—

 
(14,002
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(14,002
)
Sales proceeds and loan payment proceeds for mortgage loans held for sale and held for investment
—

 
15,459

 
—

 
13

 
—

 
15,472

Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from share based compensation
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advances and other receivables, net
—

 
55

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
55

Reverse mortgage interests, net
—

 
3,719

 
—

 
(225
)
 
—

 
3,494

Other assets
4

 
(99
)
 
(9
)
 
87

 
—

 
(17
)
Payables and accrued liabilities
—

 
(273
)
 
—

 
(11
)
 
—

 
(284
)
Net cash attributable to operating activities
4

 
1,137

 
(1
)
 
(93
)
 
—

 
1,047


(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.

43


NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
(Continued)
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment additions, net of disposals
—

 
(31
)
 
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
(34
)
Purchase of forward mortgage servicing rights, net of liabilities incurred
—

 
(22
)
 
—

 
(6
)
 
—

 
(28
)
Net proceeds from acquisition of reverse mortgage servicing portfolio and HECM related receivables
—

 
16

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
16

Proceeds on sale of forward and reverse mortgage servicing rights
—

 
25

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
25

Proceeds on sale of assets
—

 
16

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
16

Net cash attributable to investing activities
—

 
4

 
—

 
(9
)
 
—

 
(5
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in warehouse facilities
—

 
351

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
351

Decrease in advance facilities
—

 
(93
)
 
—

 
(205
)
 
—

 
(298
)
Proceeds from HECM securitizations
—

 
(6
)
 
—

 
707

 
—

 
701

Repayment of HECM securitizations
—

 
—

 
—

 
(484
)
 
—

 
(484
)
Proceeds from issuance of participating interest financing in reverse mortgage interests, net
—

 
437

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
437

Repayment of participating interest financing in reverse mortgage interests, net
—

 
(1,730
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,730
)
Repayment of excess spread financing
—

 
(168
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(168
)
Repayment of nonrecourse debt–legacy assets
—

 
—

 
—

 
(12
)
 
—

 
(12
)
Repurchase of unsecured senior notes
—

 
(122
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(122
)
Transfers (to) from restricted cash, net
—

 
(46
)
 
—

 
84

 
—

 
38

Surrender of shares relating to stock vesting
(4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
Debt financing costs
—

 
(11
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11
)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5
)
Net cash attributable to financing activities
(4
)
 
(1,393
)
 
—

 
90

 
—

 
(1,307
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
—

 
(252
)
 
(1
)
 
(12
)
 
—

 
(265
)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
—

 
453

 
2

 
34

 
—

 
489

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
—

 
$
201

 
$
1

 
$
22

 
$
—

 
$
224


(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.


44

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2016
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
—

 
$
453

 
$
2

 
$
34

 
$
—

 
$
489

Restricted cash
—

 
159

 
—

 
229

 
—

 
388

Mortgage servicing rights
—

 
3,142

 
—

 
24

 
—

 
3,166

Advances and other receivables, net
—

 
1,749

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,749

Reverse mortgage interests, net
—

 
10,316

 
—

 
717

 
—

 
11,033

Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value
—

 
1,787

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
1,788

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
—

 
1

 
—

 
150

 
—

 
151

Property and equipment, net
—

 
113

 
—

 
23

 
—

 
136

Derivative financial instruments at fair value
—

 
133

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
133

Other assets
—

 
444

 
323

 
838

 
(1,045
)
 
560

Investment in subsidiaries
1,801

 
634

 
—

 
—

 
(2,435
)
 
—

Total assets
$
1,801

 
$
18,931

 
$
325

 
$
2,016

 
$
(3,480
)
 
$
19,593

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured senior notes
$
—

 
$
1,990

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,990

Advance facilities, net
—

 
187

 
—

 
909

 
—

 
1,096

Warehouse facilities, net
—

 
2,421

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,421

Payables and accrued liabilities
—

 
1,420

 
2

 
48

 
—

 
1,470

MSR related liabilities - nonrecourse at fair value
—

 
1,219

 
—

 
22

 
—

 
1,241

Mortgage servicing liabilities
—

 
48

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
48

Derivative financial instruments, at fair value
—

 
13

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
13

Other nonrecourse debt, net
—

 
8,907

 
—

 
724

 
—

 
9,631

Payables to affiliates
118

 
925

 
—

 
2

 
(1,045
)
 
—

Total liabilities
118

 
17,130

 
2

 
1,705

 
(1,045
)
 
17,910

Total stockholders' equity
1,683

 
1,801

 
323

 
311

 
(2,435
)
 
1,683

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,801

 
$
18,931

 
$
325

 
$
2,016

 
$
(3,480
)
 
$
19,593


(1) Issuer balances exclude the balances of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.


45

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
$
—

 
$
196

 
$
5

 
$
109

 
$
—

 
$
310

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
222

 
—

 
10

 
—

 
232

Total revenues
—

 
418

 
5

 
119

 
—

 
542

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
—

 
156

 
1

 
54

 
—

 
211

General and administrative
—

 
143

 
2

 
51

 
—

 
196

Total expenses
—

 
299

 
3

 
105

 
—

 
407

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
—

 
91

 
—

 
12

 
—

 
103

Interest expense
—

 
(146
)
 
—

 
(19
)
 
—

 
(165
)
Other expense
—

 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
Gain (loss) from subsidiaries
45

 
9

 
—

 
—

 
(54
)
 
—

Total other income (expenses), net
45

 
(48
)
 
—

 
(7
)
 
(54
)
 
(64
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
45

 
71

 
2

 
7

 
(54
)

71

Less: Income tax (benefit)
—

 
29

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
29

Net income (loss)
45

 
42

 
2

 
7

 
(54
)
 
42

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
$
45

 
$
45

 
$
2

 
$
7

 
$
(54
)
 
$
45


(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.




46

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service related, net
$
—

 
$
156

 
$
19

 
$
332

 
$
—

 
$
507

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
590

 
—

 
29

 
—

 
619

Total revenues
—

 
746

 
19

 
361

 
—

 
1,126

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages benefits
—

 
448

 
3

 
162

 
—

 
613

General and administrative
—

 
453

 
6

 
160

 
—

 
619

Total expenses
—

 
901

 
9

 
322

 
—

 
1,232

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
—

 
276

 
—

 
37

 
—

 
313

Interest expense
—

 
(437
)
 
—

 
(56
)
 
—

 
(493
)
Other expense
—

 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
Gain (loss) from subsidiaries
(179
)
 
30

 
—

 
—

 
149

 
—

Total other income (expenses), net
(179
)
 
(133
)
 
—

 
(19
)
 
149

 
(182
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
(179
)
 
(288
)
 
10

 
20

 
149

 
(288
)
Less: Income tax expense
—

 
(106
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(106
)
Net income (loss)
(179
)
 
(182
)
 
10

 
20

 
149

 
(182
)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
$
(179
)
 
$
(179
)
 
$
10

 
$
20

 
$
149

 
$
(179
)

(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.


47

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
 
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer (1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
 
$
(179
)
 
$
(179
)
 
$
10

 
$
20

 
$
149

 
$
(179
)
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash attributable to operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gain)/loss from subsidiaries
 
179

 
(30
)
 
—

 
—

 
(149
)
 
—

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
 
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
 
—

 
(590
)
 
—

 
(29
)
 
—

 
(619
)
Reverse mortgage loan interest income
 
—

 
(251
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(251
)
Loss on sale of assets
 
—

 
2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2

Provision for servicing reserves
 
—

 
101

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
101

Fair value changes and amortization of mortgage servicing rights
 
—

 
778

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
778

Fair value changes in excess spread financing
 
—

 
(74
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(74
)
Fair value changes in mortgage servicing rights financing liability
 
—

 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discount
 
—

 
(7,254
)
 
—

 
7,302

 
—

 
48

Depreciation and amortization
 
—

 
32

 
—

 
16

 
—

 
48

Share-based compensation
 
—

 
13

 
—

 
5

 
—

 
18

Repurchases of forward loans assets out of Ginnie Mae securitizations
 
—

 
(1,138
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,138
)
Repurchases of reverse loans assets out of Ginnie Mae securitizations, net of assignments to prior servicers
 
—

 
(1,609
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,609
)
Mortgage loans originated and purchased, net of fees, and other purchase-related activities
 
—

 
(14,296
)
 
—

 
(767
)
 
—

 
(15,063
)
Sale proceeds and loan payment proceeds for mortgage loans held for sale and held for investment
 
—

 
22,684

 
—

 
(6,416
)
 
—

 
16,268

Excess tax benefit from share based compensation
 
—

 
4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Advances and other receivables, net
 
—

 
504

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
504

Reverse mortgage interests, net
 
—

 
2,137

 
—

 
(115
)
 
—

 
2,022

Other assets
 
117

 
(682
)
 
(10
)
 
439

 
—

 
(136
)
Payables and accrued liabilities
 
—

 
(135
)
 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
(139
)
Net cash attributable to operating activities
 
117

 
12

 
—

 
451

 
—

 
580


(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.

48

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
(Continued)
 
 
Nationstar
 
Issuer(1)
 
Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Non-Guarantor
(Subsidiaries of Issuer)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment additions, net of disposals
 
—

 
(40
)
 
—

 
(9
)
 
—

 
(49
)
Purchase of forward mortgage servicing rights, net of liabilities incurred
 
—

 
(36
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(36
)
Proceeds on sale of forward and reverse mortgage servicing rights
 
—

 
25

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
25

Net cash attributable to investing activities
 
—

 
(51
)
 
—

 
(9
)
 
—

 
(60
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in warehouse facilities
 
—

 
774

 
—

 
(56
)
 
—

 
718

Decrease in advance facilities
 
—

 
(29
)
 
—

 
(429
)
 
—

 
(458
)
Proceeds from issuance of HECM securitizations
 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
728

 
—

 
724

Repayment of HECM securitizations
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(624
)
 
—

 
(624
)
Proceeds from issuance of participating interest financing in reverse mortgage interests, net
 
—

 
337

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
337

Repayment of participating interest financing in reverse mortgage interests, net
 
—

 
(817
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(817
)
Repayment of excess spread financing
 
—

 
(146
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(146
)
Repayment of nonrecourse debt - legacy assets
 
—

 
1

 
—

 
(13
)
 
—

 
(12
)
Repurchase of unsecured senior notes
 
—

 
(29
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(29
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
(114
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(114
)
Transfers to restricted cash, net
 
—

 
33

 
—

 
(33
)
 
—

 
—

Excess tax deficiency from share based compensation
 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
Surrender of shares relating to stock vesting
 
(3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
Debt financing costs
 
—

 
(10
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10
)
Net cash attributable to financing activities
 
(117
)
 
106

 
—

 
(427
)
 
—

 
(438
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
—

 
67

 
—

 
15

 
—

 
82

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
 
—

 
597

 
1

 
15

 
—

 
613

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
 
$
—

 
$
664

 
$
1

 
$
30

 
$
—

 
$
695


(1) Issuer activities exclude the activities of its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as previously described.



49

19. Transactions with Affiliates

Nationstar enters into arrangements with Fortress, its subsidiaries managed funds, or affiliates for purposes of financing the Company's MSR acquisitions and performing services as a subservicer. An affiliate of Fortress holds a majority of the outstanding common shares of the Company. The following summarizes the transactions with affiliates of Fortress.

Newcastle Investment Corp. ("Newcastle")
Nationstar is the loan servicer for several securitized loan portfolios managed by Newcastle, which is managed by an affiliate of Fortress. Nationstar receives a monthly net servicing fee equal to 0.5%  per annum on the unpaid principal balance of the Portfolios, which was $511 and $576 , at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Nationstar received servicing fees and other performance incentive fees of $0.6 and $0.7 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Nationstar recognized revenue of $2 and $2 related to these servicing arrangements, respectively.

New Residential Investment Corp. ("New Residential")
Excess Spread Financing
Nationstar has entered into several agreements with certain entities managed by New Residential, in which New Residential and/or certain funds managed by Fortress own an interest (each a "New Residential Entity"). Nationstar sold to the related New Residential Entity the right to receive a portion of the excess cash flow generated from certain acquired MSRs after a receipt of a fixed base servicing fee per loan. Nationstar, as the servicer of the loans, retains all ancillary revenues and the remaining portion of the excess cash flow after payment of the fixed base servicing fee and also provides all advancing functions for the portfolio. The related New Residential Entity does not have prior or ongoing obligations associated with these MSR portfolios. Should Nationstar refinance any loan in such portfolios, subject to certain limitations, Nationstar will be required to transfer the new loan or a replacement loan of similar economic characteristics into the portfolios. The new or replacement loan will be governed by the same terms set forth in the agreements described above.

The fair value of the outstanding liability related to these agreements was $899 and $1,064 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Nationstar fees paid to New Residential Entity totaled $59 and $71 , respectively. Fees paid to New Residential Entity totaled $186 and $222 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, which are recorded as a reduction to servicing fee revenue, net.

Mortgage Servicing Rights Financing
From December 2013 through June 2014, Nationstar entered into agreements to sell a contractually specified base fee component of certain MSRs and servicing advances under specified terms to a joint venture capitalized by New Residential and certain unaffiliated third-parties. Nationstar continues to be the named servicer and, for accounting purposes, ownership of the mortgage servicing rights continues to reside with Nationstar. Accordingly, Nationstar accounts for the MSRs and the related MSRs financing liability on its consolidated balance sheets. Nationstar will continue to sell future servicing advances to New Residential.
   
The fair value of the outstanding liability related to the sale agreement was $20 and $27 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Nationstar did not enter into any additional supplemental agreements with these affiliates in 2017 and 2016.

Subservicing and Servicing
In January 2017, the Company entered into a subservicing agreement with a subsidiary of New Residential. Under the agreement, the Company initially estimated that it will subservice approximately $111 billion of UPB of MSRs that New Residential has agreed to purchase, including approximately $97 billion UPB of MSRs from CitiMortgage, Inc. Based on the updated estimates, the Company expects to subservice a total of $107 billion UPB. The Company has boarded a total $72 billion UPB loans associated with this subservicing agreement, including $29 billion UPB loans boarded in the third quarter of 2017. The Company anticipates that the remaining $35 billion UPB will be boarded in the fourth quarter of 2017.

In May 2014, Nationstar entered into a servicing arrangement with New Residential whereby Nationstar will service residential mortgage loans acquired by New Residential and/or its various affiliates and trust entities. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Nationstar recognized revenue of $11 and $1 related to these servicing arrangements, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Nationstar recognized revenue of $20 and $4 related to these servicing arrangements, respectively. Nationstar acted as servicer or master servicer for New Residential related to the collapse of certain securitization trusts pursuant to the exercise by New Residential of its clean up call rights. The Company earned revenue of $0.4 and $0.5 for these administration services during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . The Company earned revenue of $1 and $0.7 for these administration services during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

50


OneMain Financial Holdings, LLC
Nationstar receives a monthly per loan subservicing fee and other performance incentive fees subject to agreements with OneMain Financial Holdings, LLC. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Nationstar recognized revenue of $0.2 and $0.5 , respectively, in additional servicing and other performance incentive fees related to these portfolios. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Nationstar recognized revenue of $1 and $1 related to these servicing arrangements, respectively.




51

CAUTIONS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, strategies, core initiatives, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts. When used in this discussion, the words "anticipate," "appears," "believe," "foresee," "intend," "should," "expect," "estimate," "project," "plan," "may," "could," "will," "are likely" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve predictions of our future financial condition, performance, plans and strategies, and are thus dependent on a number of factors including, without limitation, assumptions and data that may be imprecise or incorrect. Specific factors that may impact performance or other predictions of future actions have, in many but not all cases, been identified in connection with specific forward-looking statements. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and we are under no obligation to and express disclaim any obligation to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

A number of important factors exist that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to:

•
our ability to maintain or grow the size of our servicing portfolio;
•
our ability to refinance existing loans, and maintain our originations volume;
•
our ability to recapture voluntary prepayments related to our existing servicing portfolio;
•
our shift in the mix of our servicing portfolio to subservicing;
•
delays in our ability to collect or be reimbursed for servicing advances;
•
our ability to obtain sufficient capital to operate our business;
•
changes in prevailing interest rates;
•
our ability to finance and recover costs of our reverse servicing operations;
•
changes in our business relationships or changes in servicing guidelines with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae;
•
Xome's ability to compete in highly competitive markets;
•
increased legal and regulatory examinations and enforcement investigations and proceedings, compliance requirements and related costs; and
•
loss of our licenses.

These factors should be considered exhaustive and should be read with the other cautionary statements that are included or incorporated by reference. All of the factors are difficult to predict, contain uncertainties that may materially affect actual results, and may be beyond our control. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all such factors or to assess the effect of each such new factor on our business. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and any of these statements included herein may prove to be inaccurate. Given the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results or conditions described in such statements or our objectives and plans will be achieved. Please refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors and Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections included in Nationstar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for further information on these and other risk factors affecting us.


52


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The following discussion contains, in addition to the historical information, forward-looking statements that include risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by such statements.

Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share data and other key metrics, unless otherwise noted. Certain 2016 balances were reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

OVERVIEW
With our 3.3 million customers, we are an integrated servicer, originator and provider of transaction based services for residential mortgages in the United States. Our operations are conducted through three segments: Servicing, Originations and Xome. Our success depends on working with customers, investors and GSEs to deliver quality services and solutions that foster and preserve home ownership. We are the largest non-bank servicer and the third largest servicer of residential mortgage loans in the nation, growing its portfolio of serviced loans through ownership of mortgage servicing rights and execution of subservicing arrangements. We originate conventional residential mortgage loans and leverage existing relationships with borrowers of our serviced portfolios to provide solutions for our customers. Our Xome operations represent a leading industry provider of a residential real estate marketing platform and offerings of real estate sales transaction support services. Through our Xome platform, which offers technology and data enhanced solutions to home buyers, home sellers and real estate professionals, we enhance the home buying and selling experience. Xome provides to market participants various services including title and close, valuation and, increasingly, technology solutions.

In August 2017, we rebranded our operating company, Nationstar Mortgage LLC, to “Mr. Cooper.” The rebrand is a representation of the journey to re-invent the customer experience to enhance customer retention. With a continued focus on improving customer service and responding to direct customer feedback, in the last year we launched a new website and mobile application with user-friendly tools and features and moved our international call center operations back to the United States. We are also focused on continuously improving the customer boarding process.

During the third quarter 2017, a number of natural disasters occurred, including hurricanes and wildfires. As a result, we offered a number of investor-approved initiatives to provide relief to impacted homeowners. These initiatives include waiving late fees, providing forbearances and delaying foreclosures. We have initiated a variety of customer outreach campaigns to communicate options to our customers. We are still evaluating the potential financial impact as a result of these events.

Our Servicing segment ended the third quarter with $533 billion UPB, primarily in connection with a previously announced estimated $111 billion UPB subservicing agreement with a subsidiary of New Residential. Based on the updated estimates, we expect to subservice a total of $107 billion UPB. We have boarded a total $72 billion UPB of these loans, including $29 billion UPB boarded in the third quarter of 2017, and anticipate that we will complete the boarding in the fourth quarter of 2017.

During the third quarter of 2017, we were notified of the pending termination of a subservicing agreement, which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter, as a result of the servicer of record selling their ownership interest and the new owners not retaining us as subservicer. Total UPB for the related subservicing portfolio is approximately $47 billion as of September 30, 2017 . Subservicing revenue associated with this agreement totaled $17 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . We continue to actively pursue subservicing opportunities to replenish the subservicing portfolio. We believe that our risk and compliance infrastructure and integrated origination platform provide an advantage over the competition.

Our Originations segment continues to endeavor to expand our business beyond our existing customer base through the use of existing platforms and through other means. Xome continues to develop new relationships and diversify its sources of revenues.



53

Third Quarter 2017 Highlights

Major highlights for the third quarter of 2017 include:

•
Boarded over $58,000 UPB including $51,000 UPB of subservicing
•
Achieved 5.0 basis points of adjusted Servicing profitability (5.0 basis points average for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 )
•
Provided over 12,550 solutions to our mortgage servicing customers, reflecting our continued commitment to foster and preserve homeownership
•
Improved delinquency rate, measured as loans that are 60 or more days behind in payment, to 3.2% , the lowest rate in our history
•
Funded 22,980 loans totaling $5,102 , which included $3,006 related to retaining customers from our servicing portfolio
•
Refinance recapture rate remained strong at 52%
•
Sold 2,772 properties and completed 99,407 Xome service orders
•
Repurchased $26 unsecured senior notes during the quarter

Liquidity and Capital Resources
We recorded cash and cash equivalents on hand of $224 as of September 30, 2017 compared to $489 as of December 31, 2016 . Total stockholders' equity was $1,677 as of September 30, 2017 compared to $1,683 as of December 31, 2016 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , operating activities provided cash totaling $1,047 . The decrease in cash balance in 2017 is primarily due to the decrease in our advance facilities, unsecured senior notes and other nonrecourse debt in an effort to reduce interest costs. These facilities can be increased or decreased to align with our cash requirements. We continue to maintain a capital position with ratios exceeding current regulatory guidelines and believe we have sufficient liquidity to conduct our business. We closely monitor our liquidity position and ongoing funding requirements, and regularly monitor and project cash flow to minimize liquidity risk. Our surplus capital and liquidity allows us to execute on our growth plans and take advantage of current market conditions.
In recent years, we have pursued a capital-light strategy, including the sale of advances, excess financing and the expansion of our subservicing portfolio. The execution on this strategy has allowed us to add incremental margin to servicing with limited capital investment. The combination of subservicing as well as the continuing improvement in portfolio performance is expected to raise our return on equity and assets and deliver improving cash flows.

Our operating cash flow is primarily impacted by the receipt of servicing fees, changes in our servicing advance balances, the level of new loan production and the timing of sales and securitizations of forward and reverse mortgage loans. To the extent we sell MSRs, we accelerate the recovery of the related advances. Operating efficiencies have served to mitigate and limit losses incurred in the servicing of our portfolios, and responsive cost containment measures have allowed us to quickly adjust cost structures with changes in revenue volumes.

We have sufficient borrowing capacity to support our operations. As of September 30, 2017 , total available borrowing capacity is $7,045 , of which $3,472 is unused.



54

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated and Segment Results
Table 1. Consolidated Operations
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues - operational
$
454

 
$
551

 
$
1,389

 
$
1,628

Revenues - MTM
(48
)
 
(9
)
 
(176
)
 
(502
)
Total revenues
406

 
542

 
1,213


1,126

Expenses
368

 
407

 
1,109

 
1,232

Other income (expenses), net
(26
)
 
(64
)
 
(118
)
 
(182
)
Income (loss) before income tax
12

 
71

 
(14
)
 
(288
)
Less: Income tax expense (benefit)
5

 
29

 
(4
)
 
(106
)
Net income (loss)
7

 
42

 
(10
)
 
(182
)
Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
(3
)
 
1

 
(3
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nationstar
$
7

 
$
45

 
$
(11
)
 
$
(179
)
Effective tax rate
37.1
%
 
40.6
%
 
29.1
%
 
36.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income tax by operating and non-operating segments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Servicing
$
15

 
$
35

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(323
)
Originations
45

 
83

 
123

 
182

Xome
11

 
20

 
41

 
53

Corporate and other
(59
)
 
(67
)
 
(177
)
 
(200
)
Consolidated loss before income tax
$
12

 
$
71

 
$
(14
)
 
$
(288
)

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , income before income tax decreased compared to the same period in 2016 due to lower total revenues primarily driven by a decrease in servicing fees from mortgage servicing rights, which was partially offset by an increase in subservicing fees, and a decline in MTM revenue adjustments over the period. Revenues also declined due to lower locked origination volumes as a result of the higher interest rate environment and due to lower sales volumes of Xome's real estate title services. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , loss before income tax improved compared to the same period in 2016 due to higher total revenues and lower expenses, primarily due to improved MTM revenue adjustments and lower costs associated with cost reduction initiatives. MTM revenue improved due to greater stability of interest rates in the period. Servicing related revenues decreased primarily due to the decrease in servicing fees from mortgage servicing rights, which was partially offset by the increase in the subservicing fees.

Consolidated expenses decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to volume declines in both our Originations and Xome segments, partially offset by increases in servicing expense. Originations expenses decreased due to continued focus around efficiency improvements and lower TILA RESPA Integrated Disclosure ("TRID") related expenses. Xome expenses decreased primarily due to a decline in direct vendor costs and in system transaction related fees as we migrated our operations onto our own proprietary technology. Servicing expenses increased primarily due to the onboarding of new loan portfolios.
Consolidated other income (expenses), net improved in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 . Reverse mortgage interest income and reverse mortgage interest expense increased in 2017 due to an expansion of the reverse mortgage portfolio in December 2016. In addition, we began accreting the discount associated with the reverse mortgage portfolio acquired in December 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , $22 of accretion was recorded. As a result of the transfer of the portfolio from the subservicer to our platform in the third quarter of 2017, we were able to evaluate the risk profile of the portfolio utilizing our newly developed reverse mortgage risk model, thus establishing the proper basis in the portfolio acquired.


55

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , income before tax decreased compared to the same period in 2016, resulting in a decrease in income tax expense. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the loss before income tax decreased compared to the same period in 2016, resulting in a decrease in income tax benefit. The effective tax rate declined to 37.1% and 29.1% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 from 40.6% and 36.8% in the same periods in 2016, respectively. The decreased rate is attributable to the tax effect of permanent differences, which partially offset the tax benefit due to the sale of the retail title division of Xome in the second quarter of 2017.

Segment Results

Revenues related to inter-segment services are recorded based on estimated market value. Expenses are allocated to individual segments either based on the estimated value of services performed, total revenue contributions, personnel headcount or the equity invested in each segment. Expenses for consolidated back-office operations and general overhead expenses such as executive administration and accounting are not allocated to the business segments.

Servicing Segment

We service both forward and reverse loan portfolios. Our forward loan portfolios include loans for which we own the legal title to the servicing rights and loans where we act as the subservicer for which title to the servicing rights is owned by third parties. Our Mr. Cooper ® and Champion Mortgage brands together service approximately 3.3 million customers with an outstanding principal balance of $533 billion . As of September 30, 2017 , the outstanding principal balance consisted of approximately $497 billion in forward servicing, of which $208 billion was subservicing, and $36 billion in reverse servicing.

Forward Servicing - Servicing revenues related to forward MSR portfolios include base, incentive and other servicing fees. Forward MSR portfolios are recorded at fair value, and revenues are adjusted accordingly each period. Fair value consists of both credit sensitive MSRs, primarily acquired through bulk acquisitions, and interest rate sensitive MSRs, primarily consisting of MSRs acquired through flow transactions or transferred from our origination activities. For MSRs marked at fair value that are interest rate sensitive, servicing values are typically correlated to interest rates such that when interest rates rise, the value of the servicing portfolio increases primarily as a result of expected lower prepayments. The value of credit sensitive MSRs are less influenced by movement in interest rates and more influenced by changes in loan performance factors which impact involuntary prepayment speeds and delinquency rates.

Subservicing - Subservicing revenues are earned and recognized as the services are delivered. Subservicing consists of forward residential mortgage loans we service on behalf of others who are MSR or mortgage owners. We have limited advance obligations and no subservicing assets are recorded in our consolidated financial statements as the value of the servicing rights and the related obligations are not considered in excess of or less than customary fees that would be received for such services.

Reverse Servicing - Although we do not originate reverse mortgage loans, we provide servicing of acquired reverse mortgage portfolios. A MSR or Mortgage Servicing Liability ("MSL") is recorded for acquired servicing rights associated with unsecuritized portfolios. We also provide servicing for reverse mortgage portfolios that have been securitized. The total amounts of the securitized loan assets and related financing liabilities are recorded within the consolidated financial statements as reverse mortgage interests and nonrecourse debt because the securitization transactions do not qualify for sale accounting treatment. Reverse MSRs are recorded at fair value upon acquisition and at amortized cost in subsequent periods. We earn servicing fee income on all reverse mortgages. Fees associated with reverse MSRs are recorded to servicing revenue and fees associated with reverse mortgage interests are recorded to interest income. The interest income accrued for reverse mortgage home equity conversion mortgage ("HECM") loans and the interest expense accrued for the respective HECM mortgage-backed securities ("HMBS") are recorded in other income (expense). Accretion of the discounted purchase price on certain portfolios is recorded to other income (expense).


56

The following table sets forth the results of operations for the Servicing segment.
 
Table 2. Servicing Operations
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational
$
299

 
$
312

 
$
900

 
$
962

Amortization
(60
)
 
(92
)
 
(187
)
 
(235
)
Mark-to-market adjustments
(48
)
 
(9
)
 
(176
)
 
(502
)
Total revenues
191

 
211

 
537

 
225

Expenses
185

 
150

 
518

 
477

Total other income (expenses), net
9

 
(26
)
 
(20
)
 
(71
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
15

 
$
35

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(323
)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , operational revenues decreased compared to the same periods in 2016 . The decrease in operational revenues was primarily due to a decrease in base servicing fees caused by a reduction in the forward MSR portfolio. Partially offsetting the reduction in base servicing fees was an increase in subservicing fees, resulting from the significant growth of the subservicing portfolio as compared to the same period in 2016 . Amortization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased due to a decline in prepayments resulting from the higher interest rate environment and due to lower MSR holdings. The change in the mark-to-market revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 is primarily due to the change in interest rates having a reduced impact for these periods when compared to the same periods in 2016. Other income increased due to the accretion associated with the purchase price discount related to a reverse portfolio acquisition in December 2016.

Expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased from the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to one-time charges related to migration of call centers on shore, and organizational restructuring costs.

The following table provides a rollforward of our forward servicing portfolio UPB, including loans subserviced for others.

Table 3. Forward Servicing and Subservicing Portfolio UPB Rollforward
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Balance - beginning of period
$
461,873

 
$
341,299

 
$
434,295

 
$
367,800

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originations
5,019

 
5,610

 
14,173

 
15,015

Acquisitions
52,780

 
101,024

 
113,606

 
101,866

Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dispositions
(910
)
 
(81
)
 
(3,015
)
 
(1,517
)
Principal reductions and other
(4,957
)
 
(4,361
)
 
(12,931
)
 
(10,394
)
Voluntary reductions (1)
(15,659
)
 
(14,778
)
 
(43,589
)
 
(38,743
)
Involuntary reductions (2)
(1,606
)
 
(2,153
)
 
(5,699
)
 
(7,470
)
Net changes in loans serviced by others
(111
)
 
(45
)
 
(411
)
 
(42
)
Balance - end of period
$
496,429

 
$
426,515

 
$
496,429

 
$
426,515


(1) Voluntary reductions are related to loan payoffs by customers.
(2) Involuntary reductions refer to charge off of loans.


57

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , our forward servicing and subservicing portfolio's UPB grew by $34,556 and $62,134 , respectively. The increase is primarily due to the boarding of UPB related to an $111 billion UPB subservicing contract, based on the initial estimates, executed in the first quarter of 2017. Under the agreement, $29 billion UPB and $72 billion UPB have been boarded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. Based on the updated estimates, we expect to subservice a total of $107 billion UPB. We anticipate that the remaining $35 billion will be boarded in the fourth quarter of 2017. Although the first three quarters of 2017 experienced higher interest rates than the first three quarters of 2016, payoff activity increased due to the larger portfolio.

The following table provides the composition of revenues for the Servicing segment.

Table 4. Servicing - Revenues
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
Amounts
 
bps (1)
 
Amounts
 
bps (1)
 
Amounts
 
bps (1)
 
Amounts
 
bps (1)
Forward MSR Operational Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base servicing fees
$
223

 
17
 
$
242

 
25
 
$
687

 
19
 
$
760

 
26
Modification fees (2)
7

 
1
 
28

 
3
 
35

 
1
 
57

 
2
Incentive fees (2)
11

 
1
 
7

 
1
 
24

 
1
 
21

 
1
Late payment fees (2)
19

 
1
 
20

 
2
 
63

 
2
 
57

 
2
Other ancillary revenues (2)
38

 
3
 
54

 
6
 
120

 
3
 
184

 
6
Other revenues
4

 
—
 
9

 
1
 
16

 
—
 
27

 
1
Total forward MSR operational revenue
302

 
23
 
360

 
38
 
945

 
26
 
1,106

 
38
Base subservicing fees and other subservicing revenue (2)
34

 
3
 
16

 
2
 
86

 
2
 
33

 
1
Reverse servicing fees
16

 
1
 
11

 
1
 
43

 
1
 
46

 
1
Total servicing fee revenue
352

 
27
 
387

 
41
 
1,074

 
29
 
1,185

 
40
Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward MSR amortization
(100
)
 
(8)
 
(137
)
 
(14)
 
(307
)
 
(8)
 
(383
)
 
(13)
Excess spread accretion
41

 
3
 
46

 
5
 
123

 
3
 
149

 
5
Reverse MSR amortization
(1
)
 
—
 
(1
)
 
—
 
(3
)
 
—
 
(1
)
 
—
Total amortization
(60
)
 
(5)
 
(92
)
 
(9)
 
(187
)
 
(5)
 
(235
)
 
(8)
MSR financing liability costs
(17
)
 
(1)
 
(24
)
 
(2)
 
(56
)
 
(2)
 
(77
)
 
(3)
Excess spread costs - principal
(36
)
 
(3)
 
(51
)
 
(5)
 
(118
)
 
(3)
 
(146
)
 
(5)
Total operational revenue
239

 
18
 
220

 
25
 
713

 
19
 
727

 
24
Mark-to-Market Adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSR MTM (3)
(56
)
 
(4)
 
(59
)
 
(6)
 
(182
)
 
(5)
 
(579
)
 
(20)
Excess spread / financing MTM
8

 
1
 
50

 
5
 
6

 
—
 
77

 
3
Total MTM adjustments
(48
)
 
(3)
 
(9
)
 
(1)
 
(176
)
 
(5)
 
(502
)
 
(17)
Total revenues - Servicing
$
191

 
15
 
$
211

 
24
 
$
537

 
14
 
$
225

 
7

(1) Calculated bps are as follows: Annualized $ amount/Average UPB X 10000.
(2) Certain ancillary and other non-base fees related to subservicing operations are separately presented as other subservicing revenues. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we recorded $4 cancellation fee related to a pending termination of a subservicing agreement.
(3) The amount of MSR MTM includes $20 and $27 associated with inactive and liquidated loans that are no longer part of the MSR portfolio for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $69 and $85 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These amounts were transferred to reserves on advances and other receivables during the first three quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.




58

Forward - Due to the decline of the forward MSR portfolio's average UPB, base servicing fee revenue decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016. A decline in servicing fees per average forward UPB to 17 bps from 25 bps in the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and to 19 bps from 26 bps in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was a result of the shift between the MSR and subservicing portfolio. In addition, other ancillary revenues decreased during 2017 primarily due to a nonrecurring gain of approximately $17 from the 2016 sale of reverse mortgage loans acquired from a reverse mortgage loan trust which we were the master servicer and holder of clean-up call rights, and due to the elimination of web payment fees in 2017.

MSR prepayment and scheduled amortization decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016, primarily due to lower MSR holdings and increased interest rates resulting in lower prepayments.

Total MTM adjustments improved in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, also due to lower prepayments.

Subservicing - Subservicing fees increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016, due to growth in the average UPB of subserviced portfolios of $126 billion in 2017 over comparable periods in 2016. Two significant contracts were boarded in the second half of 2016 with total UPB approximating $95 billion , and a subservicing agreement was executed in January 2017 for approximately $111 billion UPB based on the initial estimates, of which $72 billion UPB has been boarded as of September 30, 2017 . Based on the updated estimates, the Company expects to subservice a total of $107 billion under the agreement and anticipates that the remaining $35 billion UPB will be boarded in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Reverse - Base servicing fees on reverse MSR portfolios increased in the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 due to the acquisition of servicing rights related to $9,305 UPB of Fannie Mae reverse loans in December 2016.


59

Table 5. Servicing Portfolio - Unpaid Principal Balances
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Average UPB:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward MSRs - fair value
$
293,310

 
$
317,603

 
$
302,112

 
$
328,028

Subservicing and other (1)
191,655

 
44,685

 
155,839

 
30,056

Reverse MSRs - amortized costs
36,004

 
27,338

 
37,094

 
28,426

Total average UPB
$
520,969

 
$
389,626

 
$
495,045

 
$
386,510

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Ending UPB:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward MSRs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
 
 
 
$
210,957

 
$
225,920

Non-agency
 
 
 
 
77,493

 
87,187

Total MSRs
 
 
 
 
288,450

 
313,107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subservicing and other (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
 
 
 
200,001

 
105,040

Non-agency
 
 
 
 
7,978

 
8,368

Total subservicing and other
 
 
 
 
207,979

 
113,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reverse loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSR
 
 
 
 
9,666

 
10,553

MSL
 
 
 
 
16,383

 
9,002

Securitized loans
 
 
 
 
10,363

 
7,300

Total reverse portfolio serviced
 
 
 
 
36,412

 
26,855

Total ending UPB
 
 
 
 
$
532,841

 
$
453,370


(1) Subservicing and other includes (i) loans we service for others, (ii) residential mortgage loans originated but have yet to be sold, and (iii) agency REO balances for which we own the mortgage servicing rights.

Key Metrics

The table below presents the number of modifications and workout units with our serviced portfolios.

Table 6. Forward Loan Modifications and Workout Units
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Modifications and workout units:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home Affordable Modification Program ("HAMP") modifications
515

 
3,547

 
7,090

 
11,237

Non-HAMP modifications
5,916

 
5,339

 
17,236

 
18,396

Workouts (1)
6,119

 
7,227

 
20,998

 
16,107

Total modification and workout units
12,550

 
16,113

 
45,324

 
45,740


(1) Workout units were updated to include payment deferral modifications.

60

Total modifications and workouts during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased compared to the same periods in 2016, due to the expiration of the HAMP program in December 2016. Borrowers who had requested assistance or to whom an offer of assistance has been extended, had until September 30, 2017 to finalize their modification. In December 2016, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced the new Flex Modification program to provide relief for distressed borrowers. Servicers were required to implement the Flex Modification by October 1, 2017. Under this new program, we, as a servicer, are eligible for financial incentives for completing modifications.

The table below summarizes the overall performance of the forward servicing and subservicing portfolio.

Table 7. Key Performance Metrics - Forward Servicing and Subservicing Portfolio (1)
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Average loan count
3,042,795

 
2,568,039

Average loan amount (2)
$
163,214

 
$
166,276

Average coupon - credit sensitive (3)
4.7
%
 
4.7
%
Average coupon - interest sensitive (3)
4.2
%
 
4.1
%
60+ delinquent (% of loans) (4)
3.2
%
 
4.7
%
90+ delinquent (% of loans) (4)
2.8
%
 
4.3
%
120+ delinquent (% of loans) (4)
2.6
%
 
4.0
%
Total prepayment speed (12 month constant pre-payment rate)
13.8
%
 
18.4
%

(1) Characteristics and key performance metrics of our servicing portfolio excludes UPB and loan counts acquired but not yet boarded and currently serviced by others.
(2) Loan amount is presented in whole dollar amounts.
(3) The weighted average coupon amounts for our credit and interest sensitive pools presented in the table above are only reflective of our owned forward MSR portfolio that is reported at fair value.
(4) Loan delinquency is based on the current contractual due date of the loan. In the case of a completed loan modification, delinquency is based on the modified due date of the loan.

Delinquency is a significant assumption in determining the mark-to-market adjustment and is a key indicator of MSR portfolio performance. Delinquent loans contribute to lower MSR values due to higher costs to service loans and increased carrying costs of advances. We continue to experience decreasing delinquency rates in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , which preserves the value of our MSRs.


61

Servicer Ratings

Nationstar participates in ratings reviews with nationally recognized ratings agencies for its mortgage servicing operations. The attainment of favorable ratings is important to maintaining strong relationships with our customers and compliance with provisions in servicing and debt agreements. The table below sets forth our most recent ratings for its servicing operations as of September 30, 2017 .

Table 8. Servicer Ratings
Fitch
 
Moody's
 
S&P
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rating date
August 2017
 
May 2017
 
October 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
RPS2-
 
Not Rated
 
Above Average
Master Servicer
RMS2+
 
SQ2-
 
Above Average
Special Servicer
RSS2-
 
Not Rated
 
Above Average
Subprime Servicer
RPS2-
 
Not Rated
 
Above Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fitch Rating Scale of 1 (Highest Performance) to 5 (Low/No Proficiency)
Moody's Rating Scale of 1 (Strong Ability/Stability) to 5 (Weak Ability/Stability)

In August 2017, Fitch Ratings upgraded our following ratings: i) residential rating to RPS2- from RPS3+, ii) master servicer rating to RMS2+ from RMS2, iii) special servicer rating to RSS2- from RSS3+, and iv) subprime servicer rating to RPS2- from RPS3+. The residential and special servicer rating upgrades reflect our operational and technology enhancements to support our servicing operations, comprehensive internal control environment, and improved internal audit results. The master servicer rating upgrade reflects continued enhancements to the master servicing platform, established controls and processes, effective utilization of technology, and experienced management and staff.

In May 2017, Moody’s Investor Service upgraded our Servicer Quality assessment to SQ2- from SQ3+ as a Master Servicer of residential mortgage loans. The assessment is based on our strong reporting and remittance processes, as well as strong compliance and monitoring capabilities.

In April 2017, we received Fannie Mae’s Servicer Total Achievement and Rewards™ (STAR™) performer recognition for overall performance in 2016. The STAR Program recognizes top-performing mortgage servicers for outstanding customer service and helping homeowners find the right solutions to fit their needs. We have received the highest level of recognition for top servicing performance for three consecutive years.


62

Servicing Expenses

The table below summarizes expenses in the Servicing segment.

Table 9. Servicing - Expenses
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016 (1)
 
2017
 
2016 (1)
 
Amounts
 
bps
 
Amounts
 
bps
 
Amounts
 
bps
 
Amounts
 
bps
Salaries, wages and benefits
$
76

 
6
 
$
64

 
7
 
$
218

 
6
 
$
198

 
7
General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Servicing support fees
32

 
2
 
33

 
3
 
108

 
3
 
109

 
4
Corporate and other general and administrative expenses
27

 
2
 
35

 
4
 
93

 
3
 
100

 
3
Foreclosure and other liquidation related expenses
44

 
3
 
12

 
1
 
83

 
2
 
53

 
2
Depreciation and amortization
6

 
—
 
6

 
1
 
16

 
—
 
17

 
1
Total general and administrative expenses
109

 
7
 
86

 
9
 
300

 
8

279

 
10
Total expenses - Servicing
$
185

 
13
 
$
150

 
16
 
$
518

 
14

$
477

 
17

(1) We periodically evaluate corporate allocation methods in order to appropriately align corporate costs with our business. Certain 2016 costs within salaries wages and benefits and operational expenses were reclassified between segments to conform to current year allocation methods.

Total expenses increased in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to the increase in salaries, wages and benefits in 2017. The increase in salaries, wages and benefits can be attributed to the significant expansion of the subservicing portfolio in the second half of 2016, which continued into 2017, and to a reduction in offshore positions. Additionally, we launched our own reverse servicing system and terminated our existing contract with a subservicer. As a result, we increased staff to perform tasks previously performed by the subservicer. General and administrative expenses decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Continued cost containment measures as well as continued performance improvement in our forward mortgage loan portfolio as reflected by lower delinquencies and closure of our facility in Buffalo, New York in August 2017, contributed to the decrease in general and administrative expenses. Foreclosure and other liquidation related expenses increased primarily due to our reverse servicing portfolio. We evaluate our reserve needs based on portfolio performance characteristics. During the third quarter of 2017, we refined our reverse exposure model, which utilizes two years of empirical data, and also consolidated our portfolio onto our own servicing platform. Due to these activities, reserves were increased for the reverse portfolio.

Though salaries, wages and benefits increased in 2017 as a result of the expansion of our subservicing portfolios, it remained stable when measured in bps of UPB due to improved portfolio performance, investments in technology and other operational improvements.


63

Table 10. Servicing - Other Income (Expenses), Net
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
Amounts
 
bps
 
Amounts
 
bps
 
Amounts
 
bps
 
Amounts
 
bps
Reverse mortgage interest income
$
135

 
10
 
$
81

 
8
 
$
368

 
10

 
$
251

 
9

Other interest income
6

 
—
 
1

 
—
 
16

 
—

 
3

 
—

Interest income
141

 
10
 
82

 
8
 
384

 
10

 
254

 
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reverse mortgage interest expense
(95
)
 
(7)
 
(64
)
 
(7)
 
(288
)
 
(8
)
 
(196
)
 
(7
)
Advance interest expense
(8
)
 
(1)
 
(13
)
 
(1)
 
(26
)
 
(1
)
 
(42
)
 
(1
)
Other interest expense
(27
)
 
(2)
 
(31
)
 
(3)
 
(88
)
 
(2
)
 
(87
)
 
(3
)
Interest expense
(130
)
 
(10)
 
(108
)
 
(11)
 
(402
)
 
(11
)
 
(325
)
 
(11
)
Other expense
(2
)
 
—
 
—

 
—
 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Total other income (expenses) - Servicing
$
9

 
—
 
$
(26
)
 
(3)
 
$
(20
)
 
(1
)
 
$
(71
)
 
(2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average cost - advance facilities
3.1
%
 
 
 
2.9
%
 
 
 
3.1
%
 
 
 
2.8
%
 
 
Weighted average cost - excess spread financing
8.9
%
 
 
 
9.0
%
 
 
 
8.9
%
 
 
 
9.0
%
 
 

Reverse mortgage interest income and expense increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the growth of the reverse mortgage portfolio in December 2016 with the acquisition of $3,691 UPB of securitized reverse loans and HMBS notes along with the accretion associated with the purchase discount with this portfolio. Advance interest expense declined in 2017 due to the reduction of advances in 2016, which were primarily associated with sales of the related MSR, as well as portfolio performance.


64

Serviced Portfolio and Liabilities

Table 11. Serviced Portfolios and Related Liabilities
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
UPB
 
Carrying Amount
 
Weighted Avg. Coupon
 
UPB
 
Carrying Amount
 
Weighted Avg. Coupon
Forward MSRs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
$
210,957

 
$
2,250

 
4.5
%
 
$
227,062

 
$
2,394

 
4.4
%
Non-agency
77,493

 
706

 
4.6
%
 
85,014

 
766

 
4.5
%
Total MSRs - fair value
288,450

 
2,956

 
4.5
%
 
312,076

 
3,160

 
4.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subservicing and other (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
200,001

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
110,848

 
N/A

 
N/A

Non-agency
7,978

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
11,371

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total subservicing and other
207,979

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
122,219

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reverse portfolio - amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSR
9,666

 
5

 
N/A

 
10,351

 
6

 
N/A

MSL
16,383

 
(53
)
 
N/A

 
17,574

 
(48
)
 
N/A

Securitized loans
10,363

 
10,299

 
N/A

 
11,015

 
11,033

 
N/A

Total reverse portfolio serviced
36,412

 
10,251

 
N/A

 
38,940

 
10,991

 
N/A

Total servicing portfolio unpaid principal balance
$
532,841

 
$
13,207

 
N/A

 
$
473,235

 
$
14,151

 
N/A


(1) Subservicing and other amounts include loans we service for others, residential mortgage loans originated but have yet to be sold, and agency REO balances for which we own the mortgage servicing rights.

We assess whether acquired portfolios are more credit sensitive or interest sensitive in nature on the date of the acquisition. As part of the assessment, we consider numerous factors in making this assessment, with the primary factors consisting of the overall portfolio delinquency characteristics, portfolio seasoning and residential mortgage loan composition. Interest sensitive portfolios typically consist of single-family conforming residential forward mortgage loans serviced for GSEs or other third-party investors. Credit sensitive portfolio primarily consists of higher delinquency single-family non-conforming residential forward mortgage loans in private label securitizations.

Table 12. Fair Value MSR Valuation
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
UPB
 
Carrying Amount
 
bps
 
UPB
 
Carrying Amount
 
bps
MSRs - Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit sensitive
$
174,318

 
$
1,640

 
94
 
$
198,935

 
$
1,818

 
91
Interest sensitive - agency
114,132

 
1,316

 
115
 
113,141

 
1,342

 
119
Total MSRs - fair value
$
288,450

 
$
2,956

 
102
 
$
312,076

 
$
3,160

 
101

The credit sensitive pool increased by 3 bps in value at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 due to lower delinquency and foreclosure rates. The fair value of our interest sensitive portfolio decreased by 4 bps at September 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 due to an increase in forecasted prepayment speeds resulting in shorter weighted-average lives for MSRs.


65

The following table sets forth changes in our owned forward MSR portfolio that is measured at fair value.

Table 13. MSRs - Fair Value, Roll Forward
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Fair value - beginning of period
$
3,046

 
$
2,794

 
$
3,160

 
$
3,358

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Servicing retained from mortgage loans sold
48

 
54

 
151

 
142

Purchases of servicing rights
17

 
41

 
30

 
39

Dispositions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales of servicing rights
(26
)
 
(11
)
 
(24
)
 
(24
)
Changes in fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Credit sensitive
(12
)
 
(33
)
 
(21
)
 
(190
)
        Interest sensitive
(27
)
 
1

 
(92
)
 
(304
)
Other changes in fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scheduled principal payments
(20
)
 
(20
)
 
(62
)
 
(61
)
Disposition of negative MSRs and other (1)
11

 
15

 
59

 
87

Prepayments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Voluntary prepayments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Credit sensitive
(42
)
 
(54
)
 
(131
)
 
(156
)
      Interest sensitive
(29
)
 
(47
)
 
(79
)
 
(115
)
   Involuntary prepayments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Credit sensitive
(6
)
 
(8
)
 
(22
)
 
(30
)
      Interest sensitive
(4
)
 
(7
)
 
(13
)
 
(21
)
Fair value - end of period
$
2,956

 
$
2,725

 
$
2,956

 
$
2,725


(1) Amounts primarily represent negative fair values reclassified from the MSR asset to reserves as underlying loans are removed from the MSR and other reclassification adjustments.

The following table sets forth the weighted average assumptions in estimating the fair value of MSRs.

Table 14. MSRs - Fair Value
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Credit Sensitive MSRs
 
 
 
Discount rate
11.4
%
 
11.6
%
Weighted average prepayment speeds
15.4
%
 
17.4
%
Weighted average life of loans
5.6 years

 
5.5 years

 
 
 
 
Interest Sensitive MSRs
 
 
 
Discount rate
9.2
%
 
9.2
%
Weighted average prepayment speeds
11.3
%
 
16.1
%
Weighted average life of loans
6.5 years

 
5.0 years

Discount rate reductions for credit sensitive MSRs are attributable primarily to lower yields on new acquisitions and runoffs of higher yield portfolios from prior quarters which lowered the weighted average rate. The decline in prepayment speeds resulted in longer weighted-average lives for both credit sensitive and interest sensitive MSRs, which is attributable to net market interest rate increase period over period.


66

The discount rate is used to determine the present value of estimated future net servicing income, which is based on the required rate of return market investors would expect for an asset with similar risk characteristics. The discount rate is determined through review of recent market transactions as well as comparing the discount rate to those utilized by third party valuation specialists.

Total prepayment speeds represent the annual rate at which borrowers are forecasted to repay their mortgage loan principal, which includes estimates for both voluntary and involuntary borrower liquidations. The expected weighted-average life represents the total years we expect to service the MSR.

Excess Spread Financing

As disclosed in Note 2. Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities and Note 19. Transactions with Affiliates , we have entered into sale and assignment agreements treated as financing arrangements whereby the acquirer has the right to receive a specified percentage of the excess cash flow generated from an MSR.

The servicing fees associated with an MSR can be segregated into (i) a base servicing fee and (ii) an excess servicing fee. The base servicing fee, along with ancillary income and other revenues, is designed to cover costs incurred to service the specified pool plus a reasonable margin. The remaining servicing fee is considered excess. We sell a percentage of the excess fee as a method for efficiently financing acquired MSRs. Excess spread financings are presently applicable only to acquired MSRs and originated pools of MSRs; however, they can be entered into at any time for both acquired and originated MSRs. These financings have been provided by affiliated companies including New Residential and certain funds managed by Fortress Investment Group. In 2016, we also entered into excess spread financing arrangements with a third-party associated with funds and accounts under management of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

Excess spread financings are recorded at fair value, and the impact of fair value adjustments on future revenues and capital resources varies primarily due to (i) prepayment speeds and (ii) our ability to recapture prepayments through the origination platform. In Note 2. Mortgage Servicing Rights and Related Liabilities , the range of assumptions and sensitivities related to the measurement of the excess spread financing liability as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is disclosed.


67

The following table sets forth the change in the excess spread liability and the related key weighted average assumptions.
 
Table 15. Excess Spread Financing
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Fair value - beginning of period
$
1,121

 
$
1,095

 
$
1,214

 
$
1,232

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New financings
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayments of debt (1)
(9
)
 
—

 
(9
)
 
—

  Settlements of principal balances
(51
)
 
(51
)
 
(159
)
 
(146
)
Fair value changes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Credit Sensitive
(12
)
 
(31
)
 
5

 
(44
)
  Interest Sensitive
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(30
)
Fair value - end of period
$
1,046

 
$
1,012

 
$
1,046

 
$
1,012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
Assumptions
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Weighted average prepayment speeds
 
 
 
 
13.9
%
 
12.5
%
Weighted average life of loans
 
 
 
 
5.9 years

 
5.4 years

Discount rate
 
 
 
 
10.8
%
 
11.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Sensitive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage prepayment speeds
 
 
 
 
14.4
%
 
12.0
%
Average life of mortgage loans
 
 
 
 
5.8 years

 
5.5 years

Discount rate
 
 
 
 
11.1
%
 
11.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Sensitive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage prepayment speeds
 
 
 
 
11.6
%
 
15.0
%
Average life of mortgage loans
 
 
 
 
6.1 years

 
5.1 years

Discount rate
 
 
 
 
8.9
%
 
8.9
%

(1) In August 2017, we entered into a special arrangement where we sold $26 MSRs and subsequently purchased $8 MSRs of these MSRs previously sold. In connection with the transaction, the Company used the proceeds to pay down $9 excess spread financing liabilities.

In conjunction with the excess spread financing servicing acquisition structure, we also entered into several sale agreements whereby we sold the right to repayment on outstanding private-label servicing advances and also sold the right to receive the base fee component on the related MSRs. We continue to service the loans in exchange for a portion of the base fee. These financings are recorded at fair value and the change in fair value is recorded against servicing revenue and interest imputed on the outstanding liability is recorded as interest expense.

68

Table 16. MSRs Financing Liability - Rollforward
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Fair value - beginning of period
$
13

 
$
80

 
$
27

 
$
69

Mark-to-Market Adjustments (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model
6

 
(7
)
 
(9
)
 
10

        Other changes in fair value
1

 
(6
)
 
2

 
(12
)
Fair value - end of period
$
20

 
$
67

 
$
20

 
$
67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Weighted Average Assumptions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advance financing rates
 
 
 
 
3.5
%
 
3.3
%
Annual advance recovery rates
 
 
 
 
23.3
%
 
24.2
%

(1) The changes in fair value related to our MSRs financing liability primarily relate to both scheduled and unscheduled principal payments reflected in the underlying MSRs and changes in the fair value model assumptions.

We estimate fair value of the MSR financing liability based on the present value of future expected discounted cash flows with the discount rate approximating current market value for similar financial instruments. The cash flow assumptions and prepayment assumptions used in the model are based on various factors, with the key assumptions at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 being advance financing rates and annual advance recovery rates. The liability value decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily due to the decrease in the UPB of the underlying MSRs, which resulted in a decrease in the retained fee owed over 2017.
The following table provides an overview of our forward servicing portfolio and amounts that have been transferred to our co-invest partners for the periods indicated.

Table 17. Leveraged Portfolio Characteristics
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Owned forward servicing portfolio - unencumbered
$
80,920

 
$
100,418

Owned forward servicing portfolio - encumbered
207,530

 
212,689

Subserviced forward servicing portfolio and other
207,979

 
113,408

Total unpaid principal balance
$
496,429

 
$
426,515


The encumbered forward servicing portfolio consists of residential mortgage loans included within our excess spread financing transactions and MSR financing liability. Subserviced and other amounts include (1) loans serviced for others, (2) residential mortgage loans originated but not yet sold, and (3) agency REO balances for which we own the mortgage servicing rights. The increase in subserviced forward servicing portfolio and other was primarily due to the addition of subserviced portfolios previously announced.


69

Reverse - MSRs and Participating Interests - Amortized Cost

The table below provides detail of the characteristics and key performance metrics of the reverse servicing portfolio, which is included in MSRs and participating interests in reverse mortgages. Such assets are recorded at amortized cost.

Table 18. Reverse - Mortgage Portfolio Characteristics
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Loan count
224,003

 
233,207

Ending unpaid principal balance
$
36,412

 
$
38,940

Average loan amount (1)
$
162,552

 
$
166,975

Average coupon
3.8
%
 
3.4
%
Average borrower age
78

 
78


(1) Average loan amount is presented in whole dollar amounts.

From time to time, we acquire servicing rights and participating interests in reverse mortgage portfolios. Reverse mortgage loans, known as HECMs, provide seniors 62 and older with a loan upon which draws can be made periodically which are secured by the equity in the borrower's home. For acquired servicing rights, an MSR or MSL is established on the acquisition date at fair value, as applicable, based on the proceeds paid or received to service the reverse portfolio. In December 2016, we acquired a reverse mortgage portfolio which included servicing rights related to $9,305 UPB of Fannie Mae HECM loans and reverse mortgage interests related to $3,840 UPB of Ginnie Mae HMBS loans and related unsecuritized advances.

Each quarter, we accrete the MSR to service related revenue, net as the respective portfolios run-off. The MSR or MSL is assessed for impairment or increased obligation based on its fair value, using a variety of assumptions, with the primary assumption being discount rates, prepayment speeds and the borrower life expectancy. The MSRs are stratified based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying serviced loans. Impairment or increased servicing obligations, if any, represent the excess of amortized carrying values of an individual stratum over its estimated fair value and is recognized to general and administration expense. Based on our assessment, the MSL obligation was increased by $6 and no impairment was required for the MSR as of September 30, 2017 .

Originations Segment

Our Originations segment comprises both direct-to-consumer and correspondent lending.

Our direct-to-consumer lending channel originates first-lien conventional and government-insured loans. Our direct-to-consumer strategy relies on call centers and our website to interact with customers. Our primary focus is to assist customers currently in our servicing portfolio with a refinance or home purchase. Through this process, we increase our originations margin by reducing marketing and other costs to acquire customers, as well as replenish our servicing portfolio.

Our correspondent lending channel acquires newly originated residential mortgage loans that have been underwritten to investor guidelines. This includes both conventional and government-insured loans that qualify for inclusion in securitizations that are guaranteed by the agencies. Our correspondent lending channel enables us to replenish servicing portfolio run-off typically at better return thresholds than traditional bulk or flow MSR acquisitions.

To mitigate credit risk, we typically sell loans within 30 to 60 days of origination while retaining the associated servicing rights. Servicing rights can be retained, sold (servicing released) or be given back to the investor in part or in its entirety, depending on the subservicing or co-invest agreements.


70

Table 19. Originations - Operations
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
$
150

 
$
224

 
$
449

 
$
573

Expenses
106

 
141

 
326

 
394

Other income (expenses), net
1

 
—

 
—

 
3

Income before income tax expense
$
45

 
$
83

 
$
123

 
$
182

Income before taxes margin
30.0
%
 
37.1
%
 
27.4
%
 
31.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
$
150

 
$
224

 
$
449

 
$
573

Pull through adjusted lock volume
$
4,930

 
$
5,881

 
$
12,935

 
$
15,683

Revenue basis points (1)
3.04
%
 
3.81
%
 
3.47
%
 
3.65
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
$
106

 
$
141

 
$
326

 
$
394

Funded volume
$
5,102

 
$
5,532

 
$
13,988

 
$
14,977

Expenses basis points (2)
2.08
%
 
2.55
%
 
2.33
%
 
2.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Margin
0.96
%
 
1.26
%
 
1.14
%
 
1.02
%

(1) Calculated on pull-through adjusted lock volume as revenue is recognized at the time of loan lock.
(2) Calculated on funded volume as expenses are incurred based on closing of the loan.

Income before income tax expense decreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016. The declines in revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are due to lower volume and margins. Revenue basis points for the third quarter and year-to-date 2017 over 2016 declined due to higher correspondent mix and lower HARP mix. Expense basis points in 2017 declined over 2016 due to increased productivity, cost reduction initiatives and non-recurring TRID related expenses that were incurred in the first half of 2016. Net margin for year-to-date 2017 over 2016 improved due to the reduction in expense basis points.

To mitigate the impact from the volatility in interest rates, our Originations segment plans to continue to expand our current service offerings, including further penetration into purchase recapture, as well as investing in technology initiatives to improve overall customer experience and employee productivity.

Net Gain on Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
The net gain on mortgage loans held for sale includes gain on mortgage loans held for sale as well as capitalized servicing rights and mark-to-market adjustments on mortgage loans held for sale and related derivative financial instruments. We recognize the fair value of the interest rate lock commitments ("IRLC"), including the fair value of the related servicing rights, at the time we commit to originate or purchase a loan at specified terms. Loan origination costs are recognized as the obligations are incurred, which typically aligns with the date of loan funding for direct-to-consumer originations and the date of loan purchase for correspondent lending.

Gain on mortgage loans held for sale represents the realized gains and losses on loan sales and settled derivatives. The gain on mortgage loans held for sale is a function of the volume and margin of our originations activity and is impacted by fluctuations in interest rates.


71

Revenues, including net gain on mortgage loans held for sale, for our Originations segment are set forth in the table below.

Table 20. Originations - Revenues
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Service related, net - Originations
$
16

 
$
16

 
$
47

 
$
47

Net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on loans originated and sold
89

 
144

 
293

 
361

Fair value adjustment on loans held for sale
6

 
(13
)
 
16

 
14

Mark-to-market on locks and commitments (1)
(1
)
 
10

 
(23
)
 
34

Mark-to-market on derivative/hedges
(4
)
 
16

 
(28
)
 
(15
)
Capitalized servicing rights
46

 
51

 
143

 
133

Provision of repurchase reserves, net of release
(2
)
 
—

 
1

 
(1
)
Total net gain on mortgage loans held for sale
134

 
208

 
402

 
526

Total revenues - Originations
$
150

 
$
224

 
$
449

 
$
573

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Metrics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer direct lock pull through adjusted volume ($) (2)
$
3,006

 
$
4,034

 
$
8,466

 
$
10,293

Other lock pull through adjusted volume ($) (2)
1,924

 
1,847

 
4,469

 
5,390

Total pull through adjusted volume
$
4,930

 
$
5,881

 
$
12,935

 
$
15,683

Funded volume
$
5,102

 
$
5,532

 
$
13,988

 
$
14,977

Funded HARP volume
$
772

 
$
1,010

 
$
2,932

 
$
3,381

Recapture percentage
23.9
%
 
27.2
%
 
26.5
%
 
28.6
%
Purchase percentage of funded volume
36.3
%
 
23.7
%
 
28.6
%
 
24.9
%
Value of capitalized servicing
93 bps

 
89 bps

 
101 bps

 
91 bps


(1) Mark-to-market on locks and commitments includes our fair value mark-to-market adjustments on IRLCs.
(2) Pull through adjusted volume represents the expected funding from locks taken during the period.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , total revenues decreased compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to lower locked volume. The volume decrease was attributable to increases in interest rates (10 Year Treasury, as measured by the average over the respective quarter, increased from 1.9%, 1.8% and 1.6% during the first, second and third quarters of 2016, respectively, to 2.4%, 2.3% and 2.2% in the first, second and third quarters of 2017, respectively), which drove lower demand for refinance loans.

In August 2017, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced the extension of the HARP program to December 31, 2018 which will allow us to continue to serve qualified homeowners with the opportunity to refinance their mortgage.


72

Table 21. Originations - Expenses
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016 (1)
 
2017
 
2016 (1)
Salaries, wages and benefits
$
66

 
$
82

 
$
195

 
$
227

General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan origination expenses
13

 
23

 
46

 
59

Corporate and other general and administrative expenses
10

 
17

 
36

 
56

Marketing and professional service fee
14

 
16

 
41

 
43

Depreciation and amortization
3

 
3

 
8

 
9

Total general and administrative
40

 
59

 
131

 
167

Total expenses - Originations
$
106

 
$
141

 
$
326

 
$
394


(1) We periodically evaluate corporate allocation methods in order to appropriately align corporate costs with our business. Certain 2016 costs within salaries, wages and benefits, and operational expenses were reclassified between segments to conform to current year allocation methods.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , total expenses decreased 25% and 17% as compared to the same periods in 2016, respectively. The continued reduction in expenses can be attributed to declines in volumes, improvements in efficiency and lower TRID related expenses. Partially offsetting the volume related reductions during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were exit and restructuring costs incurred to improve the alignment of costs with current operations. The restructuring costs included $1 of severance expense in salaries, wages and benefits and $3 of exit costs associated with the restructuring of leases included in corporate and other general and administrative expenses. In addition, lower loan origination expenses contributed to the overall decrease in expenses due to lower Truth-In-Lending disclosure expenses and stronger underwriting.

Table 22. Originations - Other Income (Expenses), Net
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Interest income
$
14

 
$
17

 
$
39

 
$
48

Interest expense
(13
)
 
(16
)
 
(39
)
 
(44
)
Other expense
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
(1
)
Other income, net - Originations
$
1

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average note rate - mortgage loans held for sale
4.1
%
 
3.9
%
 
4.1
%
 
4.0
%
Weighted average cost of funds (excluding facility fees)
3.6
%
 
2.9
%
 
3.5
%
 
2.9
%

Interest income primarily relates to mortgage loans held for sale. Interest expense is associated with the warehouse facilities utilized to originate new loans.

Interest income decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 due to a reduced loan volume originated in 2017. In addition, interest expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016. The reduction in interest expense is primarily due to a decrease in origination activities resulting in lower financed amounts during the period.


73

The following table sets forth activity of the outstanding repurchase reserves associated with the sale of originated loans.

Table 23. Repurchase Reserves
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Repurchase reserves - beginning of period
$
14

 
$
26

 
$
18

 
$
26

Provision, net of release
2

 
—

 
(1
)
 
1

Charge-offs
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Repurchase reserves - end of period
$
15

 
$
25

 
$
15

 
$
25


Certain sale contracts and GSE standards require us to repurchase a loan or indemnify the purchaser or insurer for losses if a borrower fails to make initial loan payments or if the accompanying mortgage loan fails to meet certain customary representations and warranties, such as the manner of origination, the nature and extent of underwriting standards.

We provide certain representations and warranties on the sale of its mortgage loans. In the event of a breach of the representations and warranties, we may be required to either repurchase the loan or indemnify the purchaser for losses it sustains on the loan. In addition, an investor may request that we refund a portion of the premium paid on the sale of mortgage loans if a loan is prepaid within a certain amount of time from the date of sale. We record a reserve for estimated losses associated with loan repurchases, purchaser indemnification and premium refunds. The provision for repurchase losses is charged against gain on mortgage loans held for sale. The repurchase reserves are regularly evaluated for adequacy based on trends in repurchase and indemnification requests, actual loss experience, settlement negotiations, estimated future loss exposure, and other relevant factors including economic conditions.

We continue to experience improvements in loss rates in 2017 due to stronger underwriting standards and due to the expiring repurchase obligations, including higher risk loans associated with the mortgage loan crisis prior to 2008. Accordingly, these lower loss rates have resulted in an overall reduction of reserve balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as repurchase liabilities expire with loss rates below provisioned levels. We believe our reserve balances as of September 30, 2017 are sufficient to cover future loss exposure associated with repurchase contingencies on our loan portfolio.


Xome Segment

Our Xome segment is a leading provider of technology and data-enhanced solutions to home buyers, home sellers, real estate professionals and companies engaged in the origination and/or servicing of mortgage loans. Xome seeks to transform the real estate experience by making the challenge of buying or selling a home less complex and increasing transparency through the partnering of both online and offline components of the transaction cycle. The result provides customers a more streamlined and cohesive real estate environment. Xome is comprised of three revenue types categorized as Exchange, Services and Software as a Service ("SaaS").

Exchange revenue is comprised of real estate sales. During the third quarter of 2016, we completed the migration of sales from Homesearch.com, our legacy residential real estate platform, to our Xome.com platform which leverages our new proprietary auction technology. The Xome.com platform was designed to increase transparency and provide better execution for property sales as evidenced by generally higher sales price and lower average days to sell compared to traditional sales.

Services revenue is comprised of title, escrow and collateral valuation services related to real estate purchases, refinance and default transactions. We continue to serve existing third-party customers and capture refinance and default transactions generated by our Servicing and Originations segments. Today, we believe significant opportunities still exist with respect to penetration of current and new customers.


74

SaaS revenue includes sales of our SaaS platform providing integrated technology, media and data solutions to real estate franchisors, brokerages, agents and MLS organizations and associations. Within our Xome platform, we intend to enhance the home buying and selling experience through smart investments in innovative technology and a sharp focus on customer service by making the home buying and selling transaction experience simpler, more transparent and more accessible for all market participants. Our Xome platform is accessible through a combination of a web-based platform and mobile apps, giving customers instant access to over 97% of all active MLS listings in the United States. The platform allows users to search among distressed and non-distressed real estate listings on a single website - a significant advantage over our competitors' platforms which generally support either distressed or non-distressed listings, but not both. SaaS also includes our technology and corporate support groups.

Table 24. Xome - Operations
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
$
65

 
$
107

 
$
226

 
$
327

Expenses
54

 
87

 
193

 
274

Other income (expenses)
—

 
—

 
8

 
—

Income before income tax expense
$
11

 
$
20

 
$
41

 
$
53

Income before taxes margin - Xome
16.9
%
 
18.7
%
 
18.1
%
 
16.2
%

Income before income tax expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to the decline in Exchange and Services revenues, which were driven by lower volume of property listings sold and completed orders for title and settlement services. The decrease in revenue were partially offset by a decrease in compensation related expenses due to a decline in headcount and direct vendor costs due to a decline in order volumes. In addition, Xome sold its retail title division in June 2017 and recorded a gain of $8 to other income (expenses).

Table 25. Xome - Revenues
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Exchange
$
26

 
$
37

 
$
84

 
$
120

Services
31

 
62

 
119

 
182

SaaS
8

 
8

 
23

 
25

Total revenues - Xome
$
65

 
$
107

 
$
226

 
$
327

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Metrics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Default property listings sold
2,772

 
4,061

 
9,260

 
13,632

Default property listings at period end
4,082

 
5,284

 
4,082

 
5,284

Xome services completed orders
99,407

 
146,257

 
326,377

 
454,932

Percentage of revenue earned from third party customers
32.6
%
 
43.9
%
 
37.4
%
 
39.0
%

For the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , Exchange revenues decreased compared to the same periods in 2016 due to a decline in property sales. The reduction in sales volume in 2017 was primarily due to a decrease in default property listings as our sales outflow outpaced our referral inflow. Despite the reduction in total property sales, the Exchange revenues earned from third-party customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased 55% over the comparable 2016 period. The increase in third-party revenue is due to our focus on business development efforts with new and existing third-party customers.

Services revenues decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016, primarily due to a decrease in national and retail title and escrow services and collateral valuation services. Our national and retail title and escrow services revenue was adversely impacted by the higher interest rate environment in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016, leading to a decline in order volume. In addition, Xome sold its retail title division in June 2017, which contributed to the revenue decline. Revenue from collateral valuation services decreased primarily due to a decrease in the delinquency rate of our servicing portfolio and the termination of a nonprofitable client relationship in third quarter of 2016.


75

Table 26. Xome - Expenses
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Salaries, wages and benefits
$
27

 
$
44

 
$
98

 
$
132

General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational expenses
24

 
39

 
83

 
126

Depreciation and amortization
3

 
4

 
10

 
16

Loss on impairment of assets
—

 
—

 
2

 
—

Total general and administrative
27

 
43

 
95

 
142

Total expenses - Xome
$
54

 
$
87

 
$
193

 
$
274

Salaries, wages and benefits expenses decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016 , driven by a decrease in headcount, the sale of our retail title division and a decline in acquisition related expenses which occurred in the first half of 2016. The decrease in operational expenses was driven by a decline in direct vendor costs in conjunction with the decrease in revenues, as well as a decrease in system transaction related fees as we completed the migration of our operations off of third-party platforms onto our own proprietary technology. Depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to the migration to the new auction platform in the second half of 2016. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we recorded an impairment charge of $2 related to software and hardware for technology assets no longer being developed.

Corporate and Other
Table 27. Corporate and Other - Operations
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
1

Expenses
23

 
29

 
72

 
87

Other income (expenses), net
(36
)
 
(38
)
 
(106
)
 
(114
)
Loss before income tax benefit - Corporate and Other
$
(59
)
 
$
(67
)
 
$
(177
)
 
$
(200
)

Our Corporate and other segment consists of interest expense on our unsecured senior notes and other corporate debt, income or loss from our legacy portfolio consisting of non-prime and nonconforming residential mortgage loans, and corporate expenses that are not directly attributable to our operating segments. The legacy portfolio consists of loans that were transferred to a securitization trust in 2009 that was structured as a secured borrowing. The securitized loans are recorded as mortgage loans on our consolidated balance sheets and the asset backed certificates acquired by third parties are recorded as nonrecourse debt. We also include certain non-allocated corporate expenses, primarily interest expense on unsecured senior notes as well as the administrative costs of executive management and other corporate functions that are not directly attributable to our operating segments.

Table 28. Legacy Portfolio
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Performing - UPB
$
160

 
$
167

Nonperforming (90+ delinquency) - UPB
37

 
49

REO - estimated fair value
2

 
3

Total legacy portfolio
$
199

 
$
219

 

76

Table 29. Corporate and Other - Expenses
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016 (1)
 
2017
 
2016 (1)
Salaries, wages and benefits
$
16

 
$
16

 
$
46

 
$
39

General and administrative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational expenses
4

 
9

 
16

 
42

Depreciation and amortization
3

 
4

 
10

 
6

Total general and administrative
7

 
13

 
26

 
48

Total expenses - Corporate and Other
$
23

 
$
29

 
$
72

 
$
87


(1) We periodically evaluate corporate allocation methods in order to appropriately align corporate costs with its business. Certain 2016 costs within salaries wages and benefits and operational expenses were reclassified between segments to conform to current year allocation methods.

Total expenses decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016, primarily due to lower operational expenses. Operational expenses decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to increased intersegment allocation charges of the offshore salaries to its business segments. Expense decreases were also realized due to cost containment initiatives across corporate functions which included improved legal expenses, lower marketing costs associated with brand spending, and efficiencies realized in the management of our legacy portfolio. Partially offsetting these savings were higher technology costs. Depreciation and amortization costs increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to growth in our network platforms and development of our new website, which launched in December 2016. The increase in salaries, wages and benefits in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to 2016 was primarily due to higher headcount from previously outsourced positions being replaced in certain corporate functions and also to the expansion of our offshore shared services.

Table 30. Corporate and Other - Other Income (Expenses), Net
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Interest income, legacy portfolio
$
2

 
$
4

 
$
12

 
$
11

Interest expense, legacy portfolio
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(6
)
Interest expense on unsecured senior notes
(36
)
 
(38
)
 
(109
)
 
(114
)
Other interest, net
—

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
Total interest expense
(36
)
 
(37
)
 
(104
)
 
(113
)
Other income (expense)
—

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Other income (expenses), net - Corporate and Other
$
(36
)
 
$
(38
)
 
$
(106
)
 
$
(114
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average cost - unsecured senior notes
7.3
%
 
7.3
%
 
7.3
%
 
7.3
%

Other income (expenses), net includes interest expense associated with our unsecured senior notes, the interest income and expense from our legacy portfolio, and other interest related to a revolving facility used for general corporate purposes. Overall, total other income (expenses), net in 2017 was lower compared to 2016 due to lower interest expense on unsecured senior notes. Interest expense on unsecured senior notes decreased in 2017 due to repurchases of debt.


77

Changes in Financial Position

Table 31. Assets
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
% Change
Cash and cash equivalents
$
224

 
$
489

 
(54.2
)%
Mortgage servicing rights
2,961

 
3,166

 
(6.5
)%
Advances and other receivables, net
1,625

 
1,749

 
(7.1
)%
Reverse mortgage interests, net
10,299

 
11,033

 
(6.7
)%
Mortgage loans held for sale
1,646

 
1,788

 
(7.9
)%
Other
1,249

 
1,368

 
(8.7
)%
Total assets
$
18,004

 
$
19,593

 
(8.1
)%

Total assets as of September 30, 2017 decreased by $1,589 or 8.1% compared with December 31, 2016 primarily due to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents, advances and other receivables, reverse mortgage interests and mortgage loans held for sale. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $265 primarily due to a strategic decision to utilize cash and cash equivalents to reduce overall interest expense. Advances and other receivables decreased $124 primarily due to stronger recoveries of escrow advances in 2017. Reverse mortgage interests declined $734 primarily due to loan liquidation proceeds in excess of new advances on underlying HECM loans. Mortgage loans held for sale decreased $142 due to lower volume of originated loans given the higher interest rate environment.

Table 32. Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
% Change
Unsecured senior notes, net
$
1,873

 
$
1,990

 
(5.9
)%
Advance facilities, net
797

 
1,096

 
(27.3
)%
Warehouse facilities, net
2,774

 
2,421

 
14.6
 %
MSR related liabilities - nonrecourse at fair value
1,066

 
1,241

 
(14.1
)%
Other nonrecourse debt, net
8,569

 
9,631

 
(11.0
)%
Other liabilities
1,248

 
1,531

 
(18.5
)%
Total liabilities
16,327

 
17,910

 
(8.8
)%
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Nationstar
1,670

 
1,677

 
(0.4
)%
Noncontrolling interest
7

 
6

 
16.7
 %
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
18,004

 
$
19,593

 
(8.1
)%

Stockholders' equity at September 30, 2017 was comparable with December 31, 2016 . Within liabilities, the advance facilities decreased by $299 as the portfolio balance declined due to the repayments of advances along with the decision to use cash balances to reduce borrowings. Warehouse facilities increased by $353 primarily due to borrowings to fund reverse mortgage activities. Growth in warehouse borrowings associated with the reverse mortgage portfolio is primarily attributable to an acceleration of HMBS repurchases, of which we expect to assign majority of these loans. MSR related liabilities decreased by $175 primarily due to repayment of excess financing. Other nonrecourse debt decreased by $1,062 primarily due to collections on participating interests in HMBS and repayments of HECM loans. Other liabilities decreased by $283 primarily due to reduction of payables to investors and accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Sources and Uses of Cash

Our primary sources of funds for liquidity include: (i) servicing fees and ancillary revenues; (ii) payments received from sale or securitization of loans; (iii) payments from the liquidation or securitization of our outstanding participating interests in reverse mortgage loans; (iv) advance and warehouse facilities, other secured borrowings and the unsecured senior notes; and (v) payments received in connection with the sale of advance receivables and excess spread.


78

Our primary uses of funds for liquidity include: (i) funding of servicing advances; (ii) originations of loans; (iii) payment of interest expenses; (iv) payment of operating expenses; (v) repayment of borrowings and repurchases or redemptions of outstanding indebtedness; (vi) payments for acquisitions of MSRs; (vii) scheduled and unscheduled draws on our serviced reverse residential mortgage loans; and (viii) payment of our marketing and technology expenses.

Our business is subject to extensive regulation, investigations and reviews by various federal, state and local regulatory and enforcement agencies. We are also subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. Addressing these
regulations, reviews and legal proceedings and implementing any resulting remedial measures may require us to devote substantial resources to legal and regulatory compliance or to make other changes to our business practices, resulting in higher costs which may adversely affect our cash flows.

We believe that our cash flows from operating activities, as well as capacity with existing facilities, provide adequate resources to fund our anticipated ongoing cash requirements. We are reliant on these facilities to fund operating activities. As the facilities mature, we anticipate renewal of these facilities will be achieved. Future debt maturities will be funded with cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operating activities and, if necessary, future access to capital markets. We continue to optimize the use of balance sheet cash to avoid unnecessary interest carrying costs.

We own and service reverse mortgage loan portfolios with a UPB of $36,412 as of September 30, 2017 , which includes $9,666 of reverse MSRs, $16,383 of reverse MSLs and $10,363 of reverse mortgage interests. Reverse mortgages provide seniors with the ability to monetize the equity in their homes in a lump sum, line of credit or monthly draws. The unpaid principal balance of the loan is accreted for borrower draws and other costs such as mortgage insurance premiums, property taxes and insurance. Recovery of advances and draws related to reverse MSRs is generally recovered over a two to three month period from the investor. However, for reverse assets recorded as a loan, the repayment of loan balances and collection of servicing fees occurs upon the payoff or other liquidation of the loan. We securitize our holdings in reverse mortgage loans in order to finance subsequent borrower draws and loan related costs.

During 2017, we continued to expand our subservicing portfolios in order to grow our operations without the capital required for acquisition costs and carrying costs of advances that is associated with ownership of mortgage servicing rights. In January 2017, we executed a subservicing agreement with a subsidiary of New Residential. Under the agreement, we estimated we will subservice approximately $111 billion UPB, primarily comprised of MSRs that New Residential has agreed to purchase from CitiMortgage. Based on updated estimates, we expect to subservice a total of $107 billion UPB. We have boarded a total of $72 billion UPB of those loans, including $29 billion UPB in the third quarter of 2017 and anticipate boarding the remaining $35 billion loans in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Cash Flows

The table below presents the major sources and uses of cash flow for operating activities.

Table 33. Operating Cash Flow
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Originations net sales activities
$
527

 
$
67

Cash provided by operating profits and changes in working capital and other assets
520

 
513

Net cash attributable to operating activities
$
1,047

 
$
580


Originations net sales activities generated cash inflow of $527 and $67 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The increase in originations activities in 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily due to a decrease in funded loan volumes of $1,061 and a decrease in purchases of loans from the Ginnie Mae securitization trusts of $195 , partially offset by a decrease in proceeds of $796 on the sales of previously originated loans. Cash flows from other operating activities included $1,472 of increased proceeds from the liquidation of reverse mortgage loans net of advance draws. The reverse mortgage proceeds were used for repayment of HECM securitized debt and participating interest financings and were also used to purchase reverse loan assets out of Ginnie Mae securitization trusts, which utilized an additional $859 in 2017.

79

Table 34. Investing Cash Flows
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Purchase of forward mortgage servicing rights, net of liabilities incurred
$
(28
)
 
$
(36
)
Net proceeds from acquisition of reverse mortgage servicing portfolio and HECM related receivables
16

 
—

Proceeds on sale of forward and reverse mortgage service rights
25

 
25

Proceeds on sale of assets
16

 
—

All other
(34
)
 
(49
)
Net cash attributable to investing activities
$
(5
)
 
$
(60
)

Our investing activities used $5 and $60 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The change in investing activities is primarily due to the net proceeds of $16 from the acquisition of reverse mortgage servicing portfolio in September 2017, the proceeds of $16 on sale of Xome's retail title division in June 2017 and the decrease of $8 in purchase of forward mortgage servicing rights. Although we continue to seek to acquire servicing portfolios at advantageous pricing, the timing of these opportunities is not of a consistent frequency and can result in cash flows variability between periods.

Table 35. Financing Cash Flow
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Payment of advance facilities
$
(298
)
 
$
(458
)
Warehouse facilities
351

 
718

Payment of senior unsecured notes and nonrecourse debt
(145
)
 
(51
)
Excess spread and MSR liability financing
(168
)
 
(146
)
Decrease in participating interest financing in reverse mortgage interests
(1,730
)
 
(817
)
HECM securitizations
217

 
100

Repurchase of common stock
—

 
(114
)
Transfers from restricted cash, net
38

 
—

All other
428

 
330

Net cash attributable to financing activities
$
(1,307
)
 
$
(438
)

Our financing activities used $1,307 and $438 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Advance facilities declined by $298 in 2017, consistent with recoveries in advance balances. Borrowings from warehouse facilities decreased in 2017 when compared with same period in 2016 primarily due to lower volume of loan origination activities and initiatives in the second and third quarter of 2017 to reduce interest costs.
Financing costs associated with the reverse mortgage interests increased by $913 in 2017, as a portion of the reverse mortgage proceeds were used to pay down participating interest financings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we issued HMBS under new trusts for total proceeds of $701 and $724 , respectively. Proceeds from the securitization less scheduled pay downs and amounts incurred to settle the collapsed trusts resulted in net cash inflow of $217 and $100 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Financings from equity transactions resulted in the repurchase in 2016 of common shares of approximately $114 under the previously authorized $250 share repurchase program. This program was subsequently replaced by a new share repurchase program of $100 in January 2017. No shares were repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 .
Restricted cash activity increased by $38 in 2017 primarily due to the timing of fundings and return of funds from restricted cash accounts as certain HECM trusts collapsed in 2017.

80

Capital Resources

Capital Structure and Debt

We require access to external financing resources from time to time depending on our cash requirements, assessments of current and anticipated market conditions and after-tax cost of capital. If needed, we believe additional capital could be raised through a combination of issuances of equity, corporate indebtedness, asset backed acquisition financing and/or cash from operations. Our access to capital markets can be impacted by factors outside our control, including economic conditions.

Financial Covenants
Our advance and warehouse facilities contain various financial covenants which primarily relate to required tangible net worth amounts, liquidity reserves, leverage requirements, and profitability requirements. As of September 30, 2017 , we are in compliance with our financial covenants.

Seller/Servicer Financial Requirements
The Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") finalized minimum financial requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Seller/Servicers as set forth below.

Minimum Net Worth
▪
Base of $2.5 plus 25 basis points of UPB for total loans serviced.
▪
Tangible Net Worth comprises total equity less goodwill, intangible assets, affiliate receivables and certain pledged assets.

Minimum Capital Ratio
▪
Tangible Net Worth/Total Asset greater than 6%.

Minimum Liquidity
▪
3.5 basis points of total Agency servicing (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae) plus,
▪
Incremental 200 basis points of total nonperforming Agency, measured as 90+ delinquencies, servicing in excess of 6% of the total Agency servicing UPB.
▪
Allowable assets for liquidity may including: cash and cash equivalents (unrestricted), available for sale or held for trading investment grade securities (e.g., Agency MBS, Obligations of GSEs, US Treasury Obligations); and unused/available portion of committed servicing advance lines.

In addition, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may require capital ratios in excess of stated requirements. Refer to Financial Covenants in Note 8, Indebtedness and Note 14, Capital Requirement s for additional information. As of September 30, 2017 , we are in compliance with our seller/servicer financial requirements.

Table 36. Debt
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Advance facilities, net
$
797

 
$
1,096

Warehouse facilities, net
2,774

 
2,421

Unsecured senior notes, net
1,873

 
1,990


Advance Facilities
Our servicing agreements impose on us various rights and obligations that affect our liquidity. Among the most significant of these obligations is the requirement that we advance our own funds to meet contractual principal and interest payments for certain investors and to pay taxes, insurance, foreclosure costs and various other items that are required to preserve the assets being serviced. Delinquency rates and prepayment speeds affect the size of servicing advance balances along with stop advance policies. As part of our normal course of business, we borrow money to fund servicing advances. We rely upon several counterparties to provide us with financing facilities to fund a portion of our servicing advances.

As servicer for reverse mortgage loans, among other things, we are required to fund borrower draws on the loans. We typically pool borrower draws for approximately 30 days before including them in a HMBS securitization. At September 30, 2017 , unsecuritized borrow draws totaled $498 and our maximum unfunded advance obligation related to these reverse mortgage loans was $3,921 .


81

Warehouse Facilities
Loan origination activities generally require short-term l iquidity in excess of amounts generated by our operations. The loans we originate are financed through several warehouse lines on a short-term basis. We typically hold the loans for approximately 30 days and then sell the loans or place them in government securitizations and repay the borrowings under the warehouse lines. Our ability to fund current operations depends upon our ability to secure these types of short-term financings on acceptable terms and to renew or replace the financings as they expire.

Unsecured Senior Notes
From 2010 through 2013, we completed offerings of unsecured senior notes, with maturity dates ranging from August 2015 to June 2022. We pay interest semi-annually to the holders of these notes at interest rates ranging from 6.5% to 9.6% .

Table 37. Contractual Maturities - Unsecured Senior Notes

As of September 30, 2017 , the expected maturities of our Unsecured Senior Notes based on contractual maturities are presented below:
Year Ending December 31,
 
Amount
2017
 
$
—

2018
 
364

2019
 
324

2020
 
397

2021
 
594

Thereafter
 
206

Unsecured senior notes
 
1,885

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
(12
)
Unsecured senior notes, net
 
$
1,873



Contractual Obligations

As of September 30, 2017 , no material changes to our outstanding contractual obligations were made from the amounts previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .





82

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Various elements of our accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. In particular, we have identified the following policies that, due to the judgment, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of our consolidated financial statements. These policies relate to fair value measurements, particularly those determined to be Level 3 as discussed in Note 13, Fair Value Measurements , servicing reserves and valuation and reserves for deferred tax assets. We believe that the judgment, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances at the time. However, given the sensitivity of our consolidated financial statements to these critical accounting policies, the use of other judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in material differences in our results of operations or financial condition. Fair value measurements considered to be Level 3 representing estimated values based on significant unobservable inputs include (i) the valuation of MSRs, (ii) the valuation of excess spread financing and (iii) the valuation of the mortgage servicing rights financing liability. For further information on our critical accounting policies, please refer to Nationstar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2016 except that we updated our policy on advances and other receivables to include a more detailed description of our position on write-offs of advance balances.

We record reserves for advances and other receivables and evaluate the sufficiency of such reserves through consideration of both historical and expected recovery rates on claims filed with government agencies, government sponsored enterprises, vendors, prior servicer and other counterparties. Recovery of advances and other receivables is subject to significant judgment and estimates based on our assessment of our compliance with servicing guidelines, our ability to produce the necessary documentation to support claims, our ability to support amounts from prior servicers and to effectively negotiate settlements, as needed. Each period, management reviews recorded advances and other receivables and upon determination that no further recourse for recovery is available from all means known to management, the recorded balances associated with these receivables are written-off against the reserve.

Recent Accounting Developments

See Note 1, Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation , in the Consolidated Financial Statements which is incorporated herein for details of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the expected impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

Our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Further, interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

Variable Interest Entities and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

See Note 10, Securitizations and Financings , in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which is incorporated herein for a summary of our transactions with VIEs and unconsolidated balances details of their impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives

See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments , in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which is incorporated herein for a summary of our derivative transactions.


83

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Refer to the discussion of market risks included in Part II, Item 7A of Nationstar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . There has been no material change in the types of market risks faced by us since December 31, 2016 .

We assess our market risk based on changes in interest rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis measures the potential impact on fair values based on hypothetical changes (increases and decreases) in interest rates. We use a duration-based model in determining the impact of interest rate shifts on our loan portfolio, certain other interest-bearing liabilities measured at fair value and interest rate derivatives portfolios. The primary assumption used in these models is that an increase or decrease in the benchmark interest rate produces a parallel shift in the yield curve across all maturities.

We utilize discounted cash flows and analysis to determine the fair value of MSRs and the impact of parallel interest rate shifts on MSRs. The primary assumptions in this model are prepayment speeds, market discount rates and cost to service. However, this analysis ignores the impact of interest rate changes on certain material variables, such as the benefit or detriment on the value of future loan originations, non-parallel shifts in the spread relationships between MBS, swaps and U.S. Treasury rates and changes in primary and secondary mortgage market spreads. For mortgage loans, IRLCs and forward delivery commitments on MBS, we rely on a model in determining the impact of interest rate shifts. In addition, for IRLCs, the borrower’s propensity to close their mortgage loans under the commitment is used as a primary assumption.

Our total market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors including market volatility and the liquidity of the markets. There are certain limitations inherent in the sensitivity analysis presented, including the necessity to conduct the analysis based on a single point in time and the inability to include the complex market reactions that normally would arise from the market shifts modeled.

We use market rates on our instruments to perform the sensitivity analysis. The estimates are based on the market risk sensitive portfolios described in the preceding paragraphs and assume instantaneous, parallel shifts in interest rate yield curves. Changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in fair value may not be linear. We believe that on the whole our estimated net changes to the fair value of our assets and liabilities at September 30, 2017 are within acceptable ranges based on the materiality of our financial statements.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), as of September 30, 2017 .
Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2017 , our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , no changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, with the exception of the following:
During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , we implemented new controls associated with our internally developed reverse mortgage servicing system in conjunction with the termination of our subservicing contract with third parties who previously serviced reverse mortgage loans on our behalf. All reverse mortgage loans are now serviced internally utilizing our internally developed reverse mortgage servicing system.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

84

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are party to numerous legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of conducting business. In addition, in the ordinary course of business Nationstar and its subsidiaries can be and are involved in governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, investigations and proceedings.
We are a state licensed, non-bank mortgage lender and servicer. Our business is subject to extensive examinations, investigations and reviews by various federal, state and local regulatory and enforcement agencies. We have historically had a number of open investigations with various regulators or enforcement agencies.
We continue to receive regulatory and governmental investigations, subpoenas, examinations and other inquiries. We are currently the subject of various regulatory or governmental investigations, subpoenas, examinations and inquiries related to our residential loan servicing and origination practices, bankruptcy and collections practices, financial reporting and other aspects of our businesses. These matters include investigations by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"), the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Executive Office of the United States Trustees, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the multi-state coalition of mortgage banking regulators, various State Attorneys General, the New York Department of Financial Services, and the California Department of Business Oversight. These specific matters and other pending or potential future investigations, subpoenas, examinations or inquiries may lead to administrative, civil or criminal proceedings or settlements and possibly result in remedies including fines, penalties, restitution, or alterations in our business practices and in additional expenses and collateral costs. We are cooperating fully in these matters.
For example, we continue to progress towards resolution of certain legacy regulatory matters involving regulatory examination findings for alleged violations of certain laws related to our business practices. In March 2017, we entered into a consent order with the CFPB for failure to comply with certain of the data reporting requirements of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Additionally, we are currently in negotiations with the California Department of Business Oversight to resolve findings in two examinations, one of which dates to 2012. We are also in negotiations with the New York Department of Financial Services regarding findings in two examinations. In both instances, the resolution will involve the payment of civil monetary penalties and other remedial measures. However, management does not believe that resolution of either of these matters would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.
In addition, we are a defendant in a class action proceeding originally filed in state court in March 2012, and then removed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington under the caption Laura Zamora Jordan v. Nationstar Mortgage LLC. The suit was filed on behalf of a class of Washington borrowers and challenges property preservation measures we took, as loan servicer, after the borrowers defaulted and our vendors determined that the borrowers had vacated or abandoned their properties. The case raises claims for (i) common law trespass, (ii) statutory trespass, and (iii) violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, and seeks recovery of actual, statutory, and treble damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and litigation costs. We believe that we have meritorious defenses and will continue to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter. An adverse judgment in this matter could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. However, if we receive a final adverse judgment, we intend to seek reimbursement from the owners of the loans we serviced, but there can be no assurance that we would prevail with any claims for reimbursement.
Responding to these matters requires us to devote substantial legal and regulatory resources, resulting in higher costs and lower net cash flows. Adverse results in any of these matters could further increase our operating expenses and reduce our revenues, require us to change business practices and limit our ability to grow and otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operation.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes or additions to the risk factors previously disclosed under “Risk Factors” included in Nationstar's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2016 .


85

Item 2. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to $100 of our common stock from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , no shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program were repurchased.
(in thousands except Average Price Paid per Share)
Period
(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased  
(in thousands)
 
(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
(in thousands)
 
(d) Maximum Number (or Appropriate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Program
(in millions)
July 1, 2017 -
July 31, 2017
1

(1)  
$
17.95

 
—

 
$
100

August 1, 2017 -
August 31, 2017
13

(1)  
$
17.91

 
—

 
$
100

September 1, 2017 -
September 30, 2017
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
100

Total
14

 
 
 
—

 
 

(1) In the third quarter of 2017, approximately 14 thousand shares of common stock were surrendered at an average price of $17.91 per share to us by certain employees in an amount equal to the amount of tax withheld to satisfy minimum statutory tax requirements in connection with the vesting of equity awards.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information
None.


86

Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
Exhibit Number
Description
Form
File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed or Furnished Herewith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1




X
31.2
 
 
 
 
X
32.1




X
32.2
 
 
 
 
X
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document




X
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document




X
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document




X
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X


87

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE HOLDINGS INC.
 
 
 
November 8, 2017
 
/s/ Jay Bray
Date
 
Jay Bray
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
November 8, 2017
 
/s/ Amar R. Patel
Date
 
Amar R. Patel
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)


88

Exhibit Index
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
Exhibit Number
Description
Form
File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed or Furnished Herewith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
31.2
Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
32.1
Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
32.2
Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
X
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
X





89


Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Jay Bray, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(f) and 15(d) - 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
 
Date:
November 8, 2017
 
 
 
/s/ Jay Bray
 
 
 
Jay Bray
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer






Exhibit 31.2
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Amar Patel, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(f) and 15d - 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


 
 
 
Date:
November 8, 2017
 
 
 
/s/ Amar R. Patel
 
 
 
Amar R. Patel
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer







Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jay Bray, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
Date:
November 8, 2017
 
/s/ Jay Bray
 
Jay Bray
 
Chief Executive Officer





Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Amar Patel, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


 
Date:
November 8, 2017
 
/s/ Amar R. Patel
 
Amar R. Patel
 
Chief Financial Officer