UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBERFor the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172020
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 1-34354
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
(Exact name of Registrantregistrant as specified in its Charter)
Luxembourg98-0554932
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
40, avenue Monterey
L-2163 Luxembourg
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
(352) 24 69 7927 61 49 00
(Address and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par valueASPSNASDAQ Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrantregistrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the Registrantregistrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by sectionSection 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 þ Noo
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company, (as defined” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant obtained an internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) auditor attestation. Yes No o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 20172020 was $384,670,977$168,425,446 based on the closing share price as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that day and the assumption that all directors and executive officers of the Company and their families, are affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for any other purpose.
As of February 16, 2018,March 5, 2021, there were 17,507,61715,746,525 outstanding shares of the registrant’s shares of beneficial interestcommon stock (excluding 7,905,1319,666,223 shares held as treasury stock).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed subsequent to the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 15, 201818, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.report. Such Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
2020.




Table of Contents




TABLE OF CONTENTS


ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.


FORM 10-K
Page

Page


















2

Table of Contents




FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and certain information incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may relate to, among other things, future events or our future performance or financial condition. Words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “estimate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms and comparable terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on expectations as to the future and are not statements of historical fact. Furthermore, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in Item 1A of Part I “Risk Factors.” We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which reflect our view only as of the date of this report. We are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any obligation) to update or alter any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
PART I
Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise “Altisource,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A., a Luxembourg société anonyme, or public limited liability company, together with its subsidiaries.
ITEM 1.BUSINESS
ITEM 1.BUSINESS
The Company
Altisource® is an integrated service provider and marketplace for the real estate and mortgage industries. Combining operational excellence with a suite of innovative services and technologies, Altisource helps solve the demands of the ever-changing markets we serve.
We are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ASPS.” We are organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Reportable SegmentsWe have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Effective January 1, 2017, ourThe Company operates with one reportable segmentssegment (total Company). Our principal revenue generating activities are as follows:
Mortgage Market: Provides loan servicersCore Businesses
Field Services
Property preservation and originators with marketplaces,inspection services and technologies that span the mortgage lifecycle. Within the Mortgage Market segment, we provide:vendor management oversight software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) platform
Servicer Solutions - the solutions, servicesMarketplace
Hubzu® online real estate auction platform, real estate auction, real estate brokerage and technologies typically used or licensed primarily by residential loan servicers.asset management
Equator®, a SaaS-based technology to manage real estate owned (“REO”), short sales, foreclosure, bankruptcy and eviction processes
• Property preservation and inspection services
• Real estate brokerage and auction services
• Title insurance (agent and related services) and settlement services
• Appraisal management services and broker and non-broker valuation services
• Foreclosure trustee services
• Residential and commercial loan servicing technologies

• Vendor management, marketplace transaction management and payment management technologies
• Document management platform
• Default services (real estate owned (“REO”), foreclosure, bankruptcy, eviction) technologies
• Mortgage charge-off collections
• Residential and commercial loan disbursement processing, risk mitigation and construction inspection services

3

Table of Contents




Mortgage and Real Estate Solutions
Origination Solutions - the solutions,Mortgage loan fulfillment, certification and certification insurance services and technologies typically used or licensed by
Title insurance (as an agent) and settlement services
Real estate valuation services
Residential and commercial construction inspection and risk mitigation services
Management of the Best Partners Mortgage Cooperative, Inc., doing business as Lenders One® (“Lenders One”), mortgage banking cooperative
Foreclosure trustee services
Business services
Other Businesses
Earlier Stage Business
Pointillist® customer journey analytics platform
Other
Commercial loan originators (or other similar mortgage market participants) in originating, buying and selling residential mortgages.servicing technology
• Title insurance (agent and related services) and settlement services
• Appraisal management services and broker and non-broker valuation services
• Fulfillment services
• Loan origination system
• Document management platform
• Certified loan insurance and certification
• Vendor management oversight platform
• Mortgage banker cooperative management
• Mortgage trading platform
Real Estate Market: Provides real estate consumers and rental property investors with marketplaces and services that span the real estate lifecycle. Within the Real Estate Market segment, we provide:
Consumer Real Estate Solutions - the solutions, services and technologies typically used by home buyers and sellers to handle key aspects of buying and selling a residence.
• Real estate brokerage doing business as Owners.com®
• Title insurance (agent and related services) and settlement services
• Mortgage brokerage
• Homeowners insurance
Real Estate Investor Solutions - the solutions, services and technologies used by buyers and sellers of single-family investment homes.
• Property preservation and inspection services
• Real estate brokerage and auction services
• Data solutions
• Title insurance (agent and related services) and settlement services
• Buy-renovate-lease-sell
• Renovation services
• Property management services
• Appraisal management services and broker and non-broker valuation services
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations: Includes certain ancillary businesses, interest expense and unallocated costs related to corporate support functions. The businesses in this segment includeFinancial Services business, including post-charge-off consumer debt, mortgage charge-off collection services and customer relationship management services (sold on July 1, 2019)
Buy-Renovate-Lease-Sell (“BRS”) business (wound down in 2019)
Residential loan servicing technologies, document management platform and information technology (“IT”) infrastructure management services. Interest expense relatesservices (wound down in 2019 following Ocwen Financial Corporation’s (together with its subsidiaries, “Ocwen”) transition to another servicing platform)
Owners.com® technology-enabled real estate brokerage and provider of related mortgage brokerage and title services (discontinued in the Company’s senior secured term loan and corporate support functions include executive, finance, law, compliance, human resources, vendor management, facilities, risk management and sales and marketing costs not allocated to the business units. This segment also includes eliminationsfourth quarter of transactions between the reportable segments.2019)
We classify revenue in three categories: service revenue, revenue from reimbursable expenses and non-controlling interests. In evaluating our performance, we focus on service revenue. Service revenue consists of amounts attributable to our fee-based services and sales of short-term investments in real estate.estate (wound down in 2019). Reimbursable expenses and non-controlling interests are pass-through items for which we earn no margin. Reimbursable expenses consist of amounts we incur on behalf of our customers in performing our fee-based services that we pass directly on to our customers without a markup. Non-controlling interests represent the earnings of Best Partners Mortgage Cooperative, Inc., doing business as Lenders One® (“Lenders One”).One. Lenders One is a mortgage cooperative managed, but not owned, by Altisource. The Lenders One ismembers’ earnings are included in revenue and reduced from net income to arrive at net income attributable to Altisource.
Effective January 1, 2017,2020 Highlights
Corporate and Financial
Ended 2020 with $58.3 million of cash and cash equivalents
Ended 2020 with $188.9 million of net debt
Sold the Company’s remaining 3.5 million Front Yard Residential Corporation (“RESI”) shares for net proceeds of $46.6 million and used the net proceeds to repay a portion of our reportable segments changed as a result of a change in the way our Chief Executive Officer (our chief operating decision maker) manages our businesses, allocates resourcesSenior Secured Term Loan
Business Highlights
The Company’s 2020 financial performance was negatively impacted by:
Temporary servicer and evaluates performance,government COVID-19 related measures to provide financial support to borrowers (i.e., foreclosure and the related changeseviction moratoriums and borrower forbearance plans), partially offset by growth in our internal organization. We now reportorigination business
One of Ocwen’s MSR investors directed it to transition field services, title and valuation referrals to that investor’s captive vendors; we believe the transition of these referrals is largely complete
Service revenue from customers other than Ocwen, New Residential Investment Corp. (“NRZ”) and RESI grew by 9% in 2020 compared to 2019; this reflects 47% growth from our operations through two new reportable segments: Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market. In addition, we report Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations separately. Prior to the January 1, 2017 change in reportable segments,origination business, excluding our reportable segments were Mortgage Services, Financial Services and Technology Services. The former Mortgage Services segment was separated into the Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market segments. Furthermore, certain of the software services business units that were formerly in the Technology Services segment and the mortgage charge-off collectionsconstruction risk mitigation business that was formerly inimpacted by the Financial Services segment are now included inpandemic, partially offset by the Mortgage Market. Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations includes asset recovery management services and customer relationship management services that were formerly in the Financial Services segment as well as IT infrastructure management services formerly in the Technology Services segment. Prior year comparable period segment disclosures have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.negative impact of COVID-19 on our default business

4

Table of Contents




The Company’s customer base continues to develop and grow increasing the potential backlog of default related business which we anticipate will begin to be available to us in 2022 when we forecast that the default market returns to a more normal operating environment
2017 HighlightsThe Company has a robust unweighted sales pipeline of approximately $220 million
Corporate
Generated $66.1To address lower revenue in the default business, the Company aggressively reduced cash costs and simplified the organization; cash costs (other than outside fees and services, severance and fourth quarter 2020 bonus accrual reversals) were $12 million of cash flows from operating activities and $110.5 million of adjusted cash flows from operating activities (this is a non-GAAP measure that is defined and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measure on pages 29 to 31)
Ended 2017 with $154.2 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
Repurchased 1.6 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $23.84 per share
Repurchased $60.1 million par value of our senior secured term loan at a weighted average discount of 10.7%, recognizing a net gain of $5.6 million on the early extinguishment of debt
Recognized a net income tax benefit of $284.1 millionlower in the fourth quarter of 2017 relating2020 compared to the merger of two of the Company’s Luxembourg subsidiaries, the impact of statutory tax rate changes in the U.S. and Luxembourg and foreign income tax reserves
Amended our senior secured term loan to allow the Company to directly repurchase its debt in the open market and permit the internal restructuring of our Luxembourg subsidiaries
Servicer Solutions
Selected by 9 bank and non-bank loan servicers to provide property preservation and inspection services, real estate brokerage and auction services, or title insurance and settlement services
Selected as a service provider by 4 servicers in the firstfourth quarter of 2018
Grew non-Ocwen and non-NRZ (defined below) service revenue by 9% compared to 2016
Maintained Altisource as one of the leading REO asset managers and online auctioneers of residential real estate through its Hubzu.com platform
Entered into agreements with New Residential Investment Corp. (individually, together with one or more of its subsidiaries, or one or more of its subsidiaries individually, “NRZ”) that establish Altisource as the exclusive provider of REO brokerage services for mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) that NRZ agreed to acquire from Ocwen (see Item 7 of Part I, “Ocwen Related Matters,” for a detailed description)
Entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (subsequently amended) to enter into a Services Agreement with NRZ to provide fee-based services for MSRs that NRZ agreed to acquire from Ocwen (see Item 7 of Part I, “Ocwen Related Matters,” for a detailed description)
Origination Solutions
Approved as a loan fulfillment provider for residential loan securitizations by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc., DBRS, Inc. and Fitch Ratings Inc. (acceptance by Fitch as a reviewer of loans for securitizations was received in January 2018)
Selected by 7 lenders in 2017 and early 2018 to provide platform solutions including loan fulfillment services, loan processing services, or CastleLine® certification and insurance services
Consumer Real Estate Solutions
Grew Owners.com residential purchases and sales by 713% in 2017 from 106 transactions in 2016 to 862 transactions in 2017
Launched Owners.com Loans to broker mortgages to Owners.com home buyers to deliver an integrated solution for consumers and grow revenue per sale
Implemented an agile operating model inspired by best-in-class Internet companies
Real Estate Investor Solutions
Purchased 257 homes and sold 158 homes in the buy-renovate-lease-sell business in 2017 compared to 119 home purchases and 14 home sales in 2016
Increased the inventory of homes in the buy-renovate-lease-sell business by 94% to 204 homes as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016
Received a residential rental property management vendor rating of MOR RV2 from Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC2019
Customers
Overview
Our customers include some of the largestlarge financial institutions, in the United States, government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), utility companies, commercial banks, asset managers, servicers, investors, non-bank originators and correspondent lenders and mortgage bankers,bankers.

Customer Concentration
5

Table of ContentsOcwen



insurance companies and financial services companies. In addition, consumers are increasingly becoming customers of the Company through Owners.com, as this business continues to grow. During 2017, we entered into a strategic relationship with NRZ and were selected to provide services for large bank and non-bank loan servicers and lenders, positioning us well for 2018 and future years.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, Ocwen was our largest customer, accounting for 58% of our total revenue. Ocwen is a residential mortgage loan servicer for MSRsof mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) it owns, including those MSRs in which others have an economic interest, which includes NRZ, and a subservicer of MSRs owned by others.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, Ocwen was our largest customer, accounting for 54% of our total revenue. Ocwen purchases certain mortgage services and technology services from us under the terms of master services agreements and amendments thereto (collectively, the “Ocwen Services Agreements”) with terms extending through August 2025. Certain of the Ocwen Services Agreements contain a “most favored nation” provision and also purchases certain origination services from Altisource under an agreement that continues until January 2019, but which is subjectgrant the parties the right to a 90 day termination right by Ocwen.renegotiate pricing, among other things.
Revenue from Ocwen primarily consists of revenue earned from the loansloan portfolios serviced and subserviced by Ocwen when Ocwen designatesengages us as the service provider, and revenue earned directly from Ocwen.Ocwen, pursuant to the Ocwen Services Agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we generatedrecognized revenue from Ocwen of $542.0$197.8 million, $561.9$362.7 million and $631.6$437.4 million, respectively. Revenue from Ocwen as a percentage of segment and consolidated revenue was as follows54%, 56% and 52% for the years ended December 31:
  2017 2016 2015
       
Mortgage Market 67% 65% 66%
Real Estate Market 1% —% 9%
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations 11% 27% 37%
Consolidated revenue 58% 56% 60%
31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
We earn additional revenue related to the portfolios serviced and subserviced by Ocwen when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selects Altisource as the service provider. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we recognized revenue of $148.5$23.8 million, $188.0$37.5 million and $216.9$47.1 million, respectively, related to the portfolios serviced by Ocwen when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selected Altisource as the service provider. These amounts are not included in deriving revenue from Ocwen and revenue from Ocwen as a percentage of revenue discussed above.
In February 2019, Altisource and Ocwen entered into agreements that, among other things, facilitated Ocwen’s transition from REALServicing® and related technologies to another mortgage servicing software platform, establish a process for Ocwen to review and approve the assignment of one or more of our agreements to potential buyers of Altisource’s business lines, requiring Ocwen to use Altisource as service provider for certain service referrals totaling an amount equal to 100% of the applicable service referrals on certain portfolios plus an amount equal to not less than 90% of applicable service referrals from certain other portfolios (determined on a service by service basis), subject to certain additional restrictions and limitations, and affirm Altisource’s role as a strategic service provider to Ocwen through August 2025. In connection with these agreements, Altisource expressly preserved and did not waive any of its existing contractual rights relating to service referrals, other than with respect to Ocwen transitioning from the REALServicing and related technologies. If Altisource fails certain performance standards for specified periods of time, then Ocwen may terminate Altisource as a provider for the applicable service(s), subject to certain limitations and Altisource’s right to cure. Ocwen’s transition to another mortgage servicing platform was completed during 2019.
During the second quarter of 2020, Ocwen informed us that an MSR investor instructed Ocwen to use a field services provider other than Altisource on properties associated with certain MSRs. Based upon the impacted portfolios to date and the designated service provider, Altisource believes that Ocwen received these directions from NRZ. We believe Ocwen commenced using another field services provider for these properties in July 2020 and continued to transition services during the third quarter of 2020. We believe that the transition to the replacement field service provider was largely completed as of September 30, 2020. We estimate that $70.1 million, $150.2 million and $171.0 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from Field Services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Ocwen also communicated to Altisource in the table above.fourth quarter of 2020 that the same investor instructed Ocwen to
5

Table of Contents

use a provider for default valuations and certain default title services other than Altisource on properties associated with such certain MSRs and commenced moving these referrals to other service providers in the fourth quarter of 2020. We anticipate that the transition of such default valuations and title services will continue during the course of 2021. We estimate that $18.2 million, $33.2 million and $40.1 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from default valuations and title services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Altisource believes that any action taken by Ocwen to redirect these service referrals breaches Altisource's agreement with Ocwen. We are currently in discussions with Ocwen to address this matter, and have reserved all of our rights with respect to this matter.
To address the reduction in revenue, Altisource is undertaking several measures to further reduce its cost structure and strengthen its operations.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, accounts receivable from Ocwen totaled $18.9$5.9 million, $13.6$5.1 million of which was billed and $5.3$0.8 million of which was unbilled. As of December 31, 2019, accounts receivable from Ocwen totaled $19.1 million, $15.7 million of which was billed and $3.4 million of which was unbilled.
NRZ
NRZ is a real estate investment trust that invests in and manages investments primarily related to residential real estate, including MSRs and excess MSRs.
Ocwen has disclosed that NRZ is its largest client. As of June 30, 2017, we estimate thatDecember 31, 2020, NRZ owned certain economicMSRs or rights in, but not legal titleto MSRs relating to approximately 78%36% of Ocwen’s non-GSE MSRs (the “Subject MSRs”loans serviced and subserviced by Ocwen (measured in unpaid principal balance (“UPB”)). In July 2017 and January 2018, Ocwen and NRZ entered into a series of agreements pursuant to convert NRZ’s economic rightswhich the parties agreed, among other things, to undertake certain actions to facilitate the Subject MSRs into fully-owned MSRs in exchange for paymentstransfer from Ocwen to NRZ to Ocwen when such MSRs were transferred. The transfers are subjectof Ocwen’s legal title to certain third party consents.of its MSRs (the “Subject MSRs”) and under which Ocwen disclosed that under these agreements, Ocwen wouldwill subservice mortgage loans underlying the transferred Subject MSRs for an initial term of five years, and the agreements provided for the conversion of the existing arrangements into a more traditional subservicing arrangement.
In January 2018, Ocwen disclosed that it and NRZ entered into new agreementssubject to accelerate the implementation of certain parts of their July 2017 arrangement in order to achieve the intent of the July 2017 agreements sooner while Ocwen continues the process of obtaining the third party consents necessary to transfer the Subject MSRs to NRZ.early termination rights.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource, through its licensed subsidiaries, entered into a Cooperative Brokerage Agreement, as amended, and related letter agreement (collectively, the “Brokerage Agreement”) with NRZ which extends through August 2025. Under this agreement and related amendments, Altisource remains the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs, when Ocwen transfers such MSRs to NRZ or when NRZ acquires both an additional economic interest in such MSRs and the right to designate the broker for REO properties in such portfolios. The Brokerage Agreement provides that Altisource is the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs, irrespective of the sub-servicer.subservicer, subject to certain limitations. NRZ’s brokerage subsidiary will receivereceives a cooperative brokerage commission on the sale of certain REO properties from these portfolios subject to certain exceptions.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource and NRZ also entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (subsequently amended) to enter into a Services Agreement (the “Services LOI”), setting forth the terms pursuant to which Altisource would remain the exclusive service provider of fee-based services for the Subject MSRs through August 2025. The Services LOI was amended to continue through February 28, 2018 (with a further automatic extension through March 31, 2018 provided that the parties continue to negotiate the Services Agreement in good faith).

6

Table of Contents



The Brokerage Agreement can be terminated by Altisource if the Services Agreement is not signed between Altisource and NRZ during the term of the Services LOI. The Brokerage Agreement may otherwise only be terminated by NRZ upon the occurrence of certain specified events. Termination events include, but are not limited to, a breach of the terms of the Brokerage Agreement (including, without limitation, the failure to meet performance standards and non-compliance with law in a material respect), the failure to maintain licenses which failure materially prevents performance of the contract, regulatory allegations of non-compliance resulting in an adversarial proceeding against NRZ, voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, appointment of a receiver, disclosure in a Form 10-K or Form 10-Q that there is significant uncertainty about Altisource’s ability to continue as a going concern, failure to maintain a specified level of cash and an unapproved change of control.
Following the execution of the Services Agreement, we anticipate that revenue from NRZ would increase and revenue from Ocwen would decrease. As Subject MSRs continue to transfer from Ocwen to NRZ, we anticipate that NRZ will become our largest customer. Had all of the Subject MSRs been transferred to NRZ and the Brokerage Agreement and the Services Agreement with NRZ were in place as of January 1, 2017, we estimate that approximately 50% of our 2017 revenue would have been related to NRZ. There can be no assurance that the parties will reach an agreement with respect to the terms of the Services Agreement or that a Services Agreement will be entered into on a timely basis or at all.
For the yearyears ended December 31, 2017,2020, 2019 and 2018, we earnedrecognized revenue from NRZ of $2.4$8.6 million, following$12.5 million and $28.7 million, respectively, under the transfer of certain of the Subject MSRs from Ocwen to NRZ (the “Transferred MSRs”) (no comparative amounts in 2016 or 2015).Brokerage Agreement. For the yearyears ended December 31, 2017,2020, 2019 and 2018, we earnedrecognized additional revenue of $3.9$35.1 million, $60.0 million and $83.6 million, respectively, relating to the TransferredSubject MSRs when a party other than NRZ selects Altisource as the service provider (no comparative amounts in 2016 or 2015).provider.
Other
Our services are provided to customers primarilypredominantly located in the United States. Financial information for our segments can be found in Note 24 to our consolidated financial statements.
Sales and Marketing
Our enterprise sales and marketing team and business unit sales executives havehas extensive relationship management and industry experience. These individuals cultivate and maintain relationships throughout the industry sectors we serve. We sell our suite of services to mortgage servicers, mortgage originators, GSEs, buyers and sellers of homes for personal and investment use and financial services firms.
Our primary sales and marketing focus areas for institutional customers are to:
Expand relationships with existing customers by cross-selling additional services and growing the volume of existing services we provide. We believe our customer relationships represent a meaningful growth opportunityopportunities for us; and
Develop new customer relationships by leveraging aour comprehensive suite of services, strong performance and controls. We believe there is a large opportunityare meaningful growth opportunities to providesell our suite of services to potential customers; and
Sell new offerings to existing customers and prospects. Some of our newer offerings include our suite of support services for FHA mortgages, Vendorly™, a SaaS-based vendor management platform, Trelix Connect™, a SaaS-based loan review system, noteXchange®, a SaaS platform to facilitate whole loan purchase and sale transactions, and residential and commercial loan disbursement processing, risk mitigation and construction inspection services.
Our primary sales and marketing focus areas for consumers are to:new customers.
Attract home buyers and sellers to Owners.com and Hubzu.com with a compelling value proposition through online marketing, search engine optimization and public relations; and
6

Table of Contents
Leverage local real estate agents to provide personalized service to existing and prospective customers.
Given the highly regulated nature of the industries that we serve and the comprehensive purchasing process that our institutional customers and prospects follow, the time and effort we spend in expanding relationships or winning new relationships is significant. For example, it can often take more than one year from the request for proposal or qualified lead stage to the selection of Altisource as a service provider. Furthermore, following the selection of Altisource, it is not unusual for it to take an additional six to twelve months or more to negotiate the services agreement(s), complete the implementation procedures and begin receiving referrals.
Intellectual Property and Data
We rely on a combination of contractual restrictions, internal security practices, patents, trademarks and copyrights to establish and protect our trade secrets, intellectual property, software, technology and expertise. We also own or, as necessary and appropriate, have obtained licenses from third parties to intellectual property relating to our services, processes and businesses. These intellectual property rights are important factors in the success of our businesses.

7

Table of Contents



As of December 31, 2017,2020, we have been awarded two patents that expire in 2023, one patent that expires in 2023, four patents that expire in 2024, eight patents that expire in 2025, twothree patents that expire in 2026, two patents that expire in 2029, one patent that expires in 2030 and one patent that expires in 2030.2036. In addition, we have registered trademarks, or recently filed applications for the registration of trademarks in a number of jurisdictions including the United States, the European Union (“EU”), India and nine other jurisdictions. These trademarks generally can be renewed indefinitely, provided they are being used in commerce.
We actively protect our rights and intend to continue our policy of taking the measures we deem reasonable and necessary to develop and protect our patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights.
In addition, we may make use of data in connection with certain of our services. This data generally relates to mortgage information, real property information and consumer information. We gather this data from a variety of third party sources, including from governmental entities and, subject to licensed usage rights, we use this data in connection with the delivery of our services, including combining it with proprietary data we generate to further enhance data and metrics in connection with our services.
Market and Competition
We sell our suite of services to mortgage servicers, mortgage originators, GSEs, buyers and sellers of homes for personal and investment use and financial services firms. The mortgage and real estate markets are very large and are influenced by macroeconomic factors such as credit availability, interest rates, home prices, inflation, unemployment rates, consumer confidence and, consumer confidence.in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The markets to provide services for mortgage servicers and mortgage originators are highly competitive and generally consist of a few national companies, in-house providers and a large number of regional and local providers. We typically compete based upon product and service awareness and offerings, product performance and service delivery, quality and control environment, technology integration and support, price and financial strength.
The markets to provide services for buyers and sellers of homes for personal and investment use are highly competitive and generally consist of several national companies, a large number of regional and local providers and start-up companies. We typically compete based upon product and service awareness and offerings, product performance and service delivery, ease of transacting, price and personal service.
For financial services firms, we provide collection services and customer relationship management services. The markets to provide these services are highly competitive and generally consist of several national companies, a large number of regional and local providers and in-house providers. We typically compete based upon product and service awareness and offerings, product and service delivery, quality and control environment, technology integration and support, price and financial strength.
Our competitors may have greater financial resources, brand recognition, alternative or disruptive products and technology and other competitive advantages. We cannot determine our market share with certainty, but believe for mortgage servicers and collection services for financial services firms, we have a modest share of the market, and for the others we have a relatively small market share.
EmployeesHuman Capital:
Every day at Altisource, our global team across four different continents works together to provide industry-leading services and solutions to our clients. We consider our diverse workforce as a key differentiator for our business. The following sections describe some of the key elements of one of our greatest assets, our human capital.
7

Table of Contents

Culture
We function by a set of core values communicated to our employees by management and available on our website. The following core values, which are regularly referenced in our employee communications, guide the conduct of Altisource and its employees:
Act With Integrity - Exhibit unwavering integrity, compliance and ethical conduct at all times
Energize People - Enable exceptional people to inspire their teams and drive results
Empower Innovation - Reward the relentless creation of innovative and compliant solutions to achieve our mission and generate value for our customers
Exceed Customer Expectations - Deliver best-in-class results and customer service
Win as a Team - Embrace the passion, energy and power of our global teams to win as “One-Altisource”
Enrich Communities - Create positive impacts for the communities where we live and serve
We adjusted our social and environmental engagement efforts in 2020 in response to the difficulties presented by COVID-19 pandemic. We undertook many successful community support initiatives including our participation in the “National Wreaths Across America” and the “Toys for Tots” programs to give presents to children across the United States, food donations to soup kitchens in Uruguay and providing “Happiness Kits” to underprivileged children in India.
We also sought to play our part in addressing climate change. During 2020, we continued with programs to reduce waste, and paper, energy and water consumption. In 2021 we intend to continue to assess our real estate portfolio, telecommuting and transport programs to further reduce our impact on the environment, including as employees potentially return from remote work arrangements.
Workforce and Diversity
Given the nature of our business, our global workforce consists of various diverse talent groups. The majority of our employees support our mortgage default-related and originations services. We also have a significant number of technology employees developing and maintaining our technology enabled solutions. In the United States, in addition to supporting operations, a number of our employees fill roles that require professional licenses and work in the product, sales and marketing, and corporate functions. The India workforce primarily comprises the operations teams supporting operations, technology, and corporate functions, while Uruguay supports several of the corporate functions. The executive management team is mostly based out of Luxembourg, our headquarters.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, we hademployed 2,726 employees across four continents:
North America, United States: 697 employees
50% female / 50% male
Asia, India: 1,945 employees
30% female / 70% male
South America, Uruguay: 74 employees
69% female / 31% male
Europe, Luxembourg: 10 employees
40% female / 60% male
In the followingUnited States, 50% of the workforce self-identifies as members of an ethnic minority group. We believe that our globally diverse, inclusive, and collaborative workforce makes us a more innovative and creative company. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment. At Altisource, everyone is valued and appreciated for their distinct contributions to the growth and sustainability of our business.
Hiring Practices
At Altisource, we believe in hiring the best talent, empowering our people and encouraging them to deliver their best. Globally our recruiting conversion rate (initial screening to hire) is approximately 5%. Our hiring process comprises of a mix of assessments and interviews, which help us hire the best candidates who are likely to succeed in our organization. In 2020, we added 922 talented professionals to our global workforce. We also place a strong emphasis on internal development and promotion, as well as encouraging mobility within our internal talent. In 2020, 27% of our open positions were filled internally.
We leverage social and networking platforms to identify and engage with key talent for critical and senior positions. We use Altisource talent communities where we can engage inquiring candidates to share information about our Company and accept profiles for future opportunities. For our entry level roles, where we hire in volumes, we often run campaigns on job portals,
8

Table of Contents

engage with universities, use career-service platforms and host virtual or walk-in interviews. We may adjust our talent acquisition strategies according to the cultural and social norms of the applicable geographies in which we operate.
People Practices
Our people practices aim to develop our workforce and retain high performers. We maintain various touchpoints along the employee life cycle to support our employees and improve their experiences. At an overall level in 2020, we successfully retained 72% of our workforce, which included the retention of 85% of employees deemed high performers. However, our originations business witnessed significantly higher turnover in 2020 compared to the Companywide average, primarily driven by a highly competitive employment market for experienced originations professionals in the United States and India. Our human resources team partnered with the business to implement measures designed to improve retention rates and develop a steady talent pipeline to meet business requirements for the origination businesses.
We also developed processes in 2020 to adapt to remote working arrangements, including efforts aimed at maintaining employee engagement. We emphasized virtual engagement activities through the year, created virtual recognition forums for our employees and are currently working on further improving our employee experience in a remote environment.
We emphasize employee development and training. Each of our employees invested on average 40 hours in training in 2020, generally including a mix of functional, compliance and behavioral learning programs. We believe that our structured training programs help our employees to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to be effective in their roles. A key focus area for 2021 is to help our employees to improve their work performance in a remote work environment.
We also conduct regular talent review and succession planning exercises that help us identify and develop key talent and to create plans to mitigate potential succession gaps. In 2020, we conducted a detailed succession planning exercise covering several critical roles.
Compensation and Benefits
Our compensation practices strive to attract, retain, motivate, and reward employees to drive performance.
We generally position our compensation levels to the mid-point of the market; however, we may adjust our compensation above the mid-point in response to applicable market conditions or to attract critical resources as may be needed. In 2020, owing to high demand for residential mortgage originations skills, we implemented significant increases in compensation for origination roles in an effort to maintain market competitiveness.
Incentives are a key component of our compensation structure. The incentive plans vary for different businesses and help us drive performance. Our incentive structure primarily comprises of:
Annual incentives for most of the employees in a managerial role, linked to tangible annual scorecards which are comprised of defined financial goals specific to the Company and/or their respective businesses as well as the employees’ individual performance against pre-established metrics
Quarterly or annual incentive plan for our sales employees, linked to defined performance and long-term value add metrics
Monthly or quarterly incentives for our associates in operations, mainly linked to defined production, productivity, quality and compliance metrics
Most of the employees in managerial roles receive a part of their annual incentive in Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”). The composition of the incentives is determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, with the equity component generally constituting between 25% and 40% of the total value of the incentive, depending on the level of the employee, with the Compensation Committee retaining the discretion to increase the equity component up to 100% of the value of the incentive. Employees at senior levels generally receive a larger portion of their incentives in equity. We believe that this methodology helps align the interests of our management level employees with the interests of our shareholders on long term value creation.
Apart from our annual incentive plans, we also employ long-term incentive plans for certain senior executives. Our long-term incentives are primarily comprised of:
Service-based awards to encourage retention, linked to achieving minimum performance goals. These awards generally vest over three to four year periods with vesting in equal annual installments.
Performance-Based Awards. These awards generally vest if certain specific financial measures are achieved; generally one-third vests on each anniversary of the grant date or the awards cliff-vest on the third anniversary of the
9

Table of Contents

grant date. The number of employees:performance-based restricted shares and restricted share units that may vest will be based on the level of achievement, as specified in the award agreements. If the performance criteria achieved is above certain financial performance levels, participants have the opportunity to vest in up to 150% of the restricted share unit award for certain awards. If the performance criteria achieved is below a certain thresholds, the award is canceled.
Performance-Based and Market-Based Awards. These awards generally vest if certain specific financial measures are achieved and if certain specific market conditions are achieved (i.e., Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) compared against the Russell 3000 stock market index). If the performance criteria achieved is above certain financial performance levels and Altisource’s share performance is above certain established criteria, participants have the opportunity to vest in up to 300% of the restricted share unit award for certain awards. If the performance criteria or the market criteria is below certain thresholds, the award is canceled. We believe that the design of the performance-based award and market-based award, incentivizes the leadership team to focus on the long-term value creation for shareholders and other stakeholders.
  United States India Philippines Uruguay Luxembourg Consolidated Altisource
             
Mortgage Market 745
 2,964
 177
 8
 4
 3,898
Real Estate Market 167
 199
 140
 1
 5
 512
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations 565
 1,951
 361
 129
 12
 3,018
             
Total employees 1,477
 5,114
 678
 138
 21
 7,428
Our employee benefit programs are customized for each geography. We regularly benchmark our plans to remain competitive.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Employee health and well-being is critical for us and we are committed to supporting our employees through the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this support, we ensure our employees in the United States and India have health coverage to help address medical costs related to the treatment of COVID-19. Our employees in other countries are covered by their local applicable social security or health programs. We also provide time off to those employees who are diagnosed with the virus.
Driven by health considerations, as well as local regulations, we temporarily converted most of our workforce to remote out-of-office work arrangements beginning in March 2020. As of December 31, 2020, most of our workforce continued to work remotely, except for a small number of employees who work at our facilities due to client requirements or other requirements related to their job duties.
To provide a safe working environment for our employees who continue to work from our facilities in the United States, we introduced safety measures in line with the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention guidelines. For our employees who continue to work from our facilities in India, we defined safety measures in line with the guidelines provided by the regulatory bodies of the central and state governments and the local municipal corporations. We intend to continue reviewing our safety measures and recommendations from the relevant authorities as we consider the return of employees to our facilities.
We have not experienced any work stoppages andbelieve the remote workforce model has allowed us to continue operations without interruption or a significant impact to productivity. We expect the current remote workforce model to continue for most employees until the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic is substantially reduced. As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, we consider our relations with employeeswill continue to be good. We believe our future success will depend, in part,assess its impact on our continuing abilityoperations and may adjust our working model to attract, hirerespond to changing circumstances.
We undertook several workforce related initiatives in 2020 in response to declines in our default-related businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and retain skilledone of the investors of our largest customer instructing our customer to redirect certain referral from us to the investor’s captive service provider. These cost reduction measures included workforce reductions across our operations, employee furloughs and experienced personnel.temporary compensation reductions for most of our United States and Luxembourg employees, senior management and independent directors. As of December 31, 2020, our workforce was 17% lower than our workforce as of January 1, 2020. Our workforce compensation was reinstated between June and October, with the compensation of senior management being reinstated in October. The cash compensation of our independent directors remains reduced to 80% of the pre-reduction compensation.
We provided notice of further workforce reductions in February 2021 in response to certain measures and announcements from the federal government regarding the extension and expansion of the national foreclosure and eviction moratoriums, and the anticipated continued impact to our default related businesses. This reduction will impact approximately 8% of our global workforce through the first two quarters of 2021.
Seasonality
Certain of our revenues arecan be impacted by seasonality. More specifically, revenues from property sales, loan originations and certain property preservation services in Field Services typically tend to be at their lowest level during the fall and winter months and at their highest level

8

Table of Contents



during the spring and summer months. In addition, the asset recovery management business tends to be higher in the first quarter, as borrowers may utilize tax refunds and bonuses to pay debts, and generally declines throughout the remainder
10

Table of the year.Contents

Government Regulation
Our business and the business of our customers are or may be subject to extensive scrutiny and regulation by federal, state and local governmental authorities including the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), various federal and state banking, financial and consumer regulators and the state and local agencies that license or oversee certain of our auction, real estate brokerage, mortgage and debt collection services, trustee services, mortgage origination underwriter and broker services, property management services and insurance services. We also must comply with a number of federal, state and local consumer protection laws, including,which may include, among others:
the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”);
the Bank Secrecy Act;
the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”);
the California Homeowner Bill of Rights (“CHBR”);
the California Privacy Rights Act;
the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing Act (“CAN-SPAM”);
the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”);
the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (“FACTA”);
the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”);
the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”);
the Fair Housing Act;
the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”);
the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”);
the Home Affordable Refinance Program (“HARP”);
the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (“HMDA”);
the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (“HOEPA”);
the National Housing Act;
the New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (“RPAPL”);
the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”);
the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (“SAFE”) Act;
the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”);
the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”);
the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”); and
Unfair, Deceptive or Abusive Acts and Practices statutes (“UDAAP”).
We are also subject to the requirements of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and comparable foreign laws, due to our activities in foreign jurisdictions.
In addition to federal and state laws regarding privacy and data security, we are also subject to data protection laws in the countries in which we operate. Additionally, we anticipate that we willcertain of our entities are or may be subject to the EuropeanEU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) when it goes into effect on May 25, 2018..
Legal requirements can and do change as statutes and regulations are enacted, promulgated or amended. One such enacted regulation is the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”). The Dodd-Frank Act is extensive and includes reform of the regulation and supervision of financial institutions, as well as the regulation of derivatives, capital market activities and consumer financial services. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, created the CFPB, a federal entity responsible for regulating consumer financial services and products. Title XIV of the Dodd-Frank Act contains the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act (“Mortgage Act”). The Mortgage Act imposes a number of additional requirements on lenders and servicers of residential mortgage loans by amending and expanding certain existing regulations. The interpretation or enforcement by regulatory authorities of applicable laws and regulations also may change over time. In addition, the creation of new regulatory authorities or changes in the regulatory authorities overseeing applicable laws and regulations may also result in changing interpretation or enforcement of such laws or regulations.
Our failure or the failure of our customers or vendors to comply with applicable laws or regulations or changing interpretation of such laws or regulations could subject the Company to criminal or civil liability, significant penalties, fines, settlements, costs and consent orders affecting us or our customers that may curtail or restrict the business as it is currently conducted and could have ana material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
11

Table of Contents

Furthermore, certain of our technology services are provided at the direction of, and pursuant to, the identified requirements of our customers. The failure of our customers to properly identify or account for regulatory requirements applicable to such technology services could expose us to significant penalties, fines, settlements, costs and consent orders that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

9

Table of Contents



We may be subject to licensing and regulation as a provider of certain services including, among others, services as a mortgage origination underwriter, mortgage broker, valuation provider, appraisal management company, asset manager, property manager, property renovator, property lessor,inspection and preservation provider, title insurance agent, insurance broker and underwriter, real estate broker, auctioneer and foreclosure trustee and debt collector in a number of jurisdictions. Our employees and subsidiaries may be required to be licensed by or registered with various jurisdictions for the particular type of service sold or provided and to participate in regular continuing education programs. Periodically, we are subject to audits, examinations and investigations by federal, state and local governmental authorities and receive subpoenas, civil investigative demands or other requests for information from such governmental authorities in connection with their regulatory or investigative authority. We are currently respondingDue to the inherent uncertainty of such inquiries from governmental authorities relating to certain aspects of our business. We believeactions, it is prematureoften difficult to predict the potential outcome or to estimate any potential financial impact in connection with any of thesesuch inquiries. In conjunction with one such inquiry and as previously disclosed, Altisource received a Notice and Opportunity to Respond and Advise (“NORA”) letter on November 10, 2016 from the CFPB indicating that the CFPB is considering a potential enforcement action against Altisource relating to an alleged violation of federal law focused on REALServicing® and certain other technology services provided to Ocwen, including claims related to the features, functioning and support of such technology. The NORA process provides the recipient an opportunity to present its positions to the CFPB before an enforcement action is recommended or commenced. On December 5, 2016, we provided a written response to the NORA letter setting forth the legal, policy and factual reasons why we believe an enforcement action is not warranted. We are committed to resolving any potential concerns of the CFPB. If the CFPB were to bring an enforcement action against us, the resolution of such action could have a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. However, we believe it is premature to predict the potential outcome or to estimate any potential financial impact in connection with any potential CFPB enforcement action.
Available Information
We file Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other information with the SEC. These filings are available to the public on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.
Our principal Internet address is www.altisource.com and we encourage investors to use it as a way to easily find information about us. We promptly make the reports we file or furnish with the SEC, corporate governance information (including our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics), select press releases and other related information available on this website. The contents of our website are available for informational purposes only and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in this report.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS
The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below address the most materials risks, of which we are currently aware but are not the only ones we face. AdditionalTherefore, the following risk factors should not be considered a complete list of potential risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we presently deem less significant may also impair our business operations. Ifface.
Any risk factor described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any of the following risks,our other SEC filings, or other events related to such risks, or additional risks and uncertaintiesany risk not presentlycurrently known to us or that we currently deemanticipate to be immaterial actually occur,may, by itself, or together with other factors, materially adversely affect our business, reputation, prospects, competitive position, liquidity, results of operations, andcapital position or financial condition, including by materially increasing our expenses or decreasing our revenues, which could result in material losses. If any of these risks occur, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and investors could lose all or part of their investment.
While insurance coverage may be applicable to help address certain risks that may crystalize, recovery pursuant to our insurance policies may not be available, and available insurance may be insufficient to compensate for damages, expenses, fines, penalties, and other losses we may incur as a result of these and other risks.
In this ITEM 1A, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, references to our “services” include any services, products or solutions provided, or made available, by us.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
We face certain risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to prevent its spread. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on our business, our customers, the industries in which we operate, and the societies and economies in which we conduct our business and operations. We anticipate that we will continue to experience the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through at least the 2021 calendar year and beyond. The extent and duration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental, mortgage servicer, mortgage investor and societal responses will depend on future developments, including the duration and severity of the pandemic, which remain highly uncertain. As a result, it is difficult to predict the impact on our business. Further, as a result of interruptions caused by the pandemic and responses to the pandemic by our customers’, various governmental bodies and mortgage investors:
We may not be able to maintain a stable workforce or operate our workforce and facilities in an efficient or productive manner as we respond to changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on services or work that may be performed, restrictions on workforce reductions, facility closures or remote work arrangements, or mandates from
12

Table of Contents

governments or public health authorities, particularly with respect to our services that require travel or an on-site presence.
The demand for our services and our vendors’ ability to provide services in a timely and cost-effective fashion may be negatively impacted, which could result in a reduction in our revenue and/or an increase in our costs. For example, foreclosure and REO referrals may be impacted by foreclosure and eviction moratoriums. In addition, certain of our field services offerings may be precluded by government orders limiting the performance of non-essential services or become difficult to fulfill due to our field vendors’ reluctance to perform services, especially services that are not clearly specified by authorities as essential or those that present the potential for human contact.
We may need to seek alternate vendors or suppliers as existing vendors and suppliers may be unable to timely and cost effectively provide services. This may disrupt our operations, negatively impact our ability to provide services, and may be more expensive. If we are not able to obtain or contract with alternate vendors or suppliers our operations would be negatively impacted. In addition, our customers or consumers may be unwilling to interact with our employees or vendors, or visit properties related to our services, which may impact our ability to provide such services.
Volatile or uncertain economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, or its consequences, have and may continue to affect our customers and the markets we serve, causing customers to reduce, defer or eliminate spending on our services.
Our compliance with work from home, business closure, shelter in place and other similar regulations may impose additional costs on us and could negatively impact our control environment or create additional risks for our business, including increasing our risk for cybersecurity breaches or failures.
We have transitioned a significant portion of our workforce to work remotely to protect the health and safety of our workforce and customers and, in certain instances, in response to government actions. We are not able to anticipate the potential duration of remote work arrangements necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We may incur significant costs associated with such work arrangements. Further, our business continuity plans in the face of remote working and other adjustments to business may not be sufficient to address business interruptions or a global pandemic of COVID-19's scale and magnitude, or may not be implemented on a timely or error free basis in response to changes, resulting in negative operational impacts and errors.
Employing a remote work environment could decrease employee productivity, including due to a lower level of employee oversight, distraction caused by the pandemic and its impact on daily life, employee health conditions or illnesses, employees acting as caregivers, disruption due to home schooling and child care obligations, use of slower residential Internet connections, the instability, inadequacy or unavailability of our network, or unstable electrical services or unreliable Internet access. We also may face increased data privacy and security risks resulting from the use of non-Altisource networks to access information and to provide services. Additional risks to our systems and data, and customer, vendor and/or borrower data are presented by increased phishing activities targeting employees, vendors and counterparties in transactions, the possibility of attacks on our systems or systems of employees working remotely as well as by decreased supervision or monitoring of employees. Remote work arrangements could also negatively impact certain controls, such as our financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. If we do face a reduction in productivity, data privacy or cybersecurity failures or breaches, or issues with our controls, we may incur additional costs to address such issues and our financial condition and results may be adversely affected. Furthermore,impacted.
We may be subject to legal claims from customers, employees and other third parties as a result of the response to COVID-19, including contractual breach claims and personal injury claims.
Interruptions caused by the pandemic and our, our customers’ and various governmental bodies’ responses to the pandemic could adversely impact our ability to comply with various legal and contractual obligations, including service level agreements and performance standards in our revenue agreements, restoration obligations in our leases, and obligations to perform or use services in pre-approved locations, whether as a result of an inability to staff personnel for certain services in appropriate locations or as a result of compliance with various imposed regulations. Some of our agreements may not contain force majeure clauses or similar provisions that would sufficiently excuse any non-performance due to the pandemic. Accordingly, counterparties to these contracts may assert that we have breached these contracts and caused damages. Even if our agreements contain force majeure clauses or similar provisions, our customers may dispute that such provisions are applicable to excuse our failures to perform. In such cases, we could face additional costs, penalties, fee reductions, an exercise of termination rights, legal claims and liabilities.
Further, we could face legal claims from employees, contractors, vendors, borrowers or other individuals who claim to have been exposed to and contracted the COVID-19 virus as a result of our failure to comply with legal or hygiene requirements related to COVID-19 in the provision of our services.
13

Table of Contents

If we face claims under contracts or claims from employees, contractors, vendors, borrowers or others our insurance coverage may not be applicable to, or sufficient to cover, all claims, costs, and damages we incur, which would result in us bearing these costs.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its ramifications could further aggravate, accelerate, or precipitate any of the risk factors described below may not describe the full nature or scope of such risks.discussed below.
Risks Related to Our Business and IndustryOperations
We earn the majority of our revenue in connection with providing services to two customers.
The economy and the housing market can affect demand for our services.
The performance and growth of certainmajority of our businesses are dependent onrevenue is earned from providing services to Ocwen and NRZ. If either party substantially reduces the scope or volume of residential loan originationsservices acquired from us, or otherwise ceases using us as a vendor, it would negatively impact our business. In addition, providing services to these customers affords us the opportunity to provide certain services to third parties. For example, we may have the opportunity to earn commissions or fees from, or we may be able to provide on-line auction services, title insurance and single family residentialescrow services, or other services to, buyers on certain real estate transactions, and the loss of these customers would also result in the United States. Inloss of these additional revenue streams.
Customer concentration exposes us to concentrated credit risk, as a significant portion of our accounts receivable may be from one or both of these customers.
If the eventcharacteristics of an economic slowdown,the portfolios of properties on which we provide services for either of these customers were to significantly change, for example to become more rural or lower value, this could impact the type and volume of services that we provide, increase in interest ratesour costs of doing business, or anyreduce the value of commissions or fees we earn.
Our business concentration or relationships with these two customers may be viewed as a risk or otherwise negatively by other factorcustomers or potential customers, impeding our efforts to retain customers or obtain new customers.
Changes that would lead to a decrease inreduce or limit the use of online default real estate auctions or otherwise reduce the volume or rate of residential real estate transactions,success of such auctions can negatively impact our origination services, residentialauction marketplace, real estate brokerage and related default services.
Governmental, GSE, servicer or investor actions or action by others that restrict online real estate investor solutions businesses, including our buy-renovate-lease-sell program,auctions (foreclosure and REO), or direct the use of auction providers other than us, could be adversely affected. A strengthening economy and housing market may result in lower delinquencies, negatively impacting our default related businesses. Further, in the event that adverse economic conditions or other factors lead to a decline in levels of home ownership and a reduction in the aggregate number of United States mortgage loans outstanding, our revenues and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our business is subject to substantial competition.
The marketsimpact demand for our auction marketplace, real estate brokerage and related services, are very competitive. Our competitors varyand negatively impact our ability to meet certain contractual performance metrics, including those related to aging of assets, time on market and sale price compared to valuation. If we fail to satisfy applicable performance metrics or perform in size and in the scope and breadth ofa manner satisfactory to our customers, such customers may reduce the services they offer. We compete for existing and new customers against both third parties and the in-house capabilities of our customers. Some of our competitors are more established, better known and have substantial resources, and some have widely-used technology platforms which they seek to use as a competitive advantage to drive sales of other competing products and services. Some of

10

Table of Contents



our competitors may have additional competitive advantages over us. In addition, we expect the markets in which we compete will continue to attract new competitors, and that our competitors will develop new products, services and technologies. These new products, services and technologies may render our existing offerings obsolete and our competitors’ offerings may gain market acceptance over our offerings. Furthermore, we may not be able to meet the terms of our customers’ service level agreements or otherwise meet our customers’ expectations. There can be no assurance we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors or that competitive pressures we face in the markets in which we operate will not adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Ocwen is currently our largest customer and the loss of Ocwen as a customer or a significant reduction in the size of Ocwen could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, Ocwen was our largest customer, accounting for 58% of our total revenue. Additionally, 16% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was earned on the portfolios serviced by Ocwen, when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selected Altisource as the service provider.
Ocwen has disclosed that it is subject to a number of ongoing federal and state regulatory examinations, cease and desist orders, consent orders, inquiries, subpoenas, civil investigative demand, requests for information and other actions and is subject to pending legal proceedings, some of which include claims against Ocwen for substantial monetary damages. While not inclusive, regulatory actions to date have included subjecting Ocwen to independent oversight of its operations and placing certain restrictions on its ability to acquire servicing rights. Ocwen may become subject to future federal and state regulatory investigations, inquiries, requests for information and legal proceedings, any of which could also result in adverse regulatory or other actions against Ocwen.
The foregoing may have significant adverse effects on Ocwen’s business and/or our continuing relationship with Ocwen. For example, Ocwen may be required to alter the way it conducts business, including the parties it contracts with for services (including IT and software services), it may be required to seek changes to its existing pricing structure with us, it may lose its non-GSE servicing rights or subservicing arrangements or may lose one or more of its state servicing or origination licenses. Additional regulatory actions or adverse financial developments may impose additional restrictions on or require changes in Ocwen’s business that could require it to sell assets or change its business operations. Any or all of these effects could result in our eventual loss of Ocwen as a customer or a reduction in the number and/or volume of services they purchase from us or the loss of other customers.
If any of the following events occurred, Altisource’s revenue could be significantly lower and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected, including from the possible impairment or write-off of goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, other assets and accounts receivable:
Altisource loses Ocwenotherwise terminate us as a customerprovider.
We entered into a Cooperative Brokerage Agreement with NRZ’s licensed brokerage subsidiary. If the agreement is terminated, or if there is a significant reduction in the volume of services they purchase from us
Ocwen loses, sells or transfers a significant portion or all of its remaining non-GSE servicing rights or subservicing arrangements and Altisource fails to be retained as a service provider
Ocwen loses state servicing licenses in states with a significant number of loans in Ocwen’s servicing portfolio
Altisource fails to be retained as a service provider
The contractual relationship between Ocwen and Altisource changes significantly or there are significant changes to our pricing to Ocwen for services from which we generate material revenue
Additionally, Ocwen has notified us, disclosed in its filings and stated in connection with resolving several state administrative actions discussed above, that it plans to transition from REALServicing to another mortgage servicing software platform. There can be no assurance that we will be ableprovide pursuant to integrate our systems and technologies with Ocwen’s new mortgage servicing platform or inter-operate with Ocwen’s new mortgage servicing platform without adversely impacting our business and results of operations.
There may be other events that could cause the loss of Ocwen as a customer or reduce the size of our relationship with Ocwen, or that could otherwise adversely affect the revenues we earn from Ocwen, and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We entered into the Brokerage Agreement (as amended) with NRZ’s licensed brokerage subsidiary with respect to the Subject MSRs. If the Brokerage Agreement (as amended) is terminated,such agreement, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
As of June 30, 2017, we estimate that NRZ owned certain economic rights in, but not legal title to, approximately 78% of the Subject MSRs. In July 2017, Ocwen and NRZ entered into agreements to convert NRZ’s economic rights to the Subject MSRs into fully-owned MSRs in exchange for payments from NRZ to Ocwen when such MSRs were transferred. The transfers are subject to certain third party consents. Ocwen disclosed that under these agreements, Ocwen would subservice the transferred Subject MSRs for an initial term of five years, and the agreements provided for the conversion of the existing arrangements into a more traditional subservicing arrangement.

11

Table of Contents



In January 2018, Ocwen disclosed that it and NRZ entered into new agreements to accelerate the implementation of certain parts of their July 2017 arrangement in order to achieve the intent of the July 2017 agreements sooner while Ocwen continues the process of obtaining the third party consents necessary to transfer the Subject MSRs to NRZ.
On August 28, 2017, weAltisource, through its licensed subsidiaries, entered into the Brokerage Agreement (as amended) with NRZ’s licensed brokerage subsidiary to provide real estateNRZ which extends through August 2025. Under this agreement and related amendments, Altisource is the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subjectcertain MSRs, and with respect to approximately $6 billionirrespective of non-Ocwen serviced non-GSE portfolios.the subservicer, as long as NRZ owns such MSRs. The Brokerage Agreement (as amended) is effective through August 31, 2025 but may be terminated early by us if we are not able to enter into a Services Agreement with NRZ during the term of the Services LOI, or by NRZ upon the occurrence of certain specified events, some of which are not subject to a cure period.events. Termination events include, but are not limited to, a breach of the terms of the Brokerage Agreement (as amended) (including, without limitation, the failure to meet performance standards and non-compliance with law)law in a material respect), the failure to maintain licenses which failure materially prevents performance of the contract, regulatory allegations of non-compliance resulting in an adversarial proceeding against NRZ, voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, appointment of a receiver, disclosure in a Form 10-K or Form 10-Q that there is significant uncertainty about Altisource’s ability to continue as a going concern, failure to maintain a specified level of cash and an unapproved change of control. If any one of these termination events occurs and the Brokerage Agreement (as amended) is terminated, this could have a materialan adverse impact on our future revenue and results of operations.
We are negotiating a Services Agreement with NRZ to provide certain-fee based services for the Subject MSRs. If we are not able to reach an agreement with respect to the terms of the Services Agreement, our business and results of operations could be affected.
We executed the Services LOI with NRZ to enter into a Services Agreement, setting forth the terms pursuant to which Altisource S.à r.l. would be the exclusive service provider of certain fee-based services with respect to the Subject MSRs through August 2025. If we are not able to reach an agreement with respect to the terms of the Services Agreement, and our role as a service provider with respect to the Subject MSRs is replaced or reduced, our revenue could be lower and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Our continuing relationship with Ocwen may inhibit our ability to attract and retain other customers.
Given the significance of our relationship with Ocwen and the regulatory scrutiny of Ocwen, we may encounter difficulties in attracting new customers and retaining existing customers. Should these and other potential customers view Altisource as part of Ocwen or as too closely related to or dependent upon Ocwen, they may be unwilling to utilize our services and our non-Ocwen growth could be inhibited as a result and our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
We have key customer relationships, other than Ocwen and NRZ, the loss of which could affect our business and results of operations.
While no individual client,In addition, NRZ operational changes or other thanactions that reduce the number of properties converting to REO status could: (i) reduce the volume of services that we provide on the applicable MSRs pursuant to our agreements with Ocwen, and NRZ, represents more than 10% of our consolidated revenue, we are exposed to customer concentration. Most of our customers are not contractually obligated to continue to use our services at historical levels or at all. The loss of any of these key customers or their failure to pay us could reduce our revenue and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our intellectual property rights are valuable and any inability to protect them or challenges to our right to use them could(ii) reduce the valuevolume of our services or increase our costs.
Our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and other intellectual property rights are important assets. The effortsthat we have takenprovide pursuant to protect these proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective in every case and in some cases we may not seek protection or to defend our rights. The unauthorized use of our intellectual property or significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business, make it more expensive to do business or hurt our ability to compete. Protecting our intellectual property rights is costly and time-consuming.
Although we seek to obtain patent protection for certain of our innovations, it is possible we may not be able to protect all of the innovations for which we seek protection. Changes in patent law, such as changes in the law regarding patentable subject matter, can also impact our ability to obtain patent protection for our innovations. In addition, given the costs of obtaining patent protection, we may choose not to protect certain innovations that later turn out to be important. Furthermore, there is always the possibility, despite our efforts, that the scope of the protection gained will be insufficient or an issued patent may be deemed invalid or unenforceable.

12

Table of Contents



Further, as our technology solutions and services develop, we may become increasingly subject to infringement claims by others. Any claims, whether with or without merit, could:
be expensive and time-consuming to defend;
cause us to cease making, licensing or using technology solutions that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;
require us to redesign our technology solutions, if feasible;
divert management’s attention and resources; and/or
require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use necessary technologies.
Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights could adversely impact our results of operations.Brokerage Agreement.
Technology disruptions, failures, defects or inadequacies, development delays or installation difficulties in implementing software or hardware changes, acts of vandalism or the introduction of harmful code could damage our business operations and increase our costs.
We rely on critical technology to provide certain of our services. We rely on our proprietary technology in our Hubzu real estate marketing, Equator, Trelix Connect, Vendorly and other platforms. We leverage third party technology to provide certain
14

Table of Contents

of our services, including using third party order management and billing technology in our default businesses, and using third party technology to access data or take actions, such as governmental filings, and externally hosted and managed data centers and operating environments. Disruptions, failures, defects or inadequacies in our technology or softwarethird party technology or related services we acquire from third parties,utilize, delays or errors in the developmentdeveloping of or installation difficulties with, our technology, or acts of vandalism, misuse or malicious use of our solutions, system attacks or the introduction of malicious code to ourin technology or software,we utilize, may interrupt or delay our ability to provide products or services to our customers.customers, impact our ability to satisfy performance requirements, or cause the loss, corruption or disclosure of data. We may be a particular target for network hackers or others with malicious intent due to our storage and processing of consumer information as part of providing our services or as a result of operating public-facing technology platforms, including, for example, our Hubzu marketing platform. Any sustained and repeated disruptions in these services may have an adverse impact on our and our customers’ business and results of operations and, in the case of acts of vandalism or introduction of harmful code, could necessitate improvements to our physical and cyber securitycybersecurity practices that may require an investment of money, time and resources.
Many of our services and processes require effective interoperation with internal and external technology platforms and services, and failures in such interoperation could have a negative impact on our operations and the operations of our customers.
Further, our customers may require changes and improvements to the systems we provide to them to manage the volume and complexity, laws or regulations of their businesses, or to interoperate with other systems, which changes and improvements may be unfeasible, unsuccessful, costly or time-consuming to implement or may create disruptions in our provision of services to customers. Our customers which may have an adverse impact on our business operationsrefuse to agree to modifications to technology or financial condition,infrastructure that we provide to them or increase our costs.that interoperate with the technology or infrastructure we provide to them that we may believe are desirable to improve the reliability, performance, efficiency and/or cost in delivering. Additionally, the improper implementation or use of Altisource technology, such as Equator, by customers could adversely impact the operation of that technology, and potentially cause harm to our reputation, loss of customers, negative publicity or exposure to liability claims or government investigations or actions, and our results of operations could be adversely impacted.actions.
We depend on our ability to accessuse services, products, data from external sourcesand infrastructure provided by third parties to maintain and grow our businesses. If we are unable to access data from these sources or if the prices charged for these services significantly increase, the quality, pricing and availability of our products and services may be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on certain third parties to provide services, products and solutions including certain data, from publicinfrastructure, technology, systems and private sourcesfunctionality including a third party hosted and managed data center and operating environment (collectively, “Technologies”) critical to maintainour services, including our Hubzu real estate marketing, Equator, TrelixTM Connect, Vendorly®, RentRange® and grow someother solutions. The failure of such third parties to provide or make available the Technologies in accordance with applicable requirements could negatively impact our businesses (such as Owners.com, Investability® and RentRange®)ability to provide our services or perform transactions and to maintainmeet our databases (such as multiple listing service, or MLS data). Our data sourcesobligations. In addition, these third parties could cease providing or reduce the availability, type, details or other aspects of their data to usthe Technologies, and change the pricing, performance or increasefunctionality of the price we pay for their data.Technologies. If a number of suppliers are no longer able or are unwilling to provide us with certain data, or if our sources of datasuch Technologies become unavailable or too expensive we may need to find alternative sources. Ifand we are unable to identify and contract withobtain suitable alternative data suppliersalternatives and efficiently and effectively integrate these data sourcesalternatives into our service offerings or infrastructure, we could experience service disruptions, increased costs and reduced quality of our services. New legal restrictions could limit the use or dissemination of data. Significant price increases or restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition, in particular if we are unable to arrange for substitute sources of data on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
The Company’s databases containingcontain our proprietary information, the proprietary information of third parties and personal information of our customers, consumers, vendors and employees could be breached, whichemployees. Our failure to comply with applicable information management requirements or best practices, or the unauthorized disclosure of information, could subject us to adverse publicity, investigations, fines, costly government enforcement actions or private litigation and expenses.
As part of our business we collect, store, process, transfer and operation of our technology, we maintain proprietary information belonging to the Company or third partiesdispose in tangible and electronic forms customer, consumer, vendor and electronically receive, process, store and transmitemployee personal information (including, but not limited to personally identifiable information) (“PI”). We and confidential and sensitive business information of ourselves and of our customers, vendors and employees. We also rely extensively on the operation of technology networks and systemsprocesses that are administered by third parties, includingintended to provide necessary notices regarding the Internetcollection, storage, processing and cloud based solutions. Wedestruction of PI, and to permit subjects to exercise their legal rights concerning their PI in our possession. If those processes are not sufficient, we or our vendors may fail to comply with applicable requirements concerning PI. In addition, we rely on the security of our facilities, networks, databases, systems and processes and, in certain circumstances, those of third parties, such as vendors, to protect our proprietary information and PI in our possession and information about our customers, vendors and employees. Hackers, criminals and others are constantly devising schemes to circumvent security safeguards and other large companies have suffered serious data security breaches.PI. If our controls and those of our customers or vendors are not effective, are outdated or do not exist, or if we fail to detect or respond to attacks or intrusions, unauthorized parties may gain access to our networks or databases or information, or those of our customers or vendors with which we interconnect or share information, and they may be able to steal, publish, delete, or modify our sensitive proprietary information and sensitive third party information, including PI. In addition, employees may intentionally or inadvertently cause data or security breaches that result in unauthorized release of such PI. Further, our efforts to delete or destroy PI proprietarymay not be consistent with our disclosed policies or confidential information.may not be successful, resulting in the theft or unintentional disclosure of PI, including when disposing of media on which PI may be stored. In such circumstances, our business could sufferbe harmed and we could be held liable to our customers, employees or vendors, or to regulators, consumers or other parties, or employees,

13

Table of Contents



as well as be subject to notification requirements or regulatory or other actions for breaching privacyapplicable laws or failing to adequately protect such information. This could result in costly investigations and litigation, civil or criminal penalties, large scale remediation requirements, operational changes or other response measures, significant penalties, fines, settlements, costs, consent orders, loss of consumer confidence in our security measures and negative publicity that could adversely affect our financial condition, resultspublicity.
15

Table of operations and reputation. Furthermore, customer and governmental authorities increasingly impose more stringent security obligations on us, our services and the security of our customers’ data and PI, and impose new liabilities for data breaches, all of which could have an adverse effect on us and our results of operations.Contents
Our business is susceptible to disruption from natural disasters or intentional acts of destruction that may render certain of our assets and business facilities unusable for an extended period of time.
Our physical facilities and technology infrastructure, including infrastructure provided by third parties, could be susceptible to disruption due to natural disasters or intentional acts of destruction that could impair or prevent our use of such facilities and infrastructure for an extended period of time. Current business continuity plans, back-up facilities and technology infrastructure may not be adequate or sufficient to remotely operate for an extended period of time, and current business interruption insurance may not be adequate to sufficiently compensate for any loss, in the event of a natural disaster or intentional act of destruction. Furthermore, certain of our assets, including our short-term investments in real estate, are concentrated in geographical areas that may be affected by natural disasters, which may result in limited access to those assets, significant damage to such assets or destruction of such assets. Interruptions in our operations for an extended period of time and/or damage or destruction of assets and facilities could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We have long development and sales cycles for many of our services, analytics and technology solutions and if we fail to close sales after expending significant time and resources to do so, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
We have long development and sales cycles for many of our services, analytics and technology solutions. We may expend significant time and resources in pursuing a particular customer that does not generate revenue or pursuing a particular service or solution for our existing customers that does not generate revenue. We may encounter delays when developing new services or technology solutions. Changes in relevant regulations or industry practices may render existing solutions or ongoing development efforts obsolete or require significant modifications. We may experience difficulties in installing or integrating our technologies on platforms used by our customers. Further, defects in our technology solutions, errors or delays in the processing of electronic transactions or other difficulties could result in interruption of business operations, delay in market acceptance, additional development and remediation costs, loss of customers, negative publicity or exposure to liability claims, and our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
Delays due to the length of our sales cycle or costs incurred that do not result in sales could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The failure of any of the insurance underwriting loss limitation methods we use could have adverse effects on our results.fail.
Altisource, through its subsidiary Association of Certified Mortgage Originators Risk Retention Group, Inc., provides certified loan insurance to its customers. Altisource reduces a portion of its risk of insurance loss through third party reinsurance. The incidence and severity of claims against insurance policies are inherently unpredictable. Although we attempt to manage our exposure to insurance underwriting risk through the use of disciplined underwriting controls and the purchase of third party reinsurance, the frequency and severity of claims could be greater than contemplated in our pricing and risk management methods and our controls and mitigation efforts may not be effective or sufficient.
We also face counterparty risk when purchasing reinsurance from third party reinsurers. The insolvency or unwillingness of any of our present or future reinsurers to contract with us or make timely payments to us under the terms of our reinsurance agreements could have an adverse effect on us. Further, there is no certainty that we will be able to purchase the amount or type of reinsurance we desire in the future or that the reinsurance we desire will be available on terms we consider acceptable or with reinsurers with whom we want to do business. Any failure
Under certain material agreements that we are currently a party to or may enter into in the future, the formation by shareholders of our insurance underwriting loss limitation methodsAltisource of a “group” with ownership of Altisource capital stock exceeding a defined percentage may give rise to a termination event or similar insurance related risks described above could adversely impact our resultsan event of operations.default.
Our business and the business of our customers are subject to extensive scrutiny and regulation, and failure to comply with existing or new regulations or license requirements may adversely impact us.
Our business and the business of our customers are subject to extensive scrutiny and regulation by federal, state and local governmental authorities including the FTC, the CFPB, the SEC, the HUD and the state and local agencies that license or overseeUnder certain of our auction, real estatematerial agreements a change of control would be deemed to occur if, among other things, a “group” (as that term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is formed by shareholders holding beneficial ownership of a defined percentage of the combined voting power or economic interest of our capital stock. The Brokerage Agreement with NRZ’s licensed brokerage mortgagesubsidiary contains a similar provision, and debt collection services, trustee services and insurance services. We also must comply with a number of federal, state and local consumer protection laws including, among others, ADA, CHBR, CAN-

14




SPAM, ECOA, FACTA, FCRA, FDCPA, Fair Housing Act, the FTC Act, GLBA, HARP, HMDA, HOEPA, RPAPL, RESPA, the SAFE Act, SCRA, TCPA, TILA, UDAAP and FCPA. We are also subject, orwe may enter into material agreements in the future become subject, to various foreign lawsthat contain similar provisions. The formation of a “group” could occur without the involvement of or input by us, and regulations as well, including those pertaining to data protection, such as the GDPR. These foreign, federal, state and local requirements can and do change as statutes and regulationswe are enacted, promulgated or amended. Furthermore, the interpretation or enforcement by regulatory authorities of these requirements may change over time. The creation of new regulatory authorities or changes in the regulatory authorities overseeing applicable laws and regulations may also result in changing interpretation or enforcement of such laws or regulations. We are also subject to licensing and regulation as a provider of certain services including, among others, services as a mortgage origination underwriter, valuation provider, appraisal management company, asset manager, property manager, title insurance agent, insurance broker and underwriter, real estate broker, auctioneer, foreclosure trustee and debt collectornot in a numberposition to prevent such an event from occurring. Such a change of states. Our employees and subsidiaries may be required to be licensed by various state commissions for the particular typecontrol could constitute a termination event or an event of service sold and to participate in regular continuing education programs. We incur significant ongoing costs to comply with licensing requirements and governmental regulations and to respond to government and regulatory confidential inquiries, audits, regulatory examinations and other similar matters. We also may lose or fail to maintain required licenses necessary to continue to do business in certain of our markets, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Participants in the industries in which we operate are subject to a high level of government and regulatory scrutiny. This scrutiny has included review by federal and state governmental authorities of all aspects of the mortgage servicing and lending industries and the debt collection industry, including an increased legislative and regulatory focus on consumer protection practices. Our and our customers’ failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, consent orders or settlements could subject us to civil and criminal liability, loss of licensure, damage to our reputation in the industry, significant penalties, fines, settlements, adverse publicity, litigation, including class action lawsuits or administrative enforcement actions, costs and consent orders against us or our customers that may curtail or restrict our business as it is currently conducted. If governmental authorities continue to impose new or more restrictive requirements or enhanced oversight, we may be required to increase or decrease our prices and/or we may incur significant additional costs to comply with such requirements. Also, if we are unable to adapt our products and services to conform to the new laws and regulations, or ifdefault under these laws and regulations have a negative impact on our clients, we may experience client losses or increased operating costs. Any of the foregoing outcomes could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, even if we believe we complied with such laws and regulations, we may choose to settle enforcement actions or lawsuits in order to avoid the potentially significant costs of defending such actions or lawsuits and to further avoid the risk of increased damages if we ultimately were to receive an unfavorable outcome.
In addition, certain of our technology and other services are provided at the direction and pursuant to the identified requirements of our customers. The failure of our customers to properly identify or account for regulatory requirements applicable to such services could expose us to significant penalties, fines, settlements, costs and consent orders that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Periodically, we are subject to audits and examinations by federal, state and local governmental authorities and receive subpoenas, civil investigative demands or other requests for information from such governmental authorities in connection with their regulatory or investigative authority. We are currently responding to such inquiries from governmental authorities relating to certain aspects of our business, including as set forth in the Government Regulation section of Item 1 of Part I, “Business” above. Responding to such audits, examinations and inquiries will cause us to incur costs, including legal fees or other charges, which may be material in amount, and in addition, may result in management distraction or may cause us to modify or terminate certain services we currently offer. If any such audits, examinations or inquiries result in allegations or findings of non-compliance, we could incur significant penalties, fines, settlements, costs and consent orders that may curtail, restrict or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Furthermore, even if we believe we complied with applicable laws and regulations, we may choose to settle such allegations with the governmental authorities in order to avoid the potentially significant costs of defending such allegations and to further avoid the risk of increased damages if we ultimately were to receive an unfavorable outcome, but such settlements may also result in further claims.
National servicing standards and federal and state government scrutiny and regulation and other requirements require very specific loan modification and foreclosure procedures among others that have further reduced the number of loans entering the foreclosure process and have negatively impacted our default services revenue and profit. It is unclear when or if volumes will increase in the future.
Our customers are subject to government regulation, requiring our customers to, among other things, oversee their vendors and maintain documentation that demonstrates their oversight. If our performance does not meet such requirements, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our customers are subject to a variety of federal, state and local government regulations, including the Bank Service Company Act and those promulgated by the CFPB and others, as well as consent orders and settlements, including the National Mortgage

15




Settlement. The foregoing may require our customers to oversee their vendors and document the procedures performed to demonstrate that oversight. Altisource, as a vendor, is subject to oversight by our customers. If we do not meet the standards established by or imposed upon our customers or if any other oversight procedures result in a negative outcome for Altisource, we may lose customers, may no longer be granted referrals for certain services, or may have to conform our business to address these standards, negatively impacting our business and results of operations. Even if Altisource satisfies its contractual obligations to its clients, regulators may allege that products or services provided by Altisource fail to meet applicable regulatory requirements.
The tax regulations, and the interpretation thereof, in the countries, states and local jurisdictions in which we operate periodically change, which may impact our results of operations associated with higher taxes.
Certain of our subsidiaries provide services in the United States and several countries internationally. Those jurisdictions are subject to changing tax environments, which may result in higher operating expenses and/or taxes and which may introduce uncertainty as to the application of tax laws and regulations to our operations. We may not be able to raise our prices to customers or pass-through such taxes to our customers or vendors, which could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, if we fail to accurately anticipate or apply tax laws and regulations to our operations, we could be subject to liabilities and penalties.agreements.
We rely on third party vendors for many aspects of our business. If our vendor oversight activities are ineffective, we may fail to meet customer or regulatory requirements or werequirements. We may face difficulties sourcing required vendors or managing our relationships with third party vendors, our results of operations could be adversely affected.vendors.
We rely on third party vendors to provide goods and services in relation to many aspects of our operations.operations, including certain providers of web-based services or software as services. Our dependence on these vendors makes our operations vulnerable to the unavailability of such third parties, the pricing and quality of services offered by such third parties, solvency of those third parties and such third parties’ failure to perform adequately under our agreements with them. In addition, where a vendor provides services that we are required to provide under a contract with a client,customer, we are generally responsible for such performance and could be held accountable by the clientcustomer for any failure of performance by our vendors. We evaluateIf our vendor sourcing efforts are not effective or if we are otherwise not able to secure an appropriate supply and quality of vendors and services, or if vendors are prohibited or prevented from performing the competency and solvencyservices or providing the products for which we contract, including as the result of our key third party vendors. We perform ongoing vendor oversight activitiesrestrictions imposed by state or local governments or health departments, we may be unable to identify potential new vendors, review vendor pricing and to identify any performanceprovide services or other issues related to current vendors.compliant services. If our vendor oversight activities are ineffective or if a vendor fails to provide the services that we require or expect, or fails to meet contractual requirements, such as service levels or compliance with applicable laws, the failure could negatively impact our business by adversely affecting our ability to serve our customers and/or subjecting us to litigation and regulatory risk for ineffective vendor oversight. Furthermore, the failure to obtain services at anticipated pricing could impact our cost structure and the prices of services we provide. In addition, Altisource may be contractually required by its customers or by applicable regulations to oversee its vendors and document procedures performed to demonstrate that oversight. If we fail to meet such customer or regulatory requirements, or we face difficulties managing our relationships with third party vendors, we may lose customers or may no longer be granted referrals for certain services or could be subject to adverse regulatory action, negatively impactingaction.
We make extensive use of contractors in certain of our lines of business. If we are required to reclassify contractors as employees, we may incur fines and penalties and additional costs and taxes.
A significant number of contractors provide services in our operations for whom we do not pay or withhold any federal, state or local employment tax or provide employee benefits. These contractors may be retained by us or retained by vendors providing services to us. There are a number of tests used in determining whether an individual is an employee or a contractor. There can be no assurance that legislative, judicial or regulatory (including tax) authorities will not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing rules and regulations that would change, or at least challenge, the classification of our contractors. Although we believe we have properly classified our contractors, and require our vendors to property classify contractors used in connection with providing services to us, the United States Internal Revenue Service or other United States federal or state authorities or similar authorities of a foreign government may determine that we or our vendors have misclassified our contractors for employment tax or other purposes and, as a result, seek additional taxes from us, require us to pay certain
16

Table of Contents

compensation or benefits to wrongly classified employees, or attempt to impose fines or penalties. In addition, contractors may assert claims that they are our employees and seek to recover compensation, benefits, damages and penalties from us. If we are required to pay employer taxes, pay backup withholding compensation, benefits, damages or penalties with respect to prior periods with respect to or on behalf of our contractors or those of our vendors, our operating costs will increase.
We could have conflicts of interest with Ocwen, NRZ, and/or certain of our shareholders, members of management, employees and members of our Board of Directors, which may be resolved in a manner adverse to us.
We have significant business relationships with and provide services to Ocwen and to NRZ. Certain members of our management and independent members of our Board of Directors (or entities affiliated with such Board of Directors members) have direct or beneficial equity interests in Ocwen or in NRZ, including in one instance, equity interests in Ocwen (slightly less than 10%) and Altisource (approximately 24%) as well as debt of both of these parties, and equity interests in NRZ (less than 1%). Such interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest with respect to matters potentially or actually involving or affecting us and Ocwen or NRZ. There can be no assurance that we will implement measures that will enable us to manage potential conflicts with Ocwen or NRZ. There can be no assurance that any current or future measures that may be implemented to manage potential conflicts will be effective or that we will be able to manage or resolve all potential conflicts with Ocwen or NRZ, and, even if we do, that the resolution will be no less favorable to us than if we were dealing with another third party that has none of the connections we have with Ocwen or NRZ.
Further, certain employees, directors and officers have, and may continue to hold interests in, non-wholly owned subsidiaries. Their ownership of these interests may divert their time and attention away from operating our business and may otherwise create or appear to create potential conflicts of interest with us. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to continue to implement appropriate measures to manage these potential conflicts of interest.
Our success depends on the relevant industry experience and relationships of certain members of our Board of Directors, executive officers and other key personnel.
Our success is dependent on the efforts and abilities of members of our Board of Directors, our executive officers and other key employees, many of whom have significant experience in the real estate and mortgage, financial services and technology industries or play a substantial role in our relationship with certain customers. In particular, we are dependent on the services of members of our Board of Directors and key executives at our corporate headquarters and personnel at each of our lines of business and support groups. In addition, certain members of our Board of Directors, executive officers or other key employees have relationships with certain customers or vendors that facilitate our business and operations. The loss of the services of any of these members of our Board of Directors, executives or key personnel could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Such failures could adversely affectoperations or relationships with certain customers or vendors.
To maintain our substance and leadership as a Luxembourg company, we seek to convene Board meetings in Luxembourg several times each year and our executive management is largely based in Luxembourg. The travel required by our directors, and current restrictions on and requirements to such travel, to Luxembourg may serve as an impediment to attract and retain directors and director candidates. Our Luxembourg location can also make it difficult to attract and retain executive officers and other senior leadership.
We may face difficulties to attract, motivate and retain skilled employees.
Our business is labor intensive and places significant importance on our ability to recruit, engage, train and retain skilled employees. Additionally, demand for qualified professionals with experience in certain businesses (e.g. residential title, valuation and loan underwriting) or technologies may exceed available supply. Our ability to recruit and train employees is critical to achieving our growth objective. Further, some of our business operations require recruiting and retaining employees with certain professional licenses, particularly in the reliabilityUnited States. In 2020, we saw an increase demand for professionals licensed to work in our originations and qualitydefault business, and significant turnover in that area. Our originations business may continue to encounter significant challenges in attracting and retaining employees as needed to satisfy demand or growth expectations for our services, or to be able to limit compensation related costs to make operations economically viable. We may not be able to attract and retain skilled employees, we may face an increase in wages or other costs of attracting, training or retaining skilled employees.
The presence of our operations in multiple countries subject us to risks endemic to those countries.
We have employees and operations outside of the US in countries such as Luxembourg, India and Uruguay. The occurrence of natural disasters, epidemics or other health emergencies, or political or economic instability impacting these countries could interfere with work performed by these labor sources or could result in us having to replace or reduce these labor sources.
Furthermore, the practice of utilizing labor based in foreign countries has come under increased scrutiny in the United States. Governmental authorities could seek to impose financial costs or restrictions on foreign companies providing services to
17

Table of Contents

customers in the United States. Governmental authorities may attempt to prohibit or otherwise discourage our United States-based customers from sourcing services from foreign companies and, as a result, some of our customers may require us to use labor based in the United States or cease doing business with Altisource. In addition, some of our customers may require us to use labor based in the United States for other reasons. To the extent that we are required to use labor based in the United States, we may not be able to pass on the increased costs of higher-priced United States-based labor to our customers.
Risks Related to our Growth Strategy
We may be unable to realize sales represented by our awarded business or sales pipeline.
We have significantly expanded the scope of services that we provide to our existing customer base and expanded our customer portfolio with the addition of several new customers. As part of our business and financial planning, we make assumptions about the quantity and timing of services that each of these customers will order from us. In many instances, however, our customers may not be obligated to acquire our services or may only be obligated to acquire our services to the extent the customer can make use of such services. Our volume of sales may not materialize to the extent our customers elect to use providers of services other than us, or if economic or industry conditions exist such that our clients do not require the assumed quantity of services. For example, economic conditions and restrictions instituted by governmental authorities, GSEs, servicers or investors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the quantity or timing of customer demand for our services despite the existence of an agreement. Our customers may use more than one provider for given services resulting in such customers varying over time the quantity or mix of services acquired from us versus other providers. Even in cases where our customer contracts require minimum purchases by a customer, we may be unable or we may determine that it is unadvisable for us to seek to enforce or collect upon the contractual minimums.
We may fail to adapt our services to changes in technology or in the marketplace related to mortgage servicing or originations, changing requirements of governmental authorities, GSEs and customers. Customers may seek to reduce reliance upon or the number of service providers.
The markets for our services are characterized by constant technological and other changes, our customers’ and competitors’ frequent introduction of new services, and evolving industry standards and government regulations. We are currently in the process of, and from time to time will be, developing and introducing new services and technologies and improvements to existing services. Our future success will be significantly affected by our ability to complete our current efforts and in the future enhance, our services and develop and introduce new services that address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers and could adversely affect our results of operations.
If financial institutions at which we hold cash and cash equivalentstheir customers, as well as escrowour ability to reduce costs by relying on cloud architecture and trust funds fail, it could have an adverse impact onother infrastructure advancements. These efforts may include implementing new real estate auction and marketing capabilities, as well as technological and other modifications to increase efficiency and flexibility in supplying our Company.
We hold our cashdefault-related and cash equivalents at various financial institutions.originations services. These initiatives carry the risks associated with any new service development effort, including cost overruns, delays in delivery and performance effectiveness. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing, marketing, selling and implementing new and improved services. In addition, we hold customers’may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of these services. Our services and their enhancements may also not adequately meet the demands of the marketplace or governmental authorities and achieve market acceptance.
Customers of our default-related services and origination services may seek to reduce the number of service providers employed through vendor consolidation, insourcing (providing the services itself) or by other means. Such changes could reduce the demand for our services or control over the prices we are able to charge for our services.
Acquisitions to accelerate growth initiatives involve potential risks.
Historically, our strategy has included the acquisition of complementary businesses from time to time. In the future, we may consider acquisitions of or merger with other businesses that could complement our business, offer us greater access in our current markets or offer us greater access and expertise in other asset types and markets that are related to ours but we do not currently serve. Our ability to pursue additional acquisitions in the future is dependent on our access to sufficient capital (equity and/or debt) to fund the acquisition and subsequent integration. Because of the obligations to maintain a minimum cash threshold in the Cooperative Brokerage Agreement and restrictions in our senior secured term loan agreement, we may not be able to secure adequate capital as needed on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.
When we acquire new businesses, we may face a number of integration risks, including a loss of focus on our daily operations, the need for additional management, constraints on operating resources, constraints on financial resources from integration and system conversion costs and the inability to maintain key pre-acquisition relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. We may have particular integration risks as we are a Luxembourg-domiciled company, resulting in numerous changes that may need to be made immediately or promptly following closing of such an acquisition. In addition, any acquisition may result in the incurrence of additional amortization expense of related intangible assets, which could reduce our profitability.
18

Table of Contents

Failure to properly and timely integrate any acquired business may result in escrowour inability to realize the expected value from the acquisition, which can lead us to sell or otherwise dispose of the acquired business at a loss.
Risks Related to our Industry
Changes in the housing or mortgage originations markets could negatively impact demand for our services.
A decrease in sales of residential properties in the United States could reduce the demand for certain of our services provided in connection with the marketing and trust accounts at various financial institutionssale of real estate, including services ancillary to the sale, such as closing services and title insurance services. In addition, reduced demand for residential property could depress the price of sales that do occur, negatively impacting commissions and other fees we receive which are set as a percentage of the property sale price.
Reductions in the volume of residential mortgage originations in the United States could decrease the demand for mortgage originations and mortgage insurance related products, including services provided to members of the Lenders One mortgage cooperative.
A reduction in residential mortgage delinquencies, defaults or foreclosures in the United States can negatively affect demand for certain of our services.
We provide certain services to residential mortgage servicers and subservicers, as well as government sponsored entities, federal agencies and others, to protect, preserve, manage and potentially dispose of properties securing residential mortgage loans, when such loans become delinquent, default, undergo foreclosure or become a REO asset. Rates of residential mortgage delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures can be negatively impacted by numerous factors, including strengthening economic conditions, a reduction in the number of residential mortgages outstanding or a reduction in home ownership levels or by governmental action. National servicing standards, federal and state government scrutiny and regulation, requirements specifying loan loss mitigation, modification and foreclosure procedures, rules instituted by governmental authorities, GSEs, servicers or investors preventing actions related to loan delinquencies and foreclosures, including moratoriums on foreclosures and mortgage payment forbearance plans, such as those implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, among others may reduce the number of mortgage loans entering the foreclosure process and suspend pending completionforeclosure and eviction actions. If these conditions continue, they would likely negatively impact demand for our default services. The expiration dates of certain real estate activities. We also hold cash in trust accounts at various financial institutions where contractual obligations mandate maintaining dedicated bank accounts. These amounts are held in escrow and trust accounts for limited periods of time and are not includedthese requirements may be indefinite or extended in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Wefuture making it difficult to predict when such requirements may become liableend. Reductions in the rates of residential mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures and REO would likely reduce demand for funds owedour services related to third partiesinspecting, maintaining, valuing, marketing and selling such assets.
If faced with an extended period of decline in demand for and revenue from certain of our services as a result of economic conditions or due to government, GSE, servicer or investor restrictions related to loan delinquencies and foreclosures, including moratoriums on foreclosures and mortgage payment forbearance plans, such as those implemented in response to the failureCOVID-19 pandemic, we may be unable to sufficiently adjust our cost structure to avoid losses in our operations that provide such impacted services or to maintain our ability to offer those services in the future. In response to such conditions, we may be required to modify or suspend such operations which could negatively impact our ability to timely respond to an increase in demand for such services or to provide such services in the future, or which could cause us to incur significant expense to restart or scale such services in response to an increase in demand.
Developments that reduce the supply or sale of one or more of these financial institutions, in addition to lossREO could negatively affect demand for certain of our cashservices and cash equivalents,negatively impact our ability to meet certain contractual performance metrics.
Reduction in the supply of REO or sales of REO in the United States could reduce the demand for and there is no guaranteevolume of certain of our services, including REO asset management, REO property inspection and preservation, real estate brokerage and real estate auction and marketing services, as well as sales of REO, especially in cases where more desirable properties are sold at foreclosure auctions and do not convert to REO. For example, we would recoveranticipate that the funds deposited, whethercontinuation of foreclosure and eviction moratoriums will reduce the supply of REO we receive from our customers through Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage, private insurance2021. The reduction in the supply of REO or sales of REO could also impact our ability to meet certain contractually required service metrics, including those related to aging of assets, time on market and sale price compared to valuation. If we fail to satisfy applicable performance metrics or perform in a manner satisfactory to our customers, such customers may reduce the services they acquire from us or otherwise terminate us as a service provider.
Risks Related to Financing, Our Indebtedness and Capital Structure
If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or access the capital markets or our resultsborrowing capacity is reduced, our liquidity and competitive position may be negatively affected.
An extended period of operationsreduced demand for our default-related services or for our higher margin default-related services could negatively impact our cash flow such that we may need to use unrestricted cash on hand to satisfy our obligations, which would
19

Table of Contents

reduce our cash balance negatively impacting our liquidity. If the limitations on foreclosures and evictions, and the forbearance plans, instituted by governmental authorities, GSEs, servicers or investors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are extended, this could lengthen the period of reduced demand for our default-related services and continue to negatively impact our higher margin default related services, negatively impacting our liquidity.
In addition, our liquidity could be adversely impacted.affected by any inability to access the capital markets, volatility in the capital markets, unforeseen outflows of cash, funding for contingencies and increased regulatory liquidity requirements.
Our ability to borrow money could be limited, or our cost of borrowing could increase, due to volatility in the capital markets, worsening terms on which credit is available or limitations in our senior secured term loan agreements. In addition, reduced revenue or cash flow, or volatility in the markets which we support, could negatively impact our ability to borrow or our ability to continue to satisfy the covenants and terms of our senior secured term loan agreements. If we were to have a covenant default under our loan agreements, we would not be able borrow additional funds under our existing agreements and our lenders could seek to enforce the remedies available to them under our loan agreements. A reduction in our ability to borrow funds to support our operations could also reduce our ability to pursue our business strategy to diversify and grow our customer base.
We generatehave a significant cash fromnet operating loss recognized by one of our operations that is deposited into our operating accounts at banks and also, in connection with debt collections (in our Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment) and real estate transactions (Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market segments), in escrow and trust accounts, which exposes us to risk of loss due to fraudulent or inadvertent misappropriation of cash.
Luxembourg subsidiaries, Altisource S.à r.l. We hold our cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions. In addition, we hold customers’ assets in escrow and trust accounts at various financial institutions pending completion of certain real estate activities. These cash balances expose us to purposeful misappropriation of cash by employees or others and unintentional mistakes resulting in a loss of cash which may not be recoverable.able to fully utilize this deferred tax asset before the net operating loss expires.
In connection with a merger of two of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries in December 2017, which was recognized at fair value, a net operating loss of $1.3 billion with a 17 year life was generated, creating a deferred tax asset of $342.6 million. During 2019, the Company recognized a full valuation allowance with respect to this deferred tax asset. If Altisource S.à r.l. is unable to generate sufficient pretax income by 2034, the Company may not be able to fully utilize this deferred tax asset. In addition, we may become liable for funds owed to third parties as a resultchanges in our structure or operations could prevent us from fully realizing the benefit of such purposeful misappropriation of cash by employees or others and unintentional mistakes resulting in a loss of cash held in escrow and trust accounts, and there

16




is no guarantee we would recover the lost funds from the party or parties involved in a fraudulent or inadvertent misappropriation of cash and our results of operations could be adversely impacted.deferred tax asset.
Our primary source of liquidity is cash flows from operations. We seek to deploy cash generated in a disciplined manner, including to repurchase and repay our senior secured term loan and, from time to time, repurchase sharesOur level of our common stock. We may not continue to deploy cash as we have in the past.
While we have historically used cash from operations to repurchase and repay our senior secured term loan and repurchase shares of our common stock, there is no guarantee that we will continue to do so or that we will do so at attractive prices. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that cash from operations will be available for repurchasing our senior secured term loan and repurchasing shares of our common stock. Also, we may not repurchase our senior secured term loan and common stock at the same levels as in the past. In addition, while the Company has not historically declared dividends, the Company may decide in the future to declare a dividend rather than, or in addition to, repurchasing our senior secured term loan and/or repurchasing shares of our common stock. If we continue such repurchases or declare a dividend, we may not have sufficient cash for other opportunities that may arise.
We may be subject to claims of legal violations or wrongful conduct which may cause us to pay unexpected litigation costs, damages or indemnifications, or modify our products or processes.
From time to time, we may be subject to costly and time-consuming regulatory or legal proceedings that claim legal violations or wrongful conduct. These proceedings may involve regulators, clients, our clients’ customers, vendors, competitors and/or other large groups of plaintiffs and, if resulting in findings of violations, could result in substantial damages or indemnification obligations. Additionally, we may be forced to settle some claims and change existing company practices, services and processes that are currently revenue generating. This could lead to unexpected costs or a loss of revenue and our results of operations could be adversely impacted. Furthermore, even if we believe we have no liability for the alleged regulatory or legal violations or wrongful conduct, we may choose to settle such regulatory or legal proceedings in order to avoid the potentially significant costs of defending such allegations and to further avoid the risk of increased damages if we ultimately were to receive an unfavorable outcome.
Our senior secured term loandebt makes us more sensitive to the effects of economic change;our declining financial performance and interest rate increases; our level of debt and provisions in our senior secured term loan agreement could limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry.
Our senior secured term loan makes us more vulnerable to changes in our results of operations because a portion of our cash flows from operations is dedicated to servicing our debt and is not available for other purposes. Our senior secured term loan is secured by virtually all of our assets and from time to time tradesmay trade at a substantial discount to face value. Our ability to raise additional debt is largely limited and in many circumstances would be subject to lender approval and would require modification of our currentcertain senior secured term loan agreement.agreements. Additionally, increases in interest rates above 1% will negatively impact our cash flows as the interest rate on our debt is variable. The provisions of our senior secured term loan agreementagreements could have other negative consequences to us including the following:
limiting our ability to borrow money for our working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements or other general corporate purposes;
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our operations, our business or the industry in which we compete;
requiring us to use a portion of our consolidated excess cash flow, as definedspecified in the debt agreement,senior secured term loan agreements, to repay debt in the event our net debt less marketable securities to EBITDA ratios,earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio, as definedspecified in the debt agreement,senior secured term loan agreements, exceed certain thresholds; and
placing us at a competitive disadvantage by limiting our ability to invest in our business.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness depends, in part, on our ability to generate cash in the future. If we do not generate sufficient cash flows and do not have sufficient cash on hand to meet our debt service and working capital requirements, we may need to seek additional financing, raise equity or sell assets.assets, and our ability to take these actions may be limited by the terms of our senior secured term loan. This may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. Without any such financing, or equity issuance, we could be forced to sell assets under unfavorable circumstances to make up for any shortfall in our payment obligations under unfavorable circumstances.obligations. If necessary, we may not be able to sell assets quickly enough or for sufficient amounts to enable us to meet our obligations. Failure to meet our debt service requirements could result in an event of default under our senior secured term loan agreement which, if not cured or waived, could result in the holders of the defaulted debt causing all outstanding amounts with respect to that debt to be immediately due and payable.payable and potentially permitting lenders to execute applicable security interests, impacting our future operations or ability to engage in other favorable business activities.
In addition, ourcertain senior secured term loan agreement containsagreements contain covenants that may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to changes in, our business and our industry, including limitations on incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, adding new product lines, disposing or selling of assets, granting liens and merging or consolidating with other
20

Table of Contents

companies. Complying with these covenants may impair our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs or to engage in other favorable business activities.

17




Our failure to comply with the covenants or terms contained in our senior secured term loan agreement,agreements, including as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default which could adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition.default.
Our senior secured term loan agreement requiresagreements require us to comply with various operational, reporting and other covenants or terms including, among other things, limiting us from engaging in certain types of transactions. If there werewe experience an event of default under our senior secured term loan agreementagreements that wasis not cured or waived, it could result in a going concern uncertainty, which in turn could provide certain of our clients the ability to terminate our agreements, and allows the holders of the defaulted debt couldto cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt to be immediately due and payable. Therepayable or choose to execute on applicable security interests. Our assets or cash flows may not be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding senior secured term loan if accelerated upon an event of default and we may not be able to refinance or restructure the payments on the senior secured term loan.
We may be unable to repay the balance of our senior secured term loan upon maturity in April 2024, particularly if cash from operations declines, assets are not readily available for sale or we are unable to refinance on favorable terms or at all.
Our senior secured term loan agreements require us to repay the outstanding balance due in April 2024 ($247.2 million, based on scheduled repayments through the maturity date). If our cash from operations declines, there can be no assurance that our cash balances and other assets or cash flowsreadily available for sale would be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding senior secured term loan either upon maturity or if accelerated, upon an event of defaultin April 2024 or that we wouldwill be able to refinance or restructure the paymentsremaining portion of the debt prior to the due date. If we were to default on the senior secured term loan.loan, our lenders could take action adverse to our interests under the terms of the loan agreement, including seeking to take possession of the applicable collateral. Under such circumstances, if we are not able to agree upon a resolution with our lenders, we might seek applicable legal protections including under bankruptcy law, which in turn could provide certain of our clients the ability to terminate our agreements. If we refinance the loan under less favorable terms, we may be more constrained in our ability to finance and operate our business.
Our failure to maintain certainthe net debt less marketable securities to EBITDA ratiosratio contained in our senior secured term loan agreementagreements could result in required payments to the lenders of a percentage of our excess cash flows, which could adversely affect our ability to use our excess cash flows for other purposes.flows.
Our senior secured term loan agreement requiresagreements require us to distribute to our lenders 50% of our consolidated excess cash flows, as definedspecified in the senior secured term loan agreement,agreements, if our net debt less marketable securities to EBITDA ratio, as defined in the senior secured term loan agreement, exceedsagreements, exceed 3.50 to 1.00, and 25% of our consolidated excess cash flows if our net debt less marketable securities to EBITDA ratio is 3.50 to 1.00 or less, but greater than 3.00 to 1.00. If we were required to distribute a portion of our excess cash flows to our lenders, we may be limited in our ability to support our business, grow our business through acquisitions or investments in technology and we may be limited in our ability to repurchase our common stock.stock, pay dividends or take other potentially advantageous actions. There can be no assurance that we will maintain net debt less marketable securities to EBITDA ratiosratio at levels that will not require us to distribute a portion of our excess cash flows to lenders.
If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to prepare accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, which could adversely affect investor confidence in our reported financial information.
We may discover areas of our internal controls that need improvement. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in implementing or maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting and financial processes. The existence of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could materially adversely affect our ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements.
We have significant investments in goodwill and intangible assets recorded as a result of prior acquisitions and an impairment of these assets would require a write-down that would reduce our net income.
As a result of prior investments we have made, we significant goodwill and intangible assets recorded in our financial statements. Goodwill and intangible assets are assessed for impairment annually or sooner if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Factors that could lead to impairment of goodwill and intangible assets include significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, a significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization and negative industry or economic trends, among other indications of impairment. In the event that the recorded values of goodwill and intangible assets are impaired, any such impairment would be charged to earnings in the period of impairment. In the event of significant volatility in the capital markets or a worsening of current economic conditions, we may be required to record an impairment charge, which would negatively impact our results of operations. Possible future impairment of goodwill and intangible assets may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to our Growth Strategy
Our ability to grow is affected by our ability to execute on our strategic businesses, retain and expand our existing customer relationships and our ability to attract new customers.
Our ability to retain existing customers and expand those relationships and attract new customers is subject to a number of risks including the risk that we do not:
execute on our strategic businesses;
maintain or improve the quality and compliance of services we provide to our customers;
meet or exceed the expectations of our customers;
successfully leverage our existing customer relationships to sell additional services; and
attract new customers.
If our efforts to execute on our strategic businesses, retain and expand our customer relationships and attract new customers do not prove effective, it could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations and our ability to maintain and grow our operations.

18




Our ability to expand existing relationships and attract new customers is also affected by broader economic factors and the strength of the overall housing market, which can reduce demand for our services and increase competition for each customer’s business, and our results of operations could be adversely impacted. See “The economy and the housing market can affect demand for our services.”
If we do not adapt our services to changes in technology or in the marketplace, changing requirements of governmental authorities, GSEs and clients or if our ongoing efforts to upgrade our technology and particularly our efforts to complete development of our technology are not successful, we could lose customers and have difficulty attracting new customers for our services, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The markets forCash, cash equivalents and escrow funds we hold at financial institutions could be lost and not recoverable.
We hold our services are characterizedcash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions, including customer deposits in escrow accounts pending completion of certain real estate activities. These cash balances expose us to purposeful misappropriation of cash by constant technological change, our customers’employees or others and competitors’ frequent introductionunintentional mistakes resulting in a loss of new services and evolving industry standards and government regulation. We are currently in the process of, and from time to time will be, developing and introducing new technologies and improvements to existing technologies. Our future success will be significantly affected by our ability to complete our current efforts and in the future enhance, primarily through use of automation, econometrics and behavioral science principles, our services and develop and introduce new services that address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers and their customers. These initiatives carry the risks associated with any new service development effort, including cost overruns, delays in delivery and performance effectiveness. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing, marketing and selling new and improved technologies and services. In addition, we may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of these services. Our services and their enhancements may also not adequately meet the demands of the marketplace or governmental authorities and achieve market acceptance. Finally, certain prices that we can charge may be dictated by GSEs and/or our large clients and wecash which may not be ablerecoverable.
Amounts that are held in escrow accounts for limited periods of time are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We may become liable for funds owed to reduce our vendor costs in order to maintain our profitability for those services. Anythird parties as a result of purposeful misappropriation of cash by employees or others, unintentional mistakes or the failure of one or more of these results couldfinancial institutions. There is no guarantee
21

Table of Contents

we would recover the funds deposited, whether through Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage, private insurance or otherwise.
Foreign Exchange
We have a negative impact on our financial conditionoperations in India, Luxembourg and results of operations and our ability to maintain and grow our operations.
Our ability to meet our growth objectives is dependent on the timing and market acceptance of our new service offerings.
Our ability to grow may be adversely affected by difficulties or delays in service development or the inability to gain market acceptance of new services to existing and new customers. There are no guarantees that new services will prove to be commercially successful and our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
Some of our businesses are dependent on outsourcing.
Our continued growth at historical rates for some of our businesses is dependent on industry participants accepting of outsourcing. Organizations may elect to perform such services themselves or may be prevented from outsourcing services. A significant change in our customers’ preference or ability to outsource could have an adverse effect on our continued growth and our results of operations.
Acquisitions to accelerate growth initiatives involve potential risks.
Our strategy has included the acquisition of complementary businesses from time to time. During 2016, we acquired Granite Loan Management of Delaware, LLC (“Granite”). During 2015, we acquired CastleLine Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“CastleLine”) and GoldenGator, LLC (doing business as RentRange) (“RentRange”), REIsmart, LLC (doing business as Investability) (“Investability”) and Onit Solutions, LLC, a support company for RentRange and Investability (collectively “RentRange and Investability”). During 2014, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Mortgage Builder Software, Inc. (“Mortgage Builder”) and acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Owners Advantage, LLC (“Owners”).
In the future, we may consider acquisitions of other businesses that could complement our business, offer us greater access in our current markets or offer us greater access and expertise in other asset types and markets that are related to ours but we do not currently serve. Our ability to pursue additional acquisitions in the future is dependent on our access to sufficient capital (equity and/or debt) to fund the acquisition and subsequent integration. We may not be able to secure adequate capital as needed on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, and our ability to secure such capital through debt financing is limited by our senior secured term loan agreement.
When we acquire new businesses, we may face a number of integration risks, including a loss of focus on our daily operations, the need for additional management, constraints on operating resources, constraints on financial resources from integration and system conversion costs and the inability to maintain key pre-acquisition relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. In addition, any acquisitionUruguay which may result in the incurrence of additional amortization expense of related intangible assets, which could reduce our profitability. Our failureus being party to effectively pursuenon-United States dollar denominated transactions or integrate acquisitions, and such acquisitions themselves, may have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

19




Risks Related to International Business
Our international operations subject us to additional risks which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We have attempted to control our operating expenses by utilizing lower cost laborincurring obligations in foreign countries such as India, the Philippines and Uruguay. As of December 31, 2017, 5,930 of our employees were based in India, the Philippines and Uruguay. These countries are subject to relatively higher degrees of political and social instability and may lack the infrastructure to withstand political unrest or natural disasters. The occurrence of natural disasters or political or economic instability in these countries could interfere with work performed by these labor sources, or could result in our having to replace or reduce these labor sources. Such disruptions could decrease efficiency, increase our costs and have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Furthermore, the practice of utilizing labor based in foreign countries has come under increased scrutiny in the United States. Governmental authorities could seek to impose financial costs or restrictions on foreign companies providing services to customers in the United States. Governmental authorities may attempt to prohibit or otherwise discourage our United States-based customers from sourcing services from foreign companies and, as a result, some of our customers may require us to use labor based incurrencies other than the United States or cease doing business with Altisource. In addition, some of our customers may require us to use labor based in the United Statesdollar, including, for other reasons. To the extent that we are required to use labor based in the United States, we may not be able to pass on the increased costs of higher-priced United States-based labor to our customers, which ultimately could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
The FCPA and other applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations prohibit certain types of payments by our employees, vendors and agents. Any violation of the applicable anti-corruption laws or regulations by us, our subsidiaries or our local agents, could expose us to significant penalties, fines, settlements, costs and consent orders that may curtail or restrict our business as it is currently conducted and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
example, payroll, taxes, facilities-related expenses. Weakness of the United States dollar in relation to these applicable currencies (e.g., Euro, Indian rupee, Uruguayan peso) may increase our costs.
Risks Relating to Luxembourg Organization and Ownership of Our Shares
We are a Luxembourg company. The rights of shareholder under Luxembourg law may differ in certain respects from the currencies usedrights afforded to shareholders of companies organized under laws in these foreign countriesother jurisdictions. It may also reduce the savings achievable through this strategy and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or our results of operations.
Altisource is a Luxembourg company and it may be difficult to obtain and enforce judgments against itus or itsour directors and executive officers.
Altisource isWe are a public limited liability company organized under the laws of, and headquartered in, Luxembourg. As a result, Luxembourg law and theour articles of incorporation govern the rights of shareholders. The rights of shareholders under Luxembourg law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. A significant portion of theour assets of Altisource are owned outside of the United States. It may be difficult for our investors to obtain and enforce, in the United States, judgments obtained in United States courts against Altisourceus or itsour directors based on the civil liability provisions of the United States securities laws or to enforce, in Luxembourg, judgments obtained in other jurisdictions including the United States.
A significant challenge of the Luxembourg tax regime or of its interpretation by the Luxembourg tax authorities, or othersits application of us or our business could adversely affect our results of operations.negative impact us.
The CompanyWe received and historically operated under a tax ruling from the Luxembourg tax authorities, which would have expired in 2019 unless extended or renewed. In connection with an internal reorganization by the Company during 2017, the Companywe no longer operatesoperate under thethis tax ruling. The European Commission (“EC”) has initiated investigations into several EU member states, including Luxembourg, to determine whether these EU member states have provided tax advantages to companies pursuant to tax rulings or otherwise on a basis not allowed by the EU. While the EC’s investigations continue, it has concluded that certain companies in certain EU member states, including Luxembourg, have been provided such tax advantages. The EC is requiring these EU member states to recover from certain companies the prior year tax benefits they received. Such
Risks Relating to Regulation
Our business and the business of our customers are subject to extensive scrutiny and legal requirements. We, or our services, may fail or be perceived as failing to comply with applicable legal requirements.
Our business and the business of our customers are subject to extensive scrutiny and regulation by federal, state and local governmental authorities including the FTC, the CFPB, the SEC, HUD and state and local agencies, including those which license or oversee certain of our auction, real estate brokerage, mortgage services, trustee services, residential mortgage origination services and insurance services. We also must comply with a developmentnumber of federal, state and local consumer protection laws including, among others, the laws and regulations listed in the Government Regulation section of Item 1 of Part I, “Business” above. We are also subject to various foreign laws and regulations based on our operations or the location of our affiliates as well, including those pertaining to data protection, such as the GDPR. These foreign, federal, state and local requirements can and do change as statutes and regulations are enacted, promulgated or amended. Furthermore, the interpretation or enforcement by regulatory authorities of these requirements may change over time or may not be predictable or consistent with our interpretations or expectations. The creation of new regulatory authorities or changes in the regulatory authorities overseeing applicable laws and regulations may also result in changing interpretation or enforcement of such laws or regulations.
If governmental authorities impose new or more restrictive requirements or enhanced oversight related to our services, we may be required to increase or decrease our prices, modify our contracts or course of dealing and/or we may incur significant additional costs to comply with such requirements. Additionally, we may be unable to adapt our services to conform to the new laws and regulations.
Periodically, we are subject to audits and examinations by federal, state and local governmental authorities and receive subpoenas, civil investigative demands or other requests for information from such governmental authorities in connection with their regulatory or investigative authority. Responding to audits, examinations and inquiries will cause us to incur costs, including legal fees or other charges, which may be material in amount, and in addition, may result in management distraction or may cause us to modify or terminate certain services we currently offer. If any such audits, examinations or inquiries result
22

Table of Contents

in allegations or findings of non-compliance, we could incur significant penalties, fines, settlements, costs and consent orders that may curtail, restrict or otherwise have an adverse effect on our financial conditionbusiness.
Regulatory inquiries or determinations of failures to comply with applicable requirements could increase our costs and expose us to sanctions which could include limitations on our ability to provide services, or otherwise reduce demand for our services. Furthermore, even if we believe we comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may choose to settle such allegations in order to avoid the potentially significant costs of defending such allegations and to further avoid the risk of increased damages if we ultimately were to receive an unfavorable outcome, but such settlements may also result in further claims or create issues for existing and potential customers. Such settlements and additional actions could increase costs, place limitations on our services, and result in a reduction in demand.
From time to time, we may be subject to costly and time-consuming regulatory or legal proceedings that claim legal violations or wrongful conduct, including claims for violations of consumer protection laws, laws concerning PI or third party intellectual property rights. These proceedings may involve regulators, customers, our customers’ clients, vendors, competitors, third parties or other large groups of plaintiffs and, if resulting in findings of violations, could result in substantial damages or indemnification obligations. Additionally, we may be forced to settle some claims and change our existing practices, services processes or technologies that are currently revenue generating. Certain regulations to which we are subject provide for potentially significant penalties such that even if we believe we have no liability for the alleged regulatory or legal violations or wrongful conduct, we may choose to settle such regulatory or legal proceedings in order to avoid the potentially significant costs of defending such allegations and to further avoid the risk of increased damages if we ultimately were to receive an unfavorable outcome; however, such settlements may also result in further claims or create issues for existing and potential customers. Such proceedings and settlement could increase our costs and expose us to sanctions, including limitations on our ability to provide services, or otherwise reduce demand for our services.
We are subject to licensing and regulation as a provider of certain services. If we fail to maintain our licenses or if our licenses are suspended or terminated, we may not be able to provide certain of our services. In addition, the lack of certain licenses in one or more jurisdictions could cause us to breach applicable contracts.
We are required to have and maintain licenses as a provider of certain product and services including, among others, services as a residential mortgage origination underwriter, valuation provider, appraisal management company, asset manager, property manager, title insurance agent, insurance broker and underwriter, real estate broker, auctioneer and foreclosure trustee in a number of jurisdictions. Our employees and subsidiaries may be required to be licensed by various state or regulatory commissions or bodies for the particular type of product or service provided and to participate in regular continuing education programs. If one or more of our licenses are lost, revoked, expire or limited, or if we fail to maintain or otherwise surrender one or more such license, we may be prohibited from doing business in certain markets. Further, certain of our agreements require that we possess and maintain certain licenses. The failure to hold such licenses may result in us breaching certain agreements, which could cause us to be subject to claims for damages, termination of applicable agreements or unable to obtain inputs required for certain of our services.
A violation by our customers of applicable legal requirements in the selection or use of our services could generate legal liability for us.
Certain of our services are provided at the direction and pursuant to the identified requirements of our customers, including property preservation, inspection, foreclosure and eviction services that are triggered by information provided by our customers. The failure of our customers to properly identify or account for regulatory requirements applicable to the use of our services, in selecting appropriate services for the intended purposes, or in specifying how services are rendered could expose us to significant penalties, fines, litigation, settlements, costs and consent orders.
Certain of our customers are subject to governmental oversight, regulations, orders, judgments or settlements which may impose certain obligations and limitations on their use of our services.
Participants in the industries in which we operate are subject to a high level of oversight and regulation. The failure of our services to meet applicable legal requirements could subject us to civil and criminal liability, loss of licensure, damage to our reputation, significant penalties, fines, settlements, adverse publicity, litigation, including class action lawsuits or administrative enforcement actions, costs and consent orders against us or our customers that may curtail or restrict our business as it is currently conducted. Such failures could also cause customers to reduce or cease using our services.
Certain of our customers are subject to vendor oversight requirements. As such, we are subject to oversight by our customers. If we do not meet the standards established by or imposed upon our customers, regulators allege that products or services provided by Altisource fail to meet applicable legal requirements, or if any other oversight procedures result in a negative outcome for Altisource, we may lose customers, may no longer be granted referrals for certain services, or may have to conform our business to address these standards.
23

Table of Contents

The tax regulations, and the interpretation thereof, in the countries, states and local jurisdictions in which we operate periodically change, which may adversely affect our results due to higher taxes, interest and penalties, or our inability to utilize tax credits available to us.
Certain of operations.
In the fourth quarter of 2017,our subsidiaries provide services in the United States amended itsand several other countries. Those jurisdictions are subject to changing tax codeenvironments, which resultedmay result in higher operating expenses or taxes and which may introduce uncertainty as to the reductionapplication of the United States corporate tax rate. This tax code amendment will likely change our consolidated effective income tax rate, including comparedlaws and regulations to our competitors,operations. Furthermore, we may determine that we owe additional taxes or may be required to pay taxes for services provided in prior periods as interpretations of tax laws and regulations are clarified or revised. Changes in laws concerning sales tax, gross recipient tax, dividends, retained earnings, application of operating or other losses, and intercompany transactions and loans, among others, could impact us. We may not be able to raise our prices to customers or pass-through such taxes to our customers or vendors in response to changes, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
This significant change If we fail to accurately anticipate or apply tax laws and regulations to our operations, we could be subject to liabilities and penalties. We may be unable to take advantage of operating losses or other tax credits to the full extent available or at all due to changes in the United States tax code that resulted in the reduction of the United States corporate tax rate could reduce the effective tax rate of some ofregulations or our competitors. A reduction in the effective tax rate of some of our competitors may put us at a competitive disadvantage. Such disadvantage and potential loss of customers could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

20




Our consolidated effective income tax rate for financial reporting purposes may change periodically due to the creation and our ability to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, changes in enacted tax rates and fluctuations in the mix of income earned from our domestic and international operations, and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Employees
Our success depends on our directors, executive officers and other key personnel.
Our success is dependent on the efforts and abilities of our directors, executive officers and other key employees, many of whom have significant experience in the real estate and mortgage, financial services and technology industries. In particular, we are dependent on the services of our Board of Directors and key executives at our corporate headquarters and personnel at each of our segments. The loss of the services of any of these directors, executives or key personnel, for any reason, could have an adverse effect upon our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our inability to attract, motivate and retain skilled employees may adversely impact our business.
Our business is labor intensive and places significant importance on our ability to recruit, engage, train and retain skilled employees. Additionally, demand for qualified technical and software professionals conversant in certain technologies may exceed supply as new and additional skills are required to keep pace with evolving computer technology. Our ability to recruit and train employees is critical to achieving our growth objective. Our inability to attract and retain skilled employees or an increase in wages or other costs of attracting, training or retaining skilled employees could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Relationships
We could have conflicts of interest with Ocwen, Front Yard Residential Corporation (formerly Altisource Residential Corporation) (“RESI”), Altisource Asset Management Corporation (“AAMC”) and certain members of our management, which may be resolved in a manner adverse to us.
We have significant business relationships with and provide services to Ocwen and RESI. We also provide certain services to AAMC. Our largest shareholder, William C. Erbey, owns or controls common stock in each of Altisource, Ocwen, RESI and AAMC, RESI’s external manager. As of December 31, 2017, based on public filings, Mr. Erbey reported beneficially owning or controlling approximately 34% of the common stock of Altisource, approximately 15% of the common stock of Ocwen, less than 5% of the common stock of RESI and approximately 46% of the common stock of AAMC. In addition, based on public filings through February 16, 2018, Mr. Erbey reported beneficially owning or controlling approximately 34% of the common stock of Altisource, approximately 8% of the common stock of Ocwen, less than 5% of the common stock of RESI and approximately 46% of the common stock of AAMC. Certain members of our management and independent members of our Board of Directors have equity interests in Ocwen, RESI and/or AAMC. Such ownership interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest with respect to matters potentially or actually involving or affecting us and Ocwen, RESI and AAMC, as the case may be.
We believe we have practices designed to manage potential conflicts with respect to our dealings with Ocwen, RESI and AAMC, where necessary, including a management review process of the terms of material transactions with these companies and review and approval of such transactions by our Audit Committee, which is comprised of independent directors. There can be no assurance that we will always be able to implement such measures or that such measures will be effective, that we will be able to manage or resolve all potential conflicts with these companies, and, even if we do, that the resolution will be no less favorable to us than if we were dealing with a third party that has none of the connections we have with these companies.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

21




ITEM 2.PROPERTIES
ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices are located in leased office space in Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A summary of ourOur principal leased office spaceoffices in other countries as of December 31, 20172020 include four offices in the United States and the segments primarily occupyingone office each location is as follows:
Mortgage MarketReal Estate MarketOther Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations
LuxembourgXXX
United States
Atlanta, GAXXX
Boston, MAXX
Denver, COXX
Endicott, NYX
Fort Washington, PAXX
Irvine, CAX
Los Angeles, CAXX
Plano, TXXXX
Sacramento, CAX
Southfield, MIX
St. Louis, MOXXX
Tempe, AZX
Montevideo, UruguayXX
Pasay City, PhilippinesXXX
India
BangaloreXXX
MumbaiXXX
in India and Uruguay.
We do not own any office facilities. We consider these facilities to be suitable and currently adequate for the management and operations of our businesses.
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation
We are currently involved in legal actions in the course of our business, some of which seek monetary damages. We do not believe that the outcome of these proceedings, both individually and in the aggregate, will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Regulatory Matters
Periodically, we are subject to audits, examinations and investigations by federal, state and local governmental authorities and receive subpoenas, civil investigative demands or other requests for information from such governmental authorities in connection with their regulatory or investigative authority. We are currently responding to such inquiries from governmental authorities relating to certain aspects of our business. We believe it is premature to predict the potential outcome or to estimate any potential financial impact in connection with these inquiries.
As previously disclosed, Altisource received a NORA letter on November 10, 2016 from the CFPB indicating that the CFPB is considering a potential enforcement action against Altisource relating to an alleged violation of federal law focused on REALServicing and certain other technology services provided to Ocwen, including claims related to the features, functioning and support of such technology. The NORA process provides the recipient an opportunity to present its positions to the CFPB before an enforcement action is recommended or commenced. On December 5, 2016, we provided a written response to the NORA letter setting forth the legal, policy and factual reasons why we believe an enforcement action is not warranted. We are committed to resolving any potential concerns of the CFPB. If the CFPB were to bring an enforcement action against us, the resolution of such action could have a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. However,

22




we believe it is premature to predict the potential outcome or to estimate any potential financial impact in connection with any potential CFPB enforcement action.
Our businesses are also subject to extensive regulation which may result in regulatory proceedings or actions against us. For further information, see Item 1A of Part I, “Risk Factors” above and Note 2325 to the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

24
23





PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ASPS.” The following table sets forth the high and low close of day sales prices for our common stock, for the periods indicated, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market:
  2017
Quarter Ended Low High
     
March 31 $21.96
 $36.85
June 30 17.92
 45.02
September 30 19.79
 27.65
December 31 24.90
 29.48

  2016
Quarter Ended Low High
     
March 31 $19.16
 $35.69
June 30 24.21
 31.29
September 30 23.20
 33.90
December 31 24.09
 32.91
The number of holders of record of our common stock as of February 16, 2018March 5, 2021 was 76. The336. We believe the number of beneficial shareholders is substantially greater than the number of holders as a large portion of our common stock is held through brokerage firms.
Dividends
We have not historically declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock, but may declare dividends in the future. Under Luxembourg law, shareholders need to approve certain dividends. Such approval typically occurs during a company’s annual meeting of shareholders. Luxembourg law imposes limits on our ability to pay dividends based on annual net income and net income carried forward, less any amounts placed in reserve. The provisions of our senior secured term loan agreement, as amended, also limit our ability to pay dividends.

24




Stock Performance Graph
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ Composite Index for the five year period ending on December 31, 2017.2020. The graph assumes an investment of $100 at the beginning of this period. The comparisons in the graph below are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of our common stock.
asps-20201231_g1.jpg
12/31/156/30/1612/31/166/30/1712/31/176/30/1812/31/186/30/1912/31/196/30/2012/31/20
Altisource$100.00 $100.11 $95.61 $78.46 $100.68 $104.89 $80.87 $70.69 $69.51 $53.00 $46.31 
S&P 500 Index100.00 102.69 109.54 118.57 130.81 133.00 122.65 143.93 158.07 151.68 183.77 
NASDAQ Composite Index100.00 96.71 107.50 122.63 137.86 149.98 132.51 159.89 179.19 200.88 257.38 
25
  12/31/12 6/30/13 12/31/13 6/30/14 12/31/14 6/30/15 12/31/15 6/30/16 12/31/16 6/30/17 12/31/17
                       
Altisource $100.00
 $108.83
 $183.07
 $132.23
 $39.00
 $35.53
 $32.09
 $32.13
 $30.69
 $25.18
 $32.31
S&P 500 Index 100.00
 112.63
 129.60
 137.45
 144.36
 144.66
 143.31
 147.17
 156.98
 169.92
 187.47
NASDAQ Composite Index 100.00
 112.71
 138.32
 145.99
 156.85
 165.15
 165.84
 160.38
 178.28
 203.36
 228.63

Table of Contents

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement in connection with our 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Act.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On May 17, 2017,15, 2018, our shareholders approved the renewal and replacement of the share repurchase program previously approved by the shareholders on May 18, 2016, which replaced17, 2017. Under the previous share repurchase program. Weprogram, we are authorized to purchase up to 4.64.3 million shares of our common stock, based on a limit of 25% of the outstanding shares of common stock on the date of approval, at a minimum price of $1.00 per share and a maximum price of $500.00 per share, for a period of five years from the date of approval. As of December 31, 2017,2020, approximately 3.42.4 million shares of common stock remain available for repurchase under the program. We purchased 1.6 millionThere were no purchases of shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2020. We purchased 1.0 million shares at an average price of $23.84$20.33 per share during the year ended December 31, 2017, 1.42019 and 1.6 million shares at an average price of $26.81$25.53 per share during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2.1 million shares at an average price of $27.60 per share during the year ended December 31, 2015.2018. Luxembourg law limits share repurchases to the balance of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (unconsolidated parent company) retained earnings, less the value of shares repurchased. As of December 31, 2017,2020, we can repurchase up to approximately $178$91 million of our common stock under Luxembourg law. Our senior secured term loanCredit Agreement also limits the amount we can spend on share repurchases, which limit was approximately $446$430 million as of December 31, 2017,2020, and may prevent repurchases in certain circumstances.

circumstances, including if our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00. Our leverage ratio exceeded 3.50 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
25
26

Table of Contents




The following table presents information related to the repurchases of our equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2017:
Period 
Total number of shares purchased (1)
 Weighted average price paid per share 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs(2)
 
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs(2)
         
Common stock:        
October 1 – 31, 2017 53,662
 $25.82
 53,662
 3,892,883
November 1 – 30, 2017 213,257
 26.42
 213,257
 3,679,626
December 1 – 31, 2017 256,675
 27.20
 256,675
 3,422,951
         
  523,594
 $26.74
 523,594
 3,422,951

(1)
In addition to the repurchases included in the table above, 2,905 common shares were withheld from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations that arose from the vesting of restricted shares.
(2)
On May 17, 2017, our shareholders approved the renewal of the share repurchase program originally approved by the shareholders on May 18, 2016, which replaced the previous share repurchase program and authorizes us to purchase up to 4.6 million shares of our common stock in the open market, subject to certain parameters.

26




ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016, 2015, 2014 and 20132016 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The historical results presented below may not be indicative of our future performance.
The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the information contained in Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)20202019201820172016
Revenue$365,547 $648,651 $838,202 $942,213 $997,303 
Cost of revenue305,194 493,256 622,165 699,865 690,045 
Gross profit60,353 155,395 216,037 242,348 307,258 
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general and administrative expenses92,736 141,076 175,670 192,642 214,155 
Gain on sale of businesses— (17,814)(13,688)— — 
Restructuring charges11,972 14,080 11,560 — — 
Litigation settlement loss, net of $4,000 insurance recovery— — — — 28,000 
(Loss) income from operations(44,355)18,053 42,495 49,706 65,103 
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense(17,730)(21,393)(26,254)(22,253)(24,412)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment in equity securities(1)
4,004 14,431 (12,972)— — 
Other income (expense), net375 1,348 (1,870)7,922 3,630 
Total other income (expense), net(13,351)(5,614)(41,096)(14,331)(20,782)
(Loss) income before income taxes and non-controlling interests(57,706)12,439 1,399 35,375 44,321 
Income tax (provision) benefit(8,609)(318,296)(4,098)276,256 (12,935)
Net (loss) income(66,315)(305,857)(2,699)311,631 31,386 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests(841)(2,112)(2,683)(2,740)(2,693)
Net (loss) income attributable to Altisource$(67,156)$(307,969)$(5,382)$308,891 $28,693 
(Loss) income per share:
Basic$(4.31)$(19.26)$(0.32)$16.99 $1.53 
Diluted$(4.31)$(19.26)$(0.32)$16.53 $1.46 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic15,598 15,991 17,073 18,183 18,696 
Diluted15,598 15,991 17,073 18,692 19,612 
Outstanding shares (at December 31)15,664 15,454 16,276 17,418 18,774 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures(2)
Adjusted net (loss) income attributable to Altisource$(29,121)$21,802 $42,609 $55,617 $94,884 
Adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share$(1.87)$1.34 $2.43 $2.98 $4.84 
Adjusted EBITDA$10,243 $70,800 $118,279 $130,687 $184,501 
  For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
           
Revenue $942,213
 $997,303
 $1,051,466
 $1,078,916
 $768,357
Cost of revenue 699,865
 690,045
 687,327
 707,180
 492,480
Gross profit 242,348
 307,258
 364,139
 371,736
 275,877
Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,642
 214,155
 220,868
 201,733
 113,810
Litigation settlement loss, net of $4,000
insurance recovery
 
 28,000
 
 
 
Impairment losses 
 
 71,785
 37,473
 
Change in the fair value of Equator® Earn Out
 
 
 (7,591) (37,924) 
Income from operations 49,706
 65,103
 79,077
 170,454
 162,067
Other income (expense), net:          
Interest expense (22,253) (24,412) (28,208) (23,363) (20,291)
Other income (expense), net 7,922
 3,630
 2,191
 174
 557
Total other income (expense), net (14,331) (20,782) (26,017) (23,189) (19,734)
           
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests 35,375
 44,321
 53,060
 147,265
 142,333
Income tax benefit (provision) 276,256
 (12,935) (8,260) (10,178) (8,540)
           
Net income 311,631
 31,386
 44,800
 137,087
 133,793
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (2,740) (2,693) (3,202) (2,603) (3,820)
           
Net income attributable to Altisource $308,891
 $28,693
 $41,598
 $134,484
 $129,973
           
Earnings per share:          
Basic $16.99
 $1.53
 $2.13
 $6.22
 $5.63
Diluted $16.53
 $1.46
 $2.02
 $5.69
 $5.19
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic 18,183
 18,696
 19,504
 21,625
 23,072
Diluted 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
 23,634
 25,053
           
Outstanding shares (at December 31) 17,418
 18,774
 19,021
 20,279
 22,629
           
Transactions with related parties included above:          
Revenue $
 $
 
N/A(1)

 $666,800
 $502,087
Cost of revenue 
 
 
N/A(1)

 38,610
 19,983
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
 
 
N/A(1)

 (268) 569
Other income 
 
 
N/A(1)

 
 773
           
Non-GAAP Financial Measures(2)
          
Adjusted net income attributable to Altisource $52,306
 $90,095
 $143,475
 $169,141
 $156,458
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $2.80
 $4.59
 $6.96
 $7.16
 $6.25
Adjusted EBITDA $126,432
 $178,313
 $219,732
 $234,197
 $205,137



27

Table of Contents




  December 31,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
           
Cash and cash equivalents $105,006
 $149,294
 $179,327
 $161,361
 $130,324
Available for sale securities 49,153
 45,754
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net 52,740
 87,821
 105,023
 112,183
 104,787
Premises and equipment, net 73,273
 103,473
 119,121
 127,759
 87,252
Goodwill 86,283
 86,283
 82,801
 90,851
 99,414
Intangible assets, net 120,065
 155,432
 197,003
 245,246
 276,162
Total assets 865,164
 689,212
 721,798
 780,122
 723,365
Long-term debt, net (including current portion) 409,281
 473,545
 528,178
 580,515
 388,569
Total liabilities 525,179
 627,018
 669,528
 738,679
 565,624
  For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
           
Cash flows from operating activities $66,082
 $126,818
 $195,352
 $197,493
 $185,474
Additions to premises and equipment 10,514
 23,269
 36,188
 64,846
 34,134
           
Non-GAAP Financial Measures(2)
          
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities 110,462
 139,843
 195,352
 197,493
 185,474
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities less additions to premises and equipment 99,948
 116,574
 159,164
 132,647
 151,340
December 31,
(in thousands)20202019201820172016
Cash and cash equivalents$58,263 $82,741 $58,294 $105,006 $149,294 
Investment in equity securities— 42,618 36,181 49,153 45,754 
Accounts receivable, net22,413 43,615 36,466 52,740 87,821 
Short-term investments in real estate— — 39,873 29,405 13,025 
Premises and equipment, net11,894 24,526 45,631 73,273 103,473 
Goodwill73,849 73,849 81,387 86,283 86,283 
Intangible assets, net46,326 61,046 91,653 120,065 155,432 
Total assets265,685 394,256 741,700 865,164 689,212 
Long-term debt (including current portion)242,656 287,882 331,476 409,281 473,545 
Total liabilities348,241 415,613 445,032 525,179 627,018 
Net debt less investment in equity securities(2)
188,941 168,467 244,347 259,422 284,605 
_________________________
(1)
Through January 16, 2015, William C. Erbey served as our Chairman as well as the Executive Chairman of Ocwen and Chairman of each of Home Loan Servicing Solutions, Ltd. (“HLSS”), RESI and AAMC. Effective January 16, 2015, Mr. Erbey stepped down as the Executive Chairman of Ocwen and Chairman of each of Altisource, HLSS, RESI and AAMC and is no longer a member of the Board of Directors of any of these companies. Consequently, as of January 16, 2015, these companies are no longer related parties of Altisource, as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 850, Related Party Disclosures. The disclosures in the table above are limited to the periods that each of Ocwen, HLSS, RESI and AAMC were related parties of Altisource and are not reflective of current activities with these former related parties. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for more details and financial information for the period from January 1, 2015 to January 16, 2015.
(2)
These are non-GAAP measures that are defined and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures on pages 29 to 31.
(1)Effective January 1, 2018, mark-to-market adjustments of our investment in equity securities are reflected in our results of operations in connection with the adoption of a new accounting principle (previously reflected in comprehensive income).
(2)    These are non-GAAP measures that are defined and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures on pages 28 to 33.
Significant events affecting our historical earnings trends from 20152018 through 2017, including acquisitions,2020, are described in Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

28

Table of Contents




NON-GAAP MEASURES
Adjusted net (loss) income attributable to Altisource, adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), adjusted effective income tax rate, adjusted cash flows from operating activities and adjusted cash flows from operating activitiesnet debt less additions to premises and equipment,investment in equity securities, which are presented elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are non-GAAP measures used by management, existing shareholders, potential shareholders and other users of our financial information to measure Altisource’s performance andperformance. These measures do not purport to be alternatives to net (loss) income attributable to Altisource, diluted (loss) earnings per share the effective income tax rate and cash flows from operating activitieslong-term debt, including current portion, as measures of Altisource’s performance. We believe these measures are useful to management, existing shareholders, potential shareholders and other users of our financial information in evaluating operating profitability and cash flow generation more on the basis of continuing cost and cash flows as they exclude amortization expense related to acquisitions that occurred in prior periods and non-cash share-based compensation expense and/or depreciation expense, financing expense and income taxes, as well as the effect of more significant non-recurringnon-operational items from earnings and long-term debt net of cash flows from operating activities.on-hand and investment in equity securities. We believe these measures are also useful in evaluating the effectiveness of our operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. Furthermore, we believe the exclusion of more significant non-recurringnon-operational items enables comparability to prior period performance and trend analysis.
It is management’s intent to provide non-GAAP financial information to enhance the understanding of Altisource’s GAAP financial information, and it should be considered by the reader in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Each non-GAAP financial measure is presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as not to imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure. The non-GAAP financial information presented may be determined or calculated differently by other companies. The non-GAAP financial information should not be unduly relied upon.
Adjusted net (loss) income attributable to Altisource is calculated by addingremoving intangible asset amortization expense (net of tax), share-based compensation expense (net of tax), restructuring charges (net of tax), Pointillist losses (net of tax), unrealized gain (loss) on investment in equity securities (net of tax), third quarter 2020 cost saving initiatives (net of tax), loss on BRS portfolio sale (net of tax), gain on sale of businesses (net of tax), sales tax net accrual (reimbursements) (net of tax), goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits (net of tax), write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing (net of tax), litigation settlement loss, net of insurance recovery (net of tax), and impairment losses (net of tax) and adding or deducting certain income tax related items relating to adjustments to foreign income tax reserves, the Luxembourg deferred tax asset from the Luxembourg subsidiary merger otherin 2017 and increase in the valuation allowance in 2019 and income tax rate changes in Luxembourg, India and the United States and an increase in foreign income tax reserves (and related interest), and deducting gains associated with reductions of the Equator, LLC (“Equator”) related contingent consideration (“Equator Earn Out”) (net of tax) from net (loss) income attributable to Altisource. Adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income attributable to Altisource plusafter removing intangible asset amortization expense (net of tax), share-based compensation expense (net of tax), restructuring charges (net of tax), Pointillist losses (net of tax), unrealized gain (loss) on investment in equity securities (net of tax), third quarter 2020 cost saving initiatives (net of tax), loss on BRS portfolio sale (net of tax), gain on sale of businesses (net of tax), sales tax net accrual (reimbursements) (net of tax), goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits (net of tax), write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing (net of tax), litigation settlement loss, (netnet of tax), and impairment lossesinsurance recovery (net of tax) and adding or deducting certain income tax related items described above and deducting gains associated with reductions of the Equator Earn Out (net of tax), by the weighted average number of diluted shares. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by deducting income tax benefit from, or addingremoving the income tax provision to,(provision) benefit, interest expense (net of interest income), depreciation and amortization, theintangible asset amortization expense, share-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, Pointillist losses, unrealized gain (loss) on investment in equity securities, third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives, loss on BRS portfolio sale, sales tax net accrual (reimbursements), goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits, write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing, and litigation settlement loss, and impairment losses and deducting gains associated with reductionsnet of the Equator Earn Outinsurance recovery from net (loss) income attributable to Altisource. The adjusted effective income tax rateNet debt less investment in equity securities is calculated by adding or deducting the net impact of the certain income tax related items described above from the income tax benefitas long-term debt, including current portion, less cash and dividing the resulting adjusted income tax provision by income before income taxescash equivalents and non-controlling interests. Adjusted cash flows from operating activities is calculated by adding the cash payment related to the net litigation settlement loss and the increaseinvestment in short-term investments in real estate to cash flows from operating activities. Adjusted cash flows from operating activities less additions to premises and equipment is calculated by adding the cash payment related to the net litigation settlement loss and the increase in short-term investments in real estate to, and deducting additions to premises and equipment from, cash flows from operating activities.equity securities.

29

Table of Contents




Reconciliations of the non-GAAP measures to the corresponding GAAP measures are set forth in the following tables:
For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)20202019201820172016
Net (loss) income attributable to Altisource$(67,156)$(307,969)$(5,382)$308,891 $28,693 
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax14,650 14,277 19,905 27,523 36,819 
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax6,939 8,913 7,141 3,311 4,789 
Restructuring charges, net of tax10,586 10,666 8,966 — — 
Pointillist losses, net of tax8,914 — — — — 
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities, net of tax(4,004)(10,832)9,598 — — 
Third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives, net of tax565 — — — — 
Loss on BRS portfolio sale, net of tax— 1,405 — — — 
Gain on sale of businesses, net of tax— (10,642)(9,341)— — 
Sales tax net accrual (reimbursement), net of tax(2,677)233 4,608 — — 
Goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits, net of tax— 4,578 1,953 — — 
Write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing, net of tax— — 3,232 — — 
Certain income tax related items, net3,062 311,173 1,588 (284,108)— 
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax— — 341 — 24,583 
Adjusted net (loss) income attributable to Altisource$(29,121)$21,802 $42,609 $55,617 $94,884 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share$(4.31)$(19.26)$(0.32)$16.53 $1.46 
Impact of using diluted share count instead of basic share count for a loss per share— 0.34 0.01 — — 
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax, per diluted share0.94 0.88 1.14 1.47 1.88 
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax, per diluted share0.44 0.55 0.41 0.18 0.24 
Restructuring charges, net of tax, per diluted share0.68 0.66 0.51 — — 
Pointillist losses, net of tax, per diluted share0.57 — — — — 
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities, net of tax, per diluted share(0.26)(0.67)0.55 — — 
Third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives, net of tax, per diluted share0.04 — — — — 
Loss on BRS portfolio sale, net of tax, per diluted share— 0.09 — — — 
Gain on sale of businesses, net of tax, per diluted share— (0.65)(0.53)— — 
Sales tax net accrual (reimbursement) net of tax, per diluted share(0.17)0.01 0.26 — — 
Goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits, net of tax, per diluted share— 0.28 0.11 — — 
Write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing, net of tax, per diluted share— — 0.18 — — 
Certain income tax related items, net, per diluted share0.20 19.12 0.09 (15.20)— 
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax, per diluted share— — 0.02 — 1.25 
Adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share$(1.87)$1.34 $2.43 $2.98 $4.84 
  For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
           
Net income attributable to Altisource $308,891
 $28,693
 $41,598
 $134,484
 $129,973
           
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax 27,523
 36,819
 38,187
 35,076
 26,485
Certain income tax related items, net (284,108) 
 
 
 
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax 
 24,583
 
 
 
Impairment loss, net of tax 
 
 70,630
 34,884
 
Gain on Equator Earn Out, net of tax 
 
 (6,940) (35,303) 
           
Adjusted net income attributable to Altisource $52,306
 $90,095
 $143,475
 $169,141
 $156,458
           
Diluted earnings per share $16.53
 $1.46
 $2.02
 $5.69
 $5.19
           
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax, per diluted share 1.47
 1.88
 1.85
 1.48
 1.06
Certain income tax related items, net (15.20) 
 
 
 
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax, per diluted share 
 1.25
 
 
 
Impairment loss, net of tax, per diluted share 
 
 3.43
 1.48
 
Gain on Equator Earn Out, net of tax, per diluted share 
 
 (0.34) (1.49) 
           
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $2.80
 $4.59
 $6.96
 $7.16
 $6.25
           
Calculation of the impact of intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax          
Intangible asset amortization expense $35,367
 $47,576
 $41,135
 $37,680
 $28,176
Tax benefit from intangible asset amortization (7,844) (10,757) (2,948) (2,604) (1,691)
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax 27,523
 36,819
 38,187
 35,076
 26,485
Diluted share count 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
 23,634
 25,053
           
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax,
per diluted share
 $1.47
 $1.88
 $1.85
 $1.48
 $1.06
           
Certain income tax related items, net resulting from:          
Luxembourg subsidiaries merger, net $(300,908) $
 $
 $
 $
Other income tax rate changes 6,270
 
 
 
 
Foreign income tax reserves 10,530
 
 
 
 
Certain income tax related items, net (284,108) 
 
 
 
Diluted share count 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
 23,634
 25,053
           
Certain income tax related items, net, per diluted share $(15.20) $
 $
 $
 $
           
Calculation of the impact of net litigation settlement loss,
net of tax
          
Net litigation settlement loss $
 $28,000
 $
 $
 $
Tax benefit from net litigation settlement loss 
 (3,417) 
 
 
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax 
 24,583
 
 
 
Diluted share count 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
 23,634
 25,053
           
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax, per diluted share $
 $1.25
 $
 $
 $
           

30

Table of Contents




For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)20202019201820172016
Calculation of the impact of intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax
Intangible asset amortization expense$14,720 $19,021 $28,412 $35,367 $47,576 
Tax benefit from intangible asset amortization(70)(4,744)(8,507)(7,844)(10,757)
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax14,650 14,277 19,905 27,523 36,819 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax, per diluted share$0.94 $0.88 $1.14 $1.47 $1.88 
Calculation of the impact of share-based compensation expense, net of tax
Share-based compensation expense$7,804 $11,874 $10,192 $4,255 $6,188 
Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense(865)(2,961)(3,051)(944)(1,399)
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax6,939 8,913 7,141 3,311 4,789 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax, per diluted share$0.44 $0.55 $0.41 $0.18 $0.24 
Calculation of the impact of restructuring charges, net of tax
Restructuring charges$11,972 $14,080 $11,560 $— $— 
Tax benefit from restructuring charges(1,386)(3,414)(2,594)— — 
Restructuring charges, net of tax10,586 10,666 8,966 — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Restructuring charges, net of tax, per diluted share$0.68 $0.66 $0.51 $— $— 
Calculation of the impact of Pointillist losses, net of tax
Pointillist losses$7,999 $— $— $— $— 
Tax provision from Pointillist losses915 — — — — 
Pointillist losses, net of tax8,914 — — — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Pointillist losses, net of tax, per diluted share$0.57 $— $— $— $— 
Calculation of the impact of the unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities, net of tax
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities$(4,004)$(14,431)$12,972 $— $— 
Tax provision (benefit) from the unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities— 3,599 (3,374)— — 
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities, net of tax(4,004)(10,832)9,598 — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities, net of tax, per diluted share$(0.26)$(0.67)$0.55 $— $— 
Calculation of the impact of third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives, net of tax
Third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives$697 $— $— $— $— 
Tax benefit from third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives(132)— — — — 
Third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives, net of tax565 — — — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives, net of tax, per diluted share$0.04 $— $— $— $— 
  For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
           
Calculation of the impact of impairment loss, net of tax          
Impairment loss $
 $
 $71,785
 $37,473
 $
Tax benefit from impairment loss 
 
 (1,155) (2,589) 
Impairment loss, net of tax 
 
 70,630
 34,884
 
Diluted share count 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
 23,634
 25,053
           
Impairment loss, net of tax, per diluted share $
 $
 $3.43
 $1.48
 $
           
Calculation of gain on Equator Earn Out, net of tax          
Gain on Equator Earn Out $
 $
 $(7,591) $(37,924) $
Tax provision from the gain on Equator Earn Out 
 
 651
 2,621
 
Gain on Equator Earn Out, net of tax 
 
 (6,940) (35,303) 
Diluted share count 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
 23,634
 25,053
           
Gain on Equator Earn Out, net of tax, per diluted share $
 $
 $(0.34) $(1.49) $
           
Net income attributable to Altisource $308,891
 $28,693
 $41,598
 $134,484
 $129,973
Income tax (benefit) provision (276,256) 12,935
 8,260
 10,178
 8,540
Interest expense (net of interest income) 21,983
 24,321
 28,075
 23,260
 19,392
Depreciation and amortization 36,447
 36,788
 36,470
 29,046
 19,056
Intangible asset amortization expense 35,367
 47,576
 41,135
 37,680
 28,176
Net litigation settlement loss 
 28,000
 
 
 
Impairment loss 
 
 71,785
 37,473
 
Gain on Equator Earn Out 
 
 (7,591) (37,924) 
           
Adjusted EBITDA $126,432
 $178,313
 $219,732
 $234,197
 $205,137
           
Income tax benefit (provision) $276,256
 $(12,935) $(8,260) $(10,178) $(8,540)
Certain income tax related items, net (284,108) 
 
 
 
Income tax provision before certain income tax related
items, net
 $(7,852) $(12,935) $(8,260) $(10,178) $(8,540)
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests $35,375
 $44,321
 $53,060
 $147,265
 $142,333
           
Adjusted effective income tax rate 22.2% 29.2% 15.6% 6.9% 6.0%
           
Cash flows from operating activities $66,082
 $126,818
 $195,352
 $197,493
 $185,474
Net litigation settlement loss payment 28,000
 
 
 
 
Increase in short-term investments in real estate 16,380
 13,025
 
 
 
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities 110,462
 139,843
 195,352
 197,493
 185,474
Less: Additions to premises and equipment (10,514) (23,269) (36,188) (64,846) (34,134)
           
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities less additions to premises and equipment $99,948
 $116,574
 $159,164
 $132,647
 $151,340


31

Table of Contents




For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)20202019201820172016
Calculation of the impact of loss on BRS portfolio sale, net of tax
Loss on BRS portfolio sale$— $1,770 $— $— $— 
Tax benefit from loss on BRS portfolio sale— (365)— — — 
Loss on BRS portfolio sale, net of tax— 1,405 — — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Loss on BRS portfolio sale, net of tax, per diluted share$— $0.09 $— $— $— 
Calculation of the impact of gain on sale of businesses, net of tax
Gain on sale of businesses$— $(17,814)$(13,688)$— $— 
Tax provision from gain on sale of businesses— 7,172 4,347 — — 
Gain on sale of businesses, net of tax— (10,642)(9,341)— — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Gain on sale of businesses, net of tax, per diluted share$— $(0.65)$(0.53)$— $— 
Calculation of the impact of sales tax net accrual (reimbursement), net of tax
Sales tax net accrual (reimbursement)$(2,677)$311 $6,228 $— $— 
Tax benefit from sales tax net accrual (reimbursement)— (78)(1,620)— — 
Sales tax net accrual (reimbursement), net of tax(2,677)233 4,608 — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Sales tax net accrual (reimbursement) net of tax, per diluted share$(0.17)$0.01 $0.26 $— $— 
Calculation of the impact of goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits, net of tax
Goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits$— $6,102 $2,640 $— $— 
Tax benefit from goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits— (1,524)(687)— — 
Goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits, net of tax— 4,578 1,953 — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits, net of tax, per diluted share$— $0.28 $0.11 $— $— 
Calculation of the impact of the write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing, net of tax
Write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing$— $— $4,434 $— $— 
Tax benefit from the write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing— — (1,202)— — 
Write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing, net of tax— — 3,232 — — 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing, net of tax, per diluted share$— $— $0.18 $— $— 
32

Table of Contents

For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)20202019201820172016
Certain income tax related items resulting from:
Luxembourg deferred tax valuation allowance and Luxembourg subsidiaries merger, net$— $291,484 $— $(300,908)$— 
Income tax rate changes1,384 14,040 — 6,270 — 
Foreign income tax reserves1,678 5,649 1,588 10,530 — 
Certain income tax related items, net3,062 311,173 1,588 (284,108)— 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Certain income tax related items, net, per diluted share$0.20 $19.12 $0.09 $(15.20)$— 
Calculation of the impact of net litigation settlement loss, net of tax
Net litigation settlement loss$— $— $500 $— $28,000 
Tax benefit from net litigation settlement loss— — (159)— (3,417)
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax— — 341 — 24,583 
Diluted share count15,598 16,277 17,523 18,692 19,612 
Net litigation settlement loss, net of tax, per diluted share$— $— $0.02 $— $1.25 
Net (loss) income attributable to Altisource$(67,156)$(307,969)$(5,382)$308,891 $28,693 
Income tax provision (benefit)8,609 318,296 4,098 (276,256)12,935 
Interest expense (net of interest income)17,616 21,051 25,514 21,983 24,321 
Depreciation and amortization14,890 18,509 30,799 36,447 36,788 
Intangible asset amortization expense14,720 19,021 28,412 35,367 47,576 
Share-based compensation expense7,804 11,874 10,192 4,255 6,188 
Restructuring charges11,972 14,080 11,560 — — 
Pointillist losses7,772 — — — — 
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities(4,004)(14,431)12,972 — — 
Third quarter 2020 cost savings initiatives697 — — — — 
Loss on BRS portfolio sale— 1,770 — — — 
Gain on sale of businesses— (17,814)(13,688)— — 
Sales tax net accrual (reimbursement)(2,677)311 6,228 — — 
Goodwill and intangible and other assets write-off from business exits— 6,102 2,640 — — 
Write-off of net discount and debt issuance costs from debt refinancing— — 4,434 — — 
Net litigation settlement loss— — 500 — 28,000 
Adjusted EBITDA$10,243 $70,800 $118,279 $130,687 $184,501 
December 31,
20202019201820172016
Senior secured term loan$247,204 $293,826 $338,822 $413,581 $479,653 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents(58,263)(82,741)(58,294)(105,006)(149,294)
Less: Investment in equity securities— (42,618)(36,181)(49,153)(45,754)
Net debt less investment in equity securities$188,941 $168,467 $244,347 $259,422 $284,605 
____________________________________
Note: Amounts may not add to the total due to rounding.
33

Table of Contents

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7.    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”) is a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our businesses, current developments, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Significant sections of the MD&A are as follows:
Overview. This section, beginning below, provides a description of recent developments we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition as well as understanding anticipated future trends. It also provides a brief description of significant transactions and events that affect the comparability of financial results and a discussion of the progress being made on our strategic initiatives.
Consolidated Results of Operations. This section, beginning on page 37,45, provides an analysis of our consolidated results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2017.2020.
Segment Results of Operations. This section, beginning on page 43, provides an analysis of each business segment for the three years ended December 31, 2017 as well as Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations. In addition, we discuss significant transactions, events and trends that may affect the comparability of the results being analyzed.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section, beginning on page 52,51, provides an analysis of our cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2017.2020. We also discuss restrictions on cash movements, future commitments and capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Recent Accounting Pronouncements. This section, beginning on page 55,53, identifies those accounting principles we believe are most important to our financial results and that require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in application. We provide all of our significant accounting policies in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Other Matters. This section, beginning on page 58,56, provides a discussion of off-balance sheet arrangements to the extent they exist. In addition, we provide a tabular discussion of contractual obligations, discuss any significant commitments or contingencies and customer concentration.
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are an integrated service provider and marketplace for the real estate and mortgage industries. Combining operational excellence with a suite of innovative services and technologies, Altisource helps solve the demands of the ever-changing markets we serve.
Effective January 1, 2017, ourThe Company operates with one reportable segments changed as a result of a change in the way our Chief Executive Officer (our chief operating decision maker) manages our businesses, allocates resources and evaluates performance, and the related changes in our internal organization. We now report our operations through two new reportable segments: Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market. In addition, we report Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations separately. Prior to the January 1, 2017 change in reportable segments, our reportable segments were Mortgage Services, Financial Services and Technology Services. Prior year comparable period segment disclosures have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.
The Mortgage Market segment provides loan servicers and originators with marketplaces, services and technologies that span the mortgage lifecycle. The Real Estate Market segment provides real estate consumers and rental property investors with marketplaces and services that span the real estate lifecycle. In addition, the Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment includes businesses that provide post-charge-off consumer debt collection services primarily to debt originators (e.g., credit card, auto lending and retail credit), customer relationship management services primarily to the utility, insurance and hotel industries and IT infrastructure management services. Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations also includes interest expense and costs related to corporate support functions including executive, finance, law, compliance, human resources, vendor management, facilities, risk management, and sales and marketing costs not allocated to the business units, as well as eliminations between the reportable segments. In addition, the Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment includes the cost of certain facilities not allocated to the business units.(total Company).
We classify revenue in three categories: service revenue, revenue from reimbursable expenses and non-controlling interests. In evaluating our performance, we focus on service revenue. Service revenue consists of amounts attributable to our fee-based services and sales of short-term investments in real estate.estate (wound down in 2019). Reimbursable expenses and non-controlling interests are pass-through items for which we earn no margin. Reimbursable expenses consist of amounts we incur on behalf of our customers in performing our fee-based services that we pass directly on to our customers without a markup. Non-controlling interests represent the earnings

32

Table of Contents



of Lenders One. Lenders One is a mortgage cooperative managed, but not owned, by Altisource. The Lenders One ismembers’ earnings are included in revenue and reduced from net income to arrive at net income attributable to Altisource.
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Strategy and GrowthCore Businesses
We are focused on becoming one of the premier providersprovider of mortgage and real estate marketplaces and related services to a broad and diversified customer base. Within the mortgagebase of residential loan investors and servicers, and originators. The real estate market segments, we facilitate transactions and provide products, solutions and services related to home sales, home purchases, home rentals, home maintenance, mortgage originations and mortgage servicing.
Each of our strategic businesses provides Altisource the potential to grow and diversify our customer and revenue base. We believe these businesses operate inmarketplaces represent very large markets, and directly leveragewe believe our core competenciesscale and distinctsuite of offerings provide us with competitive advantages. A further description ofadvantages that could support our four strategic businesses follows.
Servicer Solutions:growth.
Through this business,our offerings that support residential loan investors and servicers, we provide a suite of services and technologies intended to meet thetheir growing and evolving and growing needs of loan servicers.needs. We are focused on growing referrals from our existing customer base, expanding the service and proprietary technology offerings to our customer base and attracting new customers to our offerings. We have a customer base that includes Ocwen, a GSE, NRZ,GSEs, asset managers, and several large bank and non-bank servicers including Ocwen and asset managers.NRZ. We believe we are one of only a few providers with a broad suite of servicer solutions, nationwide coverage and demonstrated scalability. Further, we believe we are well positioned to gain market share asfrom existing and new customers in the event delinquency rates rise, or customers and prospects consolidate to larger, full-service providers andor outsource services that have historically been performed in-house.
Origination Solutions:
34

Table of Contents
Through this business, we
We also provide services to loan originators (or other similar mortgage market participants) in originating, buying and selling residential mortgages. We provide a suite of services and technologies to meet the evolving and growing needs of loan originatorslenders, mortgage purchasers and correspondents.securitizers. We are focused on growing referrals from our existing customer base, expanding the service and proprietary technology offerings to our customer base and attracting new customers to our offerings. We have a customer base that includes the Lenders One cooperative mortgage bankers the Mortgage Builder® loan origination system customers and mid-size and larger bank and non-bank loan originators. We believe our suite of services, technologies and technologies positionsunique access to the members of the Lenders One mortgage cooperative position us to grow our relationships with our existing customer base by providing additional products, services and solutions to these customers. Further, we believe we are well positioned to attractgain market share from existing and new customers asin the event origination volumes rise, or customers and prospects consolidate to larger, full-service providers andor outsource services that have historically been performed in-house.
Consumer Real Estate Solutions:Our earlier stage business consists of Pointillist, Inc. (“Pointillist”). The Pointillist business was developed by Altisource through our consumer analytics capabilities. We believe the Pointillist business is a potentially disruptive SaaS-based platform which provides unique customer journey analytics at scale and enables customers to engage through our intelligent platform. During 2019, we created Pointillist as a separate legal entity to position it for accelerated growth and outside investment and contributed the Pointillist business and $8.5 million to it. Pointillist is owned by Altisource and management of Pointillist. Management of Pointillist owns a non-controlling interest representing 12.1% of the outstanding equity of Pointillist. Additional equity shares of Pointillist are available for issuance to management and board members of Pointillist. Altisource has an option, but no ongoing obligation, to participate in future funding of Pointillist.
Through thisWe previously reported the results of Owners.com as an earlier stage business. In October 2019, the Company announced its plans to wind down and close the Owners.com business, we provide real estate buyerswhich was completed by December 31, 2019.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, various governmental entities and sellers with a technology enabled real estate brokerageservicers implemented unprecedented foreclosure and eviction moratoriums and forbearance programs to help mitigate the integrated servicesimpact to support themborrowers and renters. Additionally, at various times throughout 2020, certain jurisdictions in buying and selling a home. Our offerings include local real estate agentthe United States placed restrictions on non-essential services and loan brokerage as well as closingtravel. As a result of these measures, foreclosure initiations were 84% lower for April through December 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 despite 271% growth in the number of delinquent mortgages in December 2020 compared to March 2020 (according to data from a recent Black Knight report). The decline in foreclosure initiations resulted in significantly lower REO referrals and negatively impacted virtually all of the default related services performed on delinquent loans, loans in foreclosure and REO. With the expectation that the foreclosure and eviction moratoriums will be extended through at least September 2021, we anticipate that default related referrals will remain severely depressed throughout 2021.
At the same time, to reduce interest rates, the Federal Reserve lowered the target for the federal funds rate to 0% to 0.25% and bought billions of dollars of mortgage backed securities on the secondary market. As a result of the lower interest rate environment, 2020 mortgage originations were 59% higher than 2019 (according to the Mortgage Bankers Association) driving higher demand for origination related services. The higher demand for origination related services is anticipated to continue into 2021.
While we cannot predict the duration of the pandemic and future governmental measures, we anticipate that revenue from our default related businesses will continue to be under significant pressure throughout 2021 with referrals being impacted by the extension of the foreclosure and eviction moratoriums and forbearance plans, and Ocwen’s transition of field services, valuation and title services.referrals associated with certain investor's MSRs to the investor's captive service provider (see Ocwen Related Matters below). Furthermore, we anticipate that our Marketplace and Field Services businesses will continue to be negatively impacted by low REO referrals and lower REO inventory at the beginning of 2021 compared to the beginning of 2020. We are focused on continuingfurther anticipate that our origination related business will continue to develop this business by capitalizing onexperience growth from a strong originations market, new customer wins and, more recently, new product launches. However, due to the relative size of Altisource’s experiencedefault related businesses compared to its origination related businesses, we anticipate that Altisource’s total service revenue will decline in online real estate marketing and loan origination2021 compared to 2020.
To address the lower anticipated revenue, Altisource is working to (1) reduce our cost structure, (2) maintain the infrastructure to deliver default related services as well as on recently developed agile execution competencies.
Real Estate Investor Solutions:
Through this business, we provide a suite of services and technologies to support buyers and sellers of single-family investment homes, including our purchase, renovation, leasing and sale of short-term investments in real estate. We are focused on growing referrals from our existing customer base, expanding the service and proprietary technology offerings tofor our customer base and attracting new customers to our offerings. We have a customer base that includes RESIsupport the anticipated surge in demand following the expiration of the moratoriums and other institutionalforbearance plans, and smaller single-family rental investors. The single-family rental market is large, geographically distributed and has fragmented ownership. We believe our acquisition, renovation, property management, leasing and disposition platform provides a strong value proposition for institutional and retail investors and positions us well for growth.
There can be no assurance that(3) accelerate the growth from some or all of our strategic businessesoriginations related businesses.
We anticipate that demand for default related services will begin to return in late 2021 and into 2022. We anticipate that the volume of referrals will be successful orsignificantly higher driven by much higher delinquency rates than before the pandemic began. We currently anticipate that the default related business should stabilize in 2023 when certain post-forbearance plan foreclosures become REO. We further anticipate that our operationsoriginations related business will be profitable.continue to grow from new customer wins and product expansion with our originations customers.
35

Table of Contents

Share Repurchase Program
On May 17, 2017,15, 2018, our shareholders approved the renewal and replacement of the share repurchase program previously approved by the shareholders on May 18, 2016, which replaced17, 2017. Under the previous share repurchase program. Weprogram, we are authorized to purchase up to 4.64.3 million shares

33

Table of Contents



of our common stock, based on a limit of 25% of the outstanding shares of common stock on the date of approval, at a minimum price of $1.00 per share and a maximum price of $500.00 per share, for a period of five years from the date of approval. As of December 31, 2017,2020, approximately 3.42.4 million shares of common stock remain available for repurchase under the program. We purchased 1.6 millionThere were no purchases of shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2020. We purchased 1.0 million shares at an average price of $23.84$20.33 per share during the year ended December 31, 2017, 1.42019 and 1.6 million shares at an average price of $26.81$25.53 per share during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2.1 million shares at an average price of $27.60 per share during the year ended December 31, 2015.2018. Luxembourg law limits share repurchases to the balance of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (unconsolidated parent company) retained earnings, less the value of shares repurchased. As of December 31, 2017,2020, we can repurchase up to approximately $178$91 million of our common stock under Luxembourg law. Our senior secured term loanCredit Agreement also limits the amount we can spend on share repurchases, which limit was approximately $446$430 million as of December 31, 2017,2020, and may prevent repurchases in certain circumstances.circumstances, including if our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00. Our leverage ratio exceeded 3.50 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Ocwen Related Matters
During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, Ocwen was our largest customer, accounting for 58%54% of our total revenue. Additionally, 16%7% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 20172020 was earned on the loan portfolios serviced by Ocwen, when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selected Altisource as the service provider.
As of June 30, 2017, we estimate that NRZ owned certain economic rights in, but not legal title to, approximately 78% of the Subject MSRs. In July 2017, Ocwen and NRZ entered into agreements to convert NRZ’s economic rights to the Subject MSRs into fully-owned MSRs in exchange for payments from NRZ to Ocwen when such MSRs were transferred. The transfers are subject to certain third party consents. Ocwen disclosed that under these agreements, Ocwen would subservice the transferred Subject MSRs for an initial term of five years, and the agreements provided for the conversion of the existing arrangements into a more traditional subservicing arrangement.
In January 2018, Ocwen disclosed that it and NRZ entered into new agreements to accelerate the implementation of certain parts of their July 2017 arrangement in order to achieve the intent of the July 2017 agreements sooner while Ocwen continues the process of obtaining the third party consents necessary to transfer the Subject MSRs to NRZ.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource, through its licensed subsidiaries, entered into the Brokerage Agreement with NRZ which extends through August 2025. Under this agreement and related amendments, Altisource remains the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs when Ocwen transfers such MSRs to NRZ or when NRZ acquires both an additional economic interest in such MSRs and the right to designate the broker for REO properties in such portfolios. The Brokerage Agreement provides that Altisource is the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs, irrespective of the sub-servicer. NRZ’s brokerage subsidiary will receive a cooperative brokerage commission on the sale of certain REO properties from these portfolios subject to certain exceptions.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource and NRZ also entered into the Services LOI to enter into a Services Agreement, setting forth the terms pursuant to which Altisource would remain the exclusive service provider of fee-based services for the Subject MSRs through August 2025. The Services LOI was amended to continue through February 28, 2018 (with a further automatic extension through March 31, 2018 provided that the parties continue to negotiate the Services Agreement in good faith).
The Brokerage Agreement can be terminated by Altisource if the Services Agreement is not signed between Altisource and NRZ during the term of the Services LOI. The Brokerage Agreement may otherwise only be terminated upon the occurrence of certain specified events. Termination events include, but are not limited to, a breach of the terms of the Brokerage Agreement (including, without limitation, the failure to meet performance standards and non-compliance with law in a material respect), the failure to maintain licenses which failure materially prevents performance of the contract, regulatory allegations of non-compliance resulting in an adversarial proceeding against NRZ, voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, appointment of a receiver, disclosure in a Form 10-K or Form 10-Q that there is significant uncertainty about Altisource’s ability to continue as a going concern, failure to maintain a specified level of cash and an unapproved change of control.
Following the execution of the Services Agreement, we anticipate that revenue from NRZ would increase and revenue from Ocwen would decrease. As Subject MSRs continue to transfer from Ocwen to NRZ, we anticipate that NRZ will become our largest customer. Had all of the Subject MSRs been transferred to NRZ and the Brokerage Agreement and the Services Agreement with NRZ were in place as of January 1, 2017, we estimate that approximately 50% of our 2017 revenue would have been related to NRZ. There can be no assurance that the parties will reach an agreement with respect to the terms of the Services Agreement or that a Services Agreement will be entered into on a timely basis or at all.
Ocwen has disclosed that it is subject to a number of ongoing federal and state regulatory examinations, cease and desist orders, consent orders, inquiries, subpoenas, civil investigative demand,demands, requests for information and other actions and is subject to pending and threatened legal proceedings, some of which include claims against Ocwen for substantial monetary damages. For example, on May 15,

34

Table of Contents



2017, Ocwen disclosed that on April 20, 2017, the CFPB and the State of Florida filed separateIn addition to monetary damages, various complaints in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Ocwen alleging violations of Federal consumer financial law and, in the case of Florida, Florida statutes. As another example, on May 15, 2017, Ocwen also disclosed that on April 28, 2017, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against Ocwen in the Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts alleging violations of state consumer financial laws relatinghave sought to Ocwen’s servicing business, including lender-placed insurance and property preservation fees. Ocwen disclosed that the complaints seek to obtain permanent injunctive relief, consumer redress, refunds, restitution, disgorgement, damages, civil penalties, costs and fees and other relief. The forgoingExisting or otherfuture similar matters could result in, and in some cases, have resulted in, adverse regulatory or other actions against Ocwen. Previous regulatory actions against Ocwen resulted in subjectinghave subjected Ocwen to independent oversight of its operations and placingplaced certain restrictions on its ability to acquire servicing rights.
In addition to the above, Ocwen may become subject to future federal and state regulatory investigations, cease and desist orders, consent orders, inquiries, subpoenas, civil investigative demands, requests for information, other matters or legal proceedings, any of which could also result in adverse regulatory or other actions.
Ocwen has disclosed that NRZ is its largest client. As of December 31, 2020, NRZ MSRs or rights to MSRs relating to approximately 36% of loans serviced and subserviced by Ocwen (measured in UPB). In July 2017 and January 2018, Ocwen and NRZ entered into a series of agreements pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, to undertake certain actions against Ocwen.to facilitate the transfer from Ocwen to NRZ of Ocwen’s legal title to the Subject MSRs and under which Ocwen will subservice mortgage loans underlying the MSRs for an initial term of five years. NRZ can terminate its sub-servicing agreement with Ocwen in exchange for the payment of a termination fee.
The foregoingexistence or outcome of Ocwen regulatory matters or the termination of the NRZ sub-servicing agreement with Ocwen may have significant adverse effects on Ocwen’s business and/or our continuing relationship with Ocwen. For example, Ocwen may be required to alter the way it conducts business, including the parties it contracts with for services, (including IT and software services), it may be required to seek changes to its existing pricing structure with us, it may lose its non-GSE servicing rights or subservicing arrangements or may lose one or more of its state servicing or origination licenses. Additional regulatory actions or adverse financial developments may impose additional restrictions on or require changes in Ocwen’s business that could require it to sell assets or change its business operations. Any or all of these effects and others could result in our eventual loss of Ocwen as a customer or a reduction in the number and/or volume of services they purchase from us or the loss of other customers.
IfDuring the second quarter of 2020, Ocwen informed us that an MSR investor instructed Ocwen to use a field services provider other than Altisource on properties associated with certain MSRs. Based upon the impacted portfolios to date and the designated service provider, Altisource believes that Ocwen received these directions from NRZ. We believe Ocwen commenced using another field services provider for these properties in July 2020 and continued to transition services during the third quarter of 2020. We believe that the transition to the replacement field service provider was largely completed as of September 30, 2020. We estimate that $70.1 million, $150.2 million and $171.0 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from Field Services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Ocwen also communicated to Altisource in the fourth quarter of 2020 that the same investor instructed Ocwen to use a provider for default valuations and certain default title services other than Altisource on properties associated with such certain MSRs and commenced moving these referrals to other service providers in the fourth quarter of 2020. We anticipate that the transition of such default valuations and title services will continue during the course of 2021. We estimate that $18.2 million, $33.2 million and $40.1 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from default valuations and title services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Altisource believes
36

Table of Contents

that any action taken by Ocwen to redirect these service referrals breaches Altisource's agreement with Ocwen. We are currently in discussions with Ocwen to address this matter, and have reserved all of our rights with respect to this matter.
To address the reduction in revenue, Altisource is undertaking several measures to further reduce its cost structure and strengthen its operations.
In addition to expected reductions in our revenue from the transition of referrals for default related services previously identified, if any of the following events occurred, Altisource’s revenue could be further significantly lowerreduced and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected, including from the possible impairment or write-off of goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, other assets and accounts receivable:
Altisource loses Ocwen as a customer or there is aan additional significant reduction in the volume of services they purchase from us
Ocwen loses, sells or transfers a significant portion or all of its GSE servicing rights or subservicing arrangements or remaining non-GSE servicing rights or subservicing arrangements and Altisource fails to be retained as a service provider
The contractual relationship between Ocwen and NRZ changes significantly and this change results in a change in our status as a provider of services related to the Subject MSRs
Ocwen loses state servicing licenses in states with a significant number of loans in Ocwen’s servicing portfolio
Altisource fails to be retained as a service provider
The contractual relationship between Ocwen and Altisource changes significantly or there are significant changes to our pricing to Ocwen for services from which we generate material revenue
Additionally, Ocwen has notified us, disclosed in its filings and stated in connection with resolving several state administrative actions discussed above, that it plansAltisource otherwise fails to transition from REALServicing to another mortgage servicing software platform. We anticipate that suchbe retained as a transition could be a multi-year project and Altisource would support Ocwen through such a transition. We do not anticipate that a servicing technology transition would impact the other services we provide to Ocwen. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, service revenue from REALServicing was $26.4 million, $29.8 million and $50.3 million, respectively. We estimate, with respect to income before income tax, that the REALServicing business currently operates at approximately break-even.provider
Management cannot predict the outcomewhether any of these mattersevents will occur or the amount of any impact they may have on Altisource. However, in the event these matters materially negatively impact Altisource, we believe the variable nature of our cost structure would allow us to realign our cost structure in line with remaining revenue. Furthermore, in the event of a significant reduction in the volume of services purchased or loans serviced by Ocwen (such as a transfer of Ocwen’s remaining servicing rights to a successor servicer), we believe the impact to Altisource could occur over an extended period of time. During this period, we believe that we will continue to generate revenue from all or a portion of Ocwen’s portfolio.
Additionally, our Servicer Solutions, Origination Solutions, Consumer Real Estate Solutions and Real Estate Investor Solutions businesses are focused on diversifying and growing our revenue and customer base and we have a sales and marketing strategy to support these businesses.
Management believesefforts. Moreover, in the event one or more of these events materially negatively impact Altisource, we believe the variable nature of our plans, together withcost structure would allow us to realign our cost structure to address some of the impact to revenue and that current liquidity and cash flows from operations, would be sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and other cash needs. However, thereThere can be no assurance that our plans will be successful or our operations will be profitable.

35

Table of Contents



Factors Affecting Comparability
The following items may impact the comparability of our results:
The average numberCompany’s financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2020 in its default related services businesses was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governmental, and in some instances, servicer measures to provide support to borrowers, including foreclosure and eviction moratoriums and forbearance programs, reduced referral volumes and inflows of loans servicedREO. Further, COVID-19 pandemic related governmental restrictions and changing vendor and consumer behavior also impacted revenue. This impact was partially offset by stronger performance from the Company’s origination related businesses that benefited from lower interest rates for the year ended December 31, 2020. Across the Company’s three core businesses, service revenue from customers other than Ocwen, on REALServicing (including those MSRs owned by NRZ and subservicedRESI for the year ended December 31, 2020 grew by Ocwen)9% compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, despite the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Company began facing late in the first quarter of 2020. Compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, the increase is primarily from growth in our customer base and market share expansion. Service revenue from the origination businesses such as loan fulfillment, loan certification, title, settlement and valuation services in Mortgage and Real Estate Solutions, excluding our construction risk mitigation business that was approximately 1.3impacted by the pandemic, grew by 47% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 2019. In the Marketplace and Field Services businesses, revenue from customers other than Ocwen and NRZ was relatively flat and the decline in service revenue was primarily driven by lower revenue from Ocwen’s declining servicing portfolio and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the second quarter of 2020, Ocwen informed us that an MSR investor instructed Ocwen to use a field services provider other than Altisource on properties associated with certain MSRs. Based upon the impacted portfolios to date and the designated service provider, Altisource believes that Ocwen received these directions from NRZ. We believe Ocwen commenced using another field services provider for these properties in July 2020 and continued to transition services during the third quarter of 2020. We believe that the transition to the replacement field service provider was largely completed as of September 30, 2020. We estimate that $70.1 million, 1.5$150.2 million and 2.0$171.0 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, respectively. The average number2018, respectively, was derived from Field Services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Ocwen also communicated to Altisource in the fourth quarter of delinquent non-GSE loans serviced by2020 that the same investor instructed Ocwen to use a provider for default valuations and certain default title services
37

Table of Contents

other than Altisource on REALServicing was approximately 199 thousand, 219 thousandproperties associated with such certain MSRs and 279 thousandcommenced moving these referrals to other service providers in the fourth quarter of 2020. We anticipate that the transition of such default valuations and title services will continue during the course of 2021. We estimate that $18.2 million, $33.2 million and $40.1 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, respectively.2018, respectively, was derived from default valuations and title services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. To address the reduction in revenue, Altisource is undertaking several measures to further reduce its cost structure and strengthen its operations.
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 we recognized an unrealized gain (loss) of $4.0 million, $14.4 million and $(13.0) million, respectively, from the change in fair value on our investment in RESI in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss from a change in the market value of RESI common shares.
In May 2019, the Company began selling its investment in RESI common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company sold 0.7 million shares for net proceeds of $8.0 million. Between October 19, 2020 and November 23, 2020, the Company sold all of its remaining 3.5 million shares for net proceeds of $46.6 million. As required by our senior secured term loan agreement, the Company used the net proceeds to repay a portion of its senior secured term loan.
In August 2018, Altisource initiated Project Catalyst, a project intended to optimize its operations and reduce costs to better align its cost structure with its anticipated revenues and improve its operating margins (finalized in 2020). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Altisource incurred $12.0 million, $14.1 million and $11.6 million, respectively, of severance costs, professional services fees, facility consolidation costs, technology costs and business wind down costs related to the reorganization plan.
On July 1, 2019, Altisource sold its Financial Services business, consisting of its post-charge-off consumer debt and mortgage charge-off collection services and customer relationship management services (the “Financial Services Business”) to Transworld Systems Inc. (“TSI”) for $44.0 million consisting of an upfront payment of $40.0 million, subject to a working capital adjustment (finalized during 2019) and transaction costs upon closing of the sale, and an additional $4.0 million payment on the one year anniversary of the sale closing. In connection with the sale, we recognized a $17.8 million pretax gain on sale for the year ended December 31, 2019. On July 1, 2020, the Company received net proceeds of $3.3 million representing TSI’s final installment payment less certain amounts owed to TSI. The effective incomeparties also entered into a transition services agreement to provide for the management and orderly transition of certain services and technologies to TSI for periods ranging from 2 months to 13 months, subject to additional 3 month extensions. As of December 31, 2020, all of the transition services and technologies have been fully transitioned to TSI. On July 17, 2019, Altisource used $37.0 million of the net up-front payment to repay a portion of its senior secured term loan. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, service revenue from the Financial Services Business was $33.4 million and $64.1 million, respectively (no comparative amounts for the year ended December 31, 2020).
In February 2019, Altisource and Ocwen entered into agreements that, among other things, facilitated Ocwen’s transition from REALServicing and related technologies to another mortgage servicing software platform. The transition was completed during 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, service revenue from REALServicing and related technologies was $14.1 million and $35.1 million, respectively (no comparative amounts for the year ended December 31, 2020).
In November 2018, the Company announced its plans to sell its short-term investments in real estate (“BRS Inventory”) and exit the Company’s BRS business. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, service revenue from BRS was $42.5 million and $61.2 million, respectively (no comparative amounts for the year ended December 31, 2020). In anticipation of receiving the majority of the proceeds from the sale of the BRS Inventory in 2019, the Company repaid $49.9 million of its senior secured term loan in the fourth quarter of 2018.
In October 2019, the Company announced its plans to wind down and close the Owners.com business, which was completed by December 31, 2019. In connection with the wind down of the Owners.com business, the Company recognized a write-off of $5.9 million of goodwill and intangible assets in 2019 as well as wind down and severance costs. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, service revenue from Owners.com was $7.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively (no comparative amounts for the year ended December 31, 2020).
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company implemented a new accounting standard on leases which required the recognition of operating leases by companies as operating lease liabilities on their balance sheets and also required the recognition of right-of-use assets. Adoption of this new standard resulted in the recognition of $42.1 million of right-of-use assets in right-of-use assets under operating leases, $45.5 million of operating lease liabilities ($16.7 million in other current liabilities and $28.8 million in other non-current liabilities) and reduced accrued rent and lease incentives by $3.4 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
On June 21, 2018, the United States Supreme Court rendered a 5-4 majority decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., holding that a state may require a remote seller with no physical presence in the state to collect and remit sales tax rateson
38

Table of Contents

goods and services provided to purchasers in the state, overturning certain existing court precedent. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company completed the analysis of its services for potential exposure to sales tax in various jurisdictions in the United States. The Company recognized a $(2.7) million loss reimbursement, $0.3 million and $6.2 million net loss for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018, respectively, in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company began invoicing, collecting and remitting sales tax in applicable jurisdictions in 2019. Future changes in our estimated sales tax exposure could result in a material adjustment to our consolidated financial statements which would impact our financial condition and results of operations.
In August 2018, the Company sold its rental property management business to RESI for total transaction proceeds of $18.0 million, $15.0 million of which was received on the closing date of August 8, 2018 and $3.0 million of which is to be received on the earlier of a RESI change of control or August 8, 2023. The Company recognized a $13.7 million pretax gain on the sale of this business during the year ended December 31, 2018 in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in connection with this transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2018, service revenue from the rental property management business was $4.2 million (no comparative amounts for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020). In addition, the Company used the proceeds received from the sale of the rental property management business to RESI to repay $15.0 million of the Term B Loans in 2018.
On April 3, 2018, Altisource and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Altisource S.à r.l. entered into the Credit Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Altisource borrowed $412.0 million in the form of Term B Loans. Proceeds from the Term B Loans were (780.9)%used to repay the Company’s prior senior secured term loan. In connection with the refinancing, we recognized a loss of $(4.4) million from the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount for the year ended December 31, 2018. The comparative average interest rates under the Credit Agreement for the Term B Loans and the prior credit agreement were 5.3%, 29.2%6.4% and 15.6%,6.0% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The Company recognized an income tax provision of $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The income tax provision on losses before income taxes and non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily driven by income in our US and other foreign operations from transfer pricing on services provided to our Luxembourg operating company, no tax benefit on the pretax losses from our Luxembourg operating company for the year ended December 31, 2020 and tax expense on unrepatriated earnings in India, partially offset by lower transfer pricing rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Company recognized an income tax provision of $318.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which included an increase in the valuation allowance in connection with Luxembourg net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of $291.5 million, the impact of a decrease in the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate on deferred taxes of $14.0 million and foreign income tax reserves of $5.6 million. The resulting effective tax rate differs from Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 24.9% principally as a result of the increase in the valuation allowance, the impact of the decrease in the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate on deferred taxes and foreign income tax reserves discussed above and the jurisdictional mix of income before income taxes and non-controlling interest. Certain of the Company’s India subsidiaries generated taxable income based on cost plus transfer pricing to our Luxembourg subsidiary for their services and certain US and Luxembourg subsidiaries generated taxable losses that did not result in a tax benefit due to a valuation allowance applied to the tax benefit.
The Company’s effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 20172018 was impacted by three significant items. On December 27, 2017, two of292.9%, which differs from the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l., merged, with Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. as the surviving entity. Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. was subsequently renamed Altisource S.à r.l. The merger is part of a larger subsidiary restructuring plan designed to simplify the Company’s corporate structure, allow it to operate more efficiently and reduce administrative costs. For Luxembourg tax purposes, the merger was recognized at fair value and generated a net operating loss (“NOL”) of $1.3 billion and a deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, of $300.9 million as of December 31, 2017. The NOL has a 17 year life. This deferred tax asset was partially offset by the impact of other changes in U.S. and Luxembourgstatutory income tax ratesrate of $6.3 million and an increase in certain foreign income tax reserves (and related interest) of $10.5 million. Excluding these three items,26.0%. In 2018, the Company’s adjusted effective income tax rate wouldwas unusually high because certain of the Company’s India and United States subsidiaries generated taxable income based on cost plus transfer pricing to our Luxembourg subsidiary for their services and the Luxembourg subsidiary incurred a taxable loss. As these jurisdictions have been 22.2% (see non-GAAP measures defined and reconciled on pages 29 to 31). Other than the three items discussed above, the variability in thedifferent effective income tax rates (i.e., India has a higher effective income tax rate than Luxembourg), and because of a $1.6 million foreign income tax reserve (and related interest), the Company recognized consolidated income tax expense that was greater than income before income taxes and non-controlling interest.
39

Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Following is primarily from changes in the mix of taxable income across the jurisdictions in which we operate.
During 2017, we repurchased portionsa discussion of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par valueresults of $60.1 million at a weighted average discount of 10.7%, recognizing a net gain of $5.6 million on the early extinguishment of debt. During 2016, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $51.0 million at a weighted average discount of 13.2%, recognizing a net gain of $5.5 million on the early extinguishment of debt. During 2015, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $49.0 million at a weighted average discount of 10.3%, recognizing a net gain of $3.8 million on the early extinguishment of debt.
In the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a litigation settlement loss of $28.0 million, net of a $4.0 million insurance recovery, related to an agreed settlement of a class action lawsuit (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2015).
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased 4.1 million shares of RESI common stockoperations for $48.2 million. During the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016, we earned dividends of $2.5 million and $2.3 million related to this investment (no comparative amount in 2015). In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred expenses of $3.4 million related to this investment (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2015).2018.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded non-cash impairment losses of $71.8 million in our Mortgage Market and Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segments primarily driven by our projected technology services revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2016).
On July 29, 2016, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Granite for $9.5 million.
On October 9, 2015, we acquired RentRange and Investability for $24.8 million composed of $17.5 million in cash at closing and 247 thousand shares of restricted common stock of the Company with a value of $7.3 million as of the closing date.
On July 17, 2015, we acquired CastleLine for $33.4 million. The purchase consideration was composed of $12.3 million of cash at closing, $10.5 million of cash payable to the seller over four years from the acquisition date and 495 thousand shares of restricted common stock of the Company with a value of $14.4 million as of the closing date. Of the cash payable following acquisition, $3.8 million is contingenttable sets forth information on certain future employment conditions of certain of the sellers, and therefore excluded from the purchase price.
In 2015, we paid the former owners of Equator $0.5 million to extinguish any liability for the Equator Earn Out. In connection with this settlement, we reduced the liability for the Equator Earn Out to $0 and recognized a $7.6 million increase in earnings (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2016).
During 2015, we recognized a loss on the sale of equity securities of HLSS, net of dividends received, of $1.9 million.
Effective March 31, 2015, we terminated the Data Access and Services Agreement with Ocwen (“Data Access Agreement”) (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2016).


36

Table of Contents



CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Summary Consolidated Results
Following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. For a more detailed discussion31:
(in thousands, except per share data)2020% Increase (decrease)2019% Increase (decrease)2018
Service revenue$347,313 (44)$621,866 (23)$805,480 
Reimbursable expenses16,285 (33)24,172 (20)30,039 
Non-controlling interests1,949 (25)2,613 (3)2,683 
Total Revenue365,547 (44)648,651 (23)838,202 
Cost of Revenue305,194 (38)493,256 (21)622,165 
Gross profit60,353 (61)155,395 (28)216,037 
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general and administrative expenses92,736 (34)141,076 (20)175,670 
Gain on sale of businesses— (100)(17,814)30 (13,688)
Restructuring charges11,972 (15)14,080 22 11,560 
(Loss) income from operations(44,355)(346)18,053 (58)42,495 
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense(17,730)(17)(21,393)(19)(26,254)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment in equity securities4,004 (72)14,431 211 (12,972)
Other income (expense), net375 (72)1,348 172 (1,870)
Total other income (expense), net(13,351)138 (5,614)(86)(41,096)
(Loss) income before income taxes and non-controlling interests(57,706)N/M12,439 N/M1,399 
Income tax provision(8,609)(97)(318,296)N/M(4,098)
Net loss(66,315)(78)(305,857)N/M(2,699)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests(841)(60)(2,112)(21)(2,683)
Net loss attributable to Altisource$(67,156)(78)$(307,969)N/M$(5,382)
Margins: 
Gross profit/service revenue17 % 25 %27 %
(Loss) income from operations/service revenue(13)% %%
Loss per share:
Basic$(4.31)(78)$(19.26)N/M$(0.32)
Diluted$(4.31)(78)$(19.26)N/M$(0.32)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic15,598 (2)15,991 (6)17,073 
Diluted15,598 (2)15,991 (6)17,073 

N/M — not meaningful.
40

Table of the factors that affected the results of our business segments in these periods, see “Segment Results of Operations” below.Contents
The following table sets forth information on our results of operations
Certain non-GAAP financial measures for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands, except per share data) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Service revenue          
Mortgage Market $754,058
 (3) $774,514
 (1) $781,984
Real Estate Market 86,821
 2
 84,805
 81
 46,963
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations 58,682
 (30) 83,280
 (26) 111,973
Total service revenue 899,561
 (5) 942,599
 
 940,920
Reimbursable expenses 39,912
 (23) 52,011
 (52) 107,344
Non-controlling interests 2,740
 2
 2,693
 (16) 3,202
Total revenue 942,213
 (6) 997,303
 (5) 1,051,466
Cost of revenue 699,865
 1
 690,045
 
 687,327
Gross profit 242,348
 (21) 307,258
 (16) 364,139
Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,642
 (10) 214,155
 (3) 220,868
Litigation settlement loss, net of $4,000
insurance recovery
 
 (100) 28,000
 N/M
 
Impairment losses 
 
 
 (100) 71,785
Change in the fair value of Equator Earn Out 
 
 
 (100) (7,591)
Income from operations 49,706
 (24) 65,103
 (18) 79,077
Other income (expense), net:          
Interest expense (22,253) (9) (24,412) (13) (28,208)
Other income (expense), net 7,922
 118
 3,630
 66
 2,191
Total other income (expense), net (14,331) (31) (20,782) (20) (26,017)
           
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests 35,375
 (20) 44,321
 (16) 53,060
Income tax benefit (provision) 276,256
 N/M
 (12,935) 57
 (8,260)
           
Net income 311,631
 N/M
 31,386
 (30) 44,800
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (2,740) 2
 (2,693) (16) (3,202)
           
Net income attributable to Altisource $308,891
 N/M
 $28,693
 (31) $41,598
           
Margins:    
      
Gross profit/service revenue 27%  
 33%   39%
Income from operations/service revenue 6%  
 7%   8%
           
Earnings per share:          
Basic $16.99
 N/M
 $1.53
 (28) $2.13
Diluted $16.53
 N/M
 $1.46
 (28) $2.02
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic 18,183
 (3) 18,696
 (4) 19,504
Diluted 18,692
 (5) 19,612
 (5) 20,619
(in thousands, except per share data)2020% Increase (decrease)2019% Increase (decrease)2018
Non-GAAP Financial Measures(1)
Adjusted net (loss) income attributable to Altisource$(29,121)(234)$21,802 (49)$42,609 
Adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share$(1.87)(240)$1.34 (45)$2.43 
Adjusted EBITDA$10,243 (86)$70,800 (40)$118,279 

(1)    These are non-GAAP measures that are defined and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures on pages 28 to 33.
Revenue
Revenue by line of business consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands, except per share data)2020% Increase (decrease)2019% Increase (decrease)2018
Service revenue:
Field Services$157,100 (42)$271,924 (8)$296,343 
Marketplace82,189 (35)127,093 (32)186,620 
Mortgage and Real Estate Solutions103,906 (11)116,194 (10)128,926 
Earlier Stage Business2,243 45 1,551 N/M293 
Other1,875 (98)105,104 (46)193,298 
Total service revenue347,313 (44)621,866 (23)805,480 
Reimbursable expenses:
Field Services4,344 (53)9,290 (56)21,083 
Marketplace8,331 (23)10,819 183 3,817 
Mortgage and Real Estate Solutions3,610 (7)3,873 (21)4,900 
Other— (100)190 (21)239 
Total reimbursable expenses16,285 (33)24,172 (20)30,039 
Non-controlling interests:
Mortgage and Real Estate Solutions1,949 (25)2,613 (3)2,683 
Total revenue$365,547 (44)$648,651 (23)$838,202 
N/M — not meaningful.


37

Table2020 service revenue of Contents



(in thousands, except per share data) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1)
          
Adjusted net income attributable to Altisource $52,306
 (42) $90,095
 (37) $143,475
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $2.80
 (39) $4.59
 (34) $6.96
Adjusted EBITDA $126,432
 (29) $178,313
 (19) $219,732

(1)
These are non-GAAP measures that are defined and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures on pages 29 to 31.
Revenue$347.3 million was 44% lower than 2019 primarily from COVID-19 pandemic related foreclosure and eviction moratoriums and borrower forbearance plans, an MSR investor’s instructions to Ocwen to transition field services, title and valuation referrals historically provided to Altisource to the MSR investor’s captive vendors, a higher percentage of a customer’s homes sold at the foreclosure auction (this reduces our REO auction, brokerage, field services and title service revenue) and the 2019 sale, discontinuation and exit from certain businesses, partially offset by an increase in revenue from customers other than Ocwen, NRZ and RESI.
We recognized service revenue of $899.6$621.9 million $942.6 million and $940.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in service revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due2019, a 23% decrease compared to lower service revenue in our IT infrastructure servicesthe year ended December 31, 2018. Field Services, Marketplace and customer relationship management businesses inMortgage and Real Estate Solutions were negatively impacted during 2019 by the Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment and, in the Mortgage Market segment, a reduction in the size of Ocwen’s portfolio and number of delinquent loans, in its portfolio resulting from loan repayments, loan modifications, short sales,NRZ’s more aggressive sale of homes at foreclosure auctions (which reduces our REO salesauction, brokerage, field services and other forms of resolution. IT infrastructure services revenue declined from the transition of resources supporting Ocwen’s technology infrastructure to Ocwen. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing through 2017, we transitioned resources supporting Ocwen’s technology infrastructure from Altisource to Ocwen. The decrease in the customer relationship managementtitle referral service revenue was primarily due to severed client relationships with certain non-profitable clients and a reduction in volume from the transition of services from one customer to another. The declines in the Mortgage Market segment were partially offset by growth in property preservation and inspection business from Ocwen as well as non-Ocwen customers and the impact of the 2015 change in the billing model for preservation services on new Ocwen REO referrals that resulted in certain services that were historically reimbursable expenses revenue becoming service revenue. Furthermore, Mortgage Market service revenue from loan disbursement processing services increased from the full year impact of the Granite acquisition in July 2016. Service revenue in the Real Estate Market was lower as a result ofrevenue), RESI’s smaller portfolio of non-performing loans and REO whichand the temporary impact that Ocwen’s transition to another servicing system had on Ocwen and NRZ default related referral volume and Ocwen and NRZ REO inventory conversion rates. The Company estimates that revenue was largely offset by increased service revenue from home salesapproximately $7.2 million lower in the buy-renovate-lease-sell business, which began operations in the second halfyear ended December 31, 2019 because of 2016, andlower REO inventory conversion rates related to Ocwen’s transition to a new servicing system. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the renovation management business.
The increase inField Services and Mortgage and Real Estate Solutions revenue from higher volumes of orders and services from customers other than Ocwen, NRZ and RESI. In addition, Other service revenue in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily driven by revenue growth in the Real Estate Market, primarily due to growth in the volume of homes sold and the percentage of homes sold through auction on Hubzu and increased volumes of higher value property preservation referrals. The increase in service revenue in the Mortgage Market was driven by the change in the billing model for new Ocwen REO referrals in the Servicer Solutions business and revenue growth in the Origination Solutions business from new customers and volume growth with existing customers. However, these increases were more than offset by lower rates charged to Ocwen for certain software services. Also, service revenue was lower in the Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment, primarily due to lower customer relationship management revenue as we severed relationships with and reduced the volume of services provided to certain clients that were not profitable to us, and we experienced a reduction in volumedeclined from the transitionJuly 1, 2019
41

Table of services from one customer to another. IT infrastructure services also declined due to the transition of resources supporting Ocwen’s technology infrastructure to Ocwen. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we began transitioning resources supporting Ocwen’s technology infrastructure to Ocwen as a partContents

sale of the previously announced separationFinancial Services Business, lower REALServicing revenue from Ocwen’s second quarter 2019 migration to another servicing system and from the discontinuation of technology infrastructure.the BRS business.
We recognized reimbursable expense revenue of $39.9$16.3 million $52.0for the year ended December 31, 2020, a 33% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. We recognized reimbursable expense revenue of $24.2 million and $107.3 millionfor the year ended December 31, 2019, a 20% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decreases in reimbursable expense revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020 and 2015, respectively. The decreases in reimbursable expenses revenue2019 were primarily due to a reductionfor the reasons discussed in the size of Ocwen’s portfolio and number of delinquent loansservice revenue above, partially offset by increases in its portfolio resulting from loan repayments, loan modifications, short sales, REO sales and other forms of resolution and a change in 2015 in the billing model for preservation services on new Ocwen REO referrals described above, which impacted reimbursable expense revenue for a new early stage disposition service offering (cash for keys program and evictions) initiated in June 2019 in Marketplace and, for the year ended December 2020, an increase in certain title and foreclosure trustee volumes in Mortgage Market.and Real Estate Solutions.
Certain of our revenues arecan be impacted by seasonality. More specifically, revenues from property sales, loan originations and certain property preservation services in Field Services typically tend to be at their lowest level during the fall and winter months and at their highest level during the spring and summer months. In addition, revenue in the asset recovery management business tends to be higher in the first quarter, as borrowers may utilize tax refunds and bonuses to pay debts, and generally declines throughout the rest of the year.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit
Cost of revenue principally includes payroll and employee benefits associated with personnel employed in customer service and operations roles, fees paid to external providers related to the provision of services, cost of real estate sold, reimbursable expenses, technology and telecommunications costs and depreciation and amortization of operating assets.

38

Table of Contents



Cost of revenue consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $240,487
 (9) $264,796
 1
 $261,839
Outside fees and services 325,459
 8
 301,116
 21
 248,278
Cost of real estate sold 24,398
 N/M
 1,040
 N/M
 
Reimbursable expenses 39,912
 (23) 52,011
 (52) 107,344
Technology and telecommunications 42,340
 (4) 44,295
 3
 43,177
Depreciation and amortization 27,269
 2
 26,787
 
 26,689
           
Total $699,865
 1
 $690,045
 
 $687,327
N/M — not meaningful.
(in thousands)2020% Increase (decrease)2019% Increase (decrease)2018
Compensation and benefits$94,365 (30)$135,502 (32)$200,486 
Outside fees and services146,322 (39)240,796 (14)278,380 
Technology and telecommunications35,912 (1)36,302 (13)41,588 
Reimbursable expenses16,285 (33)24,172 (20)30,039 
Depreciation and amortization12,310 (10)13,721 (43)24,013 
Cost of real estate sold— (100)42,763 (10)47,659 
Total$305,194 (38)$493,256 (21)$622,165 
We recognized cost of revenue of $699.9 million, $690.0 million and $687.3$305.2 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in cost of revenue in 20172020, a 38% decrease compared to 2016 was primarily driven by higherthe year ended December 31, 2019. The decreases in compensation and benefits, outside fees and services and cost of real estate sold partially offsetwere primarily driven by decreaseslower service revenue in compensationField Services and benefits and reimbursable expenses. Outside fees and services increased inMarketplace businesses, the Mortgage Market due to growth in referralsJuly 1, 2019 sale of certain higher cost property preservation services in the Servicer SolutionsFinancial Services Business, the discontinuation of the BRS business and the changewind down of Owners.com, discussed in the billing modelrevenue section above. Compensation and benefits also decreased due to lower headcount and temporary reductions in compensation in connection with cash cost savings measures initiated in the second quarter of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic related decreases in service revenue discussed in the revenue section above partially offsetand as a result of the Project Catalyst reorganization. The decreases in reimbursable expenses were consistent with the changes in reimbursable expense revenue discussed in the revenue section above.
We recognized cost of revenue of $493.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 21% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily driven by lower costs related to RESI’s smaller portfolio of non-performing loansrevenue in Field Services, Marketplace and REO in theMortgage and Real Estate Investor Solutions business.businesses and the July 1, 2019 sale of the Financial Services Business. Compensation and benefits decreased at a greater percentage than the decline in service revenue due to lower headcount as a result of the Project Catalyst reorganization and the transfer of certain employees to SG&A functions in connection with the Project Catalyst reorganization. Depreciation and amortization was lower from the completion of the depreciation periods of certain premises and equipment and the reduction in capital expenditures. The decrease in reimbursable expenses was consistent with the decrease in the Mortgage Market was primarily due to fewer REO properties under the prior billing modelreimbursable expense revenue discussed in the revenue section above. The increases in cost of real estate sold were the result of properties sold in connection with our buy-renovate-lease-sell program, which began operations in the second half of 2016.
Compensation and benefits declined in the Mortgage Market segment as we reduced headcount in certain of the Servicer Solutions businesses from the decline in Ocwen’s portfolio discussed in the revenue section above as well as from the implementation of efficiency initiatives. In the Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment, compensation and benefits decreased in connection with the transition of resources supporting Ocwen’s technology infrastructure to Ocwen and lower headcount levels in our customer relationship management business, consistent with the decline in service revenues. In the Real Estate Market, compensation and benefits increased in the Consumer Real Estate Solutions business to support growth of this business, partially offset by lower headcount levels in the Real Estate Investor Solutions business driven by lower customer volumes in certain business units.
The increase in cost of revenue in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily attributable to higher outside fees and services, largely offset by decreases in reimbursable expenses in the Mortgage Market. Outside fees and services increased and reimbursable expenses declined primarily due to higher volumes of property preservation referrals and the change in billing model discussed in the revenue section above. In addition, the increase in outside fees and services was partially offset by the March 31, 2015 termination of the Data Access Agreement.
Gross profit decreased to $242.3$60.4 million, representing 17% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $155.4 million, representing 25% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Gross profit as a percentage of service revenue in 2020 decreased compared to 2019, primarily due to revenue mix with lower revenue from the higher margin Marketplace business, lower gross margin in the Field Services business, the impact of the July 1, 2019 sale of the Financial Services Business and higher revenue from the 2019 sale of the BRS Inventory that resulted in a $1.8 million loss. These decreases were partially offset by our COVID-19 pandemic cost savings measures, Project Catalyst cost reduction initiatives.
42

Table of Contents

Gross profit decreased to $155.4 million, representing 25% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $216.0 million, representing 27% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $307.3 million, representing 33% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $364.1 million, representing 39% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015.
2018. Gross profit as a percentage of service revenue decreased in 20172019 decreased compared to 20162018, primarily due to revenue mix and investments in our growth businesses. Revenue mix changedwith lower revenue from growth in the lower margin property preservation services, buy-renovate-lease-sell and renovation management businesses and declines in other higher margin businesses.
Gross profitMarketplace business. The revenue mix change was partially impacted by Ocwen's servicing system transition, as a percentage of servicediscussed above. Absent the transition, we believe we would have had substantially higher Hubzu sale conversion rates generating more revenue decreased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due toat higher growth in the lower margin property preservation services, higher compensation and benefits in the Real Estate Market to support our growth initiatives and reductions in volumes and prices in certain technology businesses in the Mortgage Market which exceeded the decline in costs.margins. These decreases were partially offset by the March 31, 2015 termination of the Data Access Agreement.our Project Catalyst cost reduction initiatives.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administration expenses (“SG&A”) include&A includes payroll for personnel employed in executive, sales and marketing, finance, law, compliance, human resources, vendor management, facilities and risk management sales and marketing roles. This category also includes professional services fees, occupancy costs, marketing costs, depreciation and amortization of non-operating assets and other expenses.

39

Table of Contents



SG&A expenses consist of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)2020% Increase (decrease)2019% Increase (decrease)2018
Compensation and benefits$35,521 (29)$49,875 (2)$51,043 
Occupancy related costs19,363 (26)26,042 (16)30,851 
Amortization of intangible assets14,720 (23)19,021 (33)28,412 
Professional services11,444 (24)14,975 (12)16,950 
Marketing costs3,325 (70)11,212 (24)14,707 
Depreciation and amortization2,580 (46)4,788 (29)6,786 
Other5,783 (62)15,163 (44)26,921 
Selling, general and administrative expenses$92,736 (34)$141,076 (20)$175,670 
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $58,157
 5
 $55,577
 1
 $54,897
Professional services 13,421
 (42) 23,284
 
 23,183
Occupancy related costs 36,371
 (3) 37,370
 (6) 39,917
Amortization of intangible assets 35,367
 (26) 47,576
 16
 41,135
Depreciation and amortization 9,178
 (8) 10,001
 2
 9,781
Marketing costs 16,171
 (42) 27,847
 1
 27,499
Other 23,977
 92
 12,500
 (49) 24,456
           
Selling, general and administrative expenses $192,642
 (10) $214,155
 (3) $220,868
We recognized SG&A of $192.6 million, $214.2 million and $220.9 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2017, 20162020 of $92.7 million decreased by 34% compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decreases were primarily driven by lower compensation and 2015, respectively.benefits, occupancy related costs, marketing costs and Other expenses. Compensation and benefits decreased as we reduced headcount and temporarily reduced compensation as part of our COVID-19 pandemic cost savings measures and Project Catalyst cost reduction initiatives. The decrease in SG&Aoccupancy related costs primarily resulted from the July 1, 2019 sale of the Financial Services Business and facility consolidation initiatives. The decrease in 2017 compared to 2016marketing costs was primarily driven by the wind down of Owners.com in the fourth quarter of 2019. Other expenses decreased primarily due to lower travel and entertainment costs driven by lower headcount and COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, billings to TSI for transition services and higher net sales tax loss reimbursements, partially offset by higher bad debt expense. In addition, the decrease in amortization of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 was driven by an increase in total projectedthe completion of the amortization period of certain intangible assets during 2019, the July 1, 2019 sale of the Financial Services Business and lower revenue to be generated byfrom the Homeward Residential, Inc. (“Homeward”) and Residential Capital, LLC (“ResCap”) portfolios over the lives of these portfolios (revenue-based amortization) and lower marketing costs, driven by initial non-recurring Owners.com market launch costs incurred during 2016 andconsistent with the reduction in Owners.com recurring marketing spend as the business unit focuses on improving the lead to closing conversion rate. In addition, legal costs in professional services were lower in connection with the resolutionsize of and reduction in activities related to, several litigation and regulatory matters. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Other, primarily due to facility closures, litigation related costs, an increase in bad debt expense and a $3.0 million favorable loss accrual adjustment in Other in 2016.
The decrease in SG&A in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in Other driven by an estimated loss recordedOcwen’s portfolio, discussed in the fourth quarter of 2015 in connection with an anticipated payment to Ocwen for obtaining a release of liability for Altisource related to Ocwen’s settlement of a particular case and lower bad debt expense in 2016. The decrease was partially offset by higher amortization of intangible assets from increased revenues from the Homeward and ResCap portfolios (revenue-based amortization).revenue section above.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses include the litigation settlement loss, net of insurance recoverySG&A for the year ended December 31, 2016 and impairment losses and changes in the fair value2019 of the Equator Earn Out for$141.1 million decreased by 20% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 (no comparative amounts2018. The decrease was primarily driven by lower amortization of intangible assets and Other expenses. The decrease in 2017).amortization of intangible assets was driven by lower revenue generated by the Homeward and ResCap portfolios consistent with the reduction in the size of Ocwen’s portfolio, discussed in the revenue section above, and the July 1, 2019 sale of the Financial Services Business. Other expenses decreased primarily due to a $6.2 million contingent loss accrual for sales tax exposure in the United States recognized in 2018, lower travel and entertainment costs driven by lower headcount and lower bad debt expense.
43

Table of Contents

Other Operating Expenses (Income)
Other operating expenses (income) include the gain on sale of businesses and restructuring charges.
Other operating expenses (income) consist of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)2020% Increase (decrease)2019% Increase (decrease)2018
Gain on sale of businesses$— (100)$(17,814)30 $(13,688)
Restructuring charges11,972 (15)14,080 22 11,560 
Other operating expenses (income), net$11,972 421 $(3,734)75 $(2,128)
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Litigation settlement loss, net of $4,000
insurance recovery
 $
 (100) $28,000
 N/M
 $
Impairment losses 
 
 
 (100) 71,785
Change in the fair value of Equator Earn Out 
 
 
 (100) (7,591)
           
Other operating expenses $
 (100) $28,000
 (56) $64,194
N/M — not meaningful.
ForOn July 1, 2019, we sold the Financial Services Business to TSI for $44.0 million consisting of an up-front payment of $40.0 million, subject to a working capital adjustment (finalized in 2019) and transaction costs upon closing of the sale, and an additional $4.0 million payment on the one year anniversary of the sale closing. On July 1, 2020, the Company received net proceeds of $3.3 million representing TSI’s final installment payment less certain amounts owed to TSI. In connection with the sale, we recognized a $17.8 million pretax gain on sale for the year ended December 31, 2016, other operating expenses2019.
In August 2018, we sold our rental property management business to RESI for total transaction proceeds of $28.0$18.0 million, included a litigation settlement loss,$15.0 million of which consistswas received on the closing date of August 8, 2018 and $3.0 million of which is to be received on the earlier of a legal settlement accrualRESI change of $28.0control or August 8, 2023. In connection with the sale, we recognized a $13.7 million net of a $4.0 million insurance recovery. The litigation settlement loss related to the agreed settlement of the putative class action litigation designated Inre: Altisource Portfolio Solutions, S.A. Securities Litigation in the United States District Courtpretax gain on sale for the Southern District of Florida. Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and the officer and director defendants denied all claims of wrongdoing or liability. The settlement loss was recorded in 2016 and paid in 2017.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, other2018. On October 19, 2020, RESI announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement to sell RESI. The merger closed on January 11, 2021 and the Company subsequently received the $3.0 million payment.
In August 2018, Altisource initiated Project Catalyst, a project intended to optimize its operations and reduce costs to better align its cost structure with its anticipated revenues and improve its operating expensesmargins (finalized in 2020). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $12.0 million, $14.1 million and $11.6 million, respectively, of $64.2 million included impairment lossesseverance costs, professional services fees, facility consolidation costs, technology costs and changes inbusiness wind down costs related to the fair value of the Equator Earn Out. The non-cash impairment losses of $71.8 million were primarily driven by the Company’s projected technology revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen. These losses are composed of $55.7 million impairment of goodwill, $11.9 million impairment of intangible assets from the 2013 Homeward and ResCap fee-

40

Table of Contents



based business acquisitions and $4.1 million impairment of software assets included in premises and equipment. These impairment losses were attributable to our Mortgage Market and Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segments.
We recognized a gain on the change in the fair value of the Equator Earn Out of $7.6 million in 2015 in our Mortgage Market segment. The liability for contingent consideration was reflected at fair value and adjusted each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized in earnings. In 2015, we reached an agreement with the former owners of Equator to extinguish any liability for the Equator Earn Out. In connection with this settlement, we reduced the liability for the Equator Earn Out to $0 and recognized a $7.6 million increase in earnings.reorganization plan.
Income from Operations
Income from operations decreased to $49.7a loss of $(44.4) million, representing 6%(13)% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 20172020 compared to $65.1$18.1 million, representing 7%3% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was2019. Income from operations as a percentage of service revenue decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to 2017 revenue mix changesas a result of lower gross profit and investments in our growth businesses,a higher gain on the sale of business during the year ended December 31, 2019, partially offset by the 2016 litigation settlement loss of $28.0 million and the decrease inlower SG&A expenses, as discussed above.
Income from operations decreased to $65.1$18.1 million, representing 7%3% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 20162019 compared to $79.1$42.5 million, representing 8%5% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was2018. Income from operations as a percentage of service revenue decreased primarily due toas a result of lower gross profit margin in 2016, the litigation settlement loss, net of insurance recovery,margins and the 2015 Equator Earn Out gain,higher restructuring costs, partially offset by the 2015 impairment losses and lower SG&A in 2016,expenses, as discussed above. The effect of the higher gain on sale of businesses was largely offset by higher restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2019, as discussed above.
Because the Mortgage Market is our largest and highest margin segment and Ocwen is our largest customer, in this segment, declines in service revenue from Ocwen and the changes in mix of revenue from Ocwen have had a negative impact on our operating income.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net principally includes interest expense, unrealized gain (loss) on our investment in RESI common shares and other non-operating gains and losses.
Other income (expense), net was $(14.3)$(13.4) million $(20.8)for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $(5.6) million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in other expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily driven by a $4.0 million unrealized gain on our investment in RESI common shares in 2020 compared to $14.4 million in 2019. The increase in other expense was partially offset by lower interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2020. Interest expense decreased primarily due to lower average outstanding balances of the senior secured term loan as a result of repayments during
44

Table of Contents

2020 and 2019 and lower interest rates. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the interest rate of the senior secured term loan was 5.3% compared to 6.4% for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $(5.6) million decreased by 86% compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in other expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily driven by a $14.4 million unrealized gain on our investment in RESI in 2019 compared to a $(13.0) million unrealized loss on our investment in RESI in 2018. In addition, on April 3, 2018, Altisource and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Altisource S.à r.l. entered into the Credit Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Altisource borrowed $412.0 million in the form of Term B Loans. Proceeds from the Term B Loans were used to repay the Company’s prior senior secured term loan. In connection with the refinancing, we recognized a loss of $(4.4) million from the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount for the year ended December 31, 2018. Interest expense was lower for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to lower average outstanding balances of the senior secured term loan as a result of repayments.
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit
We recognized an income tax provision of $8.6 million, $318.3 million and $(26.0)$4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. The decrease in other income (expense), net in 2017 was primarily due to lower interest expense and higher other income. Interest expense was $(22.3) million in 2017 compared to $(24.4) million in 2016, driven by the repurchase of portions of our senior secured term loan, partially offset by an increase in the senior secured term loan interest rate from 4.50% as of December 31, 2016 to 5.07% as of December 31, 2017. During 2017, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $60.1 million at a weighted average discount of 10.7%, recognizing a net gain of $5.6 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. During 2016, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $51.0 million at a weighted average discount of 13.2%, recognizing a net gain of $5.5 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. Also, during 2017 and 2016, we earned dividends of $2.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively, related to our investment in RESI and in 2016 we incurred expenses of $3.4 million related to this investment (no comparative amount in 2017).
The decrease in otherCompany recognized an income (expense), net in 2016 was primarily due to lower interest expense and higher other income. Interest expense was $(24.4) million in 2016 compared to $(28.2) million in 2015, driven by the repurchasetax provision of portions of our senior secured term loan. During 2016, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $51.0 million at a weighted average discount of 13.2%, recognizing a net gain of $5.5 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. During 2015, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $49.0 million at a weighted average discount of 10.3%, recognizing a net gain of $3.8 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. Also, during 2016, we earned dividends of $2.3 million and incurred expenses of $(3.4) million related to our investment in RESI (no comparative amounts in 2015). During March 2015, we purchased 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $30.0 million. During 2015, we received liquidating dividends and other dividends from HLSS totaling $20.4 million and sold all of our 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $7.7 million. As a result of these transactions, we recognized a net loss of $(1.9)$8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 20152020. The income tax provision on losses before income taxes and non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily driven by income in connection with our investmentUS and other foreign operations from transfer pricing on services provided to our Luxembourg operating company, no tax benefit on the pretax losses from our Luxembourg operating company for the year ended December 31, 2020 and tax expense on unrepatriated earnings in HLSS (no comparative amount in 2016).India, partially offset by lower transfer pricing rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Income Tax Provision
WeThe Company recognized an income tax benefit (provision)provision of $276.3 million, $(12.9) million and $(8.3)$318.3 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and our effective income tax rates for2019, which included an increase in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were (780.9)%, 29.2% and 15.6%, respectively. On December 27, 2017, two of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l., merged, with Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. as the surviving entity. Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. was subsequently renamed Altisource S.à r.l. The merger is part of a larger subsidiary restructuring plan designed to simplify the Company’s corporate structure, allow it to operate more efficiently and reduce administrative costs. For Luxembourg tax purposes, the merger was recognized at fair value and generated an NOL of $1.3 billion and a deferred tax

41

Table of Contents



asset, net of valuation allowance in connection with the Luxembourg NOL carryforward of $300.9$291.5 million, as of December 31, 2017. The NOL has a 17 year life. This deferred tax asset was partially offset by the impact of other changesa decrease in U.S. andthe Luxembourg statutory income tax ratesrate on deferred taxes of $6.3$14.0 million and an increase in certain foreign income tax reserves (and related interest) of $10.5$5.6 million. Excluding these three items, the Company’s adjusted effective income tax rate would have been 22.2% (see non-GAAP measures defined and reconciled on pages 29 to 31). OurThe resulting effective tax rate differs from the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 27.1% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 29.2% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, primarily due to the effect24.9% principally as a result of the three significant itemsincrease in valuation allowance, the impact of the decrease in the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate on deferred taxes and foreign income tax reserves discussed above certain deductions in Luxembourg and the jurisdictional mix of income before income taxes and non-controlling interests. Certain of the Company’s India subsidiaries generated taxable income based on cost plus transfer pricing to our Luxembourg subsidiary for their services and certain US and Luxembourg subsidiaries generated taxable losses with varyingthat did not result in a tax rates in multiple taxing jurisdictions. benefit due to a valuation allowance applied to the tax benefit.
The higherCompany’s effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to2018 was 292.9%, which differed from the year ended December 31, 2015Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 26.0%. In 2018, the Company’s effective income tax rate was primarily the result of lower pretax income, including the impactunusually high because certain of the litigation settlement loss, net of insurance recovery, which changed the mix ofCompany’s India and United States subsidiaries generated taxable income acrossbased on cost plus transfer pricing to our Luxembourg subsidiary for their services and the Luxembourg subsidiary incurred a taxable loss. As these jurisdictions in which we operate.have different effective income tax rates (i.e., India has a higher effective income tax rate than Luxembourg), and because of a $1.6 million foreign income tax reserve (and related interest), the Company recognized consolidated income tax expense that was greater than income before income taxes and non-controlling interests.



42
45

Table of Contents




SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Effective January 1, 2017, our reportable segments changed as a result of a change in the way our chief operating decision maker manages our businesses, allocates resources and evaluates performance, and the related changes in our internal organization. See Item 1 of Part I, “Reportable Segments,” for additional information regarding changes in our reportable segments. Prior year comparable period segment disclosures have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.
The following section provides a discussion of pretax results of operations of our business segments. Transactions between segments are accounted for as third party arrangements for purposes of presenting segment results of operations.
Financial information for our segments was as follows:
  For the year ended December 31, 2017
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Altisource
 ��       
Revenue  
  
  
  
Service revenue $754,058
 $86,821
 $58,682
 $899,561
Reimbursable expenses 36,886
 2,966
 60
 39,912
Non-controlling interests 2,740
 
 
 2,740
  793,684
 89,787
 58,742
 942,213
Cost of revenue 545,507
 96,967
 57,391
 699,865
Gross profit (loss) 248,177
 (7,180) 1,351
 242,348
Selling, general and administrative expenses 114,215
 18,718
 59,709
 192,642
Income (loss) from operations 133,962
 (25,898) (58,358) 49,706
Total other income (expense), net 72
 (4) (14,399) (14,331)
         
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests $134,034
 $(25,902) $(72,757) $35,375
         
Margins:  
  
  
  
Gross profit (loss)/service revenue 33% (8)% 2 % 27%
Income (loss) from operations/service revenue 18% (30)% (99)% 6%

  For the year ended December 31, 2016
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Altisource
         
Revenue  
  
  
  
Service revenue $774,514
 $84,805
 $83,280
 $942,599
Reimbursable expenses 50,117
 1,785
 109
 52,011
Non-controlling interests 2,693
 
 
 2,693
  827,324
 86,590
 83,389
 997,303
Cost of revenue 546,540
 64,566
 78,939
 690,045
Gross profit 280,784
 22,024
 4,450
 307,258
Selling, general and administrative expenses 121,508
 23,291
 69,356
 214,155
Litigation settlement loss, net of $4,000 insurance recovery 
 
 28,000
 28,000
Income (loss) from operations 159,276
 (1,267) (92,906) 65,103
Total other income (expense), net 154
 (5) (20,931) (20,782)
         
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests $159,430
 $(1,272) $(113,837) $44,321
         
Margins:        
Gross profit/service revenue 36% 26 % 5 % 33%
Income (loss) from operations/service revenue 21% (1)% (112)% 7%

43

Table of Contents



  For the year ended December 31, 2015
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Altisource
         
Revenue  
  
  
  
Service revenue $781,984
 $46,963
 $111,973
 $940,920
Reimbursable expenses 99,988
 7,236
 120
 107,344
Non-controlling interests 3,202
 
 
 3,202
  885,174
 54,199
 112,093
 1,051,466
Cost of revenue 552,676
 38,541
 96,110
 687,327
Gross profit 332,498
 15,658
 15,983
 364,139
Selling, general and administrative expenses 132,334
 7,514
 81,020
 220,868
Impairment losses 64,146
 
 7,639
 71,785
Change in the fair value of Equator Earn Out (7,591) 
 
 (7,591)
Income (loss) from operations 143,609
 8,144
 (72,676) 79,077
Total other income (expense), net 621
 2
 (26,640) (26,017)
         
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests $144,230
 $8,146
 $(99,316) $53,060
         
Margins:        
Gross profit/service revenue 43% 33% 14 % 39%
Income (loss) from operations/service revenue 18% 17% (65)% 8%


44

Table of Contents



Mortgage Market
Revenue
Revenue by business unit was as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Service revenue:  
  
      
Servicer Solutions $704,848
 (2) $722,734
 (2) $739,991
Origination Solutions 49,210
 (5) 51,780
 23
 41,993
Total service revenue 754,058
 (3) 774,514
 (1) 781,984
           
Reimbursable expenses:          
Servicer Solutions 36,636
 (26) 49,838
 (50) 99,832
Origination Solutions 250
 (10) 279
 79
 156
Total reimbursable expenses 36,886
 (26) 50,117
 (50) 99,988
           
Non-controlling interests 2,740
 2
 2,693
 (16) 3,202
           
Total revenue $793,684
 (4) $827,324
 (7) $885,174
We recognized service revenue of $754.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a 3% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in service revenue was primarily a result of the reduction in the size of Ocwen’s portfolio and number of delinquent loans in its portfolio resulting from loan repayments, loan modifications, short sales, REO sales and other forms of resolution in the Servicer Solutions business. This decline was partially offset by growth in the Servicer Solutions business in referrals of certain higher fee property preservation services, growth in non-Ocwen service revenues from new and existing customers and increases in loan disbursement processing services in connection with the Granite acquisition in July 2016. In addition, an increase in service revenue and a decrease in reimbursable expenses in the Servicer Solutions business was also the result of an early 2015 change in the billing model for preservation services on new Ocwen REO referrals that resulted in certain services that were historically reimbursable expenses revenue becoming service revenue.
We recognized service revenue of $774.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a 1% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in service revenue was primarily a result of the reduction in the size of Ocwen’s portfolio and number of delinquent loans in its portfolio resulting from loan repayments, loan modifications, short sales, REO sales and other forms of resolution and lower rates charged to Ocwen for certain software services in the Servicer Solutions business. This decline was partially offset by an increase in service revenue and a decrease in reimbursable expenses in the Servicer Solutions business as a result of an early 2015 change in the billing model for preservation services on new Ocwen REO referrals that resulted in certain services that were historically reimbursable expenses revenue becoming service revenue, as described above, and revenue growth in the Origination Solutions business from new customers and volume growth with existing customers.
We recognized reimbursable expense revenue of $36.9 million, $50.1 million and $100.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decreases in reimbursable expenses revenue were primarily due to a reduction in the size of Ocwen’s portfolio and number of delinquent loans in its portfolio resulting from loan repayments, loan modifications, short sales, REO sales and other forms of resolution and a change in 2015 in the billing model for preservation services on new Ocwen REO referrals described above.
Certain of our Mortgage Market businesses are impacted by seasonality. Revenues from property sales, loan originations and certain property preservation services are generally lowest during the fall and winter months and highest during the spring and summer months.

45

Table of Contents



Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit
Cost of revenue consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $163,370
 (8) $177,473
 
 $177,091
Outside fees and services 295,533
 9
 272,124
 20
 227,281
Reimbursable expenses 36,886
 (26) 50,117
 (50) 99,988
Technology and telecommunications 30,467
 1
 30,017
 (7) 32,271
Depreciation and amortization 19,251
 15
 16,809
 5
 16,045
           
Cost of revenue $545,507
 
 $546,540
 (1) $552,676
Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $545.5 million decreased by less than 1% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. Compensation and benefits declined in certain of the Servicer Solutions businesses as we reduced headcount in certain businesses from the decline in Ocwen’s portfolio discussed in the revenue section above as well as the implementation of efficiency initiatives. In addition, reimbursable expenses decreased primarily as a result of the change in the billing model discussed in the revenue section above. These declines were largely offset by increases in outside fees and services, primarily due to growth in referrals of certain higher cost property preservation services and the change in the billing model in the Servicer Solutions business, consistent with the growth in service revenue discussed in the revenue section above.
Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $546.5 million decreased by 1% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to a decrease in reimbursable expenses, primarily as a result of the change in billing model discussed in the revenue section above, and the March 31, 2015 termination of the Data Access Agreement. These decreases were largely offset by an increase in outside fees and services, due to an increase in the average costs related to higher value property preservation referrals and the change in billing model discussed in the revenue section above.
Gross profit decreased to $248.2 million, representing 33% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $280.8 million, representing 36% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $332.5 million representing 43% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of service revenue decreased in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to revenue mix from growth in the lower margin property preservation services and declines in other higher margin businesses. Gross profit as a percentage of service revenue decreased in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to a change in revenue mix, as a higher percentage of revenue in 2016 was from lower margin property preservation services, partially offset by the March 31, 2015 termination of the Data Access Agreement. Our margins can vary substantially depending upon service revenue mix.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A expenses consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $23,089
 5
 $22,087
 52
 $14,511
Professional services 8,101
 (31) 11,771
 (14) 13,761
Occupancy related costs 23,275
 12
 20,737
 (3) 21,316
Amortization of intangible assets 32,715
 (27) 44,597
 15
 38,624
Depreciation and amortization 3,814
 (5) 4,030
 21
 3,328
Marketing costs 8,925
 (19) 10,980
 (49) 21,545
Other 14,296
 96
 7,306
 (62) 19,249
           
Selling, general and administrative expenses $114,215
 (6) $121,508
 (8) $132,334
SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $114.2 million decreased by 6% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in SG&A was primarily driven by lower amortization of intangible assets, as a result of an increase in total projected revenue to be generated by the Homeward and ResCap portfolios over the lives of these portfolios (revenue-based amortization). In addition, legal costs in professional services were lower in connection with the resolution of, and reduction in activities related

46

Table of Contents



to, several litigation and regulatory matters. The decrease in SG&A was partially offset by a $3.0 million favorable loss accrual adjustment in Other in 2016 and higher bad debt expense in 2017.
SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $121.5 million decreased by 8% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily driven by a decrease in other SG&A and higher marketing costs in 2015, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits and amortization of intangible assets. The decrease in other SG&A was primarily due to a favorable loss accrual adjustment during the first quarter of 2016 that was accrued in the fourth quarter of 2015, when Altisource recorded an estimated loss in connection with an anticipated payment to Ocwen for obtaining a release of liability for Altisource related to Ocwen’s settlement of a particular case, and lower bad debt expense from improved collections. The decrease in marketing costs in 2016 was primarily due to higher spending in 2015 to drive increased Hubzu website traffic and volumes. These decreases were partially offset by higher compensation and benefits due to growth of the sales and marketing organizations to support our revenue and customer diversification initiatives and higher headcount to support certain of our growth initiatives and an increase in amortization of intangible assets due to higher revenues from the Homeward and ResCap portfolios compared to projections (revenue-based amortization).
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses include impairment losses and changes in the fair value of the Equator Earn Out.
Other operating expenses consist of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Impairment losses $
  $
 (100) $64,146
Change in the fair value of Equator Earn Out 
  
 (100) (7,591)
           
Other operating expenses $
  $
 (100) $56,555
Other operating expenses in 2015 included non-cash impairment losses of $64.1 million, partially offset by a gain on the change in fair value of the Equator Earn Out of $7.6 million. The impairment loss was primarily driven by the Company’s projected technology revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen. The liability for contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Equator was reflected at fair value and adjusted each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized in earnings. In 2015, we reached an agreement with the former owners of Equator to extinguish any liability for the Equator Earn Out. In connection with this settlement, we reduced the liability for the Equator Earn Out to $0 and recognized a $7.6 million increase in earnings.
Income from Operations
Income from operations decreased to $134.0 million, representing 18% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $159.3 million, representing 21% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016. Income from operations increased to $159.3 million, representing 21% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $143.6 million, representing 18% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Operating income as a percentage of service revenue decreased in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily as a result of lower gross profit margins from revenue mix changes, partially offset by lower SG&A, as discussed above. Operating income as a percentage of service revenue increased in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to the other operating expenses recorded in 2015 and lower SG&A, partially offset by lower gross profit margins from revenue mix changes, as discussed above.
Because the Mortgage Market is our largest and highest margin segment and Ocwen is our largest customer in this segment, declines in service revenue from Ocwen and the changes in mix of revenue from Ocwen have had a negative impact on our operating income.

47

Table of Contents



Real Estate Market
Revenue
Revenue by business unit was as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Service revenue:  
  
      
Consumer Real Estate Solutions $4,713
 326
 $1,106
 (55) $2,462
Real Estate Investor Solutions 82,108
 (2) 83,699
 88
 44,501
Total service revenue 86,821
 2
 84,805
 81
 46,963
           
Reimbursable expenses:          
Real Estate Investor Solutions 2,966
 66
 1,785
 (75) 7,236
Total reimbursable expenses 2,966
 66
 1,785
 (75) 7,236
           
Total revenue $89,787
 4
 $86,590
 60
 $54,199
We recognized service revenue of $86.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a 2% increase compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in service revenue was primarily due to growth in the Consumer Real Estate Solutions business from higher transaction volumes. Significant growth in home sales revenue in our buy-renovate-lease-sell program in the Real Estate Investor Solutions business, which began operations in the second half of 2016, was largely offset by RESI’s lower property preservation referrals and REO sales in the Real Estate Investor Solutions business as RESI continues its transition from buying non-performing loans to directly acquiring rental homes.
We recognized service revenue of $84.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an 81% increase compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in service revenue was primarily due to growth in the percentage of RESI homes sold through auction on Hubzu, increased volumes of higher value RESI property preservation referrals and increased property management fees from the RESI portfolio.
Certain of our Real Estate Market businesses are impacted by seasonality. Revenues from property sales and certain property preservation services are generally lowest during the fall and winter months and highest during the spring and summer months.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit (Loss)
Cost of revenue consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $35,642
 20 $29,625
 161
 $11,334
Outside fees and services 26,642
 2 26,167
 42
 18,460
Cost of real estate sold 24,398
 N/M 1,040
 N/M
 
Reimbursable expenses 2,966
 66 1,785
 (75) 7,236
Technology and telecommunications 5,812
 12 5,208
 330
 1,212
Depreciation and amortization 1,507
 103 741
 148
 299
           
Cost of revenue $96,967
 50 $64,566
 68
 $38,541
N/M — not meaningful.
Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $97.0 million increased by 50% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in cost of revenue was primarily due to growth in the buy-renovate-lease-sell business in the Real Estate Investor Solutions business. Compensation and benefits increased in the Consumer Real Estate Solutions business to support growth of this business, partially offset by lower compensation and benefits in the Real Estate Investor Solutions business as this business transitions from supporting non-performing loans and REO to supporting real estate investors through our buy-renovate-lease-sell business and other rental and renovation services.

48

Table of Contents



Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $64.6 million increased by 68% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits and outside fees and services. Compensation and benefits increased from our investments to support service revenue growth, as discussed above, and certain of our growth initiatives. Higher outside fees and services were driven by increased volumes of higher value RESI property preservation referrals.
Gross profit decreased to a loss of $7.2 million, representing (8)% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to gross profit of $22.0 million, representing 26% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016. Gross profit increased to $22.0 million, representing 26% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $15.7 million, representing 33% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015. The declines in 2017 were primarily the result of revenue mix from growth of the lower margin buy-renovate-lease-sell program and lower brokerage commissions from fewer higher margin REO sales. Gross profit as a percentage of service revenue declined in 2016, primarily due to increased volumes of lower margin property preservation services and higher compensation and benefits, partially offset by increased volumes of higher margin RESI homes sold through auction on Hubzu. Our margins can vary substantially depending upon service revenue mix.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A expenses consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $3,387
 79
 $1,890
 112
 $891
Professional services 1,073
 (37) 1,694
 161
 648
Occupancy related costs 3,043
 34
 2,278
 83
 1,246
Amortization of intangible assets 843
 (14) 976
 N/M
 147
Depreciation and amortization 727
 59
 456
 168
 170
Marketing costs 7,020
 (57) 16,424
 N/M
 3,423
Other 2,625
 N/M
 (427) (143) 989
           
Selling, general and administrative expenses $18,718
 (20) $23,291
 210
 $7,514
N/M — not meaningful.
SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $18.7 million decreased by 20% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in SG&A was primarily the result of lower marketing costs as a result of initial non-recurring Owners.com market launch costs incurred in 2016 and the reduction in Owners.com recurring marketing spend as the business unit focuses on improving the lead to closing conversion rate. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in other SG&A, primarily due to a prior year favorable expense adjustment related to the Owners earn out.
SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $23.3 million increased by 210% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to higher marketing costs, related primarily to Owners.com, as we launched our buy side brokerage marketing campaign in 2016, partially offset by the Owners earn out adjustment in 2016 discussed above.
Income (Loss) from Operations
Income from operations decreased to a loss from operations of $25.9 million, representing (30)% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to a loss from operations of $1.3 million, representing (1)% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and income from operations of $8.1 million, representing 17% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Operating income (loss) as a percentage of service revenue declined in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily as a result of lower gross margins, partially offset by lower SG&A, as discussed above. Operating income (loss) as a percentage of service revenue declined in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to lower gross margins and higher SG&A, as discussed above.

49

Table of Contents



Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations
Revenue
Revenue by business unit was as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Service revenue:  
  
      
Customer relationship management $28,469
 (23) $36,977
 (26) $50,294
Asset recovery management 23,782
 (1) 24,114
 23
 19,585
IT infrastructure services 6,431
 (71) 22,189
 (47) 42,094
Total service revenue 58,682
 (30) 83,280
 (26) 111,973
           
Reimbursable expenses:          
Asset recovery management 60
 (45) 109
 (9) 120
Total reimbursable expenses 60
 (45) 109
 (9) 120
           
Total revenue $58,742
 (30) $83,389
 (26) $112,093
We recognized service revenue of $58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a 30% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in service revenue was primarily due to a decline in IT infrastructure services, which are typically billed on a cost plus basis, as beginning in the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing through 2017, we transitioned resources supporting Ocwen’s technology infrastructure from Altisource to Ocwen. The decrease in the customer relationship management service revenue was primarily due to severed client relationships with certain non-profitable clients and a reduction in volume from the transition of services from one customer to another.
We recognized service revenue of $83.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a 26% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in service revenue was primarily due to lower customer relationship management service revenue and the decline in IT infrastructure services for the same reasons as described above.
Certain of our other businesses are impacted by seasonality. Revenue in the asset recovery management business tends to be higher in the first quarter, as borrowers may utilize tax refunds and bonuses to pay debts, and generally declines throughout the remainder of the year.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit
Cost of revenue consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $41,475
 (28) $57,698
 (21) $73,414
Outside fees and services 3,284
 16
 2,825
 11
 2,537
Reimbursable expenses 60
 (45) 109
 (9) 120
Technology and telecommunications 6,061
 (33) 9,070
 (6) 9,694
Depreciation and amortization 6,511
 (30) 9,237
 (11) 10,345
           
Cost of revenue $57,391
 (27) $78,939
 (18) $96,110
Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $57.4 million decreased by 27% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. In addition, cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $78.9 million decreased by 18% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The decreases in cost of revenue were primarily due to a decrease in compensation and benefits associated with the transition of resources supporting Ocwen’s technology infrastructure to Ocwen and lower headcount levels in our customer relationship management business consistent with the decline in revenue, as discussed in the revenue section above.
Gross profit was $1.4 million, representing 2% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $4.5 million, representing 5% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $16.0 million, representing 14% of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of service revenue decreased in 2017 and 2016, primarily

50

Table of Contents



due to the decreases in IT infrastructure and customer relationship management revenue, largely offset by a reduction in compensation and benefits. However, we were not able to reduce costs at the same rate as revenue declined.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A in Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations include SG&A expenses of the customer relationship management, asset recovery management and IT infrastructure services businesses. It also includes costs related to corporate support functions not allocated to the Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market segments.
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations also include eliminations of transactions between the reportable segments.
SG&A expenses consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Compensation and benefits $31,681
 
 $31,600
 (20) $39,495
Professional services 4,247
 (57) 9,819
 12
 8,774
Occupancy related costs 10,053
 (30) 14,355
 (17) 17,355
Amortization of intangible assets 1,809
 (10) 2,003
 (15) 2,364
Depreciation and amortization 4,637
 (16) 5,515
 (12) 6,283
Marketing costs 226
 (49) 443
 (82) 2,531
Other 7,056
 26
 5,621
 33
 4,218
           
Selling, general and administrative expenses $59,709
 (14) $69,356
 (14) $81,020
SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $59.7 million decreased by 14% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in SG&A was primarily due to lower legal costs in professional services in connection with the resolution of, and reduction in activities related to, several legal and regulatory matters and lower occupancy costs driven by subleasing certain office facilities, partially offset by unfavorable loss accrual adjustments of $2.7 million related to facility closures and litigation related costs in other SG&A in the first half of 2017.
SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $69.4 million decreased by 14% compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to lower compensation and benefits driven by the implementation of cost savings initiatives in 2015 and lower occupancy related costs, primarily due to office facility relocations and consolidations in 2015 and 2016.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses include the litigation settlement loss, net of insurance recovery, of $28.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and impairment losses of $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (no comparative amounts in 2017).
For the year ended December 31, 2016, other operating expenses included a litigation settlement loss, which consists of a legal settlement accrual of $28.0 million, net of a $4.0 million insurance recovery. The litigation settlement loss related to the agreed settlement of the putative class action litigation designated In re: Altisource Portfolio Solutions, S.A. Securities Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and the officer and director defendants denied all claims of wrongdoing or liability. The settlement loss was recorded in 2016 and paid in 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2015, other operating expenses included non-cash impairment losses of $7.6 million, primarily driven by the Company’s projected technology revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen.
Loss from Operations
Loss from operations decreased to $58.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to loss from operations of $92.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $72.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The loss from operations decreased in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily as a result of the 2016 litigation settlement loss, net of $28.0 million and lower SG&A, as discussed above. The loss from operations increased in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to the 2016 litigation settlement loss, net of $28.0 million and lower gross profit in 2016, partially offset by lower SG&A in 2016, as discussed above.
Other Expenses, Net
Other income (expense), net principally includes interest expense and other non-operating gains and losses. Other income (expense), net was $(14.4) million, $(20.9) million and $(26.6) million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

51

Table of Contents



The decrease in other income (expense), net in 2017 was primarily due to lower interest expense and higher other income. Interest expense was $(22.3) million in 2017 compared to $(24.4) million in 2016, driven by the repurchase of portions of our senior secured term loan, partially offset by an increase in the senior secured term loan interest rate from 4.50% as of December 31, 2016 to 5.07% as of December 31, 2017. During 2017, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $60.1 million at a weighted average discount of 10.7%, recognizing a net gain of $5.6 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. During 2016, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $51.0 million at a weighted average discount of 13.2%, recognizing a net gain of $5.5 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. Also, during 2017 and 2016, we earned dividends of $2.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively, related to our investment in RESI and in 2016 we incurred expenses of $(3.4) million related to this investment (no comparative amount in 2017).
The decrease in other income (expense), net in 2016 was primarily due to lower interest expense and higher other income. Interest expense was $(24.4) million in 2016 compared to $(28.2) million in 2015, driven by the repurchase of portions of our senior secured term loan. During 2016, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $51.0 million at a weighted average discount of 13.2%, recognizing a net gain of $5.5 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. During 2015, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $49.0 million at a weighted average discount of 10.3%, recognizing a net gain of $3.8 million on the early extinguishment of debt in other income. Also, during 2016, we earned dividends of $2.3 million and incurred expenses of $(3.4) million related to our investment in RESI (no comparative amounts in 2015). During March 2015, we purchased 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $30.0 million. During 2015, we received liquidating dividends and other dividends from HLSS totaling $20.4 million and sold all of our 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $7.7 million. As a result of these transactions, we recognized a net loss of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 in connection with our investment in HLSS (no comparative amount in 2016).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
Our primary source of liquidity ishas historically been cash flow from operations.operations, cash proceeds from sales of businesses and cash on hand. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an MSR investor’s instructions to Ocwen to transition field services, valuation and title services to the investor's captive service providers, revenue has declined significantly. The lower revenue, partially offset by cost savings initiatives, resulted in negative operating cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. To address our current operating environment, we plan to continue our cost reduction initiatives to reduce cash burn. We anticipate that referral volumes from delinquent mortgages will increase following the expiration of the foreclosure moratoriums. We seek to deploy cash generated in a disciplined manner. Principally, we intend to use cash to develop and grow complementary services and businesses that we believe will generate attractive margins in line with our core capabilities and strategy. We use cash for scheduled repayments of our senior secured term loanlong-term debt and seek tocapital investments. We anticipate that we may use cash from time to time to repurchase shares of our common stock and repurchase portions of our senior secured term loan.stock. In addition, we consider and evaluate business acquisitions, that may arisedispositions, closures or other similar actions from time to time that are aligned with our strategy.
ForCredit Agreement
In April 3, 2018, Altisource entered into the Credit Agreement pursuant to which Altisource borrowed $412.0 million in the form of Term B Loans and obtained a $15.0 million revolving credit facility. The Term B Loans mature in April 2024 and the revolving credit facility matures in April 2023. As of December 31, 2020, $247.2 million of the Term B Loans were outstanding. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are not permitted if our leverage ratio exceeds to 3.50 to 1.00. Our leverage ratio exceeded 3.50 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2017, we used $59.8 million to repay and repurchase portions of the senior secured term loan and $39.0 million to repurchase shares of our common stock. In 2016, we used $50.7 million to repay and repurchase portions of the senior secured term loan, $48.2 million to purchase available for sale securities and $37.7 million to repurchase shares of our common stock. In 2015, we used $50.4 million to repay and repurchase portions of the senior secured term loan and $58.9 million to repurchase shares of our common stock.
Senior Secured Term Loan
On November 27, 2012, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A., entered into a senior secured term loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain lenders. Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and certain subsidiaries are guarantors of the term loan. We subsequently entered into four amendments to the senior secured term loan agreement to, among other changes, increase the principal amount of the senior secured term loan, re-establish the $200.0 million incremental term loan facility accordion, lower the interest rate, extend the maturity date by approximately one year, increase the maximum amount of Restricted Junior Payments (as defined in the senior secured term loan agreement; other capitalized terms, unless defined herein, are defined in the senior secured term loan agreement) and certain other changes primarily to facilitate an internal restructuring of the Company’s subsidiaries, as described below. The lenders of the senior secured term loan, as amended, have2020. There were no obligation to provide any such additional debt under the accordion provision. As of December 31, 2017, $413.6 million wasborrowings outstanding under the senior secured term loan agreement, as amended, compared to $479.7 millionrevolving credit facility as of December 31, 2016.2020.
On December 1, 2017, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. entered into the fourth amendment to the senior secured term loan (the “Fourth Amendment”) that modifies the senior secured term loan agreement to add Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. (then a guarantor under the senior secured term loan) as a borrower in anticipation of an internal restructuring of Altisource, whereby Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. would merge with and into Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. would be automatically substituted in allThere are no mandatory repayments of the rights and obligations of Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. This merger occurred effective December 27, 2017 and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. (renamed Altisource S.à r.l.) became the sole borrower. The merger is part of

52

Table of Contents



a larger subsidiary restructuring plan designed to simplify the Company’s corporate structure, allow it to operate more efficiently and reduce administrative costs. The merger did not resultTerm B Loans due until maturity in any changes to the collateral securing the senior secured term loan. The Fourth Amendment also, among other changes, broadens the mechanisms by which Altisource can purchase or otherwise acquire portions of the senior secured term loan by permitting Altisource to purchase portions of its senior secured term loan on a non-pro-rata basis at par or at a discount to par through open market purchases (including through a broker acting on behalf of Altisource) in addition to its existing right to purchase portions of its senior secured term loan through a Dutch auction open to all senior secured term lenders.
The term loan must be repaid in equal consecutive quarterly principal installments of $1.5 million, with the balance due at maturity.April 2024. All amounts outstanding under the senior secured term loan agreementTerm B Loans will become due on the earlier of (i) December 9, 2020,April 3, 2024, and (ii) the date on which the loans are declared to be due and owing by the administrative agent at the request (or with the consent) of the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement; other capitalized terms, unless defined herein, are defined in the Credit Agreement) or as otherwise provided in the senior secured term loan agreementCredit Agreement upon the occurrence of any event of default underdefault.
In addition to the senior secured term loan agreement. However,scheduled principal payments, subject to certain exceptions, the Term B Loans are subject to mandatory prepayment upon issuances of debt, certain casualty and condemnation events and sales of assets, as well as from a percentage of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow if theour leverage ratio exceedsas of each year-end computation date is greater than 3.00 to 1.00, as calculated in accordance with the provisions of the senior secured term loan agreement, a percentage of cash flows must be used to repay principalCredit Agreement (the percentage increases if theour leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00). No mandatory prepayments were requiredOur leverage ratio exceeded 3.50 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2017. 2020. However, because the Company did not generate any Consolidated Excess Cash Flow in 2020, no amounts are due under this provision.
The interest rate on the Term B Loans as of December 31, 20172020 was 5.07%5.00%.
During 2017, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan withAltisource may incur incremental indebtedness under the Credit Agreement from one or more incremental lenders, which may include existing lenders, in an aggregate par valueincremental principal amount not to exceed $125.0 million, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, including a sublimit of $60.1$80.0 million at a weighted average discount of 10.7%, recognizing a net gain of $5.6 million onwith respect to incremental revolving credit commitments and, after giving effect to the early extinguishment of debt. During 2016, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $51.0 million at a weighted average discount of 13.2%, recognizing a net gain of $5.5 million onincremental borrowing, the early extinguishment of debt. During 2015, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $49.0 million at a weighted average discount of 10.3%, recognizing a net gain of $3.8 million onCompany’s leverage ratio does not exceed 3.00 to 1.00. Our leverage ratio exceeded 3.00 to 1.00 during the early extinguishment of debt.year ended December 31, 2020. The lenders have no obligation to provide any incremental indebtedness.
The debtCredit Agreement includes covenants in the senior secured term loan agreementthat restrict or limit, among other things, our ability, subject to certain exceptions and baskets, to incur additional debt, pay dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock. In the event we require additional liquidity, our ability to obtain it may be limited by the senior secured term loan.Credit Agreement.
46

Table of Contents

Cash Flows
The following table presents our cash flows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)2020% Increase (decrease)2019% Increase (decrease)2018
Net (loss) income adjusted for non-cash items$(13,541)(135)$39,182 (46)$72,510 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities(8,860)(218)7,506 283 (4,108)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities(22,401)(148)46,688 (32)68,402 
Cash flows provided by investing activities47,224 44,887 305 11,084 
Cash flows used in financing activities(49,310)29 (69,038)44 (124,283)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(24,487)(209)22,537 150 (44,797)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period86,583 35 64,046 (41)108,843 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period$62,096 (28)$86,583 35 $64,046 
(in thousands) 2017 % Increase (decrease) 2016 % Increase (decrease) 2015
           
Net income adjusted for non-cash items $93,769
 (19) $115,470
 (41) $195,922
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (27,687) (344) 11,348
 N/M
 (570)
Cash flows from operating activities 66,082
 (48) 126,818
 (35) 195,352
Cash flows from investing activities (10,036) 87
 (80,223) (22) (65,995)
Cash flows from financing activities (100,334) (31) (76,628) 31
 (111,391)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (44,288) (47) (30,033) (267) 17,966
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 149,294
 (17) 179,327
 11
 161,361
           
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $105,006
 (30) $149,294
 (17) $179,327
           
Non-GAAP Financial Measures(1)
          
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities $110,462
 (21) $139,843
 (28) $195,352
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities less additions to premises and equipment 99,948
 (14) 116,574
 (27) 159,164
N/M — not meaningful.
_________________________
(1)
These are non-GAAP measures that are defined and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures on pages 29 to 31.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities generally consist of the cash effects of transactions and events that enter into the determination of net income. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we generated2020, cash flows fromused in operating activities of $66.1were $(22.4) million, or approximately $0.07$(0.06) for every dollar of service revenue, compared to cash flows fromprovided by operating activities of $126.8$46.7 million, or approximately $0.13$0.08 for every dollar of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 20162019 and $195.4$68.4 million of cash flows from operating activities, or approximately $0.21 per$0.08 for every dollar of service revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Cash flows

53

Table of Contents



from2018. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the decrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven by a $52.7 million increase in net loss, adjusted for non-cash items, and lower cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $16.4 million. The increase in net loss, adjusted for non-cash items, was primarily due to lower gross profit during 2017 were impactedthe year ended December 31, 2020 from lower service revenue driven by the $28.0COVID-19 pandemic, reduced customer volumes and the July 1, 2019 sale of the Financial Services Business, partially offset by decreases in expenses as a result of COVID-19 pandemic cash cost savings measures, the Project Catalyst cost reduction initiatives and lower SG&A expenses. The decrease in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities was primarily driven by a decrease in short-term investments in real estate of $39.9 million net paymentduring the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the sale of the majority of the remaining BRS Inventory. The decrease in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities was largely offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $15.0 million for the previously accrued litigation settlementyear ended December 31, 2020 compared to an increase in accounts receivable of $12.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, largely driven by the timing of collections, a decrease in cash used for changes in operating assets and liabilities driven by $6.9 million of payments of sales tax accruals during the first quarter of 2019 and lower cash payments for annual incentive compensation bonuses in the first quarter of 2020 by $7.3 million. During 2019, accounts receivable increased in part as a $16.4result of delays in receiving payments from Ocwen in connection with Ocwen’s transition to another mortgage servicing software platform.
The decrease in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was driven by a decline in net income, adjusted for non-cash items of $33.3 million. The decrease in net income, adjusted for non-cash items, was partially driven by lower gross profit during the year ended December 31, 2019 from lower service revenue and the Project Catalyst restructuring charges, partially offset by lower SG&A costs and decreases in expenses as a result of the Project Catalyst cost reduction initiatives. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by cash provided by operating activities related to changes in operating assets and liabilities of $11.6 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities were driven by the decrease in short-term investments in real estate of $39.9 million in 2019 related to the sale of the remaining BRS Inventory, compared to an increase in short-term investments in real estate of $10.5 million in 2018. This increase in cash from operating activities was partially offset by an increase of $12.2 million in accounts receivable in 2019, compared to a decrease in accounts receivable of $14.6 million in 2018, largely driven by the timing of collections. During 2019, accounts receivable increased in part as a result of delays in receiving payments from Ocwen in connection with our buy-renovate-lease-sell program. Adjusting 2017Ocwen’s transition to another mortgage servicing software platform. In addition, the decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $16.3 million in 2019 decreased cash flows from operating activities, for the net litigation settlement payment and the increase in short-term investments in real estate, cash flows from operating activities would have been $110.5 million (see non-GAAP measures defined and reconciled on pages 29 to 31), or approximately $0.12 for every dollar of service revenue. Adjusting 2016 cash flows from operating activities for the increase in short-term investments in real estate, cash flows from operating activities would have been $139.8 million (see non-GAAP measures defined and reconciled on pages 29 to 31), or approximately $0.15 for every dollar of service revenue.
The decrease in cash flows from operating activities during 2017 compared to 2016 waslargely driven by lower net income, the $28.0 million net payment for the litigation settlement, increased short-term investments in real estate and the timing of payments, and a $6.9 million payment of current liabilities, partially offset by higher collections of accounts receivable, primarily from timing of collections. The decreasesales tax accruals in cash flows from operating activities during 2016 compared to 2015 was principally driven by the decrease in net income, partially offset by an improvement in working capital changes in 2016. Changes in working capital were principally driven by higher collections of accounts receivable and the timing of payments of accounts payable and other accrued expenses, partially offset by increased prepaid expenses and other current assets driven by purchases of short-term investments in real estate assets in connection with our buy-renovate-lease-sell program.2019.
Operating cash flows can be negatively impacted because of the nature of some of our services and the mix of services provided. Certain services are performed immediately following or shortly after the referral, but the collection of the receivable
47

Table of Contents

does not occur until a specific event occurs (e.g., the foreclosure is complete, the REO asset is sold, etc.). Furthermore, lower margin services generate lower income and cash flows from operations. Consequently, our cash flows from operations may be negatively impacted when comparing one period to another.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows from investing activities primarilygenerally include additions to premises and equipment, acquisitions and sales of businesses, and purchases and sales of available for saleequity securities. Cash flows fromprovided by investing activities were $(10.0)$47.2 million, $(80.2)$44.9 million and $(66.0)$11.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.
Cash flows from investing activities included $3.3 million and $38.6 million in proceeds from the sale of the Financial Services Business for 2020 and 2019, respectively, and, in 2018, $15.0 million in proceeds from the sale of the rental property management business to RESI. In addition, we sold 3.5 million and 0.7 million shares of RESI stock for net proceeds of $46.6 million and $8.0 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively. We used $10.5$2.7 million, $23.3$2.2 million and $36.2$3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively, for additions to premises and equipment primarily related to investments in the development of certain software applications, IT infrastructure and facility build-outs. The decreases in additions to premises and equipment in 2017 and 2016 primarily related to the completion of several software development projects and facility build-outs and relocations in 2016 and 2015.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased 4.1 million shares of RESI common stock for $48.2 million including brokers’ commissions. During 2015, we purchased 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $30.0 million. Also during 2015, we received liquidating dividends and other dividends from HLSS totaling $20.4 million and we sold all of our 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $7.7 million. There were no comparative amounts in 2017.
On July 29, 2016, we acquired Granite for $9.5 million. On October 9, 2015, we acquired RentRange and Investability for $24.8 million. The purchase price was composed of $17.5 million in cash and $7.3 million of restricted common stock of the Company. On July 17, 2015, we acquired CastleLine for $33.4 million. This was composed of $11.2 million of cash at closing, excluding cash balances acquired of $1.1 million. Additionally, the acquisition included $10.5 million of cash that is payable over four years from the acquisition date and $14.4 million of restricted common stock of the Company. Of the cash payable following acquisition, $3.8 million is contingent on certain future employment conditions of certain of the sellers, and therefore excluded from the purchase price. There were no comparative amounts in 2017.improvements.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities primarily include activities associated with repayments and repurchases of long-term debt issuances, debt repayments, debt issuance costs, proceeds from stock option exercises, the excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options, the purchase of treasury shares, distributions to non-controlling interests and payments of tax withholdings on issuance of restricted share units and restricted shares. Cash flows used in financing activities were $(49.3) million, $(69.0) million and $(124.3) million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We used $(46.6) million and $(45.0) million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, for repayments of long-term debt, largely from proceeds from the sale of RESI common shares and the sale of the Financial Services Business, $(84.0) million in 2018 to refinance and reduce our debt, including debt issuance costs and repayments. We received proceeds from stock option exercises of $0.4 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively (no comparative amount for the year ended December 31, 2020). We also used $(20.0) million and $(40.4) million to repurchase shares of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively (no comparative amount for the year ended December 31, 2020). We distributed $(1.1) million to non-controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2020 and $(2.8) million in each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. In addition, we made payments of $(1.6) million, $(1.7) million and $(0.8) million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations on the issuance of restricted shares. Cash flows from financing activities were $(100.3) million, $(76.6) million and $(111.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
We used $59.8 million, $50.7 million and $50.4 million to repurchase portions of our senior secured term loan and make scheduled repayments of our senior secured term loan for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We received proceeds from stock option exercises of $2.4 million, $9.6 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2016, we recognized an excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options of $4.8 million (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2015). We also used $39.0 million, $37.7 million and $58.9 million to repurchase shares of our

54

Table of Contents



common stock for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Also, we distributed $2.8 million, $2.6 million and $3.0 million to non-controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, during 2017, we made payments of $1.2 million to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations on the issuance of restricted shares (no comparative amounts in 2016 and 2015). These payments were made to tax authorities, at the employees’ direction, to satisfy the employees’ tax obligations rather than issuing a portion of vested restricted shares to employees.
Liquidity Requirements after December 31, 20172020
Our primarysignificant future liquidity obligations primarily pertain to long-term debt repayments and interest expense under the Credit Agreement (see Liquidity section above), lease payments related to prior acquisitions,and distributions to Lenders One members and senior secured term loan repayments and interest expense.
On July 17, 2015, we acquired CastleLine. A portion of the purchase consideration totaling $10.5 million is payable to the sellers over four years from the acquisition date, including $3.8 million to be paid to certain of the sellers that is contingent on future employment. As of December 31, 2017, we have paid $8.9 million of the $10.5 million that is payable over four years from the acquisition date and $2.1 million of the $3.8 million purchase consideration that is contingent on future employment.
members. During the next 12 months, we expect to distribute approximately $3.0 million to the Lenders One members representing non-controlling interests, make mandatory repayments of $5.9 million of the senior secured term loan and pay $19.9$12.4 million of interest expense (assuming no further principal repayments and the December 31, 2020 interest rate) under the senior secured term loan agreement.Credit Agreement and make lease payments of $8.3 million.
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents balances, and our anticipated cash flows from operations and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including to fund additions to premisesoperating expenses, required interest and equipment and required debt and interestlease payments, for the next 12 months.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In applying many of these accounting principles, we need to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These assumptions, estimates and judgments, however, are often subjective. Actual results may be negatively affected based on changing circumstances. If actual amounts are ultimately different from our estimates, the revisions are included in our results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known.
We have identified the critical accounting policies and estimates addressed below. We also have other key accounting policies, which involve the use of assumptions, estimates and judgments that are significant to understanding our results. For additional information, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Although we believe that our assumptions, estimates and judgments are reasonable, they are based upon information presently available. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions.
48

Table of Contents

Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue fromwhen we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive. This revenue can be recognized at a point in time or over time. We invoice customers based on our contractual arrangements with each customer, which may not be consistent with the period that revenues are recognized. When there is a timing difference between when we invoice customers and when revenues are recognized, we record either a contract asset (unbilled accounts receivable) or a contract liability (deferred revenue or other current liabilities), as appropriate.
Descriptions of our principal revenue generating activities are as follows:
Core Businesses
Field Services
For property preservation and inspection services we provide in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC Topic 605”). ASC Topic 605 sets forth guidance as to when revenue is realized or realizable and earned, which is generally when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been performed; (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, the contract terms for these services are relatively short in duration, andpayment management technologies, we recognize transactional revenue as the services are performed either on a per unit or a fixed price basis. Specific policies for each of our reportable segments are as follows:
Mortgage Market segment: We recognize revenue for the majority of the services we provide when the services have been performed. service is provided.
For certain defaultvendor management services,transactions and our vendor management oversight SaaS platform, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the services.
Reimbursable expenses revenue related to our property preservation and inspection services is included in revenue with full recognition upon recordingan equal amount recognized in cost of revenue. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because generally we have control over selection of vendors and the related foreclosure deed. A significant area of judgment includesvendor relationships are with us, rather than with our customers.
Marketplace
For the period over which we recognize certain default management services revenue. For disbursement processingreal estate auction platform, real estate auction and real estate brokerage services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the processing services with full recognition upon completion of the disbursements. We record revenue associated with fees earned on real estate sales, other than our sales of short-term investments in real estate (see Real Estate Market segment below), on a net basis (i.e., the commission on the sale) as we perform services as an agent without assuming the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and the commission earned on the sale is a fixed percentage.percentage or amount.
For SaaS based technology to manage REO, short sales, foreclosure, bankruptcy and eviction processes, we recognize revenue over the estimated average number of months the REO are on the platform. We generally earn our fees for collections on charged-off mortgages on behalf of our clients and recognize revenue following collection from the debtors. We also earn fees for packaging and selling charged-off mortgages and recognize revenue after the sale of the notes and once the risks and rewards of the mortgage notes are transferred to the purchasers. For certain of our servicer technologies software services other than Equator and Mortgage Builder software applications (see below), we charge fees based on the number of loans on the system or on a per-transaction basis. We record transactional revenue when the

55

Table of Contents



service is provided and other revenue monthly based on the number of loans processed or services provided. In addition, we charge fees for professional services engagements, which consist primarily of time and materials agreements with customers that are generally billed and recognized asover the hours are worked. contract period.
Reimbursable expenses revenue related to our real estate sales is included in revenue with an equal amount recordedrecognized in cost of revenue primarily related to our property preservation and inspection services, real estate sales and our default management services.revenue. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because generally we have complete control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationship isrelationships are with us, rather than with our customers.
For Equator software applications, we recognize revenue from arrangements with multiple deliverables in accordance with ASC Subtopic 605-25, Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Element Arrangements (“ASC 605-25”),Mortgage and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 13, Revenue Recognition (“SAB Topic 13”). ASC 605-25 and SAB Topic 13 require each deliverable within a multiple-deliverable revenue arrangement to be accounted for as a separate unit if both of the following criteria are met: (1) the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and (2) for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the seller’s control. Deliverables not meeting the criteria for accounting treatment as a separate unit are combined with a deliverable that meets that criterion. We derive revenue from platform services fees, professional services fees and other services. We do not begin to recognize revenue for platform services fees until these fees become billable, as the services fees are not fixed and determinable until such time. Platform services fees are recognized ratably over the shorter of the term of the contract with the customer or the minimum cancellation period. Professional services fees consist primarily of configuration services related to customizing the platform for individual customers and are generally billed as the hours are worked. Due to the essential and specialized nature of the configuration and development services, these services do not qualify as separate units of accounting separate from the platform services as the delivered services do not have value to the customer on a standalone basis. Therefore, the related fees are recorded as deferred revenue until the project configuration is complete and then recognized ratably over the longer of the term of the agreement or the estimated expected customer life. Other services consist primarily of training, including agent certification, and consulting services. These services are generally sold separately and are recognized as revenue as the services are performed and earned.
For Mortgage Builder software applications, we recognize subscription revenues ratably over the contract term, beginning on the commencement date of each contract. Revenues for usage-based transactions are generally recognized as the usage occurs, as that is the point when the fee becomes fixed or determinable. We generally invoice customers on a monthly basis.
Real Estate Market segment: We recognize revenue forSolutions
For the majority of the services we provide, we recognize transactional revenue when the service is provided.
For loan disbursement processing services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the processing services with full recognition upon completion of the disbursements. For foreclosure trustee services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the related services, with full recognition upon completion and/or recording the related foreclosure deed. We use judgment to determine the period over which we recognize revenue for certain of these services.
Reimbursable expenses revenue related to our title and foreclosure trustee services businesses is included in revenue with an equal amount recognized in cost of revenue. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because generally we have been performed.control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationships are with us, rather than with our customers.
Other Businesses
Earlier Stage Business
For our customer journey analytics platform, we recognize revenue primarily based on subscription fees. We recordrecognize revenue associated with implementation services and maintenance services ratably over the contract term.
Other
For our Financial Services business (sold on July 1, 2019), we generally earned fees for our post-charge-off consumer debt collection services as a percentage of the amount we collected on delinquent consumer receivables and recognized revenue following collection from the borrowers. For mortgage charge-off collections performed on behalf of our clients, we recognized revenue as a percentage of amounts collected following collection from the borrowers. We provided customer relationship management services for which we typically earned and recognized revenue on a per-person, per-call or per-minute basis as the related services were performed.
49

Table of Contents

For loan servicing technologies, we recognized revenue based on the number of loans on the system. We generally recognized revenue from professional services over the contract period.
For short-term investments in real estate sales, other than(wind down completed in 2019), we recognized revenue associated with our sales of short-term investments in real estate on a gross basis (i.e., the selling price of the property) as we assumed the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset.
For our consumer real estate brokerage (discontinued in the fourth quarter of 2019), we recognized revenue on a net basis (i.e., the commission on the sale) as we performperformed services as an agent without assuming the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and the commission earned on the sale iswas a fixed percentage. For sales of short-term investments in real estate, we record revenue in the amount of the selling price of the property upon the sale of the property. Reimbursable expenses revenue is included in revenue with an equal offsetting expense included in cost of revenue primarily related to our real estate sales. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because we have complete control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationship is with us, rather than with our customers.
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment: We generally earn our fees for asset recovery management services as a percentage of the amount we collect on delinquent consumer receivables and recognize revenue following collection from the debtors. In addition, we provide customer relationship management services for which we typically earn and recognize revenue on a per-person, per-call or per-minute basis as the related services are performed. For the IT infrastructure services we provide to Ocwen, RESI and AAMC, we charge for these services primarily based on the number of employees that are using the applicable systems, fixed fees and the number and type of licensed platforms used by Ocwen, RESI and AAMC. We record revenue associated with implementation services upon completion and maintenance ratably over the related service period.amount.
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change in a manner that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether we need to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. Only if we determine, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value will we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit. We would then test goodwill for impairment by first comparingestimate the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimate the

56

Table of Contents



fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows and market comparisons. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of projected cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our estimate of future sales and operating expenses, based primarily on estimated pricing, sales volumes, market segment share, cost trends and general economic conditions. Certain estimates of discounted cash flows involve businesses with limited financial history and developing revenue models. The estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate that represents our weighted average cost of capital. MarketThe market comparisons include an analysis of revenue and earnings multiples of guideline public companies compared to the Company.
During our fourth quarter 2015 annual goodwill assessment, we elected to bypass the initial analysis of qualitative factors and perform a quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test of all of our reporting units as a result of the goodwill impairment recorded in 2014. We calculated the fair value of each of our reporting units by using a discounted cash flow analysis and concluded that the technology businesses in the Mortgage Market segment were less than their carrying values. Accordingly, we performed step two of the impairment test for the technology businesses in the Mortgage Market segment (see Item 1 of Part I, “Reportable Segments,” for additional information regarding our changes in reportable segments effective January 1, 2017) and determined that the remaining $55.7 million of goodwill of the technology business was impaired. As a result, we recorded a $55.7 million impairment loss in the fourth quarter of 2015. This goodwill impairment was primarily driven by the Company’s projected technology revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen. There were no additional goodwill impairments as of December 31, 2015. Based on our fourth quarter 2017 and 2016 goodwill assessments, we concluded that there were no impairments of goodwill as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Identifiable Intangible Assets
Identified intangible assets consist primarily of customer related intangible assets, operating agreements, trademarks and trade names and trademarks and other intangible assets. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any arrangements, the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for use of the asset and other economic factors. We amortize intangible assets that we deem to have definite lives in proportion to actual and expected customer revenues or on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, generally ranging from 4 to 20 years.
We perform tests for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of intangible assets determined to have definite lives may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the carrying value by preparing estimates of cash flows of discrete intangible assets generally consistent with models utilized for internal planning purposes. If the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows is less than the carrying value, we would recognize an impairment to the extent the carrying amount exceeds fair value. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded a non-cash impairment loss of $11.9 million in our Mortgage Market segment and Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations (see Item 1 of Part I, “Reportable Segments,” for additional information regarding our changes in reportable segments effective January 1, 2017), related to customer relationship intangible assets from the 2013 Homeward and ResCap fee-based business acquisitions. These impairments of intangible assets were primarily driven by the Company’s projected former technology revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen. There were no impairments of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Acquisitions
For those acquisitions that meet the definition of a business combination, we allocate the purchase price, including any contingent consideration, to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition with any excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is typically determined by using either estimates of replacement costs or discounted cash flow valuation methods. When determining the fair value of tangible assets acquired, we estimate the cost to replace the asset with a new asset taking into consideration such factors as age, condition and the economic useful life of the asset. When determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired, we estimate the applicable discount rate and the timing and amount of future cash flows, including rate and terms of renewal and attrition. The determination of the final purchase price and the fair values on the acquisition date of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed may extend over more than one period and result in adjustments to the preliminary estimate recognized.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We record our income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes740”). We account for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for these differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities as well as expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. The most significant temporary differences relate to accrued compensation, amortization, loss carryforwards and valuation allowances. We measure deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we anticipate recovery or settlement of those temporary differences. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Tax laws are complex and subject to income taxes principally in Luxembourg,different interpretations by the United Statestaxpayer and India.respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. Duringincluding evaluating uncertainties under ASC Topic 740. We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the ordinary coursetax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of business, there are many transactions and estimates, including projected income by taxing jurisdiction, for which the ultimateposition. The tax determination may vary from year to year. For example, our effective tax rates could be adversely affected by lower than anticipated earnings in countries where we have lower effective tax rates and higher than anticipated earnings in countries where we have higher effective tax rates, by changes in currency exchange rates or by changesbenefits recognized in the relevant tax rate, accounting and other laws, regulations, principles and interpretations. Wefinancial statements from such positions are subject to auditsthen measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Resolution of these uncertainties in various taxing jurisdictions, and such jurisdictions may assess additional income tax during an examination. Although we believea manner inconsistent with management’s expectations could have a material impact on our recorded tax liabilities are sufficient to support our future tax liabilities, the final determinationresults of tax audits and any related litigation could differ from the balances we have accrued.

operations.
57
50

Table of Contents




Recently Adopted and Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the recent adoption of a new accounting pronouncements and the future adoption of new accounting pronouncements.
OTHER MATTERS
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Our off-balance sheet arrangements consist of escrow and trust arrangements and operating leases.arrangements.
We hold customers’ assets in escrow and trust accounts at various financial institutions pending completion of certain real estate activities. We also hold cash in trust accounts at various financial institutions where contractual obligations mandate maintaining dedicated bank accounts for our collections business. These amounts are held in escrow and trust accounts for limited periods of time and are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts held in escrow and trust accounts were $35.1$20.0 million and $64.1$12.3 million atas of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.
Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies
Our long-term contractual obligations generally include our long-term debt and operating lease payments on certain of our premises and equipment. The following table sets forth information relating to our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017:2020:
 Payments due by periodPayments due by period
(in thousands) Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years(in thousands)TotalLess than 1 year1-3 years3-5 yearsMore than 5 years
          
Senior secured term loanSenior secured term loan$247,204 $— $— $247,204 $— 
Non-cancelable operating lease obligations $53,790
 $19,833
 $24,234
 $9,493
 $230
Non-cancelable operating lease obligations22,204 8,268 10,436 3,500 — 
Long-term debt 413,581
 5,945
 407,636
 
 
Contractual interest payments(1)
 57,824
 19,937
 37,887
 
 
Contractual interest payments(1)
40,239 12,360 24,720 3,159 — 
          
Total $525,195
 $45,715
 $469,757
 $9,493
 $230
Total$309,647 $20,628 $35,156 $253,863 $— 

(1)
(1)    Represents estimated future interest payments on our Credit Agreement based on the interest rate as of December 31, 2020.
Represents estimated future interest payments on our senior secured term loan based on applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2017.
For further information, see Notes 13Note 14 and 23Note 25 to the consolidated financial statements.
Customer Concentration
Ocwen
Revenue from Ocwen primarily consists of revenue earned from the loansloan portfolios serviced and subserviced by Ocwen when Ocwen designatesengages us as the service provider, and revenue earned directly from Ocwen. We record revenue we earn from Ocwen, underpursuant to the Ocwen ServiceServices Agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we generatedrecognized revenue from Ocwen of $542.0$197.8 million, $561.9$362.7 million and $631.6$437.4 million, respectively. Revenue from Ocwen as a percentage of segment and consolidated revenue was as follows54%, 56% and 52% for the years ended December 31:
  2017 2016 2015
       
Mortgage Market 67% 65% 66%
Real Estate Market 1% —% 9%
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations 11% 27% 37%
Consolidated revenue 58% 56% 60%
31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
We earn additional revenue related to the portfolios serviced and subserviced by Ocwen when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selects Altisource as the service provider. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we recognized revenue of $148.5$23.8 million, $188.0$37.5 million and $216.9$47.1 million, respectively, related to the portfolios serviced by Ocwen when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selected Altisource as the service provider. These amounts are not included in deriving revenue from Ocwen and revenue from Ocwen as a percentage of revenue discussed above.
In February 2019, Altisource and Ocwen entered into agreements that, among other things, facilitated Ocwen’s transition from REALServicing and related technologies to another mortgage servicing software platform, establish a process for Ocwen to review and approve the assignment of one or more of our agreements to potential buyers of Altisource’s business lines, requiring Ocwen to use Altisource as service provider for certain service referrals totaling an amount equal to 100% of the applicable service referrals on certain portfolios plus an amount equal to not less than 90% of applicable service referrals from certain other portfolios (determined on a service by service basis), subject to certain additional restrictions and limitations, and affirm Altisource’s role as a strategic service provider to Ocwen through August 2025. In connection with these agreements, Altisource expressly preserved and did not waive any of its existing contractual rights relating to service referrals, other than with respect to Ocwen transitioning from the REALServicing and related technologies. If Altisource fails certain performance
51

Table of Contents

standards for specified periods of time, then Ocwen may terminate Altisource as a provider for the applicable service(s), subject to certain limitations and Altisource’s right to cure. Ocwen’s transition to another mortgage servicing platform was completed during 2019.
During the second quarter of 2020, Ocwen informed us that an MSR investor instructed Ocwen to use a field services provider other than Altisource on properties associated with certain MSRs. Based upon the impacted portfolios to date and the designated service provider, Altisource believes that Ocwen received these directions from NRZ. We believe Ocwen commenced using another field services provider for these properties in July 2020 and continued to transition services during the third quarter of 2020. We believe that the transition to the replacement field service provider was largely completed as of September 30, 2020. We estimate that $70.1 million, $150.2 million and $171.0 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from Field Services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Ocwen also communicated to Altisource in the table above.fourth quarter of 2020 that the same investor instructed Ocwen to use a provider for default valuations and certain default title services other than Altisource on properties associated with such certain MSRs and commenced moving these referrals to other service providers in the fourth quarter of 2020. We anticipate that the transition of such default valuations and title services will continue during the course of 2021. We estimate that $18.2 million, $33.2 million and $40.1 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from default valuations and title services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Altisource believes that any action taken by Ocwen to redirect these service referrals breaches Altisource's agreement with Ocwen. We are currently in discussions with Ocwen to address this matter, and have reserved all of our rights with respect to this matter.
To address the reduction in revenue, Altisource is undertaking several measures to further reduce its cost structure and strengthen its operations.
As of June 30, 2017, we estimateDecember 31, 2020, accounts receivable from Ocwen totaled $5.9 million, $5.1 million of which was billed and $0.8 million of which was unbilled. As of December 31, 2019, accounts receivable from Ocwen totaled $19.1 million, $15.7 million of which was billed and $3.4 million of which was unbilled.
NRZ
Ocwen has disclosed that NRZ owned certain economicis its largest client. As of December 31, 2020, NRZ MSRs or rights in, but not legal titleto MSRs relating to approximately 78%36% of the Subject MSRs.loans serviced and subserviced by Ocwen (measured in UPB). In July 2017 and January 2018, Ocwen and NRZ entered into a series of agreements pursuant to convert NRZ’s economic rightswhich the parties agreed, among other things, to undertake certain actions to facilitate the transfer from Ocwen to NRZ of Ocwen’s legal title to the Subject MSRs into fully-owned MSRs in exchange for payments from NRZ toand under which Ocwen when such MSRs were transferred. The transfers are

58

Table of Contents



subject to certain third party consents. Ocwen disclosed that under these agreements, Ocwen wouldwill subservice mortgage loans underlying the transferred Subject MSRs for an initial term of five years, and the agreements provided for the conversion of the existing arrangements into a more traditional subservicing arrangement.
In January 2018, Ocwen disclosed that it and NRZ entered into new agreementssubject to accelerate the implementation of certain parts of their July 2017 arrangement in order to achieve the intent of the July 2017 agreements sooner while Ocwen continues the process of obtaining the third party consents necessary to transfer the Subject MSRs to NRZ.early termination rights.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource, through its licensed subsidiaries, entered into thea Cooperative Brokerage Agreement with NRZ which extends through August 2025. Under this agreement and related amendments, Altisource remains the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs, when Ocwen transfers such MSRs to NRZ or when NRZ acquires both an additional economic interest in such MSRs and the right to designate the broker for REO properties in such portfolios. The Brokerage Agreement provides that Altisource is the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs, irrespective of the sub-servicer.subservicer, subject to certain limitations. NRZ’s brokerage subsidiary will receivereceives a cooperative brokerage commission on the sale of certain REO properties from these portfolios subject to certain exceptions.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource and NRZ also entered into the Services LOI to enter into a Services Agreement, setting forth the terms pursuant to which Altisource would remain the exclusive service provider of fee-based services for the Subject MSRs through August 2025. The Services LOI was amended to continue through February 28, 2018 (with a further automatic extension through March 31, 2018 provided that the parties continue to negotiate the Services Agreement in good faith).
The Brokerage Agreement can be terminated by Altisource if the Services Agreement is not signed between Altisource and NRZ during the term of the Services LOI. The Brokerage Agreement may otherwise only be terminated by NRZ upon the occurrence of certain specified events. Termination events include, but are not limited to, a breach of the terms of the Brokerage Agreement (including, without limitation, the failure to meet performance standards and non-compliance with law in a material respect), the failure to maintain licenses which failure materially prevents performance of the contract, regulatory allegations of non-compliance resulting in an adversarial proceeding against NRZ, voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, appointment of a receiver, disclosure in a Form 10-K or Form 10-Q that there is significant uncertainty about Altisource’s ability to continue as a going concern, failure to maintain a specified level of cash and an unapproved change of control.
FollowingFor the execution of the Services Agreement,years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we anticipate thatrecognized revenue from NRZ would increaseof $8.6 million, $12.5 million and $28.7 million, respectively, under the Brokerage Agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized additional revenue from Ocwen would decrease. As Subject MSRs continueof $35.1 million, $60.0 million and $83.6 million, respectively, relating to transfer from Ocwen to NRZ, we anticipate that NRZ will become our largest customer. Had all of the Subject MSRs been transferred towhen a party other than NRZ andselects Altisource as the Brokerage Agreement and the Services Agreement with NRZ were in place asservice provider.
52

Table of January 1, 2017, we estimate that approximately 50% of our 2017 revenue would have been related to NRZ. There can be no assurance that the parties will reach an agreement with respect to the terms of the Services Agreement or that a Services Agreement will be entered into on a timely basis or at all.Contents

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Our financial market risk consists primarily of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2017,2020, the interest rate charged on the senior secured term loanTerm B Loan was 5.07%5.00%. The interest rate is calculated based on the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the senior secured term loan agreement) with a minimum floor of 1.00% plus 3.50%4.00%.
Based on the principal amount outstanding atand the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate as of December 31, 2017,2020, a one percentage point increase in the Eurodollar rate would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $4.1 million, based on the December 31, 2017 Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.$2.5 million. There would be a $2.3 millionno decrease in our annual interest expense if there was a one percentage point decrease in the Eurodollar Rate.Rate, as a result of the 1.00% minimum floor.
Currency Exchange Risk
We are exposed to currency risk from potential changes in currency values of our non-United States dollar denominated expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows. Our most significant currency exposure relates to the Indian rupee. Based on expenses incurred in Indian rupees during 2017,for the year ended December 31, 2020, a one percentage point increase or decrease in value of the Indian rupee in relation to the United States dollar would increase or decrease our annual expenses by approximately $1.1$0.4 million.

53
59

Table of Contents




ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Page



60
54

Table of Contents




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm




To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and 2016,2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and 2016,2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also audited the adjustments to the 2015 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively apply the changes in the composition of reportable segments, as described in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in 2013Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2018March 11, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Change in Application
Adoption of New Accounting PrinciplesStandards
As discussed in Note 2425 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its applicationmethod of accounting for leases as a result of the compositionadoption of reportable segments in 2017. The change inAccounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, effective January 1, 2019, under the composition of reportable segments is accounted for bymodified retrospective application to the consolidated financial statements of all prior periods presented.transition approach.
Emphasis of Concentration of Revenue and Uncertainties
As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, Ocwen Financial Corporation (“(��Ocwen”) is the Company’s largest customer. In July 2017, Ocwen andpurchases certain mortgage services from the Company under the terms of services agreements with terms extending through August 2025. Ocwen has disclosed that New Residential Investment Corp. (individually, together with one or more(“NRZ”) is its largest client. In July 2017 and January 2018, Ocwen and NRZ entered into a series of its subsidiaries, or one or moreagreements pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, to undertake certain actions to facilitate the transfer from Ocwen to NRZ of its subsidiaries individually, “NRZ”) entered agreementsOcwen’s legal title to convert NRZ’s economic rights in Ocwen’s non-government-sponsored enterprise mortgage servicing rights (the “Subject MSRs”) into fully-owned mortgage servicing rights of NRZ in exchange for payments from NRZ to Ocwen when suchcertain mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) were transferred. In January 2018,and under which Ocwen will subservice mortgage loans underlying these MSRs for an initial term of five years. As discussed in Note 25 to the financial statements, NRZ can terminate its sub-servicing agreement with Ocwen in exchange for the payment of a termination fee. During the second quarter of 2020, Ocwen informed the Company that an MSR investor instructed Ocwen to use a field services provider other than the Company on properties associated with certain MSRs. Ocwen also communicated to the Company in the fourth quarter of 2020 that the same investor instructed Ocwen to use a provider for default valuations and certain title services other than the Company on properties associated with certain MSRs and commenced moving these referrals to other providers in the fourth quarter of 2020. Ocwen has disclosed that it is subject to a number of regulatory matters and NRZ entered into new agreementsmay become subject to acceleratefuture adverse regulatory or other actions. The existence or outcome of Ocwen regulatory matters or the implementation of certain parts of their July 2017 arrangement in order to achieve the intenttermination of the July 2017 agreements sooner whileNRZ sub-servicing agreement with Ocwen continuesmay have significant adverse effects on Ocwen’s business and/or the process of obtaining the third party consents necessary to transfer the Subject MSRs to NRZ. On August 28, 2017, the Company, through its licenses subsidiaries, entered into a Cooperative Brokerage Agreement, as amended, and related letter agreement (collectively, the “Brokerage Agreement”) and a Letter of Intent (subsequently amended) to enter into a Services Agreement (the “Services LOI”)Company’s continuing relationship with NRZ. The Services LOI sets forth the terms pursuant to which the Company would remain the exclusive service provider of fee-based services for the Subject MSRs through August 2025.Ocwen. Note 2325 also discusses potential events that could further significantly reduce the potential implications of these uncertainties to the Company including the loss of Ocwen as a customer or the inability to reach an agreement with NRZ in respect to the terms of the Services Agreement with the Company.Company’s revenue.
Opinion on the Supplemental Information
The Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts schedule listed in the index at Item 15 of the Form 10-K (the “valuation and qualifying accounts schedule”) has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The valuation and qualifying accounts schedule listed in the index at Item 15 of the Form 10-K is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the valuation and qualifying accounts schedule listed in the index at Item 15 of the Form 10-K reconciles to the consolidated financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the schedule listed in the index at Item 15 of the Form 10-K.valuation and qualifying accounts schedule. In forming our opinion on the valuation and qualifying accounts schedule, listed in the index at Item 15 of the Form 10-K, we evaluated whether the valuation and qualifying accounts schedule, listed in the index at Item 15 of the Form 10-K, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the valuation and qualifying accounts schedule listed in the index at Item 15 of the Form 10-K is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated financial statements as a whole.

6155

Table of Contents




Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Accounting for Income Taxes
As described further in Note 2 and Note 22 to the financial statements, the Company is subject to income taxes in Luxembourg, as well as in the United States and a number of other foreign jurisdictions. The application of tax laws to the Company’s operations can be complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in the application of tax laws to each of the different jurisdictions to determine the consolidated income tax expense. The application of different tax laws also requires judgment in evaluating tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, and complexities in determining the recoverability of deferred tax assets in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions, based on the weight of positive and negative evidence, which includes anticipated future reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projections of future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. We identified the evaluation of the accounting for income taxes as a critical audit matter.
The principal considerations for our determination that auditing income taxes is a critical audit matter included: (i) the specialized expertise and experience necessary in evaluating the completeness and valuation of the foreign tax provisions primarily due to the Company’s multinational presence in numerous foreign jurisdictions with varying complexity in tax laws and regulations; (ii) the subjective auditor judgment involved in evaluating the transfer pricing methodology and existence of the uncertain tax positions; (iii) the complex auditor judgment involved in evaluating the valuation of the Company’s identified uncertain tax positions; and (iv) the complex auditor judgment involved in evaluating the various forms of available positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of deferred tax assets, specifically due to the Company’s multinational presence.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
Testing the design and operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s income tax reporting process, including controls related to the identification and application of tax laws in different jurisdictions, the recoverability of deferred tax assets, and the identification and evaluation of significant assumptions used in determining the assessment of uncertain tax positions;
Obtaining an understanding of the Company’s overall legal entity structure by reading and evaluating the Company’s organizational charts and associated documentation, including legal documents;
Testing the income tax provision in each significant taxable jurisdiction, including performing procedures designed to test the completeness and accuracy of the permanent and temporary differences by obtaining an understanding of the tax laws applicable in the respective jurisdiction and evaluating communications with tax advisors and governmental taxing authorities, accounting records, tax returns, and other evidential documentation, including assessing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by the Company in its calculations;
56

Table of Contents

Evaluating and testing the appropriateness of the methods and assumptions used in developing the Company’s estimate of the recoverability of its deferred tax assets and the identification and assessment of the valuation of uncertain tax positions in each of its taxable jurisdictions, including the determination of whether the methods were consistent with the requirements of U.S. GAAP, whether the data was appropriately used, and whether the significant assumptions were reasonable and appropriately applied within the methods.
In addition, we involved domestic and international tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in (1) obtaining an understanding of the tax laws in each respective jurisdiction; (2) assessing tax positions and transfer pricing studies; and (3) evaluating the Company’s interpretation of tax law and its assessment and measurement of certain tax uncertainties and expected outcomes by interpreting tax laws and evaluating and reading advice obtained from the Company’s external specialists as well as correspondence with governmental taxing authorities.

/s/ Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.


February 22, 2018March 11, 2021
Clearwater, Florida



62
57

Table of Contents




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm




To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), consolidated statement of equity, cash flows and financial statement schedule as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and 20162020 of the Company, and our report dated February 22, 2018,March 11, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regardingrelated to the change in applicationthe method of accounting principles,for leases as a result of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases, effective January 1, 2019, and an emphasis of matter paragraph regarding concentration of revenue and uncertainties with Ocwen Financial Corporation (“Ocwen”) and uncertainties faced by Ocwen and the Company’s related negotiations of certain mortgage servicing rights and subservicing with New Residential Investment Corp.Ocwen.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.




/s/ Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.


February 22, 2018March 11, 2021
Clearwater, Florida

58
63

Table of Contents




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A.:
We have audited, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments to the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments discussed in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements, the consolidated statements of operations, equity and cash flows of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the 2015 consolidated financial statements before the effects of the adjustments discussed in Note 24 of the consolidated financial statements are not presented herein). Our audit of the financial statements referred to above also included the 2015 information contained in the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements referred to above, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments to the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments discussed in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements, present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements, Ocwen Financial Corporation (“Ocwen”), the Company’s largest customer, has been and is subject to a number of federal and state regulatory matters and is subject to other challenges and uncertainties that could have significant adverse effects on Ocwen’s business. Note 23 also discusses the potential implications of these uncertainties to the Company including the loss of Ocwen as a customer or a reduction in the number and/volume of services Ocwen purchases from the Company.
We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the retrospective adjustments to the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments, discussed in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such retrospective adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those retrospective adjustments were audited by other auditors.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 15, 2016



64

Table of Contents



ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share data)
December 31,
20202019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$58,263 $82,741 
Accounts receivable, net22,413 43,615 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets19,479 15,214 
Investment in equity securities42,618 
Total current assets100,155 184,188 
Premises and equipment, net11,894 24,526 
Right-of-use assets under operating leases18,213 29,074 
Goodwill73,849 73,849 
Intangible assets, net46,326 61,046 
Deferred tax assets, net5,398 10,763 
Other assets9,850 10,810 
Total assets$265,685 $394,256 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$56,779 $67,671 
Deferred revenue5,461 5,183 
Other current liabilities9,305 14,724 
Total current liabilities71,545 87,578 
Long-term debt242,656 287,882 
Deferred tax liabilities, net8,801 9,137 
Other non-current liabilities25,239 31,016 
Commitments, contingencies and regulatory matters (Note 25)00
Equity (deficit):
Common stock ($1.00 par value; 100,000 shares authorized, 25,413 issued and 15,664 outstanding as of December 31, 2020; 15,454 outstanding as of December 31, 2019)25,413 25,413 
Additional paid-in capital141,473 133,669 
Retained earnings190,383 272,026 
Treasury stock, at cost (9,749 shares as of December 31, 2020 and 9,959 shares as of December 31, 2019)(441,034)(453,934)
Altisource deficit(83,765)(22,826)
Non-controlling interests1,209 1,469 
Total deficit(82,556)(21,357)
Total liabilities and deficit$265,685 $394,256 
  December 31,
  2017 2016
ASSETS
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $105,006
 $149,294
Available for sale securities 49,153
 45,754
Accounts receivable, net 52,740
 87,821
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 64,742
 42,608
Total current assets 271,641
 325,477
     
Premises and equipment, net 73,273
 103,473
Goodwill 86,283
 86,283
Intangible assets, net 120,065
 155,432
Deferred tax assets, net (Note 21) 303,707
 7,292
Other assets 10,195
 11,255
     
Total assets $865,164
 $689,212
     
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $84,400
 $83,135
Accrued litigation settlement (Note 19) 
 32,000
Current portion of long-term debt 5,945
 5,945
Deferred revenue 9,802
 8,797
Other current liabilities 9,414
 19,061
Total current liabilities 109,561
 148,938
     
Long-term debt, less current portion 403,336
 467,600
Other non-current liabilities 12,282
 10,480
     
Commitments, contingencies and regulatory matters (Note 23)   

     
Equity:    
Common stock ($1.00 par value; 100,000 shares authorized, 25,413 issued and 17,418 outstanding as of December 31, 2017; 25,413 shares authorized and issued and 18,774 outstanding as of December 31, 2016) 25,413
 25,413
Additional paid-in capital 112,475
 107,288
Retained earnings 626,600
 333,786
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 733
 (1,745)
Treasury stock, at cost (7,995 shares as of December 31, 2017 and 6,639 shares as of December 31, 2016) (426,609) (403,953)
Altisource equity 338,612
 60,789
     
Non-controlling interests 1,373
 1,405
Total equity 339,985
 62,194
     
Total liabilities and equity $865,164
 $689,212


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

65
59

Table of Contents




ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive IncomeLoss
(in thousands, except per share data)
For the years ended December 31,
 202020192018
Revenue$365,547 $648,651 $838,202 
Cost of revenue305,194 493,256 622,165 
Gross profit60,353 155,395 216,037 
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general and administrative expenses92,736 141,076 175,670 
Gain on sale of businesses(17,814)(13,688)
Restructuring charges11,972 14,080 11,560 
(Loss) income from operations(44,355)18,053 42,495 
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense(17,730)(21,393)(26,254)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment in equity securities4,004 14,431 (12,972)
Other income (expense), net375 1,348 (1,870)
Total other income (expense), net(13,351)(5,614)(41,096)
(Loss) income before income taxes and non-controlling interests(57,706)12,439 1,399 
Income tax provision(8,609)(318,296)(4,098)
Net loss(66,315)(305,857)(2,699)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests(841)(2,112)(2,683)
Net loss attributable to Altisource$(67,156)$(307,969)$(5,382)
Loss per share:
Basic$(4.31)$(19.26)$(0.32)
Diluted$(4.31)$(19.26)$(0.32)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic15,598 15,991 17,073 
Diluted15,598 15,991 17,073 
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss$(66,315)$(305,857)$(2,699)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Reclassification of unrealized gain on investment in equity securities, net of income tax provision of $200, to retained earnings from the cumulative effect of an accounting change(733)
Comprehensive loss, net of tax(66,315)(305,857)(3,432)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests(841)(2,112)(2,683)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Altisource$(67,156)$(307,969)$(6,115)
  For the years ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
       
Revenue $942,213
 $997,303
 $1,051,466
Cost of revenue 699,865
 690,045
 687,327
       
Gross profit 242,348
 307,258
 364,139
Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,642
 214,155
 220,868
Litigation settlement loss, net of $4,000 insurance recovery (Note 19) 
 28,000
 
Impairment losses (Notes 9 and 10) 
 
 71,785
Change in the fair value of Equator Earn Out (Note 19) 
 
 (7,591)
Income from operations 49,706
 65,103
 79,077
Other income (expense), net:      
Interest expense (22,253) (24,412) (28,208)
Other income (expense), net 7,922
 3,630
 2,191
Total other income (expense), net (14,331) (20,782) (26,017)
       
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests 35,375
 44,321
 53,060
Income tax benefit (provision) (Note 21) 276,256
 (12,935) (8,260)
       
Net income 311,631
 31,386
 44,800
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (2,740) (2,693) (3,202)
       
Net income attributable to Altisource $308,891
 $28,693
 $41,598
       
Earnings per share:      
Basic $16.99
 $1.53
 $2.13
Diluted $16.53
 $1.46
 $2.02
       
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic 18,183
 18,696
 19,504
Diluted 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
       
Comprehensive income:      
Net income $311,631
 $31,386
 $44,800
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of income tax benefit
(provision) of $(921), $720, $0
 2,478
 (1,745) 
       
Comprehensive income, net of tax 314,109
 29,641
 44,800
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests (2,740) (2,693) (3,202)
       
Comprehensive income attributable to Altisource $311,369
 $26,948
 $41,598


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

66
60

Table of Contents




ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Equity
(in thousands)
 Altisource Equity (Deficit)
 Common stockAdditional paid-in capitalRetained earningsAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Treasury stock, at costNon-controlling interestsTotal
 Shares
Balance, January 1, 201825,413 $25,413 $112,475 $626,600 $733 $(426,609)$1,373 $339,985 
Net loss— — — (5,382)— — 2,683 (2,699)
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders— — — — — — (2,819)(2,819)
Share-based compensation expense— — 10,192 — — — — 10,192 
Cumulative effect of an accounting change (Note 5 and 18)— — (9,715)(733)— — (10,448)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares— — — (19,245)— 22,889 — 3,644 
Treasury shares withheld for the payment of tax on restricted share issuances and stock option exercises— — — (1,603)— 778 — (825)
Repurchase of shares— — — — — (40,362)— (40,362)
Balance, December 31, 201825,413 25,413 122,667 590,655 (443,304)1,237 296,668 
Net loss— — — (307,969)— — 2,112 (305,857)
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders— — — — — — (2,752)(2,752)
Share-based compensation expense— — 11,002 — — — 872 11,874 
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted share units and restricted shares— — — (7,222)— 7,622 — 400 
Treasury shares withheld for the payment of tax on restricted share issuances and stock option exercises— — — (3,438)— 1,743 — (1,695)
Repurchase of shares— — — — — (19,995)— (19,995)
Balance, December 31, 201925,413 25,413 133,669 272,026 (453,934)1,469 (21,357)
Net loss— — — (67,156)— — 841 (66,315)
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders— — — — — — (1,101)(1,101)
Share-based compensation expense— — 7,804 — — — — 7,804 
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted share units and restricted shares— — — (9,548)— 9,548 — 
Treasury shares withheld for the payment of tax on restricted share unit and restricted share issuances and stock option exercises— — — (4,939)— 3,352 — (1,587)
Balance, December 31, 202025,413 $25,413 $141,473 $190,383 $$(441,034)$1,209 $(82,556)
 Altisource Equity    
 Common stock Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Treasury stock, at cost Non-controlling interests Total
 Shares              
                
Balance, January 1, 201525,413
 $25,413
 $91,509
 $367,967
 $
 $(444,495) $1,049
 $41,443
                
Net income
 
 
 41,598
 
 
 3,202
 44,800
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,959) (2,959)
Share-based compensation expense
 
 4,812
 
 
 
 
 4,812
Exercise of stock option
 
 
 (8,292) 
 9,682
 
 1,390
Issuance of restricted shares for acquisitions
 
 
 (32,003) 
 53,736
 
 21,733
Repurchase of shares
 
 
 
 
 (58,949) 
 (58,949)
                
Balance, December 31, 201525,413
 25,413
 96,321
 369,270
 
 (440,026) 1,292
 52,270
                
Comprehensive income:               
Net income
 
 
 28,693
 
 
 2,693
 31,386
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 (1,745) 
 
 (1,745)
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,580) (2,580)
Share-based compensation expense
 
 6,188
 
 
 
 
 6,188
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 
 4,779
 
 
 
 
 4,779
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares
 
 
 (64,177) 
 73,735
 
 9,558
Repurchase of shares
 
 
 
 
 (37,662) 
 (37,662)
                
Balance, December 31, 201625,413
 25,413
 107,288
 333,786
 (1,745) (403,953) 1,405
 62,194
                
Comprehensive income:               
Net income
 
 
 308,891
 
 
 2,740
 311,631
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 2,478
 
 
 2,478
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,772) (2,772)
Share-based compensation expense
 
 4,255
 
 
 
 
 4,255
Cumulative effect of an accounting change (Note 2)
 
 932
 (932) 
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares
 
 
 (13,491) 
 15,865
 
 2,374
Treasury shares withheld for the payment of tax on restricted share issuances
 
 
 (1,654) 
 490
 
 (1,164)
Repurchase of shares
 
 
 
 
 (39,011) 
 (39,011)
                
Balance, December 31, 201725,413
 $25,413
 $112,475
 $626,600
 $733
 $(426,609) $1,373
 $339,985


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

67
61

Table of Contents




ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
For the years ended December 31,
202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net loss$(66,315)$(305,857)$(2,699)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization14,890 18,509 30,799 
Amortization of right-of-use assets under operating leases10,245 11,769 — 
Amortization of intangible assets14,720 19,021 28,412 
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment in equity securities(4,004)(14,431)12,972 
Goodwill and intangible assets write-off from business exits5,900 2,640 
Share-based compensation expense7,804 11,874 10,192 
Bad debt expense2,229 720 2,830 
Amortization of debt discount666 666 717 
Amortization of debt issuance costs730 736 965 
Deferred income taxes5,033 307,339 (5,791)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets461 750 727 
Gain on sale of businesses(17,814)(13,688)
Loss on debt refinancing4.434 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (excludes effect of sale of businesses):  
Accounts receivable14,973 (12,207)14,556 
Short-term investments in real estate39,873 (10,468)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(4,140)13,628 4,617 
Other assets947 (132)2,278 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(10,338)(16,257)1,651 
Current and non-current operating lease liabilities(10,599)(12,738)— 
Other current and non-current liabilities297 (4,661)(16,742)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(22,401)46,688 68,402 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Additions to premises and equipment(2,705)(2,161)(3,916)
Proceeds received from sale of equity securities46,622 7,994 
Proceeds from the sale of businesses3,307 38,632 15,000 
Other investing activities422 
Net cash provided by investing activities47,224 44,887 11,084 
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt407,880 
Repayments and repurchases of long-term debt(46,622)(44,996)(486,759)
Debt issuance costs(5,042)
Proceeds from stock option exercises400 3,644 
Purchase of treasury shares(19,995)(40,362)
Distributions to non-controlling interests(1,101)(2,752)(2,819)
Payments of tax withholding on issuance of restricted share units and restricted shares(1,587)(1,695)(825)
Net cash used in financing activities(49,310)(69,038)(124,283)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(24,487)22,537 (44,797)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period86,583 64,046 108,843 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period$62,096 $86,583 $64,046 
Supplemental cash flow information:  
Interest paid$15,697 $20,856 $24,123 
Income taxes paid, net2,061 2,688 7,136 
Acquisition of right-of-use assets with operating lease liabilities1,075 13,775 — 
Reduction of right-of-use assets from operating lease modifications or reassessments(1,691)(5,844)— 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:  
Net increase (decrease) in payables for purchases of premises and equipment$139 $(101)$(32)
 For the years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Cash flows from operating activities:   
  
Net income$311,631
 $31,386
 $44,800
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
  
Depreciation and amortization36,447
 36,788
 36,470
Amortization of intangible assets35,367
 47,576
 41,135
Loss on HLSS equity securities and dividends received, net
 
 1,854
Change in the fair value of acquisition related contingent consideration24
 (3,555) (7,184)
Impairment losses
 
 71,785
Share-based compensation expense4,255
 6,188
 4,812
Bad debt expense5,116
 1,829
 5,514
Gain on early extinguishment of debt(5,637) (5,464) (3,836)
Amortization of debt discount301
 413
 498
Amortization of debt issuance costs833
 1,141
 1,374
Deferred income taxes(297,336) (2,597) (1,326)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets2,768
 1,765
 26
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:   
  
Accounts receivable29,965
 15,980
 2,401
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(22,134) (20,881) 1,883
Other assets770
 1,053
 2,993
Accounts payable and accrued expenses2,576
 (9,113) (14,483)
Other current and non-current liabilities(38,864) 24,309
 6,636
Net cash provided by operating activities66,082
 126,818
 195,352
      
Cash flows from investing activities:   
  
Additions to premises and equipment(10,514) (23,269) (36,188)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 (9,409) (28,675)
Purchase of available for sale securities
 (48,219) (29,966)
Proceeds received from sale of and dividends from HLSS equity securities
 
 28,112
Change in restricted cash290
 674
 722
Other investing activities188
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities(10,036) (80,223) (65,995)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:   
  
Repayments and repurchases of long-term debt(59,761) (50,723) (50,373)
Proceeds from stock option exercises2,374
 9,558
 1,390
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 4,779
 
Purchase of treasury shares(39,011) (37,662) (58,949)
Distributions to non-controlling interests(2,772) (2,580) (2,959)
Payment of tax withholding on issuance of restricted shares(1,164) 
 
Other financing activities
 
 (500)
Net cash used in financing activities(100,334) (76,628) (111,391)
      
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(44,288) (30,033) 17,966
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period149,294
 179,327
 161,361
      
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period$105,006
 $149,294
 $179,327
      
Supplemental cash flow information:   
  
Interest paid$21,210
 $22,717
 $26,274
Income taxes paid, net18,332
 18,327
 9,725
      
Non-cash investing and financing activities:   
  
Acquisition of businesses with restricted shares$
 $
 $21,733
(Decrease) increase in payables for purchases of premises and equipment(1,311) 404
 (6,679)


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

62
68

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION
Description of Business
Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A., together with its subsidiaries (which may be referred to as “Altisource,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), is an integrated service provider and marketplace for the real estate and mortgage industries. Combining operational excellence with a suite of innovative services and technologies, Altisource helps solve the demands of the ever-changing markets we serve.
Effective JanuaryThe Company operates with 1 2017, our reportable segments changed as a result of a change in the way our Chief Executive Officer (our chief operating decision maker) manages our businesses, allocates resources and evaluates performance, and the related changes in our internal organization. We now report our operations through two new reportable segments: Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market. In addition, we report Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations separately. Prior to the January 1, 2017 change in reportable segments, our reportable segments were Mortgage Services, Financial Services and Technology Services. Prior year comparable period segment disclosures have been restated to conform to the current year presentation. See Note 24 for a description of our business segments.(total Company).
NOTE 2 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting and Presentation-
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Principles of Consolidation -
The financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and those entities in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary.
Altisource consolidates Best Partners Mortgage Cooperative, Inc., which is managed by The Mortgage Partnership of America, L.L.C. (“MPA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altisource. Best Partners Mortgage Cooperative, Inc. is a mortgage cooperative doing business as Lenders One® (“Lenders One”). MPA provides services to Lenders One under a management agreement that ends on December 31, 2025 (with renewals for three3 successive five-year periods at MPA’s option).
The management agreement between MPA and Lenders One, pursuant to which MPA is the management company, represents a variable interest in a variable interest entity. MPA is the primary beneficiary of Lenders One as it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the cooperative’s economic performance and the right to receive benefits from the cooperative. As a result, Lenders One is presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on a consolidated basis and the interests of the members are reflected as non-controlling interests. As of December 31, 2017,2020, Lenders One had total assets of $4.6$2.3 million and total liabilities of $3.1$0.1 million. As of December 31, 2016,2019, Lenders One had total assets of $3.8$1.6 million and total liabilities of $1.5$0.3 million.
In 2019, Altisource created Pointillist, Inc. (“Pointillist”) and contributed the Pointillist® customer journey analytics business and $8.5 million to it. Pointillist is owned by Altisource and management of Pointillist. Management of Pointillist owns a non-controlling interest representing 12.1% of the outstanding equity of Pointillist. Additional equity shares of Pointillist are available for issuance to management and board members of Pointillist. Altisource has no ongoing obligation to provide future funding to Pointillist. Pointillist is presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on a consolidated basis and the portion of Pointillist owned by Pointillist management is reported as non-controlling interests.
Use of Estimates -
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining share-based compensation, income taxes, collectability of receivables, valuation of acquired intangibles and goodwill, depreciable lives and valuation of fixed assets and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents -
We classify all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase as cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable, Net -
Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts that represents an amount that weexpected credit losses. We monitor and estimate to be uncollectible. We have estimated the allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses based on our historical write-offs, historical collections, our analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, relevant market and industry reports and our assessment of the economic status of our customers, if known. The carrying value of accounts receivable, net, approximates fair value.

69
63

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Premises and Equipment, Net -
We report premises and equipment, net at cost or estimated fair value at acquisition for premises and equipment recorded in connection with a business combination and depreciate these assets over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows:
Furniture and fixtures5 years
Office equipment5 years
Computer hardware3-5 years
Office equipment5 years
Computer hardware5 years
Computer software3-7 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of useful life, 10 years or the term of the lease
Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. We capitalize expenditures for significant improvements and new equipment and depreciate the assets over the shorter of the capitalized asset’s life or the life of the lease.
We review premises and equipment for impairment following events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset or asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset or asset group. There were no impairments of premises and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a $4.1 million premises and equipment impairment loss. See Note 9 for additional information.
Computer software includes the fair value of software acquired in business combinations, capitalized software development costs and purchased software. Capitalized software development and purchased software are recorded at cost and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Software acquired in business combinations is recorded at fair value and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life.
Business Combinations-
We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using their fair value as of the acquisition date.
Goodwill -
Goodwill represents the excess cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change in a manner that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether we need to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. Only if we determine, based on qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value will we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit. We would then test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units.unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to computeits carrying amount, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount of impairment asby which the difference betweencarrying amount exceeds the estimatedreporting unit’s fair valuevalue; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill and the carrying value.allocated to that reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of the reporting unitsunit using discounted cash flows and market comparisons. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of projected cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our estimate of future sales and operating expenses, based primarily on estimated pricing, sales volumes, market segment share, cost trends and general economic conditions. Certain estimates of discounted cash flows involve businesses with limited financial history and developing revenue models. The estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate that represents our weighted average cost of capital. The market comparisons include an analysis of revenue and earnings multiples of guideline public companies compared to the Company. There were no impairments of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a goodwill impairment loss of $55.7 million. See Note 10 for additional information.
Intangible Assets, Net -
Identified intangible assets consist primarily of customer related intangible assets, operating agreements, trademarks and trade names and other intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any arrangements, the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for use of the asset and other economic factors. We amortize intangible assets that we deem to have definite lives in proportion to actual and expected customer revenues or on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, generally ranging from 4 to 20 years.

70
64

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

We perform tests for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of intangible assets determined to have definite lives may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the carrying value by preparing estimates of cash flows of discrete intangible assets generally consistent with models utilized for internal planning purposes. If the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows is less than the carrying value, we would recognize an impairment to the extent the carrying amount exceeds fair value. There were no impairments of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized impairments of intangible assets of $11.9 million. See Note 10 for additional information on impairments.
Long-Term Debt-
Long-term debt is reported net of applicable discount or premium and net of debt issuance costs. The debt discount or premium and debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense through maturity of the related debt using the effective interest method.
Fair Value Measurements-
Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, which prioritizes the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets and liabilities, is as follows:
Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
Level 2 Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
Functional Currency -
The currency of the primary economic environment in which our operations are conducted is the United States dollar. Therefore, the United States dollar has been determined to be our functional and reporting currency. Non-United States dollar transactions and balances have been measured in United States dollars in accordance with ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters. All transaction gains and losses from the measurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-United States dollar currencies are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive incomeloss as income or expenses, as appropriate.
Defined Contribution 401(k) Plan -
Some of our employees currently participate in a defined contribution 401(k) plan under which we may make matching contributions equal to a discretionary percentage determined by us. We recorded expenses of $1.2$0.6 million, $1.2$0.9 million and $1.0$1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively, related to our discretionary contributions.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive. This revenue can be recognized at a point in time or over time. We invoice customers based on our contractual arrangements with each customer, which may not be consistent with the period that revenues are recognized. When there is a timing difference between when we invoice customers and when revenues are recognized, we record either a contract asset (unbilled accounts receivable) or a contract liability (deferred revenue or other current liabilities), as appropriate. Descriptions of our principal revenue generating activities are as follows:
Core Businesses
Field Services
For property preservation and inspection services and payment management technologies, we recognize transactional revenue when the service is provided.
For vendor management transactions and our vendor management oversight software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) platform, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the services.
Reimbursable expenses revenue related to our property preservation and inspection services is included in revenue with an equal amount recognized in cost of revenue. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally
65

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
because generally we have control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationships are with us, rather than with our customers.
Marketplace
For the real estate auction platform, real estate auction and real estate brokerage services, we recognize revenue on a net basis (i.e., the commission on the sale) as we perform services as an agent without assuming the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and the commission earned on the sale is a fixed percentage or amount.
For SaaS based technology to manage real estate owned (“REO”), short sales, foreclosure, bankruptcy and eviction processes, we recognize revenue over the estimated average number of months the REO are on the platform. We generally recognize revenue for professional services over the contract period.
Reimbursable expenses revenue related to our real estate sales is included in revenue with an equal amount recognized in cost of revenue. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because generally we have control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationships are with us, rather than with our customers.
Mortgage and Real Estate Solutions
For the majority of the services we provide, we recognize transactional revenue when the service is provided.
For loan disbursement processing services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the processing services with full recognition upon completion of the disbursements. For foreclosure trustee services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the related services, with full recognition upon completion and/or recording the related foreclosure deed. We use judgment to determine the period over which we recognize revenue for certain of these services.
Reimbursable expenses revenue related to our title and foreclosure trustee services businesses is included in revenue with an equal amount recognized in cost of revenue. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because generally we have control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationships are with us, rather than with our customers.
Other Businesses
Earlier Stage Business
For our customer journey analytics platform, we recognize revenue primarily based on subscription fees. We recognize revenue associated with implementation services and maintenance services ratably over the contract term.
Other
For our Financial Services business (sold on July 1, 2019, see Note 4), we generally earned fees for our post-charge-off consumer debt collection services as a percentage of the amount we collected on delinquent consumer receivables and recognized revenue following collection from the borrowers. For mortgage charge-off collections performed on behalf of our clients, we recognized revenue as a percentage of amounts collected following collection from the borrowers. We provided customer relationship management services for which we typically earned and recognized revenue on a per-person, per-call or per-minute basis as the related services were performed.
For loan servicing technologies, we recognized revenue based on the number of loans on the system. We generally recognized revenue from professional services over the contract period.
For short-term investments in real estate (wind down completed in 2019, see Note 8), we recognized revenue associated with our sales of short-term investments in real estate on a gross basis (i.e., the selling price of the property) as we assumed the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset.
For our consumer real estate brokerage (discontinued in the fourth quarter of 2019, see Note 8), we recognized revenue on a net basis (i.e., the commission on the sale) as we performed services as an agent without assuming the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and the commission earned on the sale was a fixed percentage or amount.
Share-Based Compensation -
Share-based compensation is accounted for under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC Topic 718”). Under ASC Topic 718, the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is generally measured based on the grant date fair value of the award. Share-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately. Share-based awards that require future service are recognized over the relevant service period. In 2017, theThe Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). In connection with adopting ASU 2016-09 (see Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements below), the Companyhas made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures in compensation expense as they occur. Prior to adopting ASU No. 2016-09, the Company estimated forfeitures for share-based awards in compensation expense that were not expected to vest.
Earnings Per Share - We compute earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Altisource by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock method.

71
66

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue from the services we provide in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC Topic 605”). ASC Topic 605 sets forth guidance as to when revenue is realized or realizable and earned, which is generally when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been performed; (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, the contract terms for these services are relatively short in duration, and we recognize revenue as the services are performed either on a per unit or a fixed price basis. Specific policies for each of our reportable segments are as follows:
Mortgage Market segment: We recognize revenue for the majority of the services we provide when the services have been performed. For certain default management services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the related services, with full recognition upon recording the related foreclosure deed. A significant area of judgment includes the period over which we recognize certain default management services revenue. For disbursement processing services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the processing services with full recognition upon completion of the disbursements. We record revenue associated with fees earned on real estate sales, other than our sales of short-term investments in real estate (see Real Estate Market segment below), on a net basis as we perform services as an agent without assuming the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and the commission earned on the sale is a fixed percentage. We generally earn our fees for collections on charged-off mortgages on behalf of our clients and recognize revenue following collection from the debtors. We also earn fees for packaging and selling charged-off mortgages and recognize revenue after the sale of the notes and once the risks and rewards of the mortgage notes are transferred to the purchasers. For certain of our servicer technologies software services other than Equator and Mortgage Builder software applications (see below), we charge fees based on the number of loans on the system or on a per-transaction basis. We record transactional revenue when the service is provided and other revenue monthly based on the number of loans processed or services provided. In addition, we charge fees for professional services engagements, which consist primarily of time and materials agreements with customers that are generally billed and recognized as the hours are worked. Reimbursable expenses revenue is included in revenue with an equal amount recorded in cost of revenue primarily related to our property preservation and inspection services, real estate sales and our default management services. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because generally we have complete control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationship is with us, rather than with our customers.
For Equator software applications, we recognize revenue from arrangements with multiple deliverables in accordance with ASC Subtopic 605-25, Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Element Arrangements (“ASC 605-25”), and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 13, Revenue Recognition (“SAB Topic 13”). ASC 605-25 and SAB Topic 13 require each deliverable within a multiple-deliverable revenue arrangement to be accounted for as a separate unit if both of the following criteria are met: (1) the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and (2) for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the seller’s control. Deliverables not meeting the criteria for accounting treatment as a separate unit are combined with a deliverable that meets that criterion. We derive revenue from platform services fees, professional services fees and other services. We do not begin to recognize revenue for platform services fees until these fees become billable, as the services fees are not fixed and determinable until such time. Platform services fees are recognized ratably over the shorter of the term of the contract with the customer or the minimum cancellation period. Professional services fees consist primarily of configuration and development services related to customizing the platform for individual customers and are generally billed as the hours are worked. Due to the essential and specialized nature of the configuration services, these services do not qualify as separate units of accounting separate from the platform services as the delivered services do not have value to the customer on a standalone basis. Therefore, the related fees are recorded as deferred revenue until the project configuration is complete and then recognized ratably over the longer of the term of the agreement or the estimated expected customer life. Other services consist primarily of training, including agent certification, and consulting services. These services are generally sold separately and are recognized as revenue as the services are performed and earned.
For Mortgage Builder software applications, we recognize subscription revenues ratably over the contract term, beginning on the commencement date of each contract. Revenues for usage-based transactions are generally recognized as the usage occurs, as that is the point when the fee becomes fixed or determinable. We generally invoice customers on a monthly basis.
Real Estate Market segment: We recognize revenue for the majority of the services we provide when the services have been performed. We record revenue associated with fees earned on real estate sales, other than our sales of short-term investments in real estate, on a net basis as we perform services as an agent without assuming the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and the commission earned on the sale is a fixed percentage. For sales of short-term investments in real estate, we record revenue in the amount of the selling price of the property upon the sale of the property. Reimbursable expenses revenue is included in revenue with an equal offsetting expense included in cost of revenue primarily related to our real estate sales. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because we have complete control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationship is with us, rather than with our customers.

72

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment: We generally earn our fees for asset recovery management services as a percentage of the amount we collect on delinquent consumer receivables and recognize revenue following collection from the debtors. In addition, we provide customer relationship management services for which we typically earn and recognize revenue on a per-person, per-call or per-minute basis as the related services are performed. For the information technology (“IT”) infrastructure services we provide to Ocwen Financial Corporation (“Ocwen”), Front Yard Residential Corporation (formerly Altisource Residential Corporation) (“RESI”) and Altisource Asset Management Corporation (“AAMC”), we charge for these services primarily based on the number of employees that are using the applicable systems, fixed fees and the number and type of licensed platforms used by Ocwen, RESI and AAMC. We record revenue associated with implementation services upon completion and maintenance ratably over the related service period.
Income Taxes-
We record income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”). We account for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for these differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities as well as expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. The most significant temporary differences relate to accrued compensation, amortization, loss carryforwards and valuation allowances. We measure deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we anticipate recovery or settlement of those temporary differences. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under ASC Topic 740. We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectations could have a material impact on our results of operations.
Earnings Per Share
We compute earnings per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Altisource by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock method.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
On January 1, 2017, ASU No. 2016-09 became effective. This standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard requires companies to recognize all award-related excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement, classify any excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows, limit tax withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rates in order to continue to apply equity accounting rules and classify cash paid by employers when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. The standard also provides companies with the option of estimating forfeitures or recognizing forfeitures as they occur. In connection with the adoption of this standard, the Company made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures in compensation expense as they occur, rather than continuing to apply the Company’s previous policy of estimating forfeitures. This policy election resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of $0.9 million to retained earnings and additional paid-in capital as of January 1, 2017 using the modified retrospective transition method. There were no other significant impacts of the adoption of this standard on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Effective December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5 EE, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB Topic 5 EE”). This staff accounting bulletin expresses the views of the SEC staff regarding application of ASC Topic 740 in the reporting period that includes December 22, 2017, the date on which the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Jobs Act”) was signed into law. The SEC recognizes that an entity may not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) for certain income tax effects of the Jobs Act in order to determine a reasonable estimate to be included as provisional amounts. In circumstances in which provisional amounts cannot be prepared, the SEC stated an entity should continue to apply ASC Topic 740 (e.g., when recognizing and measuring current and deferred taxes) based on the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to the Jobs Act being enacted until a reasonable estimate can be determined.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This standard establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. This new standard requires that an entity recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive and consistent with the delivery of the performance obligation described in the underlying contract with the customer. This standard will be effective

73

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company plans to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard recognized on the date of the initial application. The new standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Based on the Company’s analysis of all sources of revenue from customers for the year ended December 31, 2017 and prior periods, the Company has determined that approximately $10 million of revenue reported during 2017 and prior years, primarily related to software development professional services, will be deferred and recognized over future periods under the new standard.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard will require equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The standard also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value. It also amends certain financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Based on the Company’s analysis of this guidance, upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 the Company will reflect changes in the fair value of its available for sale securities in income. These changes in fair value are currently reflected in other comprehensive income. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2016-01 with a cumulative effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of 2018. The Company currently has one investment that will be impacted by this standard its investment in RESI (see Note 6). As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the unrealized gain (loss) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the RESI investment was $0.7 million and $(1.7) million, respectively.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This standard introduces a new lessee model that brings substantially all leases on the balance sheet. The standard will require companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on their balance sheets and disclose key information about leasing arrangements in their financial statements. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application of this standard is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis of its lease arrangements where the Company is a lessee, approximately $25 million, primarily related to office leases, would be recorded as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 under the new standard. The Company will continue to analyze the impact of this guidance and refine the estimated impact on its results of operations and financial position.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). This standard clarifies guidance on principal versus agent considerations in connection with revenue recognition. When another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or service itself (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (that is, the entity is an agent). An entity is a principal if it controls the specified good or service before that good or service is transferred to a customer. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customer. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company has evaluated the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), described above.
In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. This standard provides guidance on identifying performance obligations in a contract with a customer and clarifying several licensing considerations, including whether an entity’s promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied over time) and guidance on sales-based and usage-based royalties. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company has evaluated the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), described above.
In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. This standard addresses collectability, sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers, non-cash consideration, contract modifications at transition and completed contracts at transition. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company has evaluated the impact of this guidance on its results of operations

74

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), described above.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its statement of cash flows.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This standard will require that companies recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset (other than inventory) when the transfer occurs. Current guidance prohibits companies from recognizing current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This standard will require that companies include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in their cash and cash equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its statement of cash flows. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, restricted cash was $3.8 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The FASB issued 13 technical corrections and improvements to ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), including providing optional exemptions from the disclosure requirement for remaining performance obligations for specific situations in which an entity need not estimate variable consideration to recognize revenue. The amendments in this standard also expand the information that is required to be disclosed when an entity applies one of the optional exemptions. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company has evaluated the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), described above.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This standard clarifies the definition of a business and provides a screen to determine if a set of inputs, processes and outputs is a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the assets acquired would not be a business. Under the new guidance, in order to be considered a business, an acquisition must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. In addition, the standard narrows the definition of the term “output” so that it is consistent with how it is described in ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard will simplifysimplified the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. CurrentPrior guidance requiresrequired that companies compute the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2 by performing procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. This updated standard will requirerequires companies to perform annual or interim goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020 and has applied it prospectively. Adoption of this new standard did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This standard modified certain disclosure requirements such as the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. This standard also requires new disclosures such as the disclosure of certain assumptions used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020 and has applied it prospectively. Adoption of this new standard did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a hosting arrangement service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs incurred for an internal-use software license. This standard also requires capitalizing or expensing implementation costs based on the nature of the costs and the project stage during which they are incurred and establishes additional disclosure requirements. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020 and has applied it prospectively. Adoption of this new standard did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU and its related amendments (collectively, the "Credit Loss Standard") introduced the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology for the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at
67

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
amortized cost basis, replacing the previous incurred loss methodology. The CECL model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other receivables, net, investments in leases, loans receivable held-to-maturity securities and off-balance sheet exposures. The Credit Loss Standard requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses, including historical information and current conditions through a reasonable forecast period. The Credit Loss Standard requires that the income statement reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as the expected increase or decrease of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period, which may result in earlier recognition of certain losses. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020 utilizing a modified retrospective approach, which did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements (See Note 6).
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.  This standard is part of the FASB’s initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards by instituting several simplifying provisions and removing several exceptions pertaining to income tax accounting.  This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019,2020, including interim periods within that reporting period, and will be applied prospectively.period.  Early adoption of this standard is permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements.

75

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

In February 2017,March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income-Gains 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets. This standard was issued to clarify the scope of Subtopic 610-20, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets, and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. Subtopic 610-20 provides guidance for recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.
In May 2017,2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 718)848): Scope of Modification Accounting. This standard provides guidance about which changesapplies only to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require the application of modification accounting. This standard will require companies to continue to apply modification accounting, unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of an award all do not change as a result of the modification. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this standard better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifyingcontracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the presentationLondon Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of hedging results.reference rate reform. This standard willprovides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting, in response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates, and, particularly, the risk of cessation of LIBOR. This standard is effective from the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. An entity may elect to apply the amendments for contract modifications as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be effectiveissued. Once elected for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods withina topic or an industry subtopic, the standard must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications for that reporting period. Early application is permitted.topic or industry subtopic. The Company is currently does not expectevaluating the adoption ofimpact this guidance tomay have a material effect on its results of operations andconsolidated financial position.statements.
NOTE 3 — CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
During the year ended December 31, 2017, Ocwen
Ocwen was our largest customer, accounting for 58% of our total revenue. OcwenFinancial Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “Ocwen”) is a residential mortgage loan servicer forof mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) it owns, including those MSRs in which others have an economic interest, which includes New Residential Investment Corp. (individually, together with one or moreand a subservicer of its subsidiaries or one or moreMSRs owned by others.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, Ocwen was our largest customer, accounting for 54% of its subsidiaries individually, “NRZ”), andour total revenue. Ocwen purchases certain mortgage services and technology services from us under the terms of master services agreements and amendments thereto (collectively, the “Ocwen Services Agreements”) with terms extending through August 2025. Certain of the Ocwen ServiceServices Agreements among other things, contain a “most favored nation” provision and also grant the parties the right to renegotiate pricing. Certain of the Ocwen Service Agreements also prohibit Ocwen from establishing fee-based businesses that would directly or indirectly compete with Altisource’s services with respect to the Homeward Residential, Inc. (“Homeward”) and Residential Capital, LLC (“ResCap”) servicing portfolios acquired by Ocwen in December 2012 and February 2013, respectively. Ocwen also purchases certain origination services from Altisource under an agreement that continues until January 2019, but which is subject to a 90 day termination right by Ocwen.pricing, among other things.
Revenue from Ocwen primarily consists of revenue earned from the loansloan portfolios serviced and subserviced by Ocwen when Ocwen designatesengages us as the service provider, and revenue earned directly from Ocwen.Ocwen, pursuant to the Ocwen Services Agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we generatedrecognized revenue from Ocwen of $542.0$197.8 million, $561.9$362.7 million and $631.6$437.4 million, respectively. Revenue from Ocwen as a percentage of segment and consolidated revenue was as follows54%, 56% and 52% for the years ended December 31:
  2017 2016 2015
       
Mortgage Market 67% 65% 66%
Real Estate Market 1% —% 9%
Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations 11% 27% 37%
Consolidated revenue 58% 56% 60%
31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
We earn additional revenue related to the portfolios serviced and subserviced by Ocwen when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selects Altisource as the service provider. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we recognized revenue of $148.5$23.8 million, $188.0$37.5 million and $216.9$47.1 million, respectively, related to the portfolios serviced by Ocwen when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selected Altisource as the service provider. These amounts are not included in deriving revenue from Ocwen and revenue from Ocwen as a percentage of revenue discussed above.
In February 2019, Altisource and Ocwen entered into agreements that, among other things, facilitated Ocwen’s transition from REALServicing® and related technologies to another mortgage servicing software platform, establish a process for Ocwen to review and approve the assignment of one or more of our agreements to potential buyers of Altisource’s business lines, requiring Ocwen to use Altisource as service provider for certain service referrals totaling an amount equal to 100% of the
68

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
applicable service referrals on certain portfolios plus an amount equal to not less than 90% of applicable service referrals from certain other portfolios (determined on a service by service basis), subject to certain additional restrictions and limitations, and affirm Altisource’s role as a strategic service provider to Ocwen through August 2025. In connection with these agreements, Altisource expressly preserved and did not waive any of its existing contractual rights relating to service referrals, other than with respect to Ocwen transitioning from the REALServicing and related technologies. If Altisource fails certain performance standards for specified periods of time, then Ocwen may terminate Altisource as a provider for the applicable service(s), subject to certain limitations and Altisource’s right to cure. Ocwen’s transition to another mortgage servicing platform was completed during 2019.
During the second quarter of 2020, Ocwen informed us that an MSR investor instructed Ocwen to use a field services provider other than Altisource on properties associated with certain MSRs. Based upon the impacted portfolios to date and the designated service provider, Altisource believes that Ocwen received these directions from New Residential Investment Corp. (individually, together with one or more of its subsidiaries or one or more of its subsidiaries individually, “NRZ”). We believe Ocwen commenced using another field services provider for these properties in July 2020 and continued to transition services during the third quarter of 2020. We believe that the transition to the replacement field service provider was largely completed as of September 30, 2020. We estimate that $70.1 million, $150.2 million and $171.0 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from Field Services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Ocwen also communicated to Altisource in the table above.fourth quarter of 2020 that the same investor instructed Ocwen to use a provider for default valuations and certain default title services other than Altisource on properties associated with such certain MSRs and commenced moving these referrals to other service providers in the fourth quarter of 2020. We anticipate that the transition of such default valuations and title services will continue during the course of 2021. We estimate that $18.2 million, $33.2 million and $40.1 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from default valuations and title services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Altisource believes that any action taken by Ocwen to redirect these service referrals breaches Altisource's agreement with Ocwen. We are currently in discussions with Ocwen to address this matter, and have reserved all of our rights with respect to this matter.
To address the reduction in revenue, Altisource is undertaking several measures to further reduce its cost structure and strengthen its operations.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, accounts receivable from Ocwen totaled $18.9$5.9 million, $13.6$5.1 million of which was billed and $5.3$0.8 million of which was unbilled. As of December 31, 2019, accounts receivable from Ocwen totaled $19.1 million, $15.7 million of which was billed and $3.4 million of which was unbilled.

NRZ
76

Table of ContentsNRZ is a real estate investment trust that invests in and manages investments primarily related to residential real estate, including MSRs and excess MSRs.
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Ocwen has disclosed that NRZ is its largest client. As of June 30, 2017, we estimate thatDecember 31, 2020, NRZ owned certain economicMSRs or rights in, but not legal titleto MSRs relating to approximately 78%36% of Ocwen’s non-government-sponsored enterpriseloans serviced and subserviced by Ocwen (measured in unpaid principal balance (“non-GSE”UPB”) MSRs (the “Subject MSRs”). In July 2017 and January 2018, Ocwen and NRZ entered into a series of agreements pursuant to convert NRZ’s economic rightswhich the parties agreed, among other things, to undertake certain actions to facilitate the Subject MSRs into fully-owned MSRs in exchange for paymentstransfer from Ocwen to NRZ to Ocwen when such MSRs were transferred. The transfers are subjectof Ocwen’s legal title to certain third party consents.of its MSRs (the “Subject MSRs”) and under which Ocwen disclosed that under these agreements, Ocwen wouldwill subservice mortgage loans underlying the transferred Subject MSRs for an initial term of five years, and the agreements provided for the conversion of the existing arrangements into a more traditional subservicing arrangement.
In January 2018, Ocwen disclosed that it and NRZ entered into new agreementssubject to accelerate the implementation of certain parts of their July 2017 arrangement in order to achieve the intent of the July 2017 agreements sooner while Ocwen continues the process of obtaining the third party consents necessary to transfer the Subject MSRs to NRZ.early termination rights.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource, through its licensed subsidiaries, entered into a Cooperative Brokerage Agreement, as amended, and related letter agreement (collectively, the “Brokerage Agreement”) with NRZ which extends through August 2025. Under this agreement and related amendments, Altisource remains the exclusive provider of brokerage services for real estate owned (“REO”) associated with the Subject MSRs when Ocwen transfers such MSRs to NRZ or when NRZ acquires both an additional economic interest in such MSRs and the right to designate the broker for REO properties in such portfolios. The Brokerage Agreement provides that Altisource is the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs, irrespective of the sub-servicer.subservicer, subject to certain limitations. NRZ’s brokerage subsidiary will receivereceives a cooperative brokerage commission on the sale of certain REO properties from these portfolios subject to certain exceptions.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource and NRZ also entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (subsequently amended) to enter into a Services Agreement (the “Services LOI”), setting forth the terms pursuant to which Altisource would remain the exclusive service provider of fee-based services for the Subject MSRs through August 2025. The Services LOI was amended to continue through February 28, 2018 (with a further automatic extension through March 31, 2018 provided that the parties continue to negotiate the Services Agreement in good faith).
The Brokerage Agreement can be terminated by Altisource if the Services Agreement is not signed between Altisource and NRZ during the term of the Services LOI. The Brokerage Agreement may otherwise only be terminated by NRZ upon the occurrence of certain specified events. Termination events include, but are not limited to, a breach of the terms of the Brokerage Agreement (including, without limitation, the failure to meet performance standards and non-compliance with law in a material respect), the failure to maintain licenses which failure materially prevents performance of the contract, regulatory allegations of non-compliance resulting in an adversarial proceeding against NRZ, voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, appointment of a receiver, disclosure in a Form 10-K or Form 10-Q that there is significant uncertainty about Altisource’s ability to continue as a going concern, failure to maintain a specified level of cash and an unapproved change of control.
Following the execution
69

Table of the Services Agreement, we anticipate that revenue from NRZ would increase and revenue from Ocwen would decrease. As Subject MSRs continueContents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to transfer from Ocwen to NRZ, we anticipate that NRZ will become our largest customer. Had all of the Subject MSRs been transferred to NRZ and the Brokerage Agreement and the Services Agreement with NRZ were in place as of January 1, 2017, we estimate that approximately 50% of our 2017 revenue would have been related to NRZ. There can be no assurance that the parties will reach an agreement with respect to the terms of the Services Agreement or that a Services Agreement will be entered into on a timely basis or at all.Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
For the yearyears ended December 31, 2017,2020, 2019 and 2018, we earnedrecognized revenue from NRZ of $2.4$8.6 million, following$12.5 million and $28.7 million, respectively, under the transfer of certain of the Subject MSRs from Ocwen to NRZ (the “Transferred MSRs”) (no comparative amounts in 2016 or 2015).Brokerage Agreement. For the yearyears ended December 31, 2017,2020, 2019 and 2018, we earnedrecognized additional revenue of $3.9$35.1 million, $60.0 million and $83.6 million, respectively, relating to the TransferredSubject MSRs when a party other than NRZ selects Altisource as the service provider (no comparative amounts in 2016 or 2015).provider.
NOTE 4 — TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIESSALE OF BUSINESSES
Through January 16, 2015, William C. Erbey served as our Chairman as well as the Executive ChairmanFinancial Services Business
On July 1, 2019, Altisource sold its Financial Services business, consisting of Ocwenits post-charge-off consumer debt and Chairman of each of Home Loan Servicing Solutions, Ltd. (“HLSS”), RESImortgage charge-off collection services and AAMC. Effective January 16, 2015, Mr. Erbey stepped down as the Executive Chairman of Ocwen and Chairman of each of Altisource, HLSS, RESI and AAMC and is no longer a member of the Board of Directors of any of these companies. Consequently, as of January 16, 2015, these companies are no longer related parties of Altisource, as defined by FASB ASC Topic 850, Related Party Disclosures. The disclosures in this note are limited to the periods that each of Ocwen, HLSS, RESI and AAMC were related parties of Altisource and are not reflective of current activities with these former related parties.

77

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Ocwen
For the period from January 1, 2015 through January 16, 2015, we estimated that we generated revenue from Ocwen of $22.9 million. Services provided to Ocwen during such periods included real estate asset management and sales, residential property valuation, trusteecustomer relationship management services property inspection and preservation services, insurance services, mortgage charge-off collections, IT infrastructure management and software applications.
We record revenue we earn from Ocwen under the terms of master services agreements and amendments thereto at rates we believe(the “Financial Services Business”) to be comparable market rates as we believe they are consistent with the fees we charge to other customers and/or fees charged by our competitors for comparable services.
At times, we have used Ocwen’s contractors and/or employees to support Altisource related services. Ocwen generally billed us for these contractors and/or employees based on their fully-allocated cost. Additionally, through March 31, 2015, we purchased certain data relating to Ocwen’s servicing portfolio in connection with a Data Access and Services Agreement. Based upon our previously provided notice, the Data Access and Services Agreement was terminated effective March 31, 2015. For the period from January 1, 2015 through January 16, 2015, we estimated that we incurred $1.9 million of expenses related to these items. These amounts are reflected as a component of cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
We provided certain other services to Ocwen and Ocwen provided certain other services to us in connection with support services agreements. These services primarily included vendor management, corporate services and facilities related services. Billings for these services were generally based on the fully-allocated cost of providing the service based on an estimate of the time and expense of providing the service or estimates thereof. For the period from January 1, 2015 through January 16, 2015, billings to Ocwen were estimated to be $0.1 million and billings from Ocwen were estimated to be $0.3 million and are reflected as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
HLSS, RESI and AAMC
For the period from January 1, 2015 through January 16, 2015, our billings to HLSS were immaterial. RESI acquires, owns and manages single-family-rental properties throughout the United States. AAMC is an asset management company that provides portfolio management and corporate governance services to investment vehicles that own real estate related assets. Its initial client is RESI. We have agreements and amendments thereto, which extend through 2027, to provide RESI with renovation management, lease management, property management, REO asset management, title insurance, settlement and valuation services. In addition, we have agreements with RESI and AAMC pursuant to which we may provide services such as finance, human resources, facilities, technology and insurance risk management. Further, we have separate agreements for certain services related to income tax matters, trademark licenses and technology products and services. For the period from January 1, 2015 through January 16, 2015, we estimated that we generated revenue from RESI of $1.0 million under these services agreements. These amounts are reflected in revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. This excludes revenue from services we provided to RESI’s loans serviced by Ocwen or other loan servicers where we were retained by Ocwen or RESI’s other loan servicers. Other revenue and expenses related to AAMC and RESI for the period from January 1, 2015 through January 16, 2015 were immaterial.
NOTE 5 —ACQUISITIONS
Granite Acquisition
On July 29, 2016, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Granite Loan Management of Delaware, LLCTransworld Systems Inc. (“Granite”TSI”) for $9.5$44.0 million in cash. Granite provides residential and commercial loan disbursement processing, risk mitigation and construction inspection services to lenders. The Granite acquisition is not material in relation to the Company’s resultsconsisting of operations or financial position.

78

Tablean up-front payment of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The final allocation of the purchase price is as follows:
(in thousands) 
   
Accounts receivable, net $1,024
Prepaid expenses 22
Other assets 25
Premises and equipment, net 299
Non-compete agreements 100
Trademarks and trade names 100
Customer relationships 3,400
Goodwill 4,827
  9,797
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (57)
Other current liabilities (192)
   
Purchase price $9,548
RentRange, Investability and Onit Solutions Acquisitions
On October 9, 2015, we acquired GoldenGator, LLC (doing business as RentRange) (“RentRange”), REIsmart, LLC (doing business as Investability) (“Investability”) and Onit Solutions, LLC, a support company for RentRange and Investability (collectively “RentRange and Investability”) for $24.8 million. RentRange is a leading provider of rental home data and information to the financial services and real estate industries, delivering a wide assortment of address and geography level data, analytics and rent-based valuation solutions for single and multi-family properties. Investability is an online residential real estate acquisition platform that utilizes data and analytics to allow real estate investors to access the estimated cash flow, capitalization rate, net yield and market value of properties for sale in the United States. The purchase price was composed of $17.5$40.0 million, in cash and 247 thousand shares of restricted common stock of the Company with a value of $7.3 million as of the closing date. Upon issuance, the restricted shares were subject to transfer restrictions and potential forfeiture provisions. These restrictions and forfeiture provisions lapse over a four year period, subject to the recipients meeting certain continued employment conditions with the Company and the satisfaction of certain acquisition related escrow release conditions. During 2017, transfer restrictions were removed on 14 thousand shares. In addition, on June 30, 2017, the Company amended the purchase and sale agreement and purchased 170 thousand restricted shares. During 2016, transfer restrictions were removed on 55 thousand shares. Also during 2016, management adjusted the allocation of the purchase price based upon information that subsequently became available relating to acquisition date working capital and the purchase price allocation to intangible assets. The working capital adjustment resulted in an obligation(finalized during 2019) and transaction costs upon closing of the sellers to paysale, and an additional $4.0 million payment on the Company $0.2 million. RentRange and Investability are not material in relation to the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
The initial and final allocationone year anniversary of the purchase price is as follows:
(in thousands) Initial purchase price allocation Adjustments Final purchase price allocation
       
Cash $3
 $
 $3
Accounts receivable, net 245
 (76) 169
Premises and equipment, net 2,471
 (1,067) 1,404
Other assets 199
 (196) 3
Trademarks and trade names 1,205
 
 1,205
Databases/other 910
 1,035
 1,945
Non-compete agreements 330
 
 330
Customer relationships 255
 
 255
Goodwill 19,565
 50
 19,615
  25,183
 (254) 24,929
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (391) 46
 (345)
       
Purchase price $24,792
 $(208) $24,584

79

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

CastleLine Acquisition
On July 17, 2015,sale closing. In connection with the sale, we acquired CastleLine Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“CastleLine”)recognized a $17.8 million pretax gain on sale for $33.4 million. CastleLine is a specialty risk management and insurance services firm that provides financial products and services to parties involved in the origination, underwriting, purchase and securitization of residential mortgages. The purchase consideration was composed of $12.3 million of cash at closing, $10.5 million of cash payable over four years from the acquisition date and 495 thousand shares of restricted common stock of the Company, that were subject to transfer restrictions, with a value of $14.4 million as of the closing date. During 2016, the restrictions were removed on the 495 thousand shares. Of the cash payable following acquisition, $3.8 million is contingent on certain future employment conditions of certain of the sellers, and therefore excluded from the purchase price. As of December 31, 2017, we have paid $8.9 million of the up to $10.5 million that is payable over four years from the acquisition date and $2.1 million of the $3.8 million purchase consideration that is contingent on future employment. During the second quarter of 2016, management adjusted the allocation of the purchase price based upon information that subsequently became available relating to acquisition date working capital and the purchase price allocation to intangible assets. The CastleLine acquisition is not material in relation to the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
The initial and final allocation of the purchase price is as follows:
(in thousands) Initial purchase price allocation Adjustments Final purchase price allocation
       
Cash $1,088
 $
 $1,088
Accounts receivable, net 510
 (410) 100
Prepaid expenses 66
 (46) 20
Restricted cash 2,501
 
 2,501
Non-compete agreements 1,105
 25
 1,130
Databases/other 465
 1,335
 1,800
Customer relationships 395
 
 395
Trademarks and trade names 150
 10
 160
Deferred taxes 
 356
 356
Goodwill 28,125
 (1,395) 26,730
  34,405
 (125) 34,280
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (875) 38
 (837)
Deferred revenue (87) 87
 
       
Purchase price $33,443
 $
 $33,443
NOTE 6 — AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES
During the year ended December 31, 2019. On July 1, 2020, the Company received net proceeds of $3.3 million representing TSI’s final installment payment less certain amounts owed to TSI. The parties also entered into a transition services agreement to provide for the management and orderly transition of certain services and technologies to TSI for periods ranging from 2 months to 13 months, subject to additional 3 month extensions. These services included support for information technology systems and infrastructure, facilities management, finance, compliance and human resources functions and were charged to TSI on a fixed fee or hourly basis. As of December 31, 2020, all of the transition services and technologies have been fully transitioned to TSI.
Rental Property Management Business
In August 2018, Altisource entered into an amendment to its agreements with Front Yard Residential Corporation (“RESI”) to sell Altisource’s rental property management business to RESI and permit RESI to internalize certain services that had been provided by Altisource. The proceeds from the transaction totaled $18.0 million, payable in 2 installments. The first installment of $15.0 million was received on the closing date of August 8, 2018. The second installment of $3.0 million is to be received on the earlier of a RESI change of control or on August 8, 2023. On October 19, 2020, RESI announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement to sell RESI. The merger closed on January 11, 2021 and the Company subsequently received the $3.0 million payment. The present value of the second installment is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at a discounted value of $2.5 million and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
NOTE 5 — INVESTMENT IN EQUITY SECURITIES
During 2016, we purchased 4.1 million shares of RESI common stock for $48.2 million.stock. This investment is classified as available for sale and reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value atand changes in fair value are included in other income (expense), net in the respective balance sheet dates ($49.2accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. As of December 31, 2019, we held 3.5 million and $45.8 millionshares of RESI common stock (0 comparative amount as of December 31, 20172020). As of December 31, 2019 and 2016, respectively). Unrealized gains2018, the fair value of our investment was $42.6 million and losses on available for sale securities are reflected in other comprehensive income, unless there is an impairment that is other than temporary. In the event that a decline in market value is other than temporary, we would record a charge to earnings and a new cost basis in the investment would be established.$36.2 million, respectively (0 comparative amount as of December 31, 2020). During the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized an unrealized gain (loss) from the change in fair value of $4.0 million, $14.4 million and $(13.0) million, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, that required equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings and decrease accumulated other comprehensive income by $0.7 million, net of income tax provision, on January 1, 2018.
The unrealized gain for years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 included $4.1 million and $2.0 million of net gains recognized on RESI shares sold during the period, respectively (0 comparative amount for the year ended December 31, 2018). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we earned dividends of $2.5$0.5 million, $1.7 million and $2.3$2.5 million, respectively, related to this investment (no comparative amount in 2015). In addition, duringinvestment.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred expenses2020, the Company sold all of $3.4its remaining 3.5 million relatedshares for net proceeds of $46.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company sold 0.7 million shares for net proceeds of $8.0 million. As required by our senior secured term loan agreement, the Company used the net proceeds to this investment (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2015).repay a portion of its senior secured term loan.
70

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 76 — ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Accounts receivable, net consists of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 2016
     
Billed $40,787
 $58,392
Unbilled 22,532
 39,853
  63,319
 98,245
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (10,579) (10,424)
     
Total $52,740
 $87,821

80

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(in thousands)20202019
Billed$19,703 $35,921 
Unbilled8,291 12,166 
27,994 48,087 
Less: Allowance for credit losses(5,581)(4,472)
Total$22,413 $43,615 
Unbilled receivablesaccounts receivable consist primarily of certain real estate asset management, REO sales, title and salesclosing services for which we generally recognize revenue when the service is provided but collect upon closing of the sale, and default managementforeclosure trustee services, for which we generally recognize revenues over the service delivery period but bill following completion of the service. We also include amounts in unbilled receivablesaccounts receivable that are earned during a month and billed in the following month.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU and its related amendments (collectively, the "Credit Loss Standard") introduced the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology for the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, replacing the previous incurred loss methodology. The CECL model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other receivables, net, investments in leases, loans receivable held-to-maturity securities and off-balance sheet exposures. The Credit Loss Standard requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses, including historical information and current conditions through a reasonable forecast period. The Credit Loss Standard requires that the income statement reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as the expected increase or decrease of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period, which may result in earlier recognition of certain losses. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020 utilizing a modified retrospective approach, which did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
We are exposed to credit losses through our sales of products and services to our customers which are recorded as Accounts Receivable, net on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. We monitor and estimate the allowance for credit losses based on our historical write-offs, historical collections, our analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, relevant market and industry reports and our assessment of the economic status of our customers, if known. Estimated credit losses are written off in the period in which the financial asset is no longer collectible. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from estimates or that consideration of these factors in the future will not result in an increase or decrease to our allowance for credit losses.
Prior to January 1, 2020, our allowance for credit losses represents an amount that we estimate to be uncollectible.
Bad debt expense amounted to $5.1$2.2 million, $1.8$0.7 million and $5.5$2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.loss.
NOTE 87 — PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
Maintenance agreements, current portion$2,513 $1,923 
Income taxes receivable7,053 5,098 
Prepaid expenses4,812 3,924 
Other current assets5,101 4,269 
Total$19,479 $15,214 
71
(in thousands) 2017 2016
     
Short-term investments in real estate $29,405
 $13,025
Maintenance agreements, current portion 8,014
 6,590
Income taxes receivable 9,227
 5,186
Prepaid expenses 7,898
 6,919
Litigation settlement insurance recovery (Note 19) 
 4,000
Other current assets 10,198
 6,888
     
Total $64,742
 $42,608

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 8 — DISCONTINUATION OF LINES OF BUSINESS
Owners.com
In October 2019, the Company announced its plans to wind down and close the Owners.com business, which was completed by December 31, 2019. Owners.com was a technology-enabled real estate brokerage and provider of related mortgage brokerage and title services. Owners.com was not material in relation to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. In connection with the wind down of Owners.com, the Company wrote off $5.2 million of goodwill and $0.7 million of intangible assets (see Note 11). In addition, wind down expenses were included in the Project Catalyst restructuring charges (see Note 24).
Buy-Renovate-Lease-Sell
On November 26, 2018, the Company announced its plans to sell its short-term investments in real estate (“BRS Inventory”) and discontinue the Company’s Buy-Renovate-Lease-Sell (“BRS”) business. Altisource’s BRS business focused on buying, renovating, leasing and selling single-family homes to real estate investors. The BRS business was not material in relation to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Company completed the sale of the BRS Inventory during the year ended December 31, 2019.
NOTE 9 — PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Premises and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 2016(in thousands)20202019
    
Computer hardware and software $179,567
 $164,877
Computer hardware and software$52,837 $144,608 
Leasehold improvementsLeasehold improvements14,792 23,800 
Furniture and fixturesFurniture and fixtures5,882 8,775 
Office equipment and other 9,388
 20,188
Office equipment and other1,817 4,004 
Furniture and fixtures 14,092
 13,997
Leasehold improvements 33,417
 33,808
 236,464
 232,870
75,328 181,187 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (163,191) (129,397)Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(63,434)(156,661)
    
Total $73,273
 $103,473
Total$11,894 $24,526 
Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to $36.4$14.9 million, $36.8$18.5 million and $36.5$30.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively, and is included in cost of revenue for operating assets and in selling, general and administrative expenses for non-operating assets in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.loss.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recognized a $4.1 million premisesPremises and equipment, impairment loss in our Mortgage Market segment (see Note 24 for additional information regarding our changes in reportable segments effective January 1, 2017), primarily drivennet consist of the following, by country, as of December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
United States$5,530 $13,426 
Luxembourg5,451 10,295 
India822 671 
Uruguay91 39 
Philippines95 
Total$11,894 $24,526 
72

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 10 — RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS UNDER OPERATING LEASES, NET
Right-of-use assets under operating leases, net consists of the Company’s projected technology revenue from Ocwenfollowing as of December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
Right-of-use assets under operating leases$31,932 $39,729 
Less: Accumulated amortization(13,719)(10,655)
Total$18,213 $29,074 
Amortization of operating leases was $10.2 million and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen. There were no impairments of premises and equipment$11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019, respectively (0 comparative amount for the year ended December 31, 2018), and is included in cost of revenue for operating assets and in selling, general and administrative expenses for non-operating assets in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

81

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

NOTE 1011 — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Goodwill
Goodwill was recorded in connection with the 2016 acquisition of Granite, the 2015 acquisitions of CastleLine and RentRange and Investability, the 2014 acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Owners Advantage, LLC (“Owners”), the 2013 acquisition of the Homeward fee-based business, the 2011 acquisitions of Springhouse, LLC and Tracmail and the 2010 acquisition of MPA. Note 5 discusses the 2016 and 2015 acquisitions (there were no acquisitions in 2017). Changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 are summarized below:
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Total
         
Balance as of January 1, 2016 $69,827
 $10,006
 $2,968
 $82,801
CastleLine purchase price allocation adjustment (1)
 (1,395) 
 
 (1,395)
RentRange and Investability purchase price allocation adjustment (2)
 
 50
 
 50
Acquisition of Granite 4,827
 
 
 4,827
         
Balance as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 $73,259
 $10,056
 $2,968
 $86,283

(in thousands)Total
Balance as of January 1, 2019$81,387 
Disposition (1)
During the second quarter of 2016, goodwill was revised to reflect a purchase accounting measurement period adjustment related to the CastleLine acquisition. See Note 5.(2,378)
Write-off (2)
(5,160)
(2)
Balance as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
During the third quarter of 2016, goodwill was revised to reflect a purchase accounting measurement period adjustment related to the RentRange and Investability acquisition. See Note 5.$73,849 
______________________________________
(1)    During our fourth quarter 2015 annual2019, the Company sold the Financial Services Business (see Note 4) which had $2.4 million of goodwill assessment,attributed to it.
(2)    During 2019, we electedrecorded a $5.2 million write-off of goodwill attributable to bypass the initial analysis of qualitative factors and perform a quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test of all of our reporting unitsOwners.com business, as a result of our decision to wind down and close the goodwill impairment recorded in 2014. We calculated the fair value of each of our reporting units by using a discounted cash flow analysis and concluded that the technology businesses in the Mortgage Market segmentbusiness (see Note 24 for additional information regarding our changes in reportable segments effective January 1, 2017) were less than their carrying values. Accordingly, we performed step two of the impairment test for the technology businesses in the Mortgage Market segment and determined that the remaining $55.7 million of goodwill of the technology businesses was impaired. As a result, we recorded a $55.7 million impairment loss in the fourth quarter of 2015. This goodwill impairment was primarily driven by the Company’s projected technology revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen. There were no additional goodwill impairments as of December 31, 2015. Based on our fourth quarter 2017 and 2016 goodwill assessments, we concluded that there were no impairments of goodwill as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.8).
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets, net consist of the following as of December 31:
 
Weighted average estimated useful life (in years)
 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net book value
Weighted average estimated useful life (in years)
Gross carrying amountAccumulated amortizationNet book value
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016(in thousands)202020192020201920202019
            
Definite lived intangible assets:            Definite lived intangible assets:
Trademarks and trade names 13 $15,354
 $15,354
 $(8,881) $(7,724) $6,473
 $7,630
Customer related intangible assets 10 277,828
 277,828
 (188,258) (156,980) 89,570
 120,848
Customer related intangible assets9$214,973 $214,973 $(187,923)$(176,043)$27,050 $38,930 
Operating agreement 20 35,000
 35,000
 (13,865) (12,104) 21,135
 22,896
Operating agreement2035,000 35,000 (19,126)(17,376)15,874 17,624 
Trademarks and trade namesTrademarks and trade names169,709 9,709 (6,307)(5,893)3,402 3,816 
Non-compete agreements 4 1,560
 1,560
 (897) (507) 663
 1,053
Non-compete agreements41,230 1,230 (1,230)(1,215)15 
Intellectual property 10 300
 300
 (115) (85) 185
 215
Intellectual property300 (175)125 
Other intangible assets 5 3,745
 3,745
 (1,706) (955) 2,039
 2,790
Other intangible assets51,800 3,745 (1,800)(3,209)536 
            
Total $333,787
 $333,787
 $(213,722) $(178,355) $120,065
 $155,432
Total$262,712 $264,957 $(216,386)$(203,911)$46,326 $61,046 
82
73

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Amortization expense for definite lived intangible assets was $35.4$14.7 million, $47.6$19.0 million and $41.1$28.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. Expected annual definite lived intangible asset amortization expense for 20182021 through 20222025 is $26.2$9.5 million, $21.8$5.1 million, $18.2$5.1 million, $11.5$5.1 million and $7.3$5.1 million, respectively.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded an impairment loss of $11.9 million in our Mortgage Market segment and Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations (see Note 24 for additional information regarding our changes in reportable segments effective January 1, 2017), related to customer relationship intangible assets from the 2013 Homeward and ResCap fee-based business acquisitions. These impairments of intangible assets were primarily driven by the Company’s projected technology revenue from Ocwen and investment in technologies provided to Ocwen. There were no impairments of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
NOTE 1112 — OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consist of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
Security deposits$2,416 $3,473 
Restricted cash3,833 3,842 
Other3,601 3,495 
Total$9,850 $10,810 
(in thousands) 2017 2016
     
Security deposits $5,304
 $5,508
Maintenance agreements, non-current portion 362
 853
Restricted cash 3,837
 4,127
Other 692
 767
     
Total $10,195
 $11,255
NOTE 1213 — ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 2016(in thousands)20202019
    
Accounts payable $15,682
 $8,787
Accounts payable$16,797 $22,431 
Accrued expenses - generalAccrued expenses - general24,422 24,558 
Accrued salaries and benefits 41,363
 47,614
Accrued salaries and benefits11,226 18,982 
Accrued expenses - general 27,268
 26,426
Income taxes payable 87
 308
Income taxes payable4,334 1,700 
    
Total $84,400
 $83,135
Total$56,779 $67,671 
Other current liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
Operating lease liabilities$7,609 $11,398 
Other1,696 3,326 
Total$9,305 $14,724 
(in thousands) 2017 2016
     
Unfunded cash account balances $5,900
 $7,137
Other 3,514
 11,924
     
Total $9,414
 $19,061
NOTE 1314 — LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
Senior secured term loans$247,204 $293,826 
Less: Debt issuance costs, net(2,389)(3,119)
Less: Unamortized discount, net(2,159)(2,825)
Long-term debt$242,656 $287,882 
(in thousands) 2017 2016
     
Senior secured term loan $413,581
 $479,653
Less: Debt issuance costs, net (3,158) (4,486)
Less: Unamortized discount, net (1,142) (1,622)
Net long-term debt 409,281
 473,545
Less: Current portion (5,945) (5,945)
     
Long-term debt, less current portion $403,336
 $467,600

83

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

On November 27, 2012, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Altisource S.à r.l. entered into a senior secured term loancredit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) in April 2018 with Bank of America, N.A.Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and certain lenders. Under the Credit Agreement, Altisource borrowed $412.0 million in the form of Term B Loans and obtained a $15.0 million revolving credit facility. The Term B Loans mature in April 2024 and the revolving credit facility matures in April 2023. Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and certain subsidiaries are guarantors of the term loan and the revolving credit facility (collectively, the “Guarantors”). We subsequently entered into four amendments
Proceeds from the Term B Loans were used to repay the Company’s prior senior secured term loan, agreementwhich had an outstanding balance of $412.1 million as of April 3, 2018. In connection with the refinancing, we recognized a loss of $4.4 million from the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount in the second quarter of 2018. This loss was included in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
74

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to among other changes, increaseConsolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
There are no mandatory repayments of the principal amountTerm B Loans due until April 2024, when the balance is due at maturity. During 2020 and 2019, the Company sold 3.5 million and 0.7 million, respectively, RESI shares for net proceeds of $46.6 million and $8.0 million, respectively, and used the net proceeds to repay a portion of the senior secured term loan re-establish(see Note 5). Also during 2019, the $200.0Company used net proceeds of $37.0 million incremental term loan facility accordion, lowerfrom the interest rate, extend the maturity date by approximately one year, increase the maximum amount of Restricted Junior Payments (as defined in the senior secured term loan agreement; other capitalized terms, unless defined herein, are defined in the senior secured term loan agreement) and certain other changes to facilitate an internal restructuringsale of the Company’s subsidiaries.
On December 1, 2017, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. entered into the fourth amendmentFinancial Services Business (see Note 4) to the senior secured term loan (the “Fourth Amendment”) that modifies the senior secured term loan agreement to add Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. (thenrepay a guarantor under the senior secured term loan) as a borrower in anticipationportion of an internal restructuring of Altisource, whereby Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. would merge with and into Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. would be automatically substituted in all of the rights and obligations of Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. This merger occurred effective December 27, 2017 and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. (renamed Altisource S.à r.l.) became the sole borrower. The merger is part of a larger subsidiary restructuring plan designed to simplify the Company’s corporate structure, allow it to operate more efficiently and reduce administrative costs. The merger did not result in any changes to the collateral securing the senior secured term loan. The Fourth Amendment also, among other changes, broadensIn addition, the mechanisms by which Altisource can purchase or otherwise acquire portionsCompany repaid $49.9 million of the senior secured term loan by permitting AltisourceTerm B Loans in the fourth quarter of 2018 from proceeds from the sale certain of the BRS Inventory received during December 2018 and in anticipation of receiving additional proceeds during the first half of 2019 (see Note 8). Also during 2018, the Company used the proceeds received from the sale of the rental property management business (see Note 4) to purchase portionsrepay $15.0 million of its senior secured term loan on a non-pro-rata basis at par or at a discountthe Term B Loans. These repayments were applied to par through open market purchases (including through a broker acting on behalfcontractual amortization payments in the direct order of Altisource) in addition to its existing right to purchase portions of its senior secured term loan through a Dutch auction open to all senior secured term lenders.
The term loan must be repaid in equal consecutive quarterly principal installments of $1.5 million, with the balance due at maturity. All amounts outstanding under the senior secured term loan agreementTerm B Loans will become due on the earlier of (i) December 9, 2020,April 3, 2024, and (ii) the date on which the loans are declared to be due and owing by the administrative agent at the request (or with the consent) of the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement; other capitalized terms, unless defined herein, are defined in the Credit Agreement) or as otherwise provided in the senior secured term loan agreementCredit Agreement upon the occurrence of any event of default under the senior secured term loan agreement.default.
In addition to the scheduled principal payments, subject to certain exceptions, the term loan isTerm B Loans are subject to mandatory prepayment upon issuances of debt, certain casualty and condemnation events and sales of assets, as well as from a percentage of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow if theour leverage ratio as of each year-end computation date is greater than 3.00 to 1.00, as calculated in accordance with the provisions of the senior secured term loanCredit Agreement (the percentage increases if theour leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00). No mandatory prepayments were owed forOur leverage ratio exceeded 3.50 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2017.2020. However, because the Company did not generate any Consolidated Excess Cash Flow in 2020, no amounts are due under this provision.
During 2017, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan withAltisource may incur incremental indebtedness under the Credit Agreement from 1 or more incremental lenders, which may include existing lenders, in an aggregate par value of $60.1incremental principal amount not to exceed $125.0 million, at a weighted average discount of 10.7%, recognizing a net gain of $5.6 million on the early extinguishment of debt. During 2016, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $51.0 million at a weighted average discount of 13.2%, recognizing a net gain of $5.5 million on the early extinguishment of debt. During 2015, we repurchased portions of our senior secured term loan with an aggregate par value of $49.0 million at a weighted average discount of 10.3%, recognizing a net gain of $3.8 million on the early extinguishment of debt. These net gains are included in other income (expense), netsubject to certain conditions set forth in the consolidated statementsCredit Agreement, including a sublimit of operations$80.0 million with respect to incremental revolving credit commitments and, comprehensive income (see Note 20).after giving effect to the incremental borrowing, the Company’s leverage ratio does not exceed 3.00 to 1.00. Our leverage ratio exceeded 3.00 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2020. The lenders have no obligation to provide any incremental indebtedness.
The term loan bearsTerm B Loans bear interest at rates based upon, at our option, the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate. Adjusted Eurodollar Rate term loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the greater of (x) the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for the applicablea three month interest period and (y) 1.00% plus (ii) a 3.50% margin.4.00%. Base Rate term loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the greater of (x) the Base Rate and (y) 2.00% plus (ii) a 2.50% margin.3.00%. The interest rate atas of December 31, 20172020 was 5.07%5.00%.
Term loan paymentsLoans under the revolving credit facility bear interest at rates based upon, at our option, the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate. Adjusted Eurodollar Rate revolving loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for a three month interest period plus (ii) 4.00%. Base Rate revolving loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) 3.00%. The unused commitment fee is 0.50%. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are not permitted if our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00. Our leverage ratio exceeded 3.50 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2020. There were 0 borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2020.
The payment of all amounts owing by Altisource under the Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the Guarantors and areis secured by a pledge of all equity interests of certain subsidiaries of Altisource, as well as a lien on substantially all of the assets of Altisource S.à r.l. and the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions.
The senior secured term loan agreementCredit Agreement includes covenants that restrict or limit, among other things, our ability, subject to createcertain exceptions and baskets, to incur indebtedness; incur liens and encumbrances; incur additional indebtedness;on our assets; sell, transfer or dispose of assets; make Restricted Junior Payments including share repurchases, dividends and repayment of junior indebtedness; change linesmake investments; dispose of business;equity interests of any Material Subsidiaries; engage in a line of business substantially different than existing businesses and businesses reasonably related, complimentary or ancillary thereto; amend material debt agreements or other material contracts; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; grant negative pledges or agree to such other restrictions relating to subsidiary dividends and distributions; make changes to our fiscal year; and engage in mergers and consolidations.consolidations; and to the extent any Revolving Credit Loans are outstanding on the last day of a fiscal quarter, permit the Total Leverage Ratio to be greater than 3.50:1.00 as of the last day of such fiscal quarter, subject to a customary cure provision (the “Revolving Financial Covenant”).
The senior secured term loan agreementCredit Agreement contains certain events of default including (i) failure to pay principal when due or interest or any other amount owing on any other obligation under the senior secured term loan agreementCredit Agreement within five days of becoming

84

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

due, (ii) material incorrectness of representations and warranties when made, (iii) breach of certain other covenants, subject to cure periods described in the
75

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Credit Agreement, (iv) a breach of the Revolving Financial Covenant, subject to a customary cure provision and not an Event of Default with respect to the Term Loans unless and until the Required Revolving Lenders accelerate the Revolving Credit Loans, (v) failure to pay principal or interest on any other debt that equals or exceeds $40.0 million when due, (v)(vi) default on any other debt that equals or exceeds $40.0 million that causes, or gives the holder or holders of such debt the ability to cause, an acceleration of such debt, (vi)(vii) occurrence of a Change of Control, (vii)(viii) bankruptcy and insolvency events, (viii)(ix) entry by a court of one or more judgments against us in an amount in excess of $40.0 million that remain unbonded, undischarged or unstayed for a certain number of days after the entry thereof, (ix)(x) the occurrence of certain ERISA events and (x)(xi) the failure of certain Loan Documents to be in full force and effect. If any event of default occurs and is not cured within applicable grace periods set forth in the senior secured term loan agreementCredit Agreement or waived, all loans and other obligations could become due and immediately payable and the facility could be terminated.
AtAs of December 31, 2017,2020, debt issuance costs were $3.2$2.4 million, net of $7.1$2.2 million of accumulated amortization. AtAs of December 31, 2016,2019, debt issuance costs were $4.5$3.1 million, net of $5.8$1.4 million of accumulated amortization.
Interest expense on the senior secured term loan,loans, including amortization of debt issuance costs and the net debt discount, totaled $22.3$17.7 million, $24.4$21.4 million and $28.2$26.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.
Maturities of our long-term debt (excluding debt issuance costs, net, and unamortized discount, net) are as follows:
(in thousands)Maturities
2021$
2022
2023
2024247,204 
$247,204 
(in thousands)  
   
2018 $5,945
2019 5,945
2020 401,691
   
  $413,581
NOTE 1415 — OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
Operating lease liabilities$12,281 $19,707 
Income tax liabilities12,414 10,935 
Deferred revenue504 88 
Other non-current liabilities40 286 
Total$25,239 $31,016 
76
(in thousands) 2017 2016
     
Income tax liabilities (Note 21) $5,955
 $
Deferred revenue 2,101
 5,680
Other non-current liabilities 4,226
 4,800
     
Total $12,282
 $10,480

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 1516 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments and certain liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019. The following fair values are estimated using market information and what the Company believes to be appropriate valuation methodologies under GAAP:
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(in thousands) Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value
    Level 1 Level 2 Level 3   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents $105,006
 $105,006
 $
 $
 $149,294
 $149,294
 $
 $
Restricted cash 3,837
 3,837
 
 
 4,127
 4,127
 
 
Available for sale securities 49,153
 49,153
 
 
 45,754
 45,754
 
 
                 
Liabilities:                
Acquisition contingent consideration 
 
 
 
 376
 
 
 376
Long-term debt 413,581
 
 407,377
 
 479,653
 
 474,856
 

85

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(in thousands)Carrying amountFair valueCarrying amountFair value
Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 1Level 2Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$58,263 $58,263 $$$82,741 $82,741 $$
Restricted cash3,833 3,833 3,842 3,842 
Investment in equity securities42,618 42,618 
Long-term receivable2,531 2,531 2,371 2,371 
Liabilities:
Senior secured term loan247,204 201,472 293,826 277,666 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are carried at amounts that approximate their fair values due to the highly liquid nature of these instruments and were measured using Level 1 inputs.
Available for saleInvestment in equity securities areis carried at fair value and consistconsists of 4.13.5 million shares of RESI common stock. Available for salestock as of December 31, 2019 (0 comparative amount as of December 31, 2020). The investment in equity securities areis measured using Level 1 inputs as these securities have quoted prices in active markets.
The fair value of our long-term debtsenior secured term loan is based on quoted market prices. Based on the frequency of trading, we do not believe that there is an active market for our debt. Therefore, the quoted prices are considered Level 2 inputs.
In accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, liabilities for contingent consideration are reflected at fair value and adjusted each reporting periodconnection with the sale of the rental property management business in August 2018, Altisource is to receive $3.0 million on the earlier of a RESI change in fair value recognized in earnings. Liabilitiesof control or on August 8, 2023. On October 19, 2020, RESI announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement to sell RESI. The merger closed on January 11, 2021 and the Company subsequently received the $3.0 million payment (See Note 4 for acquisition related contingent consideration were recorded in connection with acquisitions in prior years.additional information). We measure the liabilities for acquisition related contingent consideration using Level 3 inputs as they are determinedlong-term receivables without a stated interest rate based on the present value of future estimated payments, which include sensitivities pertaining to discount rates and financial projections.
During 2017, the Company reduced the fair value of the acquisition contingent consideration related to the acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Mortgage Builder Software, Inc. (“Mortgage Builder”) to $0 as a result of the completion of the final earn-out period in 2017. During 2016, the Company reduced the fair value of the acquisition contingent consideration related to the Mortgage Builder and Owners acquisitions by $1.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, as a result of changes in the fair value of expectedfuture payments.
There were no transfers between different levels during the periods presented.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Our policy is to deposit our cash and cash equivalents with larger, highly rated financial institutions. The Company derives the largest portionderived 54% of its revenues from Ocwen for the year ended December 31, 2020 (see Note 3 for additional information on Ocwen revenues and accounts receivable balance). The Company mitigatesstrives to mitigate its concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable by actively monitoring past due accounts and the economic status of larger customers, if known.
NOTE 1617 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Common Stock
AtAs of December 31, 2017,2020, we had 100100.0 million shares authorized, 25.4 million issued and 15.7 million shares of common stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2019, we had 100.0 million shares authorized, 25.4 million shares issued and 17.4 million shares of common stock outstanding. At December 31, 2016, we had 25.4 million shares authorized and issued, and 18.815.5 million shares of common stock outstanding. The holders of shares of Altisource common stock generally are entitled to one1 vote for each share on all matters voted on by shareholders, and the holders of such shares generally will possess all voting power.
On October 9, 2015, we acquired RentRange and Investability for $24.8 million, which included a cash component and the issuance
77

Table of 247 thousand shares of restricted common stock of the Company with a value of $7.3 million as of the closing date. Upon issuance, the restricted shares were subjectContents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to transfer restrictions and potential forfeiture provisions. These restrictions and forfeiture provisions lapse over a four year period, subject to the recipients meeting certain continued employment conditions with the Company and the satisfaction of certain acquisition related escrow release conditions. During 2017, transfer restrictions were removed on 14 thousand shares. In addition, on June 30, 2017, the Company amended the purchase and sale agreement and purchased 170 thousand restricted shares. During 2016, transfer restrictions were removed on 55 thousand shares. On July 17, 2015, we acquired CastleLine for $33.4 million, which included a cash component and the issuance of 495 thousand shares of restricted common stock of the Company with a value of $14.4 million as of the closing date. The restrictions were removed on these 495 thousand shares during 2016. See Note 5 for additional information about these acquisitions.Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Equity Incentive Plan
Our 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for various types of equity awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock purchase rights, restricted shares, restricted share units and other awards, or a combination of any of the above. Under the Plan, we may grant up to 6.7 million Altisource share-based awards to officers, directors, employees and to employees of our affiliates. As of December 31, 2017, 1.52020, 1.0 million share-based awards were available for future grant under the Plan. Expired and forfeited awards are available for reissuance.

86

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Share Repurchase Program
On May 17, 2017,15, 2018, our shareholders approved the renewal and replacement of the share repurchase program previously approved by the shareholders on May 18, 2016, which replaced17, 2017. Under the previous share repurchase program. Weprogram, we are authorized to purchase up to 4.64.3 million shares of our common stock, based on a limit of 25% of the outstanding shares of common stock on the date of approval, at a minimum price of $1.00 per share and a maximum price of $500.00 per share, for a period of five years from the date of approval. As of December 31, 2017,2020, approximately 3.42.4 million shares of common stock remain available for repurchase under the program. We purchased 1.6 millionThere were 0 purchases of shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2020. We purchased 1.0 million shares at an average price of $23.84$20.33 per share during the year ended December 31, 2017, 1.42019 and 1.6 million shares at an average price of $26.81$25.53 per share during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2.1 million shares at an average price of $27.60 per share during the year ended December 31, 2015.2018. Luxembourg law limits share repurchases to the balance of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (unconsolidated parent company) retained earnings, less the value of shares repurchased. As of December 31, 2017,2020, we can repurchase up to approximately $178$91 million of our common stock under Luxembourg law. Our senior secured term loanCredit Agreement also limits the amount we can spend on share repurchases, which limit was approximately $446$430 million as of December 31, 2017,2020, and may prevent repurchases in certain circumstances.circumstances, including if our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00. Our leverage ratio exceeded 3.50 to 1.00 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Share-Based Compensation
We issue share-based awards in the form of stock options, restricted shares and restricted sharesshare units for certain employees, officers and directors. We recordedrecognized share-based compensation expense of $4.3$7.8 million, $6.2$11.9 million and $4.8$10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2017,2020, estimated unrecognized compensation costs related to share-based awards amounted to $9.0$6.6 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average remaining requisite service period of approximately 2.181.48 years.
In connection with the January 1, 2017 adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 (see Note 2), the Company made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures in compensation expense as they occur, rather than continuing to apply the Company’s previous policy of estimating forfeitures. Prior to this accounting change, share-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted shares was recorded net of estimated forfeiture rates ranging from 0% to 40%.
Stock Options
Stock option grants are composed of a combination of service-based, market-based and performance-based options.
Service-Based Options. These options generally vest over three or four years with equal annual vesting and generally expire on the earlier of ten years after the date of grant or following termination of service. A total of 684253 thousand service-based awardsoptions were outstanding as of December 31, 2017.2020.
Market-Based Options. These option grants generally have two2 components, each of which vests only upon the achievement of certain criteria. The first component, which we refer to as “ordinary performance” grants, generally consists of two-thirds of the market-based grant and begins to vest if the stock price is at least double the exercise price, as long as the stock price realizes a compounded annual gain of at least 20% over the exercise price. The remaining third of the market-based options, which we refer to as “extraordinary performance” grants, generally begins to vest if the stock price is at least triple the exercise price, as long as the stock price realizes a compounded annual gain of at least 25% over the exercise price. Market-based awardsoptions vest in three or four year installments with the first installment vesting upon the achievement of the criteria and the remaining installments vesting thereafter in equal annual installments. Market-based options generally expire on the earlier of ten years after the date of grant or following termination of service, unless the performance criteria is met prior to termination of service or in the final three years of the option term, in which case vesting will generally continue in accordance with the provisions of the award agreement. A total of 936201 thousand market-based awardsoptions were outstanding as of December 31, 2017.2020.
Performance-Based Options. These option grants generally begin towill vest upon the achievement ofif certain specific financial measures. Generally, the awards begin vesting if the performance criteriameasures are achieved; one-third vestone-fourth vests on each anniversary of the grant date. For certain other financial measures, awardsoptions cliff-vest upon the achievement of the specific performance during the period from 20172019 through 2021. The award of performance-based options is adjusted based on the level of achievement specified in the award agreements. If the performance criteria achieved is above threshold performance levels, participants have the opportunity to vest in 70%50% to 150%200% of the option grants, depending upon performance achieved. If the performance criteria achieved is below a certain threshold, the award isoptions are canceled. The options generally expire on the earlier of ten years after the date of grant or following termination of service. There were 126446 thousand performance-based awardsoptions outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

2020.
87
78

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

There were 0 stock options granted during 2020 and 2019. Outstanding stock options increased by 228 thousand in February 2019 in connection with the determination of the level of achievement for certain performance-based options granted in 2018. The Company granted 244277 thousand stock options (at a weighted average exercise price of $33.28 per share), 145 thousand stock options (at a weighted average exercise price of $29.17 per share) and 854 thousand stock options (at a weighted average exercise price of $24.21$25.15 per share) during the yearsyear ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.2018.
The fair values of the service-based options and performance-based options wereare determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the fair values of the market-based options were determined using a lattice (binomial) model. The following assumptions were used to determine the fair values as of the grant date:date for the years ended December 31:
 2017 2016 2015 2018
 Black-Scholes Binomial Black-Scholes Binomial Black-Scholes Binomial Black-ScholesBinomial
            
Risk-free interest rate (%) 1.89 – 2.29
 0.77 – 2.38
 1.25 – 1.89
 0.23 – 2.23
 1.50 – 1.91
 0.02 – 2.34
Risk-free interest rate (%)2.66 – 3.101.64 – 3.22
Expected stock price volatility (%) 61.49 – 71.52
 66.68 – 71.52
 59.75 – 62.14
 59.76 – 62.14
 55.06 – 59.73
 55.06 – 59.73
Expected stock price volatility (%)70.31 – 71.8671.36 – 71.86
Expected dividend yield 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected dividend yield00
Expected option life (in years) 6.00 – 7.50
 2.55 – 4.82
 6.00 – 6.25
 4.06 – 4.88
 6.00 – 6.25
 4.08 – 4.92
Expected option life (in years)6.00 – 6.252.56 – 4.33
Fair value $13.57 – $24.80
 $11.94 – $24.30
 $11.15 – $18.60
 $11.06 – $19.27
 $10.01 – $17.66
 $9.91 – $18.05
Fair value$16.17 – $19.68$14.67 – $20.26
We determined the expected option life of all service-based stock option grants using the simplified method.method, determined based on the graded vesting term plus the contractual term of the options, divided by two. We use the simplified method because we believe that our historical data does not provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected option life.
The following table summarizes the weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted per share, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the grant date fair value of stock options that vested during the years ended December 31:
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2015
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data)202020192018
      
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted per share $20.44
 $16.82
 $13.20
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted per share$$$16.31 
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised 3,028
 18,209
 1,998
Intrinsic value of options exercisedIntrinsic value of options exercised54 4,609 
Grant date fair value of stock options that vested 2,279
 2,698
 1,616
Grant date fair value of stock options that vested2,730 3,053 1,760 
The following table summarizes the activity related to our stock options:
 Number of optionsWeighted average exercise price
Weighted average contractual term (in years)
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding as of December 31, 20191,468,046 $29.19 4.60$94 
Forfeited(568,132)24.00 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020899,914 32.47 5.63
Exercisable as of December 31, 2020557,620 28.69 5.45
 Number of options Weighted average exercise price Weighted average contractual term (in years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
        
Outstanding at December 31, 20161,996,509
 $25.98
 5.32 $15,942
Granted243,930
 33.28
    
Exercised(223,060) 10.64
   

Forfeited(271,473) 30.12
    
        
Outstanding at December 31, 20171,745,906
 28.20
 4.96 10,202
        
Exercisable at December 31, 20171,140,333
 23.10
 3.30 9,160

In 2018, the Company modified the performance thresholds that are required to be met in order for vesting to occur for 263 thousand stock options granted to 16 employees during the year ended December 31, 2018. The award modification did not change the inputs into the valuation model or the Company’s assessment of the probability of vesting as of the effective date of the modifications. Consequently, no incremental compensation expense was required as a result of this modification.
88
79

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable atas of December 31, 2017:2020:
 Options outstanding Options exercisableOptions outstandingOptions exercisable
Exercise price range (1)
 Number Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Weighted average exercise price Number Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Weighted average exercise price
Exercise price range (1)
Number
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)
Weighted average exercise priceNumber
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)
Weighted average exercise price
        
Up to $10.00
 286,252
 0.53 $9.14
 286,252
 0.53 $9.14
$10.01 — $20.00 246,479
 7.27 18.79
 163,424
 7.25 18.79
$10.01 — $20.00154,200 4.29$18.79 150,038 4.29$18.79 
$20.01 — $30.00 813,730
 4.86 25.11
 559,576
 3.21 24.11
$20.01 — $30.00548,348 6.1825.19 324,937 5.7725.19 
$30.01 — $40.00 224,695
 8.03 36.27
 53,924
 4.78 32.67
$30.01 — $40.0068,866 6.0833.32 21,270 5.5933.32 
$60.01 — $70.00 71,000
 4.19 60.73
 51,375
 4.19 60.74
$60.01 — $70.0058,500 1.1960.76 43,875 1.1960.76 
$70.01 — $80.00 25,000
 6.86 72.78
 4,688
 6.86 72.78
$80.01 — $90.00 30,000
 6.35 86.22
 8,438
 5.94 85.43
$80.01 — $90.0025,000 3.6086.69 6,250 3.6086.69 
$90.01 — $100.00 46,875
 6.15 95.64
 11,250
 5.95 95.38
$90.01 — $100.0045,000 3.1895.67 11,250 3.1895.67 
$100.01 — $110.00 1,875
 6.37 105.11
 1,406
 6.37 105.11
        
 1,745,906
   1,140,333
  
899,914 557,620 

(1)
(1)    These options contain market-based and performance-based components as described above.
These options contain market-based components as described above.
The following table summarizes the market prices necessary in order for the market-based options to begin to vest:
 Market-based optionsMarket-based options
Vesting price Ordinary performance Extraordinary performanceVesting priceOrdinary performanceExtraordinary performance
    
$40.01 — $50.00 9,525
 
$50.01 — $60.00 82,600
 11,653
$50.01 — $60.0036,726 4,162 
$60.01 — $70.00 14,148
 6,325
$60.01 — $70.0011,648 6,250 
$70.01 — $80.00 1,250
 10,333
$70.01 — $80.0011,500 
$80.01 — $90.00 
 30,963
$80.01 — $90.007,362 
$90.01 — $100.00 
 7,075
$90.01 — $100.005,325 
$110.01 — $120.00 
 625
$140.01 — $150.00 12,500
 
$100.01 — $110.00$100.01 — $110.001,000 
$170.01 — $180.00
 12,500
 
$170.01 — $180.0012,500 
$180.01 — $190.00
 7,500
 19,625
$180.01 — $190.007,500 14,625 
Over $190.00 15,000
 25,000
Over $190.0015,000 17,500 
    
Total 155,023
 111,599
Total83,374 67,724 
    
Weighted average share price $45.99
 $45.83
Weighted average share price$55.14 $50.67 
Other Share-Based Awards
The Company’s other share-based and similar types of awards are composed of restricted shares and through August 29, 2016, Equity Appreciation Rights (“EAR”).restricted share units. The restricted shares and restricted share units are composed of a combination of service-based awards, performance-based awards and performance-basedmarket-based awards.
Service-Based Awards. These awards generally vest over onetwo to four yearsyear periods with either(a) vesting in equal annual cliff-vesting,installments, or (b) vesting of all of the restricted shares and restricted share units at the end of the vesting period or vesting beginning after two years of service.period. A total of 315403 thousand service-based awards were outstanding as of December��December 31, 2017.2020. Beginning in 2019, service-based restricted share units were awarded as a component of most employees’ annual incentive compensation.
Performance-Based Awards. These awards generally begin to vest upon the achievement ofif certain specific financial measures. Generally, the awards begin vesting if the performance criteriameasures are achieved; generally one-third vestvests on each anniversary of the grant date or the awards cliff-vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The awardnumber of performance-based restricted shares is adjustedand restricted share units that may vest will be based on the level of achievement, as specified in the award agreements. If the performance criteria achieved is above thresholdcertain financial performance levels, participants have the opportunity to vest in 80%up to 150% of the restricted share unit award depending on performance achieved.for certain awards. If the performance criteria achieved

89

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

is below a certain threshold,thresholds, the award is canceled. A total of 42213 thousand performance-based awards were outstanding as of December 31, 2017.2020.
Market-Based Awards. 50% of these awards generally vest if certain specific market conditions are achieved over a 30-day period and the remaining 50% of these awards generally vest on the one year anniversary of the initial vesting. The
80

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Company estimates the grant date fair value of these awards using a lattice (binomial) model. A total of 194 thousand market-based awards were outstanding as of December 31, 2020.
Performance-Based and Market-Based Awards. These awards generally vest if certain specific financial measures are achieved and if certain specific market conditions are achieved. If the performance criteria achieved is above certain financial performance levels and Altisource’s share performance is above certain established criteria, participants have the opportunity to vest in up to 300% of the restricted share unit award for certain awards. If the performance criteria or the market criteria is below certain thresholds, the award is canceled. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of these awards using a Monte Carlo simulation model. A total of 69 thousand performance-based and market-based awards were outstanding as of December 31, 2020.
The Company granted 246609 thousand restricted sharesshare units (at a weighted average pricegrant date fair value of $29.93$13.47 per share) during the year ended December 31, 2017.2020. These grants include 82 thousand performance-based awards that include both a performance condition and a market condition, and 194 thousand market-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company granted 68 thousand performance-based awards that include both a performance condition and a market condition for the year ended December 31, 2019 (0 comparative amounts for the year ended December 31, 2018). There were no market-based awards granted for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our restricted shares:
shares and restricted share units:
Number of restricted shares and restricted
share units
Outstanding atas of December 31, 20162019231,730636,146 
Granted245,655608,695 
Issued(55,385(210,556))
Forfeited/canceled(65,491(155,764))
Outstanding atas of December 31, 20172020356,509878,521 
Effective August 29, 2016,The following assumptions were used to determine the EAR plans were terminated.fair values for the performance-based awards that include both a performance condition and a market condition, and fair values for market-based awards as of the grant date for the years ended December 31:
 20202019
 Monte CarloBinomialMonte CarloBinomial
Risk-free interest rate (%)2.47 0.09 – 0.272.47 
Expected stock price volatility (%)17.72 80.36 58.90 
Expected dividend yield
Expected life (in years)3230
Fair value$0 $12.58 $20.54 $0 
In 2018, the Company modified the vesting condition to remove the requirement that a certain employee be employed by the Company in order for the restricted shares to vest for 31 thousand restricted shares granted in the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. The award modification did not change the inputs into the valuation model or the Company’s assessment of the probability of vesting as of the effective date of the modifications. Consequently, no incremental compensation expense was required as a result of this modification.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, Pointillist issued 1.1 million shares of its common stock, or 12.1% of Pointillist equity to Pointillist management in exchange for their services. The fair value of the Pointillist shares of $0.9 million was recognized as share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2019.
81

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 17 18REVENUE
Revenue includesWe classify revenue in three categories: service revenue, revenue from reimbursable expenses and non-controlling interests. Service revenue consists of amounts attributable to our fee-based services and sales of short-term investments in real estate. Reimbursable expenses and non-controlling interests are pass-through items for which we earn no margin. Reimbursable expenses consist of amounts we incur on behalf of our customers in performing our fee-based services that we pass directly on to our customers without a markup. Non-controlling interests represent the earnings of Lenders One, a consolidated entity that is a mortgage cooperative managed, but not owned, by Altisource. The Lenders One ismembers’ earnings are included in revenue and reduced from net income to arrive at net income attributable to Altisource (see Note 2). Our services are provided to customers located in the United States. The components of revenue were as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)202020192018
Service revenue$347,313 $621,866 $805,480 
Reimbursable expenses16,285 24,172 30,039 
Non-controlling interests1,949 2,613 2,683 
Total$365,547 $648,651 $838,202 
The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts from Customers (Topic 606), and related interpretations (“Topic 606”), effective January 1, 2018 retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized on the date of initial application (the modified retrospective approach) for all contracts. As a result of this adoption, the Company recognized an $11.2 million increase in deferred revenue, a $1.1 million increase in unbilled accounts receivable, a $0.3 million increase in other current liabilities and a $10.4 million decrease in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.
Disaggregation of Revenue
Disaggregation of total revenues by major source is as follows:
(in thousands)Revenue recognized when services are performed or assets are soldRevenue related to technology platforms and professional servicesReimbursable expenses revenueTotal revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2020$332,084 $17,178 $16,285 $365,547 
For the year ended December 31, 2019579,929 44,550 24,172 648,651 
For the year ended December 31, 2018719,739 88,424 30,039 838,202 
Contract Balances
Our contract assets consist of unbilled accounts receivable (see Note 6). Our contract liabilities consist of current deferred revenue and other non-current liabilities as reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability at the beginning of the period was $4.8 million, $9.8 million and $20.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
82
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
       
Service revenue $899,561
 $942,599
 $940,920
Reimbursable expenses 39,912
 52,011
 107,344
Non-controlling interests 2,740
 2,693
 3,202
       
Total $942,213
 $997,303
 $1,051,466

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 1819 — COST OF REVENUE
Cost of revenue principally includes payroll and employee benefits associated with personnel employed in customer service and operations roles, fees paid to external providers related to the provision of services, cost of real estate sold, reimbursable expenses, technology and telecommunications costs as well as depreciation and amortization of operating assets. The components of cost of revenue were as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)202020192018
Compensation and benefits$94,365 $135,502 $200,486 
Outside fees and services146,322 240,796 278,380 
Technology and telecommunications35,912 36,302 41,588 
Reimbursable expenses16,285 24,172 30,039 
Depreciation and amortization12,310 13,721 24,013 
Cost of real estate sold42,763 47,659 
Total$305,194 $493,256 $622,165 
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
       
Compensation and benefits $240,487
 $264,796
 $261,839
Outside fees and services 325,459
 301,116
 248,278
Cost of real estate sold 24,398
 1,040
 
Reimbursable expenses 39,912
 52,011
 107,344
Technology and telecommunications 42,340
 44,295
 43,177
Depreciation and amortization 27,269
 26,787
 26,689
       
Total $699,865
 $690,045
 $687,327

90

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

NOTE 1920 — SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses include payroll and employee benefits associated with personnel employed in executive, sales and marketing, finance, law, compliance, human resources, vendor management, facilities and risk management sales and marketing roles. This category also includes professional services fees, occupancy costs, marketing costs, depreciation and amortization of non-operating assets and other expenses. The components of selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)202020192018
Compensation and benefits$35,521 $49,875 $51,043 
Occupancy related costs19,363 26,042 30,851 
Amortization of intangible assets14,720 19,021 28,412 
Professional services11,444 14,975 16,950 
Marketing costs3,325 11,212 14,707 
Depreciation and amortization2,580 4,788 6,786 
Other5,783 15,163 26,921 
Total$92,736 $141,076 $175,670 
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
       
Compensation and benefits $58,157
 $55,577
 $54,897
Professional services 13,421
 23,284
 23,183
Occupancy related costs 36,371
 37,370
 39,917
Amortization of intangible assets 35,367
 47,576
 41,135
Depreciation and amortization 9,178
 10,001
 9,781
Marketing costs 16,171
 27,847
 27,499
Other 23,977
 12,500
 24,456
       
Total $192,642
 $214,155
 $220,868
In addition, on September 8, 2014, the West Palm Beach Firefighters’ Pension Fund filed a putative securities class action suit against Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. and certain of its current or former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. On January 19, 2017, the parties notified the Court of their agreement to settle the action to resolve all claims related to this matter for a payment by the Company of $32.0 million, $4.0 million of which was funded by insurance proceeds. The net expense of $28.0 million was recorded as a litigation settlement loss, net in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017.
In 2015, we paid the former owners of Equator, LLC (“Equator”) $0.5 million to extinguish any liability for the Equator acquisition earn-out. In connection with this settlement, we reduced the liability for the Equator earn-out to $0 and recognized a $7.6 million gain in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015.
NOTE 2021 — OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Other income (expense), net consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)202020192018
Interest income$114 $342 $740 
Loss on debt refinancing(4,434)
Other, net261 1,006 1,824 
Total$375 $1,348 $(1,870)

83
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
       
Gain on early extinguishment of debt $5,637
 $5,464
 $3,836
Expenses related to the purchase of available for sale securities 
 (3,356) 
Loss on HLSS equity securities and dividends received, net
 
 
 (1,854)
Interest income 270
 91
 133
Other, net 2,015
 1,431
 76
       
Total $7,922
 $3,630
 $2,191
During March 2015, we purchased 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $30.0 million. This investment was classified as available for sale. On April 6, 2015, HLSS completed the sale of substantially all of its assets to NRZ and adopted a plan of complete liquidation and dissolution. During April 2015, we received liquidating dividends and other dividends from HLSS totaling $20.4 million and we sold all of our 1.6 million shares of HLSS common stock in the open market for $7.7 million. As a result of these transactions, we recognized a net loss of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 in connection with our investment in HLSS (no comparative amounts in 2017 and 2016).

91

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

NOTE 2122 — INCOME TAXES
The components of income before income taxes and non-controlling interests consist of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015(in thousands)202020192018
      
Domestic - Luxembourg $9,123
 $8,489
 $27,884
Domestic - Luxembourg$(50,821)$8,919 $(22,513)
Foreign - U.S. 7,967
 16,655
 5,944
Foreign - U.S.(13,243)(12,602)8,398 
Foreign - Non-U.S. 18,285
 19,168
 19,232
Foreign - non-U.S.Foreign - non-U.S.6,359 16,122 15,514 
      
Total $35,375
 $44,321
 $53,060
Total$(57,705)$12,439 $1,399 
The income tax provision(provision) benefit consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)202020192018
Current:
Domestic - Luxembourg$(2,158)$$(275)
Foreign - U.S. federal4,992 187 (1,838)
Foreign - U.S. state(322)(174)(336)
Foreign - non-U.S.(6,088)(10,970)(7,440)
$(3,576)$(10,957)$(9,889)
Deferred:
Domestic - Luxembourg$224 $(308,657)$4,927 
Foreign - U.S. federal(2,808)329 291 
Foreign - U.S. state(465)341 (134)
Foreign - non-U.S.(1,984)648 707 
$(5,033)$(307,339)$5,791 
Income tax (provision) benefit$(8,609)$(318,296)$(4,098)
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
       
Current:      
Domestic - Luxembourg $737
 $160
 $1,787
Foreign - U.S. Federal 2,405
 9,556
 539
Foreign - U.S. State 364
 258
 855
Foreign - Non-U.S. 17,574
 5,558
 6,405
       
  $21,080
 $15,532
 $9,586
Deferred:      
Domestic - Luxembourg $(295,318) $432
 $
Foreign - U.S. Federal (111) (3,065) (108)
Foreign - U.S. State (210) (100) (526)
Foreign - Non-U.S. (1,697) 136
 (692)
       
  $(297,336) $(2,597) $(1,326)
       
Total $(276,256) $12,935
 $8,260
In June 2010, the Company received a tax ruling regarding the treatment of certain intangibles that existed for determining the Company’s taxable income, which was scheduled to expire in 2019 unless extended, renewed or terminated by the Company. On December 27, 2017, two of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l., merged, with Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. as the surviving entity. Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. was subsequently renamed Altisource S.à r.l. The merger is part of a larger subsidiary restructuring plan designed to simplify the Company’s corporate structure, allow it to operate more efficiently and reduce administrative costs. For Luxembourg tax purposes, the merger was recognized at fair value and generated a net operating loss (“NOL”) of $1.3 billion and a deferred tax asset of $342.6 million as of December 31, 2017, before a valuation allowance (see below). The NOL has a 17 year life. This deferred tax asset was partially offset by the impact of other changes in U.S. and Luxembourg income tax rates of $6.3 million and an increase in certain foreign income tax reserves (and related interest) of $10.5 million. The Company’s June 2010 tax ruling was terminated in connection with the merger of the Company’s Luxembourg subsidiaries.
Income tax computed by applying the Luxembourg statutory rate differs from income tax computed at the effective tax rate primarily from changes in the mix of taxable income across the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, remeasurement of deferred taxes related to tax rate changes, recognition of net operating losses created by the merger, an increase in unrecognized tax benefits and a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets the Company believes it is more likely than not will not be realized.
We operate under a tax holidaysholiday in certain geographies in India, theUruguay. The Philippines and Uruguay. The India tax holidays are effective through 2020,expired on June 30, 2019 and may be extended if certain additional requirements are satisfied. The PhilippinesMarch 31, 2019 with the election of the reduced income tax holiday has been extended through June 2019.rate, respectively. We operate in a Uruguay free trade zone that provides an indefinite future tax benefit. The tax holidays are conditionalholiday is conditioned upon our meeting certain employment and investment thresholds. The impact of these tax holidays decreased foreign taxes by $0.9$0.1 million ($0.050.01per diluted share), $0.9$0.3 million ($0.040.02 per diluted share) and $0.8$0.7 million ($0.04 per diluted share) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.

92

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The Company accounts for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for these differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities as well as expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. We measure deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we expect to recover or settle those temporary differences.
84

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
A summary of the tax effects of the temporary differences is as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 2016(in thousands)20202019
    
Non-current deferred tax assets:    Non-current deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards $349,154
 $5,891
Net operating loss carryforwards$353,358 $338,403 
U.S. federal and state tax credits 407
 316
U.S. federal and state tax credits242 189 
Other non-U.S. deferred tax assets 5,724
 3,674
Other non-U.S. deferred tax assets11,327 13,980 
Share-based compensation 1,496
 2,486
Share-based compensation1,658 2,010 
Accrued expenses 6,494
 11,527
Accrued expenses1,205 2,691 
Unrealized lossesUnrealized losses10,351 9,011 
OtherOther526 
Non-current deferred tax liabilities:    Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets (8,015) (4,203)Intangible assets(8,133)(8,325)
Depreciation (3,318) (6,964)Depreciation(441)(302)
Other non-U.S. deferred tax liability (1,692) (1,342)Other non-U.S. deferred tax liability(7)(998)
Other (260) (626)Other(736)
 349,990
 10,759
368,824 357,185 
    
Valuation allowance (46,283) (3,467)Valuation allowance(372,227)(355,559)
    
Non-current deferred tax assets, net $303,707
 $7,292
Non-current deferred tax (liabilities) assets, netNon-current deferred tax (liabilities) assets, net$(3,403)$1,626 
A valuation allowance is provided when it is deemed more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is needed requires an extensive analysis of positive and negative evidence regarding realization of the deferred tax assets and, inherent in that, an assessment of the likelihood of sufficient future taxable income. When there is a cumulative pretax loss for financial reporting for the current and two preceding years (i.e., a three year cumulative loss), this is a significant element of negative evidence that would be difficult to overcome on a more likely than not or any other basis. Therefore, the Company considered estimates of future taxable income, future reversals of temporary differences, the tax character of gains and losses and the impact of tax planning strategies that can be implemented, if warranted. The net increase inrecorded a valuation allowance of $42.8$372.2 million during 2017 is primarily related toand $355.6 million for the portion ofyear ending December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Previously, the Luxembourg NOL that we project willCompany has not be utilized prior to expiration.
We have not recognized Luxembourg deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of non-Luxembourg affiliates as we have chosenaffiliates. In 2019 with the sale of the NCI business and the impending closure of the Philippines, taxes of $0.9 million were provided on the Philippines earnings. In 2020, the Company recognized income tax expense on $68 million of accumulated earnings in India that had previously been considered indefinitely reinvested. The Company also recognized income tax expense on 2020 earnings in India. The Company continues to remain indefinitely reinvest these earnings.reinvested in all other non-Luxembourg earning not previously discussed. The other non-Luxembourg earnings reinvested as of December 31, 20172020 were approximately $74.2$13.8 million, which if distributed would result in additional tax due totaling approximately $13.5$0.5 million.
The Company had a deferred tax asset of $349.2$353.4 million as of December 31, 20172020 relating to Luxembourg, U.S. federal, state and foreign net operating losses compared to $5.9$338.4 million as of December 31, 2016. Of this amount,2019. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, a valuation allowance totaling $1.7of $349.8 million as of December 31, 2017 related to state net operating losses subject to a valuation allowance compared to $1.4and $337.7 million, as of December 31, 2016, and $44.4 million as of December 31, 2017respectively, has been established related to Luxembourg net operating losses haveloss (“NOL”), a valuation allowance of $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, has been established comparedrelated to $2.2state NOLs and a valuation allowance of $2.4 million as of December 31, 2016.and $0.1 million, respectively, has been established related to U.S. federal NOLs. The gross amount of net operating losses available for carryover to future years is approximately $1,339.6$1,415.9 million as of December 31, 2017 compared to2020 and approximately $17.3$1,355.4 million as of December 31, 2016.2019. These losses are scheduled to expire between the years 2023 and 2037. Of this amount, $8.92040.
The deferred tax asset created from the sale of the Financial Services Business was adjusted to reflect the final capital loss balance of $10.4 million asin the U.S. Because it is not more likely than not the Company will have sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (a capital gain) in the carryforward period, a full valuation allowance has been established related to the capital loss.
On September 20, 2019, the corporate income tax rate in India lowered from 34.94% to 25.17% retroactive to April 1, 2019. The Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future. As of December 31, 2017 compared2020, the amount recorded related to $10.1 million asremeasurement of December 31, 2016 relates to Nationwide Credit, Inc. (“NCI”) for periods prior to our acquisition of NCI and is subject to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code which limits their use to approximately $1.3 million per year.deferred tax balance was $1.4 million.
On December 22, 2017,April 25, 2019, the Jobs Act was enacted, which reformsLuxembourg Parliament voted to approve the 2019 Budget Law. The new legislation reduced the overall effective corporate tax legislation in the United States and related laws. One of the provisions of the new tax law reduces the U.S. federal corporateincome tax rate from 35%26.01% to 21%.24.94% for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1,
85

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2019. The Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%24.94%. The provisionalAs of December 31, 2019, the amount recorded related to the remeasurement of our deferred tax balance was $2.9$14.0 million. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Jobs Act and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially result in new deferred tax amounts. Any change in the Company’s reasonable estimates of the impact of the Jobs Act will be included in the reporting period in which the change is identified in accordance with SAB Topic 5 EE.

93

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

In addition, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $0.4$0.9 million and $0.3$0.6 million as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively, relating to the U.S. federal and state tax credits. The U.S. federal credit carryforward is scheduled to expire between 2032 and 2037. TheSome of the state tax credit carryforwards are scheduledhave an indefinite carryforward period.
The Company is taking advantage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act signed into law on March 27, 2020 by utilizing a five year carryback of the full net operating loss generated in the U.S. in 2020. The CARES Act allows a five year carryback of the $14.8 million net operating loss generated in the U.S. in 2020
The effective tax rate differs from the Luxembourg statutory tax rate due to expire between 2017tax rate differences on foreign earnings, increases in uncertain tax positions, state taxes, remeasurement of deferred tax assets related to tax rate changes, a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits and 2027.a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets the Company believes it is more likely than not will not be realized
The following table reconciles the Luxembourg statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31:
 2017 2016 2015202020192018
      
Statutory tax rate 27.08 % 29.22 % 29.22 %Statutory tax rate24.94 %24.94 %26.01 %
Permanent difference related to Luxembourg intangible assets (0.63) 
 (13.56)
Change in valuation allowance 119.20
 (0.08) 0.83
Change in valuation allowance(29.79)2,526.53 43.08 
State tax expense 0.50
 2.30
 0.29
State tax expense(1.25)(1.63)28.58 
Tax credits (2.13) (1.81) (2.34)Tax credits0.10 
Uncertain taxes 30.16
 (3.65) 1.39
Uncertain tax positionsUncertain tax positions(2.94)39.60 114.18 
Unrecognized tax loss (1,008.20) 
 
Unrecognized tax loss(67.18)
Income tax rate change 57.36
 
 
Income tax rate change(2.40)
Tax rate differences on foreign earningsTax rate differences on foreign earnings(6.62)28.75 73.11 
Other (4.28) 3.20
 (0.26)Other3.04 7.85 7.96 
      
Effective tax rate (780.94)% 29.18 % 15.57 %Effective tax rate(14.92)%2,558.86 %292.92 %
The Company follows ASC Topic 740 which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions. We analyzed our tax filing positions in all of the domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns as well as for all open tax years and subject to audit in these jurisdictions. The Company has open tax years in the United States (2014(2017 through 2016)2019), India (2011 through 2017)2019) and Luxembourg (2012(2014 through 2015)2018).
The following table summarizes changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the years ended December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 2016(in thousands)20202019
    
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the beginning of the year $758
 $2,005
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the beginning of the year$9,767 $9,687 
Decreases as a result of tax positions taken in a prior period (78) (1,527)Decreases as a result of tax positions taken in a prior period(2,591)(192)
Increases as a result of tax positions taken in a prior period 53
 60
Increases as a result of tax positions taken in a prior period767 22 
Increases as a result of tax positions taken in the current period 8,159
 220
Increases as a result of tax positions taken in the current period598 250 
    
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the end of the year $8,892
 $758
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the end of the year$8,541 $9,767 
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $11.5$13.2 million and $0.6$13.5 million as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The Company recognizes interest, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the Company had recorded accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $2.6$4.6 million and less than $0.1$3.7 million, respectively.
NOTE 2223EARNINGSLOSS PER SHARE
Basic EPSloss per share is computed by dividing incomenet loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPSloss per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock method.

Diluted net loss per share excludes all dilutive securities because their impact would be anti-dilutive, as described below.
94
86

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Basic and diluted EPSloss per share are calculated as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015(in thousands, except per share data)202020192018
      
Net income attributable to Altisource $308,891
 $28,693
 $41,598
Net loss attributable to AltisourceNet loss attributable to Altisource$(67,156)$(307,969)$(5,382)
      
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 18,183
 18,696
 19,504
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic15,598 15,991 17,073 
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares 509
 916
 1,115
      
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 18,692
 19,612
 20,619
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted15,598 15,991 17,073 
      
Earnings per share:      
Loss per share:Loss per share:
Basic $16.99
 $1.53
 $2.13
Basic$(4.31)$(19.26)$(0.32)
Diluted $16.53
 $1.46
 $2.02
Diluted$(4.31)$(19.26)$(0.32)
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, 1.6 million, 1.6 million and 1.2 million, respectively, stock options, restricted shares and restricted share units were excluded from the computation of loss per share, as a result of the following:
As a result of the net loss attributable to Altisource for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 0.2 million, 0.3 million and 0.5 million, respectively, stock options, 0.4 million optionsrestricted shares and 0.6 million options, respectively, thatrestricted share units in each period were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as their impacts were anti-dilutive
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 0.5 million, 0.5 million and 0.3 million, respectively, stock options were anti-dilutive and have been excluded from the computation of diluted EPS. These options were anti-dilutive and excluded from the computation of diluted EPSloss per share because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of our common stock. Also excluded from the computation of diluted EPS are 0.4 million options and restricted shares, 0.4 million options and 0.3 million options forstock
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, 0.9 million, 0.8 million and 0.5 million, respectively, stock options, restricted shares and restricted share units, which begin to vest upon the achievement of certain market criteria related to our common stock price, performance criteria and an annualized rate of return to shareholders that have not yet been met.met in each period have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share.
NOTE 2324RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
In August 2018, Altisource initiated Project Catalyst, a project intended to optimize its operations and reduce costs to better align its cost structure with its anticipated revenues and improve its operating margins (finalized in 2020). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Altisource incurred $12.0 million, $14.1 million and $11.6 million, respectively, of severance costs, professional services fees, facility consolidation costs, technology costs and business wind down costs related to the reorganization plan.
NOTE 25 —COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
We record a liability for contingencies if an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, including expected insurance coverage. For proceedings where the reasonable estimate of loss is a range, we record a best estimate of loss within the range.
Litigation
We are currently involved in legal actions in the course of our business, some of which seek monetary damages. We do not believe that the outcome of these proceedings, both individually and in the aggregate, will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Regulatory Matters
Periodically, we are subject to audits, examinations and investigations by federal, state and local governmental authorities and receive subpoenas, civil investigative demands or other requests for information from such governmental authorities in connection with their regulatory or investigative authority. We are currently responding to such inquiries from governmental authorities relating to certain aspects of our business. We believe it is premature to predict the potential outcome or to estimate any potential financial impact in connection with these inquiries.
As previously disclosed, Altisource receivedSales Taxes
On June 21, 2018, the United States Supreme Court rendered a Notice5-4 majority decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., holding that a state may require a remote seller with no physical presence in the state to collect and Opportunity to Respondremit sales tax on goods and Advise (“NORA”) letter on November 10, 2016 from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) indicating that the CFPB is considering a potential enforcement action against Altisource relating to an alleged violation of federal law focused on REALServicing and certain other technology services provided to Ocwen, including claims relatedpurchasers in the state, overturning existing court precedent. During the year ended December 31, 2019,
87

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
the features, functioningCompany completed the analysis of its services for potential exposure to sales tax in various jurisdictions in the United States. The Company recognized a $(2.7) million loss reimbursement, $0.3 million and support$6.2 million net loss for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of such technology.operations and comprehensive loss. The NORA process provides the recipient an opportunity to present its positions to the CFPB before an enforcement action is recommended or commenced. On December 5, 2016, we provided a written response to the NORA letter setting forth the legal, policyCompany began invoicing, collecting and factual reasons why we believe an enforcement action is not warranted. We are committed to resolving any potential concerns of the CFPB. If the CFPB were to bring an enforcement action against us, the resolution of such actionremitting sales tax in applicable jurisdictions in 2019. Future changes in our estimated sales tax exposure could haveresult in a material adverseadjustment to our consolidated financial statements, which would impact on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. However, we believe it is premature to predict the potential outcome or to estimate any potential financial impact in connection with any potential CFPB enforcement action.
Ocwen Related Matters
As discussed in Note 3, during the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, Ocwen was our largest customer, accounting for 58%54% of our total revenue. Additionally, 16%7% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 20172020 was earned on the loan portfolios serviced by Ocwen, when a party other than Ocwen or the MSR owner selected Altisource as the service provider.

95

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

As of June 30, 2017, we estimate that NRZ owned certain economic rights in, but not legal title to, approximately 78% of the Subject MSRs. In July 2017, Ocwen and NRZ entered into agreements to convert NRZ’s economic rights to the Subject MSRs into fully-owned MSRs in exchange for payments from NRZ to Ocwen when such MSRs were transferred. The transfers are subject to certain third party consents. Ocwen disclosed that under these agreements, Ocwen would subservice the transferred Subject MSRs for an initial term of five years, and the agreements provided for the conversion of the existing arrangements into a more traditional subservicing arrangement.
In January 2018, Ocwen disclosed that it and NRZ entered into new agreements to accelerate the implementation of certain parts of their July 2017 arrangement in order to achieve the intent of the July 2017 agreements sooner while Ocwen continues the process of obtaining the third party consents necessary to transfer the Subject MSRs to NRZ.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource, through its licensed subsidiaries, entered into the Brokerage Agreement with NRZ which extends through August 2025. Under this agreement and related amendments, Altisource remains the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs when Ocwen transfers such MSRs to NRZ or when NRZ acquires both an additional economic interest in such MSRs and the right to designate the broker for REO properties in such portfolios. The Brokerage Agreement provides that Altisource is the exclusive provider of brokerage services for REO associated with the Subject MSRs, irrespective of the sub-servicer. NRZ’s brokerage subsidiary will receive a cooperative brokerage commission on the sale of certain REO properties from these portfolios subject to certain exceptions.
On August 28, 2017, Altisource and NRZ also entered into the Services LOI to enter into a Services Agreement, setting forth the terms pursuant to which Altisource would remain the exclusive service provider of fee-based services for the Subject MSRs through August 2025. The Services LOI was amended to continue through February 28, 2018 (with a further automatic extension through March 31, 2018 provided that the parties continue to negotiate the Services Agreement in good faith).
The Brokerage Agreement can be terminated by Altisource if the Services Agreement is not signed between Altisource and NRZ during the term of the Services LOI. The Brokerage Agreement may otherwise only be terminated upon the occurrence of certain specified events. Termination events include, but are not limited to, a breach of the terms of the Brokerage Agreement (including, without limitation, the failure to meet performance standards and non-compliance with law in a material respect), the failure to maintain licenses which failure materially prevents performance of the contract, regulatory allegations of non-compliance resulting in an adversarial proceeding against NRZ, voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, appointment of a receiver, disclosure in a Form 10-K or Form 10-Q that there is significant uncertainty about Altisource’s ability to continue as a going concern, failure to maintain a specified level of cash and an unapproved change of control.
Following the execution of the Services Agreement, we anticipate that revenue from NRZ would increase and revenue from Ocwen would decrease. As Subject MSRs continue to transfer from Ocwen to NRZ, we anticipate that NRZ will become our largest customer. Had all of the Subject MSRs been transferred to NRZ and the Brokerage Agreement and Services Agreement with NRZ were in place as of January 1, 2017, we estimate that approximately 50% of our 2017 revenue would have been related to NRZ. There can be no assurance that the parties will reach an agreement with respect to the terms of the Services Agreement or that a Services Agreement will be entered into on a timely basis or at all.
Ocwen has disclosed that it is subject to a number of ongoing federal and state regulatory examinations, cease and desist orders, consent orders, inquiries, subpoenas, civil investigative demand,demands, requests for information and other actions and is subject to pending and threatened legal proceedings, some of which include claims against Ocwen for substantial monetary damages. For example, on May 15, 2017, Ocwen disclosed that on April 20, 2017, the CFPB and the State of Florida filed separateIn addition to monetary damages, various complaints in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Ocwen alleging violations of Federal consumer financial law and, in the case of Florida, Florida statutes. As another example, on May 15, 2017, Ocwen also disclosed that on April 28, 2017, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against Ocwen in the Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts alleging violations of state consumer financial laws relatinghave sought to Ocwen’s servicing business, including lender-placed insurance and property preservation fees. Ocwen disclosed that the complaints seek to obtain permanent injunctive relief, consumer redress, refunds, restitution, disgorgement, damages, civil penalties, costs and fees and other relief. The forgoingExisting or otherfuture similar matters could result in, and in some cases, have resulted in, adverse regulatory or other actions against Ocwen. Previous regulatory actions against Ocwen resulted in subjectinghave subjected Ocwen to independent oversight of its operations and placingplaced certain restrictions on its ability to acquire servicing rights.
In addition to the above, Ocwen may become subject to future federal and state regulatory investigations, cease and desist orders, consent orders, inquiries, subpoenas, civil investigative demands, requests for information, other matters or legal proceedings, any of which could also result in adverse regulatory or other actions.
Ocwen has disclosed that NRZ is its largest client. As of December 31, 2020, NRZ MSRs or rights to MSRs relating to approximately 36% of loans serviced and subserviced by Ocwen (measured in UPB). In July 2017 and January 2018, Ocwen and NRZ entered into a series of agreements pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, to undertake certain actions against Ocwen.to facilitate the transfer from Ocwen to NRZ of Ocwen’s legal title to the Subject MSRs and under which Ocwen will subservice mortgage loans underlying the MSRs for an initial term of five years. NRZ can terminate its sub-servicing agreement with Ocwen in exchange for the payment of a termination fee.
The foregoingexistence or outcome of Ocwen regulatory matters or the termination of the NRZ sub-servicing agreement with Ocwen may have significant adverse effects on Ocwen’s business and/or our continuing relationship with Ocwen. For example, Ocwen may be required to alter the way it conducts business, including the parties it contracts with for services, (including

96

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

IT and software services), it may be required to seek changes to its existing pricing structure with us, it may lose its non-GSEnon-government-sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) servicing rights or subservicing arrangements or may lose one or more of its state servicing or origination licenses. Additional regulatory actions or adverse financial developments may impose additional restrictions on or require changes in Ocwen’s business that could require it to sell assets or change its business operations. Any or all of these effects and others could result in our eventual loss of Ocwen as a customer or a reduction in the number and/or volume of services they purchase from us or the loss of other customers.
IfDuring the second quarter of 2020, Ocwen informed us that an MSR investor instructed Ocwen to use a field services provider other than Altisource on properties associated with certain MSRs. Based upon the impacted portfolios to date and the designated service provider, Altisource believes that Ocwen received these directions from NRZ. We believe Ocwen commenced using another field services provider for these properties in July 2020 and continued to transition services during the third quarter of 2020. We believe that the transition to the replacement field service provider was largely completed as of September 30, 2020. We estimate that $70.1 million, $150.2 million and $171.0 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from Field Services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Ocwen also communicated to Altisource in the fourth quarter of 2020 that the same investor instructed Ocwen to use a provider for default valuations and certain default title services other than Altisource on properties associated with such certain MSRs and commenced moving these referrals to other service providers in the fourth quarter of 2020. We anticipate that the transition of such default valuations and title services will continue during the course of 2021. We estimate that $18.2 million, $33.2 million and $40.1 million of service revenue from Ocwen for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was derived from default valuations and title services referrals from the NRZ portfolios. Altisource believes that any action taken by Ocwen to redirect these service referrals breaches Altisource's agreement with Ocwen. We are currently in discussions with Ocwen to address this matter, and have reserved all of our rights with respect to this matter.
To address the reduction in revenue, Altisource is undertaking several measures to further reduce its cost structure and strengthen its operations.
88

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In addition to expected reductions in our revenue from the transition of referrals for default related services previously identified, if any of the following events occurred, Altisource’s revenue could be further significantly lowerreduced and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected, including from the possible impairment or write-off of goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, other assets and accounts receivable:
Altisource loses Ocwen as a customer or there is aan additional significant reduction in the volume of services they purchase from us
Ocwen loses, sells or transfers a significant portion or all of its GSE servicing rights or subservicing arrangements or remaining non-GSE servicing rights or subservicing arrangements and Altisource fails to be retained as a service provider
The contractual relationship between Ocwen and NRZ changes significantly and this change results in a change in our status as a provider of services related to the Subject MSRs
Ocwen loses state servicing licenses in states with a significant number of loans in Ocwen’s servicing portfolio
Altisource fails to be retained as a service provider
The contractual relationship between Ocwen and Altisource changes significantly or there are significant changes to our pricing to Ocwen for services from which we generate material revenue
Additionally, Ocwen has notified us, disclosed in its filings and stated in connection with resolving several state administrative actions discussed above, that it plansAltisource otherwise fails to transition from REALServicing to another mortgage servicing software platform. We anticipate that suchbe retained as a transition could be a multi-year project and Altisource would support Ocwen through such a transition. We do not anticipate that a servicing technology transition would impact the other services we provide to Ocwen. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, service revenue from REALServicing was $26.4 million, $29.8 million and $50.3 million, respectively. We estimate, with respect to income before income tax, that the REALServicing business currently operates at approximately break-even.provider
Management cannot predict the outcomewhether any of these mattersevents will occur or the amount of any impact they may have on Altisource. However, in the event these matters materially negatively impact Altisource, we believe the variable nature of our cost structure would allow us to realign our cost structure in line with remaining revenue. Furthermore, in the event of a significant reduction in the volume of services purchased or loans serviced by Ocwen (such as a transfer of Ocwen’s remaining servicing rights to a successor servicer), we believe the impact to Altisource could occur over an extended period of time. During this period, we believe that we will continue to generate revenue from all or a portion of Ocwen’s portfolio.
Additionally, our Servicer Solutions, Origination Solutions, Consumer Real Estate Solutions and Real Estate Investor Solutions businesses are focused on diversifying and growing our revenue and customer base and we have a sales and marketing strategy to support these businesses.
Management believesefforts. Moreover, in the event one or more of these events materially negatively impact Altisource, we believe the variable nature of our plans, together withcost structure would allow us to realign our cost structure to address some of the impact to revenue and that current liquidity and cash flows from operations, would be sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and other cash needs. However, thereThere can be no assurance that our plans will be successful or our operations will be profitable.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases and ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (collectively “Topic 842”). Topic 842 introduced a new lessee model that brings substantially all leases on the balance sheet. The Company adopted Topic 842 effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, including allowing the Company to carry forward its historical lease classification, using hindsight to determine the lease term for existing leases, combining fixed lease and non-lease components and excluding short-term leases. Adoption of this new standard resulted in the recognition of $42.1 million of right-of-use assets in right-of-use assets under operating leases, $45.5 million of operating lease liabilities ($16.7 million in other current liabilities and $28.8 million in other non-current liabilities) and reduced accrued rent and lease incentives of $3.4 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
We lease certain premises and equipment, under various operatingprimarily consisting of office space and information technology equipment. Certain of our leases include options to renew at our discretion or terminate leases early, and these options are considered in our determination of the expected lease agreements. Future minimumterm. Certain of our lease agreements include rental payments at December 31, 2017 under non-cancelable operating leases with an original term exceeding one year are as follows:
(in thousands) Operating lease obligations
   
2018 $19,833
2019 14,012
2020 10,222
2021 6,817
2022 2,676
Thereafter 230
   
  $53,790
Total operatingadjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease expense, net ofagreements generally do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We sublease certain office space to third parties. Sublease income was $19.0$1.4 million, $17.6$1.7 million and $20.0$1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. Sublease income was $1.3 million, $0.5 million and less than $0.1 millionThe amortization periods of right-of-use assets are generally limited by the expected lease term. Our leases generally have expected lease terms at adoption of one to six years. As of December 31, 2020, we entered into a five year lease for

additional office space which has not yet commenced.
97
89

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Information about our lease terms and our discount rate assumption is as follows as of December 31:
20202019
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)3.183.23
Weighted average discount rate7.01 %7.11 %
Our lease activity was as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)20202019
Operating lease costs:
Selling, general and administrative expense$9,712 $10,698 
Cost of revenue1,919 2,757 
Cash used in operating activities for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities$13,113 $15,446 
Short-term (twelve months or less) lease costs3,797 4,999 
Maturities of our lease liabilities as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The minimum lease payments in the table above have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of totaling $2.9 million expected to be received under non-cancelable subleases. The operating leases generally relate to office locations and reflect customary lease terms which range from 0 to 9 years in duration.2020 are as follows:
(in thousands)Operating lease obligations
2021$8,268 
20225,765 
20234,671 
20242,901 
2025599 
Total lease payments22,204 
Less: interest(2,314)
Present value of lease liabilities$19,890 
We have executed four3 standby letters of credit totaling $1.5$0.8 million related to four3 office leases that are secured by restricted cash balances.
Escrow and Trust Balances
We hold customers’ assets in escrow and trust accounts at various financial institutions pending completion of certain real estate activities. We also hold cash in trust accounts at various financial institutions where contractual obligations mandate maintaining dedicated bank accounts for our asset recovery management business’s collections. These amounts are held in escrow and trust accounts for limited periods of time and are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. Amounts held in escrow and trust accounts were $35.1$20.0 million and $64.1$12.3 million atas of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.
NOTE 24 — SEGMENT REPORTING
Our business segments are based upon our organizational structure, which focuses primarily on the services offered, and are consistent with the internal reporting used by our Chief Executive Officer (our chief operating decision maker) to evaluate operating performance and to assess the allocation of our resources.
Effective January 1, 2017, our reportable segments changed as a result of a change in the way our chief operating decision maker manages our businesses, allocates resources and evaluates performance, and the related changes in our internal organization. We now report our operations through two new reportable segments: Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market. In addition, we report Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations separately. Prior to the January 1, 2017 change in reportable segments, our reportable segments were Mortgage Services, Financial Services and Technology Services. The former Mortgage Services segment was separated into the Mortgage Market and Real Estate Market segments. Furthermore, certain of the software services business units that were formerly in the Technology Services segment and the mortgage charge-off collections business that was formerly in the Financial Services segment are now included in the Mortgage Market. Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations includes asset recovery management services and customer relationship management services that were formerly in the Financial Services segment as well as IT infrastructure management services formerly in the Technology Services segment. Prior year comparable period segment disclosures have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.
The Mortgage Market segment provides loan servicers and originators with marketplaces, services and technologies that span the mortgage lifecycle. The Real Estate Market segment provides real estate consumers and rental property investors with marketplaces and services that span the real estate lifecycle. In addition, the Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations segment includes businesses that provide post-charge-off consumer debt collection services primarily to debt originators (e.g., credit card, auto lending and retail credit), customer relationship management services primarily to the utility, insurance and hotel industries and IT infrastructure management services. Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations also includes interest expense and costs related to corporate support functions including executive, finance, law, compliance, human resources, vendor management, facilities, risk management, and sales and marketing costs not allocated to the business units as well as eliminations between the reportable segments.
Financial information for our segments is as follows:
90
  For the year ended December 31, 2017
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Altisource
         
Revenue $793,684
 $89,787
 $58,742
 $942,213
Cost of revenue 545,507
 96,967
 57,391
 699,865
Gross profit (loss) 248,177
 (7,180) 1,351
 242,348
Selling, general and administrative expenses 114,215
 18,718
 59,709
 192,642
Income (loss) from operations 133,962
 (25,898) (58,358) 49,706
Total other income (expense), net 72
 (4) (14,399) (14,331)
         
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests $134,034
 $(25,902) $(72,757) $35,375

98

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

  For the year ended December 31, 2016
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Altisource
         
Revenue $827,324
 $86,590
 $83,389
 $997,303
Cost of revenue 546,540
 64,566
 78,939
 690,045
Gross profit 280,784
 22,024
 4,450
 307,258
Selling, general and administrative expenses 121,508
 23,291
 69,356
 214,155
Litigation settlement loss, net of $4,000 insurance recovery 
 
 28,000
 28,000
Income (loss) from operations 159,276
 (1,267) (92,906) 65,103
Total other income (expense), net 154
 (5) (20,931) (20,782)
         
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests $159,430
 $(1,272) $(113,837) $44,321
  For the year ended December 31, 2015
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Altisource
         
Revenue $885,174
 $54,199
 $112,093
 $1,051,466
Cost of revenue 552,676
 38,541
 96,110
 687,327
Gross profit 332,498
 15,658
 15,983
 364,139
Selling, general and administrative expenses 132,334
 7,514
 81,020
 220,868
Impairment losses 64,146
 
 7,639
 71,785
Change in the fair value of Equator Earn Out (7,591) 
 
 (7,591)
Income (loss) from operations 143,609
 8,144
 (72,676) 79,077
Total other income (expense), net 621
 2
 (26,640) (26,017)
         
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests $144,230
 $8,146
 $(99,316) $53,060
(in thousands) Mortgage Market Real Estate Market Other Businesses, Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Altisource
         
Total assets:        
December 31, 2017 $304,346
 $64,624
 $496,194
 $865,164
December 31, 2016 347,067
 47,863
 294,282
 689,212
Our services are primarily provided to customers located in the United States. Premises and equipment, net consist of the following, by country, as of December 31:
(in thousands) 2017 2016
     
United States $46,268
 $71,418
India 8,136
 14,006
Luxembourg 16,688
 14,791
Philippines 2,038
 3,027
Uruguay 143
 231
     
Total $73,273
 $103,473

99

Table of Contents
ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

NOTE 2526 — QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following tables contain selected unaudited statement of operations information for each quarter of 20172020 and 2016.2019. The following information reflects all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. Our business iscan be affected by seasonality.
2020 quarter ended (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
(in thousands, except per share data)March 31,June 30,September 30,December 31,
Revenue$121,444 $95,342 $88,795 $59,966 
Gross profit26,863 12,714 16,225 4,551 
Loss before income taxes and non-controlling interests(9,124)(33,747)(11,140)(3,695)
Net loss(11,545)(34,864)(12,897)(7,009)
Net loss attributable to Altisource(11,650)(35,061)(13,237)(7,208)
Loss per share:
Basic$(0.75)$(2.25)$(0.85)$(0.46)
Diluted$(0.75)$(2.25)$(0.85)$(0.46)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic15,497 15,601 15,637 15,657 
Diluted15,497 15,601 15,637 15,657 
 
2017 quarter ended (1)(2)
2019 quarter ended (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(7)(8)
(in thousands, except per share data) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,(in thousands, except per share data)March 31,June 30,September 30,December 31,
        
Revenue $240,483
 $250,685
 $234,979
 $216,066
Revenue$169,935 $196,535 $141,493 $140,688 
Gross profit 62,530
 65,292
 60,081
 54,445
Gross profit45,720 43,821 30,771 35,083 
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests 9,746
 12,160
 10,357
 3,112
Net income 7,160
 9,722
 7,766
 286,983
Net income attributable to Altisource 6,545
 9,035
 6,961
 286,350
(Loss) income before income taxes and non-controlling interests(Loss) income before income taxes and non-controlling interests(3,966)11,909 12,955 (8,459)
Net (loss) incomeNet (loss) income(2,744)(4,604)7,576 (306,085)
Net (loss) income attributable to AltisourceNet (loss) income attributable to Altisource(3,184)(5,844)7,165 (306,106)
        
Earnings per share:        
(Loss) earnings per share:(Loss) earnings per share:
Basic $0.35
 $0.49
 $0.39
 $16.16
Basic$(0.20)$(0.36)$0.45 $(19.66)
Diluted $0.34
 $0.48
 $0.38
 $15.72
Diluted$(0.20)$(0.36)$0.44 $(19.66)
        
Weighted average shares outstanding:        Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 18,662
 18,335
 18,023
 17,724
Basic16,292 16,214 15,897 15,568 
Diluted 19,304
 18,836
 18,429
 18,211
Diluted16,292 16,214 16,151 15,568 

(1)    The sum of quarterly amounts, including per share amounts, may not equal amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to the effects of rounding and changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding for each period.
(2)    The income tax provisions on losses before income taxes and non-controlling interests for each quarter of 2020 were primarily driven by the income in our US and other foreign operations from transfer pricing on services provided to our Luxembourg operating company and no tax benefit on pretax losses from our Luxembourg operating company. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized net income tax provision of $318.3 million, which included an increase in the valuation allowance in connection with the Luxembourg net operating loss carryforward of $291.5 million, the impact of a decrease in the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate on deferred taxes of $1.7 million and foreign income tax reserves of $5.6 million. During the second quarter of 2019, we recognized $12.3 million as a result of the change in the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate on deferred taxes. See Note 22.
(3)    During the first quarter of 2020, second quarter of 2020, third quarter of 2020 and fourth quarter of 2020, we recognized unrealized (losses) gains from our investment in RESI common shares of $(1.3) million, $(11.2) million, $0.1 million and $16.4 million, respectively. During the first quarter of 2019, second quarter of 2019, third quarter of 2019 and fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized unrealized gains (losses) from our investment in RESI common shares of $2.2 million, $11.8 million, $(2.3) million and $2.7 million, respectively. See Note 5.
(4)    In August 2018, we initiated Project Catalyst, a restructuring plan intended to optimize our operations and reduce costs to align our cost structure with our anticipated revenues and improve our operating margins. During the first quarter of 2020,
91
  
2016 quarter ended (1)(3)(4)
(in thousands, except per share data) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
         
Revenue $250,132
 $255,799
 $252,745
 $238,627
Gross profit 81,269
 81,428
 78,743
 65,818
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests 21,085
 23,977
 18,796
 (19,537)
Net income (loss) 18,892
 20,686
 11,472
 (19,664)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altisource 18,494
 19,994
 10,589
 (20,384)
         
Earnings (loss) per share:        
Basic $0.98
 $1.08
 $0.57
 $(1.08)
Diluted $0.92
 $1.02
 $0.54
 $(1.08)
         
Weighted average shares outstanding:        
Basic 18,855
 18,437
 18,715
 18,788
Diluted 20,040
 19,604
 19,568
 18,788

(1)
The sum of quarterly amounts, including per share amounts, may not equal amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to the effects of rounding and changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding for each period.
(2)
On December 27, 2017, two of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Altisource Solutions S.à r.l. and Altisource Holdings S.à r.l., merged, with Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. as the surviving entity. Altisource Holdings S.à r.l. was subsequently renamed Altisource S.à r.l. The merger is part of a larger subsidiary restructuring plan designed to simplify the Company’s corporate structure, allow it to operate more efficiently and reduce administrative costs. For Luxembourg tax purposes, the merger was recognized at fair value and generated an NOL of $1.3 billion and a deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, of $300.9 million as of December 31, 2017. The NOL has a 17 year life. This deferred tax asset was partially offset by the impact of other changes in U.S. and Luxembourg income tax rates of $6.3 million and an increase in certain foreign income tax reserves (and related interest) of $10.5 million. See Note 21.
(3)
We acquired Granite on July 29, 2016. See Note 5.
(4)
During the fourth quarter of 2016, Altisource recorded a litigation settlement loss of $32.0 million in connection with a litigation matter. Also during the fourth quarter of 2016, Altisource recorded an insurance recovery related to this litigation settlement of $4.0 million. See Note 19.

100


ALTISOURCE PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS S.A.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

second quarter of 2020, third quarter of 2020 and fourth quarter of 2020, we recognized $2.9 million, $5.8 million, $2.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of severance costs, professional services fees, facility consolidation costs, technology costs and business wind down costs related to the restructuring plan. During the first quarter of 2019, second quarter of 2019, third quarter of 2019 and fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized $4.4 million, $1.9 million, $2.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of severance costs, professional services fees, facility consolidation costs, technology costs and business wind down costs related to the restructuring plan. See Note 24.
(5)    In connection with a United States Supreme Court decision in June 2018, we analyzed our services for potential exposure to sales tax in various jurisdictions in the United States and recognized a net loss reimbursement of $(0.6) million and $(2.1) million for the third and fourth quarter of 2020, respectively. In addition, we recognized a net (loss reimbursement) loss of $2.1 million and $(1.7) million in the first and third quarter of 2019, respectively. See Note 25.
(6)    During the third quarter of 2020 we recognized $0.7 million of severance in connection with cost savings initiatives (no comparable amounts in 2019).
(7)    In July 2019, we sold the Financial Services Business to TSI for $44.0 million consisting of an up-front payment of $40.0 million, subject to a working capital adjustment and transaction costs upon closing of the sale, and an additional $4.0 million payment on the one year anniversary of the sale closing. We recognized a $17.6 million pretax gain on sale in the third quarter of 2019 and a working capital true-up gain of an additional $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. See Note 4.
(8)    In connection with the wind down of Owners.com, we wrote off $5.2 million of goodwill and $0.7 million of intangible assets during the fourth quarter of 2019. In November 2018, we announced our plans to sell the BRS Inventory and discontinue the BRS business. During the second quarter of 2019, we recognized a loss on the sale of the BRS Inventory of $1.8 million. See Note 8.

92

Table of Contents

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, an evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, such officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.2020.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172020 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As a result of this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017,2020, our internal control over financial reporting was effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. has independently assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and its report is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2017,2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on Controls
Our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION
None.



101
93





PART III
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement in connection with our 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement in connection with our 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement in connection with our 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement in connection with our 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement in connection with our 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.

94
102





PART IV


ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this annual report.
1.Financial Statements
See Item 8 above.
2.Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - included below.
3.
Exhibits:
Exhibit NumberExhibit Description

103




95

10.9
10.10 †

104




96


105




97

10.51 †
10.55 †
10.56 †
10.59 †

106




10.6510.56 † **
10.66 †
10.67 †
10.68 **
10.71 *, **
10.7210.59 *, ** **
10.61
10.62
98

10.64
10.68
10.69
10.70
10.71
10.72
10.73
10.75
10.76 ** †
10.77 ** †
10.79
10.80
10.81
31.1 *
99

101*Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172020 is formatted in Inline XBRL interactive data files: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets atas of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016;2019; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive IncomeLoss for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017;2020; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172020 (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017;2020; (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and (vi) Financial Statement Schedule.

*104*Filed herewithCover Page Interactive Data File formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
______________________________________
*Filed herewith
**Portions of this exhibit have been redacted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. The non-public information has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Denotes management contract or compensatory arrangement


107
100





SCHEDULE II.    VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II.VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
Additions
(in thousands)Balance at Beginning of PeriodCharged to Expenses
Charged to Other Accounts Note (1)
Deductions Note (2)
Balance at End of Period
Deductions from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and expected credit losses:
Year 2020$4,472 $2,229 $0 $1,120 $5,581 
Year 201910,883 720 (70)7,061 4,472 
Year 201810,579 2,830 (7)2,519 10,883 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
Year 2020$355,559 $16,668 $0 $0 $372,227 
Year 201946,751 308,808 355,559 
Year 201846,283 468 46,751 

(1)    For allowance for credit losses, primarily includes amounts previously written off which were credited directly to this account when recovered.
(2)    For allowance for credit losses, amounts written off as uncollectible or transferred to other accounts or utilized.
101
    Additions  
(in thousands) Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Expenses 
Charged to Other Accounts Note (1)
 
Deductions Note (2)
 Balance at End of Period
           
Deductions from asset accounts:          
           
Allowance for doubtful accounts:          
           
Year 2017 $10,424
 $5,116
 $(3,107) $1,854
 $10,579
Year 2016 18,456
 1,829
 250
 10,111
 10,424
Year 2015 22,675
 5,514
 (4) 9,729
 18,456
           
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:          
           
Year 2017 $3,467
 $42,816
 $
 $
 $46,283
Year 2016 3,558
 228
 
 319
 3,467
Year 2015 3,115
 674
 
 231
 3,558

(1)
For allowance for doubtful accounts, primarily includes amounts previously written off which were credited directly to this account when recovered.
(2)
For allowance for doubtful accounts, amounts written off as uncollectible or transferred to other accounts or utilized.

108





SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Date: February 22, 2018
March 11, 2021
Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A.
By:Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A.
By:/s/ William B. Shepro
Name:William B. Shepro
Title:DirectorChairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By:/s/ Michelle D. Esterman
Name:Michelle D. Esterman
Title:Executive Vice President, FinanceChief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ William B. SheproChairman and Chief Executive OfficerMarch 11, 2021
William B. Shepro(Principal Executive Officer)
Signature/s/ Scott E. BurgTitleLead Independent DirectorDateMarch 11, 2021
Scott E. Burg
/s/ Timo VättöChairman of the Board of DirectorsFebruary 22, 2018
Timo Vättö
/s/ William B. SheproDirector and Chief Executive OfficerFebruary 22, 2018
William B. Shepro(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Orin S. KramerDirectorFebruary 22, 2018
Orin S. Kramer
/s/ W. Michael LinnDirectorFebruary 22, 2018
W. Michael Linn
/s/ Joseph L. MorettiniDirectorFebruary 22, 2018March 11, 2021
Joseph L. Morettini
/s/ Roland Müller-IneichenDirectorFebruary 22, 2018March 11, 2021
Roland Müller-Ineichen
/s/ Indroneel ChatterjeeChief Financial OfficerFebruary 22, 2018
Indroneel Chatterjee

(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Michelle D. EstermanExecutive Vice President, FinanceChief Financial OfficerFebruary 22, 2018March 11, 2021
Michelle D. Esterman(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)





109
102