BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

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

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.

The Mortgage Partnership of America, L.L.C. (“MPA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altisource, serves as the manager of Best Partners Mortgage Cooperative, Inc., doing business as the Lenders One^® mortgage cooperative (“Lenders One”). MPA provides services to Lenders One under a management agreement that ends on December 31, 2025. MPA acts on behalf of Lenders One and its members principally to provide its members with opportunities to: (i) expand revenue, (ii) reduce loan underwriting costs, (iii) increase operational efficiency and (iv) receive critical education and training. For providing these services, MPA receives payments from Lenders One, and in some instances the vendors, based primarily upon the benefits achieved for the members. The management agreement provides MPA with broad powers such as recruiting members for Lenders One, collection of fees and other obligations from members of Lenders One, processing of all rebates owed to Lenders One and negotiating and executing contracts with vendors including executing contracts on behalf of Lenders One.

In September 2014, we launched Best Partners Mortgage Brokers Cooperative, Inc., doing business as the Wholesale One^® Mortgage Cooperative (“Wholesale One”), for the wholesale mortgage market. Wholesale One assists mortgage brokers and wholesale lenders with tools to improve their businesses and obtain better access to the capital markets. In April 2015, we launched Best Partners Residential Investor Cooperative, Inc., doing business as the Residential Investor One™ cooperative (“Residential Investor One”). Residential Investor One was formed to deliver savings and efficiencies to individual and institutional residential real estate investors. MPA provides services to both Wholesale One and Residential Investor One under management agreements that end on July 8, 2039 (with automatic renewals for three successive five-year periods) and March 12, 2040 (with automatic renewals for three successive five-year periods), respectively. The management agreements provide MPA with broad powers such as recruiting members for Wholesale One and Residential Investor One, collection of fees and other obligations from members of Wholesale One and Residential Investor One, processing of all fees owed to Wholesale One and Residential Investor One and negotiating and executing contracts with vendors including executing contracts on behalf of Wholesale One and Residential Investor One.

The management agreements between MPA and Lenders One, Wholesale One and Residential Investor One, pursuant to which MPA is the management company of each of these cooperatives, represent variable interests in variable interest entities. MPA is the primary beneficiary of Lenders One, Wholesale One and Residential Investor One as it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact each of these cooperatives’ economic performance and the right to receive benefits from each of these cooperatives. As a result, Lenders One, Wholesale One and Residential Investor One are presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on a consolidated basis with the interests of the members reflected as non-controlling interests.

Use of Estimates

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 of fixed assets and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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, Net - Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts that represents an amount that we estimate to be uncollectible. We have estimated the allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical write-offs, our analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables and our assessment of the economic status of our customers, if known. The carrying value of accounts receivable, net, approximates fair value.

Premises and Equipment, Net

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 fixtures	5 years
Office equipment	5 years
Computer hardware	5 years
Computer software	3-7 years
Leasehold improvements	Shorter 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 whenever events or changes in circumstances 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. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a $4.1 million premises and equipment impairment loss. See Note 9 for additional information. There were no impairments of premises and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

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 its estimated useful life. Software acquired in business combinations is recorded at its fair value and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life.

Business Combinations

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 - 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. During 2015, we changed the measurement date of our annual goodwill impairment test from November 30^th to December 31^st in order to better align our measurement date with our financial projections. There was no impact of this change. 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. 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 fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. 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.

Intangible Assets, Net

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.

Debt Issuance Costs and Long-Term Debt

Debt Issuance Costs - Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense through maturity of the related debt using the effective interest method.

Long-Term Debt - Long-term debt is reported net of applicable discount or premium. The debt discount or premium is amortized to interest expense through maturity of the related debt using the effective interest method.

Fair Value Measurements

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 1 — Quoted 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

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 as income or expenses, as appropriate.

Defined Contribution 401(k) Plan

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.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation - Share-based compensation is accounted for under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under ASC Topic 718, the cost of employee 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 employee awards that require future service are recognized over the relevant service period. Further, as required under ASC Topic 718, we estimate forfeitures for share-based awards that are not expected to vest.

Earnings Per Share

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.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue from the services we provide in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. 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 Services segment: We recognize revenue for the majority of the services we provide when the services have been performed. For default processing services and certain property preservation services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the related services, with full recognition upon recording the related foreclosure deed or on closing of the related real estate transaction. We record revenue associated with real estate sales 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. Reimbursable expenses of $107.2 million, $137.4 million and $102.0 million incurred for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in revenue with an equal offsetting expense included in cost of revenue primarily related to our property preservation and default processing services. 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.

Financial Services segment: We generally earn our fees for asset recovery management services as a percentage of the amount we collect on delinquent consumer receivables and charged-off mortgages on behalf of our clients and recognize revenue upon 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. In addition, we provide customer relationship management services for which we earn and recognize revenue on a per-person, per-call or per-minute basis as the related services are performed.

Technology Services segment: For our software services, we charge 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.

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 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.

We provide information technology infrastructure services to Ocwen Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Ocwen”), Altisource Residential Corporation (“Residential”) and Altisource Asset Management Corporation (“AAMC”) and charge for these services primarily based on the number of employees that are using the applicable systems and the number and type of licensed platforms used by Ocwen, Residential and AAMC. We record revenue associated with implementation services upon completion and maintenance ratably over the related service period.

Significant areas of judgment include the period over which we recognize property preservation revenue and certain default management services revenue.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - 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 and 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 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.

In 2015, the Company early-adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This standard simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities be classified as non-current in an entity’s balance sheet. We have adopted this standard prospectively. Accordingly, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

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, Income Taxes (“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.

Adoption/Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, 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. The core principle of the new standard is an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, in response to stakeholders’ requests to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 and in consideration of feedback received through extensive outreach with preparers, practitioners and users of financial statements, the FASB deferred the effective date for all entities by one year. This new standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, although not prior to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this new guidance may have on its results of operations and financial position.

In February 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This standard addresses the consolidation of certain legal entities relative to current requirements under GAAP of a reporting entity to consolidate another legal entity in situations in which the reporting entity’s contractual rights do not give it the ability to act primarily on its own behalf, the reporting entity does not hold a majority of the legal entity’s voting rights or the reporting entity is not exposed to a majority of the legal entity’s economic benefits or obligations. This standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the standard in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the year that includes that interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In April 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This standard changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. This standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s total non-current assets were $421.9 million (including other assets of $19.3 million), net long-term debt (including current portion) was $534.4 million and debt issuance costs, net of amortization, were $6.2 million (included in other assets). As of December 31, 2015, adoption of this ASU would have reduced other assets and net long-term debt by $6.2 million. Consequently, the Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In September 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This standard requires that adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined rather than recognizing the adjustments retrospectively. The standard also requires that the acquirer records, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In January 2016, 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. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this new guidance may have on its results of operations and financial position.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This new 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 this new guidance may have on its results of operations and financial position.