SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, For Use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-12
OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
N/A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No Fee Required
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: N/A
2) Aggregate number of securities to which the transaction applies: N/A
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined.): N/A
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: N/A
5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid: N/A
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: N/A
3) Filing Party: N/A
4) Date Filed: N/A
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
OCWEN
March 28, 2005
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I cordially invite you to attend the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of Ocwen Financial Corporation which will be held at the
offices of the Company located at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm
Beach, Florida 33409, on Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard
Time. The matters to be considered by shareholders at the Annual Meeting are
described in detail in the accompanying materials.
It is very important that you be represented at the Annual Meeting regardless of
the number of shares you own or whether you are able to attend the Annual
Meeting in person. Let me urge you to mark, sign and date your proxy card today
and return it in the envelope provided, even if you plan to attend the Annual
Meeting. This will not prevent you from voting in person but will ensure that
your vote is counted if you are unable to attend.
Your continued support of and interest in Ocwen Financial Corporation are
sincerely appreciated.
Sincerely,
/s/ WILLIAM C. ERBEY
- ------------------------------------
William C. Erbey
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On May 17, 2005
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ocwen
Financial Corporation (the "Company") will be held at the offices of the Company
located at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409 on
Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time for the following
purposes:
1. To elect seven Directors for a one-year term and until their successors are
elected and qualified;
2. To ratify the appointment by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered certified
public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December
31, 2005; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and
any adjournment thereof. Management is not aware of any such other business
at this time.
The Board of Directors has fixed March 9, 2005, as the record date for the
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual
Meeting and any adjournment thereof. Only shareholders of record at the close of
business on that date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ KEVIN J. WILCOX
- ------------------------
Kevin J. Wilcox
Secretary
March 28, 2005
West Palm Beach, Florida
OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the holders of the Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share, of Ocwen Financial Corporation, a Florida corporation.
Proxies are being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Ocwen to be
used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the offices of Ocwen
located 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409, on
Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time and at any
adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting
of Shareholders.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card (the "Proxy") are first
being mailed to the shareholders of Ocwen on or about March 28, 2005.
The Proxy solicited hereby, if properly signed and returned to Ocwen and not
revoked prior to its use, will be voted in accordance with the instructions
contained therein. If no contrary instructions are given, each Proxy received
will be voted:
(i) for each of the nominees for Director described herein;
(ii) for ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our
independent registered certified public accounting firm for 2005; and
(iii) upon the transaction of such other business as may properly come before
the meeting in accordance with the best judgment of the persons appointed
as proxies.
Proxies solicited hereby may be exercised only at the Annual Meeting and any
adjournment thereof and will not be used for any other meeting. Any shareholder
giving a Proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by:
(i) filing written notice thereof with our Secretary at the following address:
Kevin J. Wilcox, Secretary
Ocwen Financial Corporation
1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
(ii) submitting a properly executed Proxy bearing a later date; or
(iii) appearing at the Annual Meeting and giving the Secretary notice of his or
her intention to vote in person.
VOTING
Only holders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on March 9,
2005, will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
On March 9, 2005, there were 62,750,590 shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding, and we had no other class of equity securities outstanding. Each
share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote at the Annual Meeting on all
matters properly presented.
The presence at the Annual Meeting of a majority of the votes entitled to be
cast, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
Assuming the presence of a quorum, the seven persons receiving the greatest
number of votes of the Common Stock cast at the Annual Meeting by the holders of
stock entitled to vote shall be elected as Directors of Ocwen. With regard to
the election of Directors, shareholders may vote in favor of or withhold
authority to vote for one or more nominees for Director. Votes that are withheld
and broker non-votes in connection with the election of one or more nominees for
Director will not be counted as votes cast for such individuals and accordingly
will have no effect. Abstentions may be specified on all other proposals.
Assuming the presence of a quorum, the proposal to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Ocwen's independent registered certified public
accounting firm for 2005 and any other matter properly submitted to shareholders
for their consideration at the Annual Meeting (other than the election of
Directors) shall be approved if the votes cast by the holders of the shares
represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter
favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action. Abstentions and
broker non-votes will not be counted in determining the votes cast in connection
with the proposal to ratify the appointment of Ocwen's independent registered
certified public accounting firm and thus will have no effect on such proposals.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
The following graph compares the cumulative total return on the Common Stock of
Ocwen since December 31, 1999, with the cumulative total return on the stocks
included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Market Index and the Standard & Poor's
Financial (Diversified) 500 Market Index.
Total Return Performance
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Period Ending
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 12/31/99 12/31/00 12/31/01 12/31/02 12/31/03 12/31/04
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocwen Financial Corporation 100.00 102.08 135.68 44.80 141.76 152.96
S&P 500 100.00 89.86 78.14 59.88 75.62 82.49
S&P Diversified Financials 100.00 126.76 108.60 83.56 116.82 123.71
2
The above graph represents $100 invested in Common Stock on December 31, 1999,
at the closing price of $6.25 per share on that date and in each index on such
date. The Common Stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since
August 1, 1997.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Proposal One)
Ocwen's Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors of Ocwen shall be comprised
of between three and eight members, with the exact number to be fixed by the
Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Bylaws of Ocwen, on March 16, 2004, the
Board of Directors fixed the number of Directors at seven. Directors are elected
annually and hold office until the earlier of the election and qualification of
their successors or their resignation and removal.
Accordingly, Ocwen will propose seven Directors for election at the Annual
Meeting. All seven of the persons standing for election at the Annual Meeting
are currently Directors of Ocwen. There are no arrangements or understandings
between any nominee for Director and any other person pursuant to which such
person was selected as a nominee. No Director is related to any other Director
or Executive Officer of Ocwen by blood, marriage or adoption.
If any person named as nominee should be unable or unwilling to stand for
election at the time of the Annual Meeting, the person or persons appointed as
proxies will nominate and vote for a replacement nominee or nominees recommended
by the Board of Directors. At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no
reason why any of the nominees listed below would not be able to serve as
Director if elected.
Nominees for Director
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Directors of
Ocwen:
Nomination/
Director Executive Audit Compensation Governance
Name Age (1) Since Committee Committee Committee Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William C. Erbey 55 1988 X (2)
Ronald M. Faris 42 2003
Ronald J. Korn 65 2003 X (2) X
William H. Lacy 60 2002 X X
W. Michael Linn 56 2002
W.C. Martin 56 1996 X X (2) X
Barry N. Wish 63 1988 X X X (2)
(1) As of March 28, 2005
(2) Committee Chairman
The principal occupation for the last five years of each Director of Ocwen, as
well as some other information, is set forth below.
William C. Erbey. Mr. Erbey has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Ocwen since September 1996 and as the Chief Executive Officer of Ocwen since
January 1988. From 1983 to 1995, Mr. Erbey served as a Managing General Partner
of The Oxford Financial Group, a private investment partnership that was the
predecessor of Ocwen. From 1975 to 1983, Mr. Erbey served at General Electric
Capital Corporation in various capacities, most recently as the President and
Chief Operating Officer of General Electric Mortgage Insurance Corporation. Mr.
Erbey also served as the Program General Manager of GECC's Commercial Financial
Services Department and as the President of Acquisition Funding Corporation. He
holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Allegheny College and received a
Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.
3
Ronald M. Faris. Mr. Faris has served as a Director of Ocwen since May 2003, on
the Board of Directors of Ocwen Federal Bank FSB since March 2001 and as the
President of Ocwen and the Bank since March 2001. Mr. Faris served as Executive
Vice President of Ocwen and the Bank from May 1998 to March 2001, as a Senior
Vice President of the Bank from May 1997 to May 1998 and Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer of Ocwen from June 1995 to May 1997 and of the Bank
from July 1994 to May 1997. From March 1991 to July 1994, he served as
Controller for a subsidiary of Ocwen. From 1986 to 1991, Mr. Faris was a Vice
President with Kidder, Peabody & Co., Inc. and from 1984 to 1986 worked in the
General Audit Department of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He holds a Bachelor of
Science from Pennsylvania State University.
Ronald J. Korn. Mr. Korn has served as a Director of Ocwen since May 2003 and of
Ocwen Federal Bank FSB since May 2003. Mr. Korn is currently the President of
Ronald Korn Consulting, which provides business and marketing services to a
limited number of clients. He is a Founding Director, Chairman of the Audit and
Compliance Committees, and member of the Loan Committee of Horizon Bank FSB. He
is also a Director of Horizon Financial Corporation, the parent holding company
of Horizon Bank FSB. Mr. Korn has been Director and Chairman of the Audit
Committee of PetMed Express, Inc. (OTC: PETS) since 2002. He was a partner and
employee of KPMG, LLP, from 1961 to 1991, where his client responsibilities
included a number of large financial institutions and various public
corporations. Previously, he has also served as a Director and Audit Committee
Chairman for various public companies. Mr. Korn graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania, Wharton School in 1961 and New York University Law School in 1965.
He is admitted as a Certified Public Accountant in New York, Michigan and
Florida, with licenses currently inactive. He was also admitted to the New York
Bar in 1966 but has never practiced law.
William H. Lacy. Mr. Lacy has served as a Director of Ocwen since May 2002 and
Ocwen Federal Bank FSB since May 2003. Mr. Lacy was formerly Chairman of
Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of MGIC Investment Corporation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both corporations are
providers of private mortgage guaranty insurance and other mortgage-related
services. Mr. Lacy is also a Director of Johnson Controls, Inc., a New York
Stock Exchange public corporation, and ACA Capital Holdings Inc. and chairs its
Risk Management Committee. Mr. Lacy is Chairman of Johnson Controls' Pension and
Investment Committee and serves on Johnson Controls' Compensation Committee. Mr.
Lacy is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts from
the School of Business.
W. Michael Linn. Mr. Linn has served as a Director of Ocwen since August 2002,
Ocwen Federal Bank FSB since May 2003, and became employed by the Company as
Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing on February 17, 2004. Prior to
joining Ocwen, Mr. Linn was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Max Q
Technologies, Inc., Findlay, Ohio. Prior to joining Max Q Technologies, he
served as the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Solomon Software,
Inc., a corporation now owned by Microsoft Corporation. Mr. Linn serves or has
served on the Board of Directors of National Lime & Stone, Efficiency Software
LLC, Transport Topics Publications, TLB Inc., Solomon Software, Inc., Floral
Design Inc. and the Health Watch Advisory Board. He graduated from Harvard
College in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts and earned a Masters of Business
Administration from Harvard Business School in 1973.
W.C. Martin. Mr. Martin has served as a Director of Ocwen since July 1996 and of
Ocwen Federal Bank FSB since August 1996. Since 1982, Mr. Martin has been
associated with Holding Capital Group and has been engaged in the acquisition
and turnaround of businesses in a broad variety of industries. Since March 1993,
Mr. Martin also has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SV
Microwave, a company he formed along with other HCG investors to acquire the
assets of the former Microwave Division of Solitron Devices, Inc. In 1998, Mr.
Martin became CEO of HCG Technologies, Inc., a holding company formed by him and
HCG to acquire, fund or start technology companies. In 1999, he became CEO of SV
Microwave Components Group, Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of HCGT engaged in
the design, production and sale of passive microwave devices. Prior to 1982, Mr.
Martin was a Manager in Touche Ross & Company's Management Consulting Division,
and prior to that he held positions in financial management with Chrysler
Corporation. Mr. Martin holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management
from LaSalle University and received a Masters of Business Administration from
the University of Notre Dame.
4
Barry N. Wish. Mr. Wish has served as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of
Directors of Ocwen since September 1996, and he previously served as Chairman of
the Board of Ocwen from January 1988 to September 1996. Mr. Wish has served as a
Director of Ocwen Federal Bank FSB since February 1988. From 1983 to 1995, he
served as a Managing General Partner of The Oxford Financial Group, which he
founded. From 1979 to 1983, he was a Managing General Partner of Walsh,
Greenwood, Wish & Co., a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange. Prior to
founding that firm, Mr. Wish was a Vice President and shareholder of Kidder,
Peabody & Co., Inc. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR each of
the nominees for Director.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Meetings of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Ocwen held six meetings during 2004. No Director of
Ocwen attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of the number of meetings of the
Board of Directors held during 2004 and the number of meetings held by all
committees thereof on which he served during the period. Although Ocwen does not
have a formal policy regarding Director attendance at the Annual Meeting,
Directors are encouraged to attend. All seven members of the Board of Directors
attended the 2004 Annual Meeting.
Independence of Directors
Ocwen's Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Board of Directors must
be comprised of a majority of Directors who qualify as independent Directors
under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange and applicable law.
The Board reviews annually the relationships that each Director has with the
Company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an
organization that has a relationship with the Company). Following such review,
only those Directors who the Board affirmatively determines, through categorical
questionnaire responses that follow the independence standards as set forth by
the New York Stock Exchange, have no material relationship with the Company are
considered independent Directors, subject to additional qualifications
prescribed under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange or
applicable law. Our current Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Korn,
Lacy, Martin and Wish are independent in accordance with applicable laws and the
New York Stock Exchange listing standards.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Ocwen has established an Executive Committee, an Audit
Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nomination/Governance Committee. A
brief description of these Committees is set forth below.
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is generally responsible to act on
behalf of the Board of Directors during the intervals between meetings of the
Board of Directors. This Committee did not meet during 2004.
5
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors manages Ocwen's
independent registered certified public accounting firm, reviews and advises the
Board of Directors with respect to reports by Ocwen's independent registered
certified public accounting firm and monitors Ocwen's compliance with laws and
regulations applicable to Ocwen's operations including the evaluation of
significant matters relating to the financial reporting process and system of
internal accounting controls of Ocwen and the review of the scope and results of
the annual audit conducted by the independent registered certified public
accounting firm. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent as defined in
regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the listing
standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board of Directors has determined
that all members of the Audit Committee are financially literate. Further, the
Board of Directors has determined that Ronald J. Korn possesses accounting or
related financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing
standards of the New York Stock Exchange and qualifies as an audit committee
financial expert, as that term is defined in Securities and Exchange Commission
rules implementing requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Audit
Committee operates under a written charter, a copy of which is available on
Ocwen's web site at www.ocwen.com. This Committee met seven times during 2004.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
oversees Ocwen's compensation and employee benefit plans and practices. The
Compensation Committee also evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board of
Directors for human resource and compensation matters relating to the Executive
Officers of Ocwen. Each member of the Compensation Committee is independent as
defined in the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The
Compensation Committee operates under a written charter approved by the whole
Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on Ocwen's web site at
www.ocwen.com. This Committee met four times during 2004.
Nomination/Governance Committee. The Nomination/Governance Committee of the
Board of Directors recommends to the Board individuals qualified to serve as
Directors of Ocwen and on committees of the Board; advises the Board with
respect to Board composition, procedures and committees; develops and presents
to the Board a set of corporate governance principles; and oversees the
evaluation of the Board and Ocwen's management. Each member of the
Nomination/Governance Committee is independent as defined in the listing
standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Nomination/Governance Committee
operates under a written charter, a copy of which is available on Ocwen's web
site as www.ocwen.com. This Committee met one time during 2004.
It is the policy of the Nomination/Governance Committee to consider candidates
for Director recommended by shareholders. In evaluating nominees for Director,
the Nomination/Governance Committee takes into account the applicable
requirements for Directors under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. In addition,
the Nomination/Governance Committee takes into account the needs of the Company,
as well as such factors as knowledge, experience, skills, expertise and
diversity. Should a shareholder recommend a candidate for Director, the
Nomination/Governance Committee would evaluate such candidate in the same way as
it evaluates any other nominee.
Shareholders wishing to recommend persons for consideration by the
Nomination/Governance Committee as nominees for election to the Board of
Directors can do so by writing to the Secretary of Ocwen Financial Corporation,
1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, giving each
proposed nominee's name, biographical data and qualifications. The
recommendation should also include a written statement from the proposed nominee
consenting to be named as a nominee, and, if nominated and elected, to serve as
a Director. For consideration, Ocwen must receive such recommendations by
November 1, 2005.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted by the Board of Directors provide
guidelines for Ocwen and the Board of Directors to ensure effective corporate
governance. The Corporate Governance Guidelines cover topics including, but not
limited to, Director qualification standards, Board and committee composition,
Director responsibilities, Director access to management and independent
advisors, Director compensation, Director orientation and continuing education,
management succession and annual performance evaluation of the Board.
6
The Nomination/Governance Committee will review Ocwen's Governance Guidelines at
least once a year and, if necessary, recommend changes to the Board. The
Governance Guidelines are available on our web site at www.ocwen.com and are
available to any shareholder who requests them by writing to the Secretary of
Ocwen at 1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.
Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors
Non-management Directors meet in executive session without management on a
regularly scheduled basis at least four times each year. A non-management
Director presides on a rotational basis as determined by the Board at each
executive session.
Communications with Directors
Any shareholder or other interested party who desires to contact the Board of
Directors or any individual Director regarding Ocwen may do so by mail addressed
to the Secretary of Ocwen at 1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach,
Florida 33401. Communications received in writing are distributed to the Board
or to individual Directors as appropriate depending on the facts and
circumstances outlined in the communication received.
Code of Ethics
Ocwen has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to Directors, Officers and
employees of the Company, as required by the New York Stock Exchange rules. Any
waivers from the Code of Ethics must be approved by the Board of Directors or a
Board committee and must be promptly disclosed to shareholders. This Code of
Ethics is available on www.ocwen.com and is available to any shareholder who
requests a copy of the Code of Ethics by writing to the Secretary of Ocwen at
1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
The non-employee Directors of Ocwen are currently compensated by delivering to
each a total annual value of $55,000, which is payable $20,000 in shares of
Common Stock pursuant to a Directors Stock Plan adopted by the Board of
Directors and shareholders of Ocwen in July 1996 and $35,000 cash (which may be
prorated for a Director serving less than a full one-year term, as in the case
of a Director joining the Board of Directors after an Annual Meeting of
Shareholders), subject to review and adjustment by the Board of Directors from
time to time. The Directors of Ocwen who are also employees currently each
receive a total annual value of $30,000, which is payable $15,000 in shares of
Common Stock pursuant to a Directors Stock Plan adopted by the Board of
Directors and shareholders of Ocwen in July 1996 and $15,000 cash, subject to
review and adjustment by the Board of Directors from time to time. In March of
2005, the Board of Directors adopted a Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors,
pursuant to which Directors will be permitted to defer the receipt of
compensation granted under the Directors Stock Plan. Directors serving as
committee chairpersons, with the exception of the Audit Committee chairperson,
receive an additional $5,000 in cash compensation, while the Audit Committee
chairperson receives an additional $10,000 in cash compensation. Audit Committee
members receive an additional $2,500 in cash compensation. Such payment is made
after the annual organizational meeting of the Board of Directors, which follows
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ocwen. During 2004, 9,072 shares of Common
Stock were granted to the seven Directors of Ocwen.
The number of shares issued pursuant to the Directors Stock Plan is based on the
"fair market value" of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The term "fair
market value" is defined in the Directors Stock Plan to mean the average of the
high and low prices of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange on the relevant date. Shares issued pursuant to the Directors Stock
Plan, other than the committee chair fee shares, are subject to forfeiture
during the 12 full calendar months following election or appointment to the
Board of Directors or a committee thereof, if the Director does not attend an
aggregate of at least 75% of all meetings of the Board of Directors and
committees thereof of which the Director is a member during such period.
7
All of the Directors for Ocwen also serve on the Board of Directors of Ocwen
Federal Bank FSB. During 2004, the Bank compensated its non-management Directors
by delivering to each a total annual value of $10,000 in cash, paid in equal
quarterly installments in arrears, in respect of their service on the Bank's
Board of Directors. During 2004, an aggregate of $181,250 in cash was paid to
eight Directors of Ocwen in respect of their service as members of the Board of
Directors of the Bank, including as chairman of the committees of the Bank's
Board of Directors.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each person
who currently serves as an Executive Officer of Ocwen but does not serve on
Ocwen's Board of Directors. Executive Officers of Ocwen are elected annually by
the Board of Directors and generally serve at the discretion of the Board. There
are no arrangements or understandings between Ocwen and any person pursuant to
which such person was elected as an Executive Officer of Ocwen. No Director or
Executive Officer is related to any other Director or Executive Officer of Ocwen
or any of its subsidiaries by blood, marriage or adoption.
Name Age (1) Position
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Leist, Jr. 55 Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
and Acting Chief Financial Officer
William B. Shepro 36 President of Global Servicing Solutions LLC
and Senior Vice President
(1) As of March 28, 2005.
The background for the last five years of each Executive Officer of Ocwen who is
not a Director, as well as certain other information, is set forth below.
Robert J. Leist, Jr. Mr. Leist has served as Vice President and Chief Accounting
Officer of Ocwen and the Bank since his employment began with the Company in
March 1999. In March 2005, he was also named as Acting Chief Financial Officer.
From March 1987 until March 1999, he was employed at J.P. Morgan & Co.,
Incorporated, most recently as a Vice President. Prior to 1987, he held
positions with Brylane, Inc. and Arthur Andersen & Co. Mr. Leist holds a
Bachelor of Arts from Boston College, attended New York University for a Master
of Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant.
William B. Shepro. Mr. Shepro is the President of Global Servicing Solutions
LLC, a joint venture between Ocwen Financial Corporation and Merrill Lynch. In
addition to Mr. Shepro's role at GSS, he is Senior Vice President of Ocwen's
Commercial Finance and Affordable Housing segments. Prior to joining the
Commercial Finance segment in August 1998, Mr. Shepro was Counsel in the Ocwen
Law Department. Before joining Ocwen in August 1997, Mr. Shepro was an Attorney
with Willinger, Shepro, Tower and Bucci, P.C. He holds a Bachelor of Science in
Business from Skidmore College and a Juris Doctorate from the Florida State
University College of Law.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock as of the date indicated by:
(i) each Director and named Executive Officer of Ocwen,
(ii) all Directors and Executive Officers of Ocwen as a group and
(iii) all persons known by Ocwen to own beneficially 5% or more of the
outstanding Common Stock or have a Schedule 13G on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
8
The table is based upon information supplied to Ocwen by Directors, Officers and
principal shareholders and filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
Shares Beneficially Owned as of
March 15, 2005 (1)
---------------------------------
Amount Percent
--------------- ---------------
Name of Beneficial Owner:
Perry Corp.
599 Lexington Avenue 3,380,900(2) 5.39%
New York, NY 10022
Directors and Named Executive Officers:
William C. Erbey 19,584,803(3) 30.74%
Ronald M. Faris 746,774(4) 1.18%
Ronald J. Korn 5,113 *
William H. Lacy 12,579 *
W. Michael Linn 135,457(5) *
W.C. Martin 20,603(6) *
Barry N. Wish 8,445,036(7) 13.45%
Robert J. Leist, Jr 28,815(8) *
William B. Shepro 168,471(9) *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (9 persons) 29,147,651 45.16%
* Less than 1%
(1) For purposes of this table, an individual is considered the beneficial
owner of shares of Common Stock if he or she directly or indirectly has or
shares voting power or investment power, as defined in the rules
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Unless
otherwise indicated, an individual has sole voting power and sole
investment power with respect to the indicated shares.
(2) Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the
Commission on February 9, 2005, by Perry Corp., an investment advisor
registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940.
Includes 3,380,900 shares as to which sole voting power is claimed and
3,380,900 shares as to which sole dispositive power is claimed.
(3) Includes 13,257,703 shares held by FF Plaza Partners, a Delaware
partnership of which the partners are William C. Erbey, his spouse, E.
Elaine Erbey, and Delaware Permanent Corporation, a corporation
wholly-owned by William C. Erbey. Mr. and Mrs. William C. Erbey share
voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares owned by FF Plaza
Partners. Also includes 5,409,704 shares held by Erbey Holding Corporation,
a corporation wholly-owned by William C. Erbey, and 4,792 shares that have
been granted pursuant to the 1998 Annual Incentive Plan, as amended, but
are not yet issued. Also includes options to acquire 912,604 shares, which
are exercisable at or within 60 days after March 28, 2005.
(4) Includes 16,260 shares held jointly with spouse and 3,734 shares that have
been granted pursuant to the 1998 Annual Incentive Plan, as amended, but
are not yet issued. Prior to issuance, a portion of this grant may be
forfeited to cover tax withholdings. Also includes options to acquire
632,359 shares, which are exercisable at or within 60 days after March 28,
2005.
(5) Includes 6,000 shares held by William M. Linn, II Et Al Trust, of which Mr.
Linn is the custodian for his minor children, and 4,085 shares that have
been granted pursuant to the 1998 Annual Incentive Plan, as amended, but
are not yet issued. Prior to issuance, a portion of this grant may be
forfeited to cover tax withholdings. Also includes options to acquire
48,162 shares, which are exercisable at or within 60 days after March 28,
2005.
(6) Includes 5,110 shares held by Martin & Associates Defined Contribution
Pension Plan & Trust.
9
(7) Includes 7,757,601 shares held by Wishco, Inc., a corporation controlled by
Barry N. Wish pursuant to his ownership of 93% of the Common Stock thereof;
351,940 shares held by B.N.W. Partners, a Delaware partnership of which the
partners are Mr. Wish and B.N.W., Inc., a corporation wholly-owned by Mr.
Wish; and 63,000 shares held by the Barry Wish Family Foundation, Inc., a
charitable foundation of which Mr. Wish is a director.
(8) Includes 906 shares that have been granted pursuant to the 1998 Annual
Incentive Plan, as amended, but are not yet issued. Prior to issuance, a
portion of this grant may be forfeited to cover tax withholdings. Also
includes options to acquire 15,926 shares, which are exercisable at or
within 60 days after March 28, 2005.
(9) Includes 3,619 shares that have been granted pursuant to the 1998 Annual
Incentive Plan, as amended, but are not yet issued. Prior to issuance, a
portion of this grant may be forfeited to cover tax withholdings. Also
includes options to acquire 129,465 shares, which are exercisable at or
within 60 days after March 28, 2005.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information as of the end of the most recently
completed fiscal year with respect to compensation plans under which our equity
securities are authorized for issuance. The information is split between all
compensation plans previously approved by security holders and all compensation
plans not previously approved by security holders.
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of Weighted average exervise Number of securities
outstanding options, price of outstanding options, remaining available for
Plan Category warrants and rights warrants and rights future issuance
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity compensation plans 4,279,269 $8.34 5,660,385
approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not 0 0 0
approved by security holders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 4,279,269 $8.34 5,660,385
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Ocwen's Executive Officers, Directors
and persons who own more than 10% of the Common Stock to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Officers, Directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by Securities
and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish Ocwen with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file.
To Ocwen's knowledge, based solely upon review of the copies of such reports
furnished to Ocwen and written representations that no other reports were
required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its Officers,
Directors and greater than 10% shareholders were complied with during 2004.
10
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table discloses compensation received by Ocwen's Chief Executive
Officer and the four other most highly paid Directors and Executive Officers of
Ocwen for the years indicated.
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation Awards
--------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
Securities
Restricted Stock Underlying All Other
Name and Position Year Salary (1) Bonus (2) Awards ($)(3) Options(#)(4)(5) Compensation (6)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William C. Erbey 2004 $ 373,846 $ 270,000 $ 135,000 47,872 $ 4,000
Chairman of the Board and 2003 $ 360,000 $ 337,500 $ 168,750 63,679 $ 4,000
Chief Executive Officer 2002 $ 360,000 $ 338,750 $ 271,000 84,688 $ 4,000
Ronald M. Faris 2004 $ 353,077 $ 210,375 $ 105,188 37,301 $ 4,000
President 2003 $ 321,538 $ 354,836 $ 177,418 66,950 $ 4,000
2002 $ 300,000 $ 317,813 $ 254,250 79,452 $ 4,000
W. Michael Linn 2004 $ 336,615 $ 230,167 $ 115,084 40,810 $ 0
Executive Vice President
Mark S. Zeidman (7) 2004 $ 371,727 $ 219,657 $ 109,829 38,946 $ 4,000
Senior Vice President and 2003 $ 357,959 $ 186,781 $ 93,391 35,242 $ 4,000
Chief Financial Officer 2002 $ 357,731 $ 148,955 $ 119,163 37,239 $ 4,000
William B. Shepro, President 2004 $ 211,846 $ 203,896 $ 101,948 36,152 $ 4,000
of Global Servicing Solutions, LLC 2003 $ 177,904 $ 158,380 $ 79,190 29,883 $ 4,000
2002 $ 155,048 $ 140,354 $ 112,283 35,089 $ 4,000
(1) Represents amounts paid in 2004.
(2) For 2004, 2003 and 2002, consists of bonuses awarded pursuant to Ocwen's
1998 Annual Incentive Plan, as amended, in the first quarter of the
following year for services rendered in the years indicated.
(3) The restricted stock award is a portion of the bonuses awarded in the first
quarter of the year following the year in which services are rendered
pursuant to Ocwen's 1998 Annual Incentive Plan, as amended.
(4) Based on the closing price of the Common Stock for the last five trading
days of 2004.
(5) Except as otherwise noted, consists of options granted pursuant to Ocwen's
1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended. The 2004, 2003 and 2002
amounts consist of grants made as of the first quarter of the following
year for services rendered in the years indicated.
(6) Unless otherwise noted, consists of contributions by Ocwen pursuant to
Ocwen's 401(k) Savings Plan.
(7) Mr. Zeidman resigned from his position effective March 2, 2005.
11
Option Grants for 2004
The following table provides information relating to option grants made pursuant
to Ocwen's stock option plan by Ocwen during 2004 and in 2005 for services
rendered in 2004 to the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table.
No. of Percent of
Securities Securities
Underlying Underlying Potential Realizable Value at
Options Total Options Exercise Expiration Assumed Rates of Stock Price
Granted Granted Price Date Appreciation for Option Term (3)
Name (#) (1)(2) (%) (2) ($/share) ( / / ) 0% ($) 5% ($) 10% ($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William C. Erbey 47,872 12.49% $ 6.570 1/31/15 $ 157,500 $ 454,356 $ 909,766
Ronald M. Faris 37,301 9.73% $ 6.570 1/31/15 $ 122,719 $ 354,019 $ 708,859
W. Michael Linn 40,810 10.65% $ 6.570 1/31/15 $ 134,264 $ 387,325 $ 775,549
Mark S. Zeidman 38,946 10.16% $ 6.570 1/31/15 $ 128,133 $ 369,639 $ 740,135
William B. Shepro 36,152 9.43% $ 6.570 1/31/15 $ 118,939 $ 343,116 $ 687,028
(1) All options are to purchase shares of Common Stock and, unless otherwise
noted, one-fifth vests and becomes exercisable on the date of grant and on
January 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
(2) Grants were made in 2005 for service in 2004. The percentage of securities
underlying these options is based on options to purchase a total of 383,169
shares of Common Stock granted to employees of Ocwen and its subsidiaries.
(3) Assumes future prices of shares of Common Stock of $9.86, $16.061 and
$25.574 at compounded rates of return of 0%, 5% and 10%, respectively, from
the closing price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31,
2004.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 2004 AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information relating to option exercises during the
year 2004 by the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table and the
value of each such individual's unexercised options at December 31, 2004 (1).
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised
No. of Options at In-the-Money Options at
Shares December 31, 2004 (1) December 31, 2004 (2)
Acquired Value ------------------------------ -----------------------------
Name on Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- -------------------------- ------------- ---------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
William C. Erbey 0 0 912,604 138,675 $ 2,127,901 $ 610,851
Ronald M. Faris 0 0 632,359 125,788 $ 1,775,537 $ 559,883
W. Michael Linn 0 0 48,162 192,648 $ 24,404 $ 97,617
Mark S. Zeidman 0 0 223,191 0 $ 822,905 0
William B. Shepro 39,000 $ 214,151 129,465 70,752 $ 419,443 $ 292,210
(1) All options are to purchase shares of Common Stock. Options listed as
"exercisable" consist of options that became exercisable at or within 60
days of December 31, 2004.
(2) Based on the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the New York Stock
Exchange on December 31, 2004.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Determinations regarding compensation of Ocwen's employees are made by the
Compensation Committee. No member of the Committee is or at any time was an
employee of Ocwen or any subsidiary, nor did any member of the Committee have an
interest in a transaction which would require disclosure hereunder.
12
Report of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for
establishing management compensation policies and procedures to be reflected in
the compensation program offered to the Executive Officers of Ocwen and the
Bank. The Committee shares jurisdiction with the full Board of Directors over
the administration of and grants under the 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
General Compensation Policies. The broad general salary and benefit guidelines
are determined by the Committee. Ocwen seeks to provide executives with
long-term wealth accumulation capability, conditional upon personal performance,
individual service longevity and consistent high level financial performance of
Ocwen. With respect to Ocwen's Officers other than Mr. William C. Erbey, the
Committee considered salary and bonus recommendations prepared by Mr. William C.
Erbey or other Executive Officers to determine fiscal 2004 compensation. The
salary adjustment recommendations were based on Ocwen's overall performance in
the past year and an analysis of compensation levels necessary to maintain and
attract quality personnel. It is through this process that Ocwen is able to
compete for and retain talented executives who are critical to Ocwen's long-term
success and align the interests of those executives with the long-term interests
of Ocwen's shareholders.
Annual Incentive Compensation. Ocwen's primary incentive compensation plan for
executives is the 1998 Annual Incentive Plan, as amended. Pursuant to the
current plan, a participant can earn cash, restricted stock and stock option
awards as determined by the Compensation Committee. The awards are based on
objective performance criteria established by the Committee pursuant to the Plan
which includes growth in our core businesses, reduction in non-core assets, cost
savings through Six Sigma initiatives and meeting budget objectives. Each
participant has a targeted annual incentive award that is expressed as a
percentage of total target compensation and varies with the participant's level
of responsibility. At the executive level, 20-60% of each executive's total
target compensation is at risk and payable only upon achievement of certain
minimum Company and individual performance levels. The incentive awards are
structured so that the compensation opportunities for executives are related to
the level of business unit performance actually achieved.
Other Compensation. The Compensation Committee's policy with respect to other
employee benefit plans is to provide competitive benefits to employees of Ocwen
and the Bank, including Executive Officers. A competitive comprehensive benefit
program is essential to achieving the goal of attracting and retaining highly
qualified employees.
Tax Considerations. Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), the tax deduction by corporate taxpayers is limited
with respect to the compensation of certain Executive Officers to $1 million per
covered executive unless such compensation is based upon the attainment of
performance objectives meeting certain regulatory criteria or is otherwise
excluded from the limitation. Ocwen obtained shareholder approval of the 1998
Annual Incentive Plan and all amendments thereto and the LTIP in order to
qualify awards under such plans as performance-based compensation under Section
162(m) of the Code. It is the Compensation Committee's intention to qualify all
performance-based compensation for the exclusion from the deductibility
limitation of 162(m), except in situations where qualifying compensation for the
exclusion would be inconsistent with the overall best interest of Ocwen.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. In determining the overall compensation
package for the Chief Executive Officer, the Committee considered the
performance of the Chief Executive Officer and the financial performance
achieved by Ocwen during the past fiscal year. For the CEO, incentive
compensation for 2004 was based largely on performance against specific goals,
including growth of our loan servicing business and growth in our other core
businesses, reduction in non-core assets and cost savings, including those
attributable to increased utilization of our India operations centers and to our
Six Sigma initiatives.
Compensation Committee:
March 7, 2005 W.C. Martin, Chairman
Ronald J. Korn, Director
Barry N. Wish, Director
13
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CERTIFIED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
(Proposal Two)
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Ocwen has appointed
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered certified public accountants,
to be Ocwen's independent registered certified public accounting firm for the
year ending December 31, 2005, and has further directed that the selection of
the independent registered certified public accounting firm be submitted for
ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the Annual
Meeting, will be given the opportunity to make a statement, if they so desire,
and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered
certified public accounting firm for 2005.
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has:
o Reviewed and discussed with management Ocwen's audited financial statements
as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004;
o Discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Ocwen's independent registered
certified public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, "Communication with Audit
Committees;" and
o Received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP required by the Independence Standards Board's
Independence Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees" and discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP their
independence.
In reliance on the review and discussion referred to above, the Committee
recommends to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be
included in Ocwen's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Fees
The following table shows the aggregate fees billed to Ocwen for professional
services by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for fiscal years 2004 and 2003:
Fiscal 2004 Fiscal 2003
----------- -----------
Audit Fees $ 2,038,655 $ 1,035,119
Audit-Related Fees 1,078,106 561,079
Tax Fees 64,884 90,409
All Other Fees 6,810 17,882
----------- -----------
Total $ 3,188,455 $ 1,704,489
=========== ===========
Audit Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed for professional
services rendered for the audits of Ocwen's consolidated financial statements
for fiscal years 2004 and 2003, for the reviews of the financial statements
included in Ocwen's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during fiscal 2004 and 2003
and for services that are normally provided by the independent registered
certified public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings or engagements for the relevant fiscal years.
Audit-Related Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of
the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the independent
registered certified public accounting firm that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audits or reviews of the financial statements and are not
reported above under "Audit Fees" and generally consist of fees for other attest
engagements under professional auditing standards, internal control-related
matters, audits of employee benefit plans and due diligence.
14
Tax Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last
two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the independent
registered certified public accounting firm for tax compliance, tax planning and
tax advice. Of these amounts, $53,509 and $51,889 were related to tax compliance
services for 2004 and 2003, respectively.
All Other Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the
last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the independent
registered certified public accounting firm that are not reported above under
"Audit Fees," "Audit-Related Fees" or "Tax Fees."
The Audit Committee considered the compatibility of the non-audit-related
services provided by and fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 2004 and the
proposed services for 2005 and determined that such services and fees are
compatible with the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services
performed by the independent registered certified public accounting firm in
order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the
auditor's independence. Unless a type of service to be provided by the
independent auditor has received general pre-approval, it will require specific
pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
Audit Committee:
March 7, 2005 Ronald J. Korn, Chairman
William H. Lacy, Director
W. C. Martin, Director
15
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
At the Annual Meeting, Ocwen may exercise discretionary authority when voting on
a shareholder proposal that is not included as an agenda item in this Proxy
Statement if the proposal was received by Ocwen after February 15, 2005, and the
proposal is properly presented at the Annual Meeting. Ocwen did not receive
notice of any shareholder proposal relating to the Annual Meeting.
Any proposal which a shareholder desires to have included in the proxy materials
of Ocwen relating to the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is scheduled
to be held in April 2006 (the "2006 Annual Meeting"), must be received at the
executive offices of Ocwen no later than November 1, 2005. If notice of a
shareholder proposal relating to the 2006 Annual Meeting is received on or prior
to January 15, 2006, and the proposal is properly presented at the 2006 Annual
Meeting, then the Company may exercise discretionary authority when voting on
the proposal, unless the shareholder satisfies certain requirements of the SEC,
including mailing a separate proxy statement to Ocwen's shareholders. If notice
of a shareholder proposal relating to the 2006 Annual Meeting is received by
Ocwen after January 15, 2006, and the proposal is properly presented at the 2006
Annual Meeting, then Ocwen may exercise discretionary authority when voting on
the proposal.
All shareholder proposals for the 2006 Annual Meeting should be directed to
Ocwen Financial Corporation, Attn: Secretary at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite
100, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409. It is urged that any shareholder proposal
be sent certified mail, return-receipt requested.
ANNUAL REPORTS
A copy of Ocwen's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31,
2004, was mailed to shareholders entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting
commencing on or about March 28, 2005. Such report is not part of the proxy
solicitation materials.
Ocwen will furnish without charge to each person whose proxy is solicited and to
each person who represents that as of the record date for the meeting he or she
was a beneficial owner of shares entitled to vote at the meeting, on written
request, a copy of Ocwen's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2004, required to be filed by Ocwen with the SEC under the Exchange
Act. Such requests should be directed to Shareholder Relations, Ocwen Financial
Corporation, 1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401,
telephone number (561) 682-8400. Such report is not part of the proxy
solicitation materials.
OTHER MATTERS
Management is not aware of any business to come before the Annual Meeting other
than the matters described above in this Proxy Statement. However, if any other
matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the
Proxies solicited hereby will be voted with respect to those other matters in
accordance with the judgment of the person or persons appointed as proxies.
The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by Ocwen. Ocwen will
reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for
reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the
beneficial owners of the Common Stock. In addition to solicitations by mail,
Directors, Officers and employees of Ocwen may solicit proxies personally or by
telephone without additional compensation.
16
OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
1675 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard - West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
REVOCABLE PROXY
THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OCWEN
FINANCIAL CORPORATION, FOR USE ONLY AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 17, 2005, AND AT ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
The undersigned hereby appoints Kevin J. Wilcox, William C. Erbey, Ronald M.
Faris or any of them, as proxy, with full powers of substitution, and hereby
authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated below, all the shares of
Common Stock of Ocwen Financial Corporation (the "Company") held of record by
the undersigned on March 17, 2005, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held at the offices of the Company located at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100,
West Palm Beach, Florida 33409 on Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern
Standard Time and at any adjournment thereof.
Shares of Common Stock of the Company will be voted as specified. If not
otherwise specified, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of each of the
Board of Directors' nominees to the Board of Directors and FOR the ratification
of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent registered
certified public accounting firm. You may revoke this proxy at any time prior to
the time it is voted at the Annual Meeting.
The Undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of Ocwen Financial Corporation to be held on May 17, 2005, or any
adjournment thereof, a Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting and the 2004
Annual Report to Shareholders of the Company prior to the signing of this proxy.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO: AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY,
59 MAIDEN LANE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10038
(Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side)
COMMENTS:
17
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
OCWEN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
MAY 17, 2005
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
Please detach and mail in the envelope provided.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK
YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE [X]
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: 2. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT BY THE BOARD OF
NOMINEES: DIRECTORS OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR OF THE COMPANY FOR THE YEAR
[ ] FOR ALL NOMINEES ( ) William C. Erbey ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2005.
[ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY ( ) Ronald M. Faris
FOR ALL NOMINEES ( ) Ronald J. Korn [ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
[ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT ( ) William H. Lacy
(See instructions below) ( ) W. Michael Linn 3. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO
( ) W.C. Martin VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME
( ) Barry N. Wish BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING.
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any PLEASE CHECK IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING [ ]
individual nominee(s), mark "FOR ALL EXCEPT" and fill
in the circle next to each nominee you wish to TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX ON THE
withhold, as shown here: (X) REVERSE SIDE HEREOF.
To change the address on your account, please check he
box at right and indicate your new address in the
address space above. Please note that changes to the
registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted
via this method. [ ]
Signature of Shareholder __________________ Date: _____ Signature of Shareholder __________________ Date: _____
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are
held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator,
attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is
a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer,
giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.