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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 27, 2001

REGISTRATION NO. 333-     

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 6162 33-0683629
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)		 (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)		 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

18400 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000
Irvine, California 92612
(949) 440-7030
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

Stergios Theologides
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
New Century Financial Corporation
18400 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000
Irvine, California 92612
(949) 440-7030
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies To:

David A. Krinsky   Allen Z. Sussman
Karen K. Dreyfus   Albert Y. Park
O'Melveny & Myers LLP   Ilyse T. Winnick
610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1700   Morrison & Foerster LLP
Newport Beach, California 92660   555 West Fifth Street, Suite 3500
(949) 760-9600   Los Angeles, California 90013
    (213) 892-5200

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

   If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: / /

   If the registrant elects to deliver its latest Form 10-K, as amended, to security holders or a complete and legible facsimile thereof, pursuant to Item 11(a)(1) of this Form, check the following box: / /

   If this Form is filed to register additional securities of an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: / /

   If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: / /

   If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: / /

   If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box: / /

Calculation of Registration Fee

Title of Each Class of Securities To Be Registered   Amount To Be Registered(1)   Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price Per Share(2)   Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price   Amount of Registration Fee
Common Stock ($0.01 par value)   3,450,000   $11.35   $39,157,500   $9,790
(1)
Includes 450,000 shares that may be purchased at the option of the Underwriters solely to cover over-allotments, if any.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act.

   The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 27, 2001

THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

PROSPECTUS

3,000,000 Shares

LOGO

New Century Financial Corporation

Common Stock

    We are selling 2,700,000 shares of our common stock and certain stockholders are selling 300,000 shares of our common stock. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the shares sold by the selling stockholders. Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "NCEN." On July 26, 2001, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $11.22.

    Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the information under the heading "Risk Factors" beginning on page 7 of this prospectus before buying shares of our common stock.

 
   Per Share
   Total
Public offering price   $     $  
Underwriting discounts and commissions   $     $  
Proceeds, before expenses, to us   $     $  
Proceeds to selling stockholders   $     $  

    Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

    We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to 450,000 additional shares of our common stock at the public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    We expect the shares of our common stock will be ready for delivery to purchasers on or about               , 2001.

FRIEDMAN BILLINGS RAMSEY            
  JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
          ADVEST, INC.

The date of this prospectus is      , 2001.

    You should rely only on information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. We and the selling stockholders are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our common stock.

    Our name and logo and the names of products and services offered by us are our trademarks, trade names, or service marks. Each trademark, trade name or service mark of another company appearing in this prospectus belongs to its holder, and does not belong to us.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   Page
Forward-Looking Statements   ii
Prospectus Summary   1
Risk Factors   7
Use of Proceeds   13
Capitalization   14
Price of our Common Stock and Dividend Policy   15
Selected Consolidated Financial Data   16
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   18
Business   35
Management   58
Principal and Selling Stockholders   62
Description of Securities   64
Underwriting   67
Experts   68
Legal Matters   68
Where You Can Find More Information   68
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference   69
Index to Financial Statements   F-1

i


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This prospectus contains or incorporates by reference certain forward-looking statements and we intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws. When used, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "should," "expect," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature:

    These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those relating to:

    Other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in this prospectus, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements we make. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The information in this prospectus is current as of the date of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects may have changed since that date.

ii


PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

    This summary contains basic information about us and this offering. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in us. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" and our financial statements and the accompanying notes, before making an investment decision. All references to "we," "us," "our" or the "Company" mean New Century Financial Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and other consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries of such companies. Unless otherwise specified in this prospectus, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.


Our Company

    We are a leading nationwide specialty mortgage banking company that originates, purchases and sells residential mortgage loans secured primarily by first mortgages on single-family residences. We offer a broad array of mortgage products focused on the needs of borrowers who generally do not satisfy the credit, documentation or other underwriting standards prescribed by conventional mortgage lenders and loan buyers, such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. We have been originating these types of loans since 1996 and believe we have developed a comprehensive and sophisticated process for credit evaluation and risk-based pricing allowing us to effectively manage the potentially higher credit risks associated with this segment of the mortgage industry.

    We originate and purchase approximately 75% of our loans through our wholesale network of 7,200 independent mortgage brokers, and the remainder through our retail network of 66 branch offices located in 26 states and our anyloan.com website. We are authorized to do business in all 50 states and regularly originate and purchase loans throughout the country. In 2000 and the first six months of 2001, we originated $4.2 billion and $2.4 billion of loans, respectively. In the second quarter of 2001, we originated record loan production of $1.4 billion, a 24.6% increase over the second quarter of 2000. Borrower demand, as evidenced by new loan submissions, continues to remain high. Since our founding in 1995, we have originated in excess of $16 billion in various types of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans.

    We have recently experienced significant improvements in our operating performance resulting in large part from reduced costs, increased loan volume, lower interest rates and improved market conditions for the sale of our loans. Total revenues for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2001 were $64.8 million and $112.7 million, respectively, representing an increase of 80.3% and 17.1% over the same periods of 2000. Net earnings for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2001 were $9.9 million and $8.0 million, respectively, as compared to losses of $8.6 million and $1.3 million for the respective comparative periods in 2000. During the first six months of 2001, we reduced outstanding residual financing from $176.8 million, or 48.9% of the carrying value of the residual interests, to $119.6 million, or 36.9% of the carrying value of the residual interests, using cash flow from operations and residual interests. We expect to fully repay our outstanding residual financing prior to December 31, 2002.

    We believe our primary strengths and competitive advantages include our:

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Recent Operational Highlights

    Starting in late 1998, the market for our loans and the availability of capital and financing to mortgage lenders in our industry declined dramatically. We also experienced significant changes in the general level of interest rates and other economic conditions that adversely affected our business. In response to these events, we implemented several strategic initiatives that have reduced our risk profile and significantly improved our recent operating performance and financial results. These initiatives have allowed us to achieve our goal of positive cash flow from operations for the last two consecutive quarters. The key initiatives include:


Growth and Operating Strategies

    The following are our growth and operating strategies:

2


General Information

    Our executive offices are located at 18400 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000, Irvine, California 92612 and our telephone number is (949) 440-7030. Our Internet address is www.ncen.com. The information contained in our website, in www.anyloan.com, or in any websites linked by our websites, is not a part of this prospectus and you should not rely on such information in deciding whether to invest in our company. Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters have not exercised their over-allotment option.


Recent Developments

    In July 2001, we raised gross proceeds of approximately $15 million through a private placement of 1,442,308 shares of our common stock at $10.40 per share. Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. served as placement agent for this transaction. Net proceeds to us totaled approximately $14.15 million. In connection with this transaction, we agreed to promptly register for resale the shares sold in the private placement and to maintain the effectiveness of the registration for up to two years, subject to customary exceptions.

    In May 2001, CDC Mortgage Capital joined our U.S. Bank syndicated warehouse line as a $70 million participant. In addition, in July 2001, we entered into a $200 million repurchase agreement with CDC Mortgage Capital. The agreement allows for both funding of loan originations and aggregation of loans for up to 6 months pending their sale or securitization. The addition of this facility brings our total warehouse and aggregation credit facilities to $1.4 billion.

3


The Offering

Common stock offered by us   2,700,000 shares(1)
Common stock offered by the selling stockholders   300,000 shares(1)
Common stock outstanding after the offering   19,317,317 shares(1)(2)
Use of proceeds   For general corporate purposes, including to increase our capital base to support expansion of our credit facilities and to finance additional growth. We also intend to use the proceeds to (i) open additional offices, (ii) hire additional sales staff, (iii) fund possible acquisitions of other mortgage companies and (iv) for other general corporate purposes.
Nasdaq National Market symbol   NCEN
(1)
Assumes no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.

(2)
The common stock to be outstanding after the offering is based on 15,175,009 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2001, plus the 1,442,308 shares issued in July 2001 through a private placement, and excludes:

•
4,124,400 shares of common stock issuable on the conversion of preferred stock;

•
1,873,379 shares of common stock issuable on the exercise of stock options;

•
50,000 shares of common stock issuable on the exercise of warrants;

•
1,855,524 shares of common stock available for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan; and

•
916,256 shares of common stock available for issuance under our 1995 stock option plan.

4


Summary Consolidated Financial Data

    You should read this summary financial data along with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and our audited and unaudited financial statements and notes thereto that are included elsewhere herein.

 
   For the Year Ended
December 31,
   For the Six Months Ended June 30,
   For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
   2000
   2001
 
   (in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues:                                          
  Gain (loss) on sale of loans   $ 105,060   $ 121,672   $ 14,952   $ 21,205   $ 58,679   $ (1,605 ) $ 38,129
  Interest income     47,655     61,457     67,351     36,212     22,975     17,771     13,717
  Servicing income     9,072     23,428     30,093     15,555     9,504     7,746     2,998
  Residual interest income     14,620     27,385     49,867     22,805     20,684     11,481     9,530
  Other income     —     —     1,653     540     907     540     420
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues     176,407     233,942     163,916     96,317     112,749     35,933     64,794
Operating expenses     124,099     167,056     200,697     98,260     98,585     50,593     47,435
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     52,308     66,886     (36,781 )   (1,943 )   14,164     (14,660 )   17,359
  Income taxes (benefit)     21,193     27,377     (13,756 )   (613 )   6,123     (6,057 )   7,466
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net earnings (loss)   $ 31,115   $ 39,509   $ (23,025 ) $ (1,330 ) $ 8,041   $ (8,603 ) $ 9,893
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic earnings (loss) per share(1)   $ 2.19   $ 2.59   $ (1.76 ) $ (0.19 ) $ 0.44   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.61
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)   $ 2.03   $ 2.11   $ (1.76 ) $ (0.19 ) $ 0.41   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.51
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   As of December 31,
   As of June 30,
 
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
 
   (in thousands)
Loans receivable held for sale, net   $ 356,975   $ 442,653   $ 400,089   $ 526,218   $ 588,305
Residual interests in securitizations     205,395     364,689     361,646     393,906     324,551
Total assets     624,727     863,709     837,161     985,499     960,926
Borrowings under warehouse lines of credit     191,931     234,778     201,705     245,363     275,045
Borrowings under aggregation lines of credit     153,912     193,948     202,741     259,041     304,119
Residual financing     122,298     177,493     176,806     205,291     119,641
Subordinated debt     —     20,000     40,000     35,000     40,000
Other liabilities     41,973     64,527     63,760     66,938     65,046
Total stockholders' equity   $ 114,613   $ 172,963   $ 152,149   $ 173,866   $ 157,075
(1)
See footnote 6 to the unaudited financial statements and footnote 19 to the audited financial statements included in this prospectus for basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding.

5

 
   For the Year Ended December 31,
   For the Six Months Ended June 30,
   For the Three Months Ended June 30,
  
 
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
   2000
   2001
  
 
   (dollars in thousands)

  
Loan origination and purchase activities:                              
  Wholesale originations   $2,382,784   $2,894,517   $3,041,761   $1,502,510   $1,911,189   $793,172   $1,103,236  
  Retail originations   942,072   1,185,747   1,110,596   564,327   499,263   317,204   280,684  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total loan originations and purchases   $3,324,856   $4,080,264   $4,152,357   $2,066,837   $2,410,452   $1,110,376   $1,383,920  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average principal balance per loan   96   102   108   103   130   106   133  
Percent of loans secured by first mortgages   97.2 % 96.7 % 95.3 % 94.7 % 98.6 % 93.7 % 99.0 %
Weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio   78.2   78.8   78.6   79.0   78.3   79.2   78.6  
Originations by product type:                              
  ARMs   $1,920,686   $2,610,475   $3,052,481   $1,502,190   $1,957,688   $806,933   $1,141,740  
  Fixed-rate mortgages   1,404,170   1,469,789   1,099,876   564,647   452,764   303,443   242,180  
Weighted average interest rate:                              
  Fixed-rate mortgages   10.0 % 10.2 % 11.0 % 10.9 % 10.3 % 11.1 % 10.0 %
  ARMs   9.7   9.8   10.4   10.4   9.7   10.5   9.6  
  Margin-ARMs   6.1   6.2   6.2   6.1   6.5   6.1   6.6  
Loan sales:                              
  Loans sold through whole loan transactions   $1,477,225   $1,033,006   $3,133,205   $1,320,462   $1,839,416   $823,686   $885,587  
  Loans sold through securitizations   2,265,700   3,017,658   1,029,477   644,454   380,242   214,774   380,242  
  Loans acquired to securitize   (544,704 ) (61,312 ) —   —   —   —   —  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan sales   $3,198,221   $3,989,352   $4,162,682   $1,964,916   $2,219,658   $1,038,460   $1,265,829  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6


RISK FACTORS

    You should carefully consider the risks described below before making a decision to buy our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. When determining whether to buy our common stock you should also refer to the other information in this prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes.

If we are unable to maintain adequate financing sources, our earnings and financial position will suffer and jeopardize our ability to continue operations.

    We require substantial cash to support our operating activities and growth plans, which is provided primarily by $1.4 billion in short-term warehouse and aggregation credit facilities to fund loan originations and purchases pending the pooling and sale of such loans. We also have residual financing agreements that provide us with financing secured by residual interests we have retained in certain securitization transactions and securitization transactions involving net interest margin securities, or NIMs. If we cannot maintain or replace these facilities on comparable terms and conditions, we may incur substantially higher interest expense that would reduce our profitability.

    During volatile times in the capital markets, access to warehouse, aggregation and residual financing has been severely constricted. If we are unable to maintain adequate financing or other sources of capital are not available, we would be forced to suspend or curtail our operations, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Most of our financing is subject to margin calls based on the lender's opinion of the value of our collateral. An unanticipated large margin call could adversely affect our liquidity.

    The amount of financing we receive under our warehouse, aggregation and residual financing agreements depends in large part on the lender's valuation of the mortgage loans and residual interests that secure the financings. With the exception of the residual financing facility with Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., each credit facility we have provides the lender the right, under certain circumstances, to reevaluate the collateral that secures our outstanding borrowings at any time. In the event the lender determines that the value of the collateral has decreased, it has the right to initiate a margin call. A margin call would require us to provide the lender with additional collateral or to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings. Any such margin call could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

A change in the assumptions we use to determine the value of our residual interests could adversely affect our financial position.

    As of June 30, 2001, the value of our residual interests from securitization transactions on our balance sheet was $324.6 million. The value of these residuals is a function of the delinquency, loss, prepayment and discount rate assumptions we use to determine their value. During 2000, we changed these assumptions to reflect trends in actual pool performance, prepayment experience and the interest rate environment. As a result of these changes, we recorded reductions in the value of our residuals by $67.0 million. The reductions consisted of the following components:

7

    If our actual experience differs materially from the revised assumptions we used to determine the value of our residual interests, future cash flows and earnings could be negatively affected.

High delinquencies or losses on the mortgage loans in our securitizations may decrease our cash flows or impair our ability to sell or securitize loans in the future.

    Loans we make to lower credit grade borrowers, including credit-impaired borrowers, entail a higher risk of delinquency and higher losses than loans we make to borrowers with better credit. Virtually all of our loans are made to borrowers who do not qualify for loans from conventional mortgage lenders. No assurance can be given that our underwriting criteria or methods will afford adequate protection against the higher risks associated with loans made to lower credit grade borrowers. We continue to be subject to risks of default and foreclosure following the sale of loans through securitization. To the extent such losses are greater than expected, the cash flows we receive through residual interests will be reduced. Increased delinquencies or losses may also reduce our ability to sell or securitize loans in the future. Any such reduction in our cash flows or impairment in our performance could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Our earnings may decrease because of increases or decreases in interest rates.

    Our profitability may be directly affected by changes in interest rates. First, these changes may reduce the spread we earn between the interest we receive on our loans and our funding costs. Second, a substantial and sustained increase in interest rates could adversely affect borrower demand for our products. Third, during periods of rising interest rates, the value and profitability of our loans may be negatively affected from the date of origination or purchase until the date we sell or securitize the loan. Fourth, our adjustable-rate mortgage loans have periodic and lifetime interest rate caps above which the interest rate on the loans may not rise. In the event of general interest rate increases, the rate of interest on these mortgage loans could be limited, while the rate payable on the senior certificates representing interests in a securitization trust into which these loans are sold may be uncapped. This would reduce the amount of cash we receive over the life of our residual interests, and require us to reduce the carrying value of our residual interests. Fifth, a significant decrease in interest rates could increase the rate at which loans are prepaid, which also could require us to reduce the carrying value of our residual interests. If prepayments are greater than expected, the cash we receive over the life of our residual interests would be reduced. Any such change in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

In the event of a default on our subordinated debt, the collateral securing the debt may not provide near-term cash sufficient to repay the debt.

    In addition to financing that is secured by our loans and residual interests, we have also borrowed $40 million in subordinated debt from U.S. Bank. This debt is secured by a subordinated lien on the collateral that is pledged under our warehouse credit facility with U.S. Bank as well as by certain rights to our residual interests. Unlike our warehouse, aggregation and residual financing borrowings, which are secured by assets that we believe would cover the borrowings in the event of a default, we may not have a source of funds to repay the subordinated debt in the event of a default. We intend to use cash flows from our residual interests to repay this debt on or before its December 31, 2003 maturity. To the extent our residual cash flows fall significantly short of projections, it would be more difficult for us to repay this subordinated debt when due. Our inability to obtain capital or financing to repay the

8

subordinated debt when due would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Our inability to realize cash proceeds in excess of the loan acquisition cost could adversely affect our financial position.

    The net cash proceeds received from loan sales consist of the premiums we receive on sales of loans in excess of the outstanding principal balance, plus the cash proceeds we receive from securitization, minus the discounts on loans that we have to sell for less than the outstanding principal balance. If we are unable to originate loans at a cost lower than the cash proceeds realized from loan sales, our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects could be materially adversely affected.

An interruption or reduction in the securitization and whole loan markets would hurt our financial position.

    We are dependent on the securitization market for the sale of our loans because we securitize loans directly and many of our whole loan buyers purchase our loans with the intention to securitize. The securitization market is dependent upon a number of factors, including general economic conditions, conditions in the securities market generally and conditions in the asset-backed securities market specifically. In addition, poor performance of our previously securitized loans could harm our access to the securitization market. Accordingly, a decline in the securitization market or a change in the market's demand for our loans could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Our operations could be hurt by an economic slowdown or recession particularly if it results in a decline in the real estate market.

    The risks associated with our business are more acute during periods of economic slowdown or recession because these periods may be accompanied by decreased demand for consumer credit and declining real estate values. Declining real estate values reduce the ability of borrowers to use home equity to support borrowings because they negatively affect loan-to-value ratios of the home equity collateral. In addition, because we make a substantial number of loans to credit-impaired borrowers, the actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on these loans could be higher during economic slowdowns. Any sustained period of increased delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect our ability to sell loans, the prices we receive for our loans, or the value of our residual interests in securitizations, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Our business is dependent upon conditions in California where we conduct a significant amount of our business.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2001, approximately 44.0% of the mortgage loans we originated or purchased were secured by property in California. An overall decline in the economy or the residential real estate market, or the occurrence of a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, in California could adversely affect the value of the mortgaged properties in California and increase the risk of delinquency, foreclosure, bankruptcy, or loss on mortgage loans in our portfolio. This would negatively affect our ability to purchase, originate and securitize mortgage loans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

    California is currently experiencing an energy crisis. As a result, energy costs, including natural gas and electricity, may increase significantly in the future. There may also be limitations in the amount of energy resulting in power "blackouts" during short periods of time. Therefore, because our

9

headquarters, a substantial number of our branch offices and some of the independent brokers in our wholesale network are based in California, our operations may be disrupted and operating expenses may increase in the future. Any such disruption or increase in expenses could be material and could adversely affect our loan originations, margins and our profitability. To date, we have not experienced material increases in our overall operating expenses. However, if the power outages associated with the energy crisis continue or become more severe, we could experience material disruptions or cost increases in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

We are exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which we take title.

    In the course of our business, we may foreclose and take title to residential properties, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation, and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Many of our competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than we do, which could make it difficult for us to compete successfully, and we could face new competitors.

    We face intense competition in the business of originating, purchasing and selling mortgage loans. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. In addition, certain government-sponsored entities, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are beginning to purchase some categories of non-prime loans, which may cause new competitors to enter our market and reduce our profit margins.

    Certain large finance companies and conforming mortgage originators also originate non-prime mortgage loans to customers similar to the borrowers we serve. Competitors with lower costs of capital have a competitive advantage over us. In addition, establishing a wholesale lending operation such as ours requires a relatively small commitment of capital and human resources. This low barrier to entry permits new competitors to enter our markets quickly and compete with our wholesale lending business, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Changes in the volume and cost of loans originated by our wholesale division may decrease our loan production and decrease our earnings.

    We depend primarily on independent mortgage brokers and, to a lesser extent, on correspondent lenders for the origination and purchase of our wholesale mortgage loans, which constitute the majority of our loan production. These independent mortgage brokers have relationships with multiple lenders and are not obligated by contract or otherwise to do business with us. We compete with these lenders for the independent brokers' business on pricing, service, loan fees, costs and other factors. Competition from other lenders and purchasers of mortgage loans could negatively impact the volume and pricing of our wholesale loans, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

10

A decline in the quality of servicing of the loans that we have recently transferred could lower the value of our residual interests and our ability to sell or securitize loans.

    We recently transferred our servicing portfolio to Ocwen Federal Bank FSB. There is a risk that the transfer of servicing to a third party could result in reduced collections and increases in delinquencies due to, among other things, borrower confusion, data integrity problems, system integration issues and poor customer service. A third party servicing agent may not have the incentive to manage the servicing process in our best interests. Poor servicing and collections could adversely affect the value of our residual interests and our ability to sell or securitize loans, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify investors if we breach representations and warranties, which would hurt our earnings.

    When we sell loans, we are required to make customary representations and warranties about such loans to the loan purchaser. Our whole loan sale agreements require us to repurchase or substitute loans in the event we breach a representation or warranty given to the loan purchaser or make a misrepresentation during the mortgage loan origination process. In addition, we may be required to repurchase loans as a result of borrower fraud or in the event of early payment default on a mortgage loan. Likewise, we are required to repurchase or substitute loans if we breach a representation or warranty in connection with our securitizations. The remedies available to a purchaser of mortgage loans are generally broader than those available to us against the originating broker or correspondent. Further, if a purchaser enforces its remedies against us, we may not be able to enforce the remedies we have against the sellers. The repurchased loans typically can only be financed at a steep discount to their repurchase price, if at all. They are also typically sold at a significant discount to the unpaid principal balance. Significant repurchase activity could negatively affect our cash flow and results of operations.

New legislation could restrict our ability to make mortgage loans, which could adversely impact our earnings.

    Several states and cities are considering or have passed laws, regulations or ordinances aimed at curbing predatory lending practices. The federal government is also considering legislative and regulatory proposals in this regard. In general, these proposals involve lowering the existing federal Homeownership and Equity Protection Act thresholds for defining a "high-cost" loan, and establishing enhanced protections and remedies for borrowers who receive such loans. However, many of these laws and rules extend beyond curbing predatory lending practices to restrict commonly accepted lending activities, including some of our activities. For example, some of these laws and rules prohibit any form of prepayment charge or severely restrict a borrower's ability to finance the points and fees charged in connection with his or her loan. Passage of these laws and rules could reduce our loan origination volume. In addition, for reputational reasons and because of the enhanced risk, many whole loan buyers elect not to purchase any loan labeled as a "high cost" loan under any local, state or federal law or regulation. Accordingly, these laws and rules could severely constrict the secondary market for a significant portion of our loan production. This would effectively preclude us from continuing to originate loans that fit within the newly defined thresholds and would have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, financial condition and business prospects.

A recent federal circuit court decision regarding the legality of yield spread premiums could increase litigation against us and other mortgage lenders.

    In June 2001, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision in Culpepper v. Irwin Mortgage Corp. in which the court revisited the legality of certain payments that lenders commonly make to mortgage brokers, often referred to as yield spread premiums, under the federal Real Estate

11

Settlement Procedures Act. In 1999, the Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a policy statement taking the position that lender payments to mortgage brokers, including yield spread premiums, are not per se illegal. The Culpepper decision apparently treats a much wider category of these payments as illegal. We and other mortgage lenders now face inconsistent judicial decisions about such payments. If the Culpepper decision is not overturned or otherwise superseded by law or regulation, there could be a substantial increase in litigation regarding lender payments to brokers and potential costs defending these types of claims and in paying any judgments that might result. In July 2001, we were served with a yield spread premium class action based on this decision, which is further described in "Business—Legal Proceedings." The costs of a significant increase in litigation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, financial condition and business prospects.

Our charter and bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that could discourage a takeover.

    Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws include various provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt that may be in the best interest of our stockholders. These provisions include the existence of a classified board of directors, the ability of our board of directors to issue additional shares of our preferred stock up to 7,460,000 shares without any further stockholder approval and requirements that (i) our stockholders give advance notice with respect to certain proposals they may wish to present for a stockholder vote, (ii) our stockholders act only at annual or special meetings and (iii) two-thirds of all directors approve a change in the number of directors on our board of directors. Issuance of our preferred stock could also discourage bids for the common stock at a premium as well as create a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, certain provisions in our 1998 transaction with U.S. Bancorp may discourage takeover attempts by third parties.

    We are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. The preceding provisions of our charter and bylaws, as well as Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, could discourage potential acquisition proposals, delay or prevent a change of control and prevent changes in our management.

The concentrated ownership of our voting stock by a small group of our stockholders may have an adverse effect on your ability to influence the direction we will take.

    Upon completion of the offering, a small group of our stockholders, comprised of our management team and directors, U.S. Bancorp and Brookhaven Capital, beneficially owned an aggregate of approximately 70.1% of the total voting power of our voting stock. These stockholders, if they were to act in concert, would have majority control and would have the ability to control the approval of certain fundamental corporate transactions (including mergers, consolidations and sale of assets) and to elect all of the members of our board of directors, whether or not their actions are in the best interests of our other stockholders.

Various factors may cause the market price of our common stock to become volatile, which could adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets in the future.

    The market price of our common stock may experience fluctuations that are unrelated to our operating performance. In particular, the price of our common stock may be affected by general market price movements as well as developments specifically related to the consumer finance industry and the financial services sector. These could include, among other things, interest rate movements, quarterly variations or changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, or a significant reduction in the price of the stock of another participant in the consumer finance industry. This volatility may make it difficult for us to access the capital markets through additional secondary offerings of our common stock, regardless of our financial performance.

12


USE OF PROCEEDS

    We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the sale of 2,700,000 shares of common stock, based on an assumed offering price of $            per share, will be $            , after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares from any selling stockholders.

    The primary purpose of the offering is to increase our capital base to support expansion of our credit facilities and finance additional growth. We also intend to use the proceeds from the offering for other general corporate purposes, including to:

    The amounts and timing of these expenditures will vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of cash generated from our operations. We may find it necessary or advisable to use portions of the balance of the net proceeds for other purposes, and we will have broad discretion in the application of the balance of the net proceeds. Pending these uses, we intend to reduce the level of outstanding revolving borrowings, invest the net proceeds in United States government securities and other short-term, investment grade, interest-bearing instruments. We currently have no commitments or agreements and are not involved in any negotiation with respect to any acquisitions. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional information regarding our sources and uses of capital.

13


CAPITALIZATION

    The following table sets forth as of June 30, 2001 our capitalization on an actual basis, on an as adjusted basis to reflect the sale of 2,700,000 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed offering price of $      per share and on an as adjusted pro forma basis to give effect to the sale of 1,442,308 shares in a private placement completed in July 2001. You should read this information together with the "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
   As of June 30, 2001
  
 
   Actual
   As Adjusted
   Pro Forma
As Adjusted
  
 
   (in thousands)

  
Long Term Debt:                    
  Residual financing due December 31, 2002   $ 111,308   $ 111,308   $ 111,308  
  Subordinated debt due December 31, 2003     40,000     40,000     40,000  
   
 
 
 
      Total long term debt     151,308     151,308     151,308  
Stockholders' equity:                    
  Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 7,500,000 shares authorized and 40,000 shares outstanding   $ —   $ —   $ —  
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized and 15,175,009 shares actual, 17,875,009 shares as adjusted, and 19,317,317 shares pro forma as adjusted issued and outstanding, actual, as adjusted and pro forma     152              
  Additional paid-in capital     90,222              
  Deferred stock compensation     (1,317 )   (1,317 )   (1,317 )
  Retained earnings     68,018     68,018     68,018  
   
 
 
 
      Total stockholders' equity     157,075              
   
 
 
 
Total capitalization   $ 308,383              
   
 
 
 

    This table excludes the following shares:

14


PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY

Market Information

    Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market in June 1997 under the symbol "NCEN." The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.

 
   High
   Low
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998            
  First Quarter   $ 11.50   $ 7.38
  Second Quarter     13.00     8.50
  Third Quarter     12.63     6.63
  Fourth Quarter     13.63     2.75
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999            
  First Quarter   $ 15.25   $ 10.69
  Second Quarter     20.50     11.19
  Third Quarter     20.00     15.50
  Fourth Quarter     17.69     13.31
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000            
  First Quarter   $ 15.75   $ 6.13
  Second Quarter     10.13     5.06
  Third Quarter     14.25     7.13
  Fourth Quarter     12.50     9.75
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2001            
  First Quarter   $ 11.00   $ 6.00
  Second Quarter     10.60     6.59
  Third Quarter (through July 26, 2001)     12.00     10.26

Investors

    The approximate number of record holders of our common stock as of the date of this prospectus is 92.

Dividend Policy

    We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, we are prohibited from paying dividends under certain of our credit facilities without the prior approval of our lenders.

15


SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

    The following selected consolidated statements of operations and balance sheet data for each of the five years ended December 31, 2000 have been derived from the Company's financial statements audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditors. The operating data for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001, and the balance sheet data as of those dates are derived from our unaudited financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Such selected financial data should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the notes thereto and with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" also included elsewhere herein.

 
   For the Year Ended December 31,
   For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   1996
   1997
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
 
   (in thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Operations Data:                                          
  Revenues:                                          
    Gain on sale of loans   $ 11,630   $ 67,939   $ 105,060   $ 121,672   $ 14,952   $ 21,205   $ 58,679
    Interest income     2,846     25,071     47,655     61,457     67,351     36,212     22,975
    Servicing income     29     585     9,072     23,428     30,093     15,555     9,504
    Residual interest income     —     5,038     14,620     27,385     49,867     22,805     20,684
    Other income     —     —     —     —     1,653     540     907
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Total revenues     14,505     98,633     176,407     233,942     163,916     96,317     112,749
  Expenses:                                          
    Personnel     6,083     24,840     41,345     54,634     57,418     28,315     37,008
    Interest     1,941     20,579     40,328     53,193     72,126     35,478     29,062
    General and administrative     2,725     16,037     30,994     42,732     52,601     24,160     24,800
    Advertising and promotion     1,169     5,620     8,681     11,767     12,681     7,407     5,158
    Professional fees     282     965     2,751     4,730     5,871     2,900     2,557
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Total expenses     12,200     68,041     124,099     167,056     200,697     98,260     98,585
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     2,305     30,592     52,308     66,886     (36,781 )   (1,943 )   14,164
    Income taxes (benefit)     970     12,849     21,193     27,377     (13,756 )   (613 )   6,123
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net earnings (loss)   $ 1,335   $ 17,743   $ 31,115   $ 39,509   $ (23,025 ) $ (1,330 ) $ 8,041
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Basic earnings (loss) per share(1)   $ 2.53   $ 2.18   $ 2.19   $ 2.59   $ (1.76 ) $ (0.19 ) $ 0.44
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)   $ 0.20   $ 1.40   $ 2.03   $ 2.11   $ (1.76 ) $ (0.19 ) $ 0.41
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   As of December 31,
   As of June 30,
 
   1996
   1997
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
 
   (in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:                                          
  Loans receivable held for sale, net   $ 57,990   $ 276,506   $ 356,975   $ 442,653   $ 400,089   $ 526,218   $ 588,305
  Residual interests in securitizations     —     97,260     205,395     364,689     361,646     393,906     324,551
  Total assets     64,638     398,128     624,727     863,709     837,161     985,499     960,926
  Borrowings under warehouse lines of credit     41,702     184,426     191,931     234,778     201,705     245,363     275,045
  Borrowings under aggregation lines of credit     13,957     70,937     153,912     193,948     202,741     259,041     304,119
  Subordinated debt     —     —     —     20,000     40,000     35,000     40,000
  Residual financing     —     53,427     122,298     177,493     176,806     205,291     119,641
  Other liabilities     4,576     28,502     41,973     64,527     63,760     66,938     65,046
  Total stockholders' equity     4,403     60,836     114,613     172,963     152,149     173,866     157,075
(1)
See footnote 6 to the unaudited financial statements and footnote 19 to the audited financial statments included in this prospectus for basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding.

16

 
   For the Year Ended December 31,
   For the Six Months Ended June 30,
  
 
   1996
   1997
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
  
 
   (dollars in thousands)

  
Operating Statistics:                                            
  Loan origination and purchase activities:                                            
    Wholesale originations   $ 290,452   $ 1,265,133   $ 2,382,784   $ 2,894,517   $ 3,041,761   $ 1,502,510   $ 1,911,189  
    Retail originations     66,487     578,674     942,072     1,185,747     1,110,596     564,327     499,263  
    Bulk acquisitions     —     120,794     —     —     —     —     —  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total loan originations and purchases   $ 356,939   $ 1,964,601   $ 3,324,856   $ 4,080,264   $ 4,152,357   $ 2,066,837   $ 2,410,452  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Average principal balance per loan   $ 106   $ 102   $ 96   $ 102   $ 108   $ 103   $ 130  
  Percent of loans secured by first mortgages     97.3 %   96.9 %   97.2 %   96.7 %   95.3 %   94.7 %   98.6 %
  Weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio     71.5     74.0     78.2     78.8     78.6     79.0     78.3  
  Originations by product type:                                            
    ARMs   $ 264,510   $ 1,394,133   $ 1,920,686   $ 2,610,475   $ 3,052,481   $ 1,502,190   $ 1,957,688  
    Fixed-rate mortgages     92,429     570,468     1,404,170     1,469,789     1,099,876     564,647     452,764  
  Weighted average interest rates:                                            
    Fixed-rate mortgages     10.4 %   9.8 %   10.0 %   10.2 %   11.0 %   10.9 %   10.3 %
    ARMs     9.3     9.5     9.7     9.8     10.4     10.4     9.7  
    Margin-ARMs     7.0     7.0     6.1     6.2     6.2     6.1     6.5  
  Loan sales:                                            
    Loans sold through whole loan transactions   $ 298,713   $ 680,900   $ 1,477,225   $ 1,033,006   $ 3,133,205   $ 1,320,462   $ 1,839,416  
    Loans sold through securitizations     —     1,123,618     2,265,700     3,017,658     1,029,477     644,454     380,242  
    Loans acquired to securitize     —     (63,718 )   (544,704 )   (61,312 )   —     —     —  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net loan sales   $ 298,713   $ 1,740,800   $ 3,198,221   $ 3,989,352   $ 4,162,682   $ 1,964,916   $ 2,219,658  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

17


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors including, but not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors" starting on page 7 and elsewhere in this prospectus.

General

    We are a leading nationwide specialty mortgage banking company that originates, purchases and sells residential mortgage loans secured primarily by first mortgages on single family residences. Our borrowers generally have considerable equity in the property securing the loan, but have impaired or limited credit profiles or higher debt-to-income ratios than traditional mortgage lenders allow. Our borrowers also include individuals who, due to self-employment or other circumstances, have difficulty verifying their income, as well as individuals who prefer the prompt and personalized service we provide. We originate and purchase loans through our wholesale and retail channels. Wholesale originations and purchases are through independent mortgage brokers who provide loans through the Wholesale Division of our wholly-owned subsidiary, New Century Mortgage Corporation, as well as its subsidiary, Worth Funding. We do not purchase bulk pools of loans. Retail originations are made through New Century Mortgage Corporation's network of branch offices, through its Central Retail Division, and through our anyloan.com website. After originating or purchasing loans, we then sell those loans through whole loan sales or securitizations. We were incorporated in Delaware in November 1995 and commenced lending operations in February 1996.

Loan Originations and Purchases

    As of June 30, 2001, our Wholesale Division operated through five regional operating centers and 31 additional sales offices. The Wholesale Division and our Worth Funding subsidiary originated or purchased $1.9 billion in loans during the six months ended June 30, 2001. As of June 30, 2001, our Retail Branch Operations Division operated through 66 sales offices. The Retail Branch Operations Division and our Centralized Retail Division originated $499.3 million in loans during the six months ended June 30, 2001.

Loan Sales and Securitizations

    One of our primary sources of revenue is the recognition of gain on sale of our loans through whole loan sales and securitizations. In a whole loan sale, we recognize and receive a cash gain upon sale. In a securitization, we recognize a gain on sale at the time the loans are sold, and receive cash flows over the actual life of the loans. The use of a net interest margin security, or NIM, transaction concurrent with or shortly after a securitization allows us to receive a substantial portion of the gain in cash at the closing of the NIM transaction, rather than over the actual life of the loans.

    Prior to 2000, our loan sale strategy typically included both securitizations and whole loan sales in order to achieve our goal of enhancing profits while managing cash flows. Because residual financing was readily available, we securitized a significant percentage of our loan production in order to enhance operating profits and to benefit from future cash flows generated by the residual interests we retained. The remainder of our production was sold in whole loan sale transactions, which allowed us to generate current cash flow, protect against the potential volatility of the securitization market and reduce the risks inherent in retaining residual interests in securitizations.

18

    In 2000, we were unable to obtain the same level of residual financing previously available to us. As a result, and in order to manage cash flows, we transitioned from securitizing the majority of our loans to selling the majority of production for cash in whole loan sales.

    Recent market changes have allowed us to sell loans through securitization on a cash-flow positive basis through the concurrent use of a NIM transaction. During the second quarter of 2001, we completed a securitization of $380 million of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans underwritten by Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. Following the securitization, we issued a NIM security. The net cash proceeds from the two transactions yielded cash proceeds in an amount comparable to whole loan sales. In addition to the cash proceeds, we retained a relatively small residual interest that we recorded at its estimated fair value of approximately 1.0% of the securitized collateral.

Residual Interests

    In a securitization transaction, we sell a portfolio of mortgage loans to a special purpose entity established for the limited purpose of buying and reselling mortgage loans. The special purpose entity transfers the mortgage loans to a trust that in turn issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities generally in an amount equal to the aggregate principal balance of the mortgage loans. One or more investors purchase these asset-backed securities for cash. The trust uses the cash proceeds to pay us for the mortgage loans. The trust also issues a certificate representing a residual interest in the payments on the securitized loans. In addition, we provide credit enhancement for the benefit of the investors in the form of additional collateral, referred to as the over-collateralization account, or OC Account.

    To date, we have elected to fund the required OC Account at the closing of most of our securitizations. The over-collateralization requirement ranges from 0.75% to 4.75% of the initial securitization bond debt principal balance or 1.5% to 9.5% of the remaining principal balance after thirty to thirty-six months of principal amortization. The actual amount of the OC Account is determined by the rating agencies based upon their assessment of the loan pool characteristics. When funding all of the OC Account up front, we begin to receive cash flow from our residual interests immediately. When we do not fund the OC Account up front, we do not receive cash flow until the OC Account requirement is satisfied. Cash flows from our residual interests are subject to certain delinquency or credit loss tests, as defined by the rating agencies or the bond insurance companies. Over time, we receive distributions from the OC Account subject to the performance of the mortgage loans in each securitization.

    At the closing of each securitization, we add to our balance sheet the residual interest retained based on our calculation of the present value of estimated future cash flows to be received by us. The residual interest we record consists of the OC Account and the net interest receivable, or NIR. Combined, these are referred to as the residual interests.

    Management reviews on a quarterly basis the underlying assumptions used to value each residual interest and adjusts the carrying value of the securities based on actual experience and trends in the industry. To determine the residual asset value, cash flow is projected for each security. To project cash flow, we use base assumptions for the constant prepayment rate, or CPR, and losses for each product type based on historical performance. Each security is updated to reflect actual performance to date, and the base assumption for CPR and loss is then used to project performance of the security from that date forward. If the actual performance of the security differs materially from the base assumptions with respect to CPR or loss, adjustments are made. The London Interbank Offer Rate, or LIBOR, forward curve is then used to project future interest rates and finalize cash flow projections for each security. The projected cash flows are then discounted at a range of 13% - 20% to establish the net book value of our residual interests. As of June 30, 2001, the weighted-average discount rate used to value the residuals was 13.4%.

19

    During the second quarter of 2000, we recorded a $21.2 million write-down to our residual interests issued prior to 2000. This write-down resulted primarily from our decision to increase the discount rates used to value the residual interests. During the fourth quarter of 2000, we recorded a write-down of $45.8 million. Approximately $26.9 million of this write-down stemmed from Salomon Smith Barney's exercise of the call option in connection with our 1998-NC5 securitization transaction with Salomon. None of our other securitization transactions contain such a call feature. The remainder of the fourth quarter write-downs resulted from (i) a continuing increase in prepayment speeds, which occurred despite the increase in interest rates, and (ii) an increase in overall loss assumptions.

    During the quarter ended June 30, 2001, based on recent historical experience, we increased the loss assumptions used to determine the value of our residual interests. However, the favorable interest rate environment and the current LIBOR forward curve resulted in an increase in the value of the residual interests that offset the loss in value related to the higher loss assumptions. Therefore, there was no adjustment to the carrying value of the residuals at June 30, 2001.

    The following table sets forth loan sales and securitizations for the periods indicated:

 
   For the Year Ended December 31,
   For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
 
   (in thousands)

   (in thousands)
Securitizations   $ 2,265,700   $ 3,017,658   $ 1,029,477   $ 644,454   $ 380,242
Whole loan sales     1,477,225     1,033,006     3,133,205     1,320,462     1,839,416
   
 
 
 
 
Subtotal     3,742,925     4,050,664     4,162,682     1,964,916     2,219,658
Less: Loans acquired to securitize(1)     (544,704 )   (61,312 )   —     —     —
   
 
 
 
 
Net loan sales   $ 3,198,221   $ 3,989,352   $ 4,162,682   $ 1,964,916   $ 2,219,658
   
 
 
 
 
(1)
Loans acquired to securitize represent loans sold back to us by whole loan investors for the purpose of securitizing those loans. These loan acquisitions are effected at current market prices for such loans.

    In recent quarters, whole loan buyers have tended to confine their purchases to loans with very specific attributes rather than merely purchasing a full cross section of a seller's production. Likewise, in recent quarters, buyers have tended to perform more rigorous due diligence reviews of loan pools, and have typically elected to exclude a significant percentage of loans from a pool on various bases.

    During the third quarter of 2000, we revised our underwriting guidelines to eliminate certain loans or loan attributes that our whole loan investors are not willing to buy. These guideline adjustments, such as the elimination of high-cost mortgages and loans to borrowers with credit scores less than 500, were designed to originate the types of loans that are more closely aligned to the guidelines of our whole loan investors. We are continuing to focus on changes that will increase the percentage of our loans that are sold at a premium and reduce the severity of loss on loans sold at a discount.

    During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we sold approximately $190.5 million in loans at a discount to their outstanding principal balance. Almost all of these loans were originated prior to December 31, 2000. These loans consisted of delinquent loans, loans with documentation defects or loans that were rejected by whole loan buyers because of certain characteristics. The weighted-average gain on sale on the loans we sold at a premium during this period was 103.62%. After taking into account discounted loan sales, the net gain on sale was reduced to 102.14%. As a result of the high volume of discounted loan sales, the unsold aged inventory of loans held for sale decreased to $22.3 million as of June 30, 2001, from $78.6 million as of December 31, 2000.

20

Results of Operations

    The following table sets forth our results of operations as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:

 
   For the Year Ended December 31,
   For the Six Months Ended June 30,
  
 
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2000
   2001
  
Revenues:                      
  Gain on sale of loans   59.6 % 52.0 % 9.1 % 22.0 % 52.0 %
  Interest income   27.0   26.3   41.1   37.6   20.4  
  Servicing income   5.1   10.0   18.4   16.1   8.4  
  Residual income   8.3   11.7   30.4   23.7   18.4  
  Other income   0   0   1.0   0.6   0.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues   100.0   100.0   100.0   100.0   100.0  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses   70.3   71.4   122.4   102.0   87.5  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)   29.7   28.6   (22.4 ) (2.0 ) 12.5  
Income taxes (benefit)   12.0   11.7   (8.4 ) (0.6 ) 5.4  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   17.7 % 16.9 % (14.0 )% (1.4 )% 7.1 %
   
 
 
 
 
 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2001 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2000

Originations and Purchases

    We originated and purchased $2.4 billion in loans for the six months ended June 30, 2001, compared to $2.1 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2000, an increase of 16.6%. Wholesale loan originations and purchases were $1.9 billion, or 79.3%, of total originations and purchases for the six months ended June 30, 2001. Retail loan originations and purchases were $499.3 million, or 20.7%, of total originations and purchases for the six months ended June 30, 2001. For the same period in 2000, wholesale and retail originations and purchases totaled $1.5 billion, or 72.7%, and $564.2 million, or 27.3%, respectively, of total originations and purchases.

Loan Sales and Securitizations

    Whole loan sales increased to $1.8 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2001, from $1.3 billion for the corresponding period in 2000, an increase of 39.3%. This increase is the result of higher production volume in 2001, as well as an increase in the percentage of whole loan sales versus securitizations. Loans sold through whole loan sales represented 82.9% of total loan sales in the six months ended June 30, 2001, compared to 67.2% for the corresponding period in 2000. Securitizations decreased to $380.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001, from $644.5 million for the comparable period in 2000, a decrease of 41.0%.

Revenues

    Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001 increased by 17.1% to $112.7 million, from $96.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000. This increase was primarily due to a $21.2 million fair value adjustment to residual interests in the second quarter of 2000, which reduced gain on sale of loans during this period. After the effect of the adjustment, revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001 decreased by $4.8 million. This decrease was the result of decreases in interest and servicing income, partially offset by an increase in the gain from loan sales and securitizations.

21

    Gain on Sale.  The components of the gain on sale of loans are illustrated in the following table:

 
   For the Six Months Ended June 30,
  
 
   2000
   2001
  
 
   (in thousands)

  
Gain from whole loan sale transactions   $ 33,136   $ 47,631  
Gain from securitization of loans     35,116     19,103  
Non-cash gain from servicing asset     3,138     4,938  
Cash gain on sale of servicing rights     —     1,973  
Securitization expenses     (3,050 )   (1,509 )
Accrued interest     (3,804 )   (745 )
Provision for losses     (5,850 )   (5,441 )
Fair value adjustment of residual interests     (21,197 )   —  
Non-refundable loan fees(1)     29,969     28,708  
Premiums paid(2)     (14,753 )   (10,269 )
Origination costs     (31,500 )   (25,100 )
Hedging losses     —     (610 )
   
 
 
Gain on sales of loans   $ 21,205   $ 58,679  
   
 
 
(1)
Non-refundable loan fees represent points and fees collected from borrowers.

(2)
Premiums paid represent fees paid to brokers for wholesale loan originations and purchases.

    Interest Income.  Interest income decreased by 36.6% to $23.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001, compared to $36.2 million for the same period in 2000, primarily due to a decrease in the average inventory of loans receivable held for sale that resulted from our closing of loan sale transactions throughout the six month period in 2001, compared to sales predominantly at the end of each quarter in 2000.

    Servicing Income.  Servicing income decreased by 38.9% to $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001, from $15.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000. This decrease resulted from the sale of $4.8 billion in mortgage loan servicing rights to Ocwen Federal Bank FSB during the first quarter of 2001. The initial transfer of $242.1 million of this servicing portfolio to Ocwen was completed in June 2001, and the balance is scheduled to be completed in August 2001. After the transfer, we will no longer receive servicing fees and related income on this portion of our portfolio.

    Residual Interest Income.  Residual interest income decreased slightly to $20.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 from $22.8 million for the corresponding period in 2000, a decrease of 9.3%, as a result of the decrease in the average balance of residual interests in securitizations.

Expenses

    Operating expenses increased slightly to $98.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 from $98.3 million for the comparable period in 2000, an increase of 0.3%. Personnel expenses increased to $37.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 from $28.3 million for the same period in 2000 as a result of higher loan origination and purchase volume. In addition, the amount of personnel expense that is directly related to the origination process and reported as a reduction in gain on sale of loans decreased to $25.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 from $31.5 million for the comparable period in 2000. Interest expense decreased to $29.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 from $35.5 million for the same period in 2000, primarily due to a decrease in the average warehouse and aggregation borrowings secured by the inventory of loans receivable held for

22

sale that resulted from closing loan sale transactions throughout the period in 2001, compared to sales predominantly at quarter-end in 2000.

Income Taxes

    Income taxes increased to $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 from a benefit of $613,000 for the comparable period in 2000. This increase resulted from an increase in pretax income, as well as an increase in the effective tax rate to 43.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2001, from 31.5% for the comparable period in 2000. The effective tax rate is affected by goodwill amortization, which is not deductible for tax purposes. After adjusting for this difference, the effective tax rate for both periods was the same.

Residual Interests

    Residual interests in securitizations decreased to $324.6 million at June 30, 2001, from $393.9 at June 30, 2000, a decrease of 17.6%. The decrease resulted from the $45.9 million write-down in December 2000, and the call of 1998-NC5 in January 2001, partially offset by a third quarter 2000 securitization.

    During the quarter ended June 30, 2001, based on recent historical experience, we increased the loss assumptions used to determine the value of our residual interests. However, the favorable interest rate environment and the current LIBOR forward curve resulted in an increase in the value of the residual interests that offset the loss in value related to the higher loss assumptions. Therefore, there was no adjustment to the carrying value of the residuals at June 30, 2001.

Year Ended December 31, 2000 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1999

Originations and Purchases

    We originated and purchased $4.2 billion in loans for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to $4.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 1999, an increase of 1.8%. Loans originated and purchased through our Wholesale Division and Worth Funding were $3.1 billion, or 73.3%, of total originations and purchases for the year ended December 31, 2000. Loans originated through our Retail Branch Operations and Central Retail Division were $1.1 billion, or 26.7%, of total originations and purchases for the year ended December 31, 2000. Our subsidiary, Primewest Funding, merged with another subsidiary, New Century Mortgage Corporation, during the latter part of 2000 and became a part of our Central Retail Operations.

Loan Sales and Securitizations

    Whole loan sales for the year ended December 31, 2000, increased to approximately $3.2 billion, or 203.3%, from $1.0 billion for the corresponding period in 1999. This increase is the result of our election to sell a greater percentage of our loan originations and purchases through whole loan sales during 2000. Securitizations decreased to $1.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2000, from $3.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 1999, a decrease of $65.9%.

Revenues

    Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased to $163.9 million, or 29.9%, from $233.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, due primarily to $67.0 million in adjustments recorded to our residual interests in securitizations, including a $26.9 million loss resulting from the call and subsequent resale of the collateral underlying the 1998 NC-5 security. This adjustment reduced the gain on sale of loans, which decreased to $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, or 87.7%, from $121.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.

23

    We sold $4.2 billion in loans for the year ended December 31, 2000, consisting of $3.2 billion through whole loan sale transactions and $1.0 billion through securitizations.

    Gain On Sale.  The components of the gain on sale of loans are illustrated in the following table:

 
   For the Years Ended December 31,
  
 
   1999
   2000
  
 
   (in thousands)

  
Gain from whole loan sale transactions   $ 30,749   $ 73,737  
Non-cash gain from securitizations (NIR gains)     169,980     54,035  
Non-cash gain from servicing asset     16,368     8,009  
Cash gain (loss) from securitizations/NIMs transactions     (4,670 )   2,062  
Securitization expenses     (17,161 )   (4,637 )
Accrued interest     (14,807 )   (7,201 )
Write-down of NIR     (23,000 )   (67,006 )
Provision for losses     (2,549 )   (15,451 )
Non-refundable fees     54,498     61,085  
Premiums, net     (22,355 )   (27,287 )
Origination costs     (63,300 )   (62,800 )
Hedging gains (losses)     (2,181 )   406  
   
 
 
Gain on sales of loans   $ 121,672   $ 14,952  
   
 
 

    Interest Income.  Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2000 increased to $67.4 million, or 9.6%, from $61.5 million for the same period in 1999. Interest income is earned on loans held in inventory for sale. This interest income accrues during periods when loans are accumulated for future sales and increases as loan originations and purchases increase. The increase in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2000 is the result of a higher average inventory of loans held for sale compared to the corresponding period in 1999. The average inventory held for sale for the year ended December 31, 2000, based on quarter-end balances was $452.5 million, compared to $387.7 million for the corresponding period in 1999.

    Servicing Income.  Servicing income for the year ended December 31, 2000 increased to $30.1 million, or 28.4%, from $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. This increase was a result of the increase in our servicing portfolio. After the transfer of the servicing platform to Ocwen, we will continue to receive the interest income on the residual interests but will no longer receive the servicing fees and related income on the portion of the portfolio that was sold.

    Residual Interest Income.  Residual interest income for the year ended December 31, 2000 increased to $49.9 million, or 82.1%, from $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. Residual interest income increased as a result of the increase in the average balance of residual interests in securitizations, from $261.3 million in 1999 to $385.5 million in 2000.

Expenses

    Operating expenses increased by 20.1% to $200.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, from $167.1 million for 1999. Interest expense increased to $72.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 from $53.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, as a result of the higher average loan inventory and related warehouse and aggregation borrowings, as well as an increase in subordinated debt and residual financing outstanding. General and administrative expenses increased to $52.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 from $42.7 million for 1999 as a result of (i) costs

24

incurred to develop new technology, including our automated underwriting system, (ii) costs incurred to develop our anyloan.com web site, and (iii) separation expenses associated with the decrease in staff from 1,770 employees at December 31, 1999 to 1,511 employees at December 31, 2000.

Income Taxes

    Income taxes decreased to a benefit of $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, from an expense of $27.4 million for 1999. This decrease resulted from a decrease in pretax income, as well as a different effective tax rate applied to the two periods. The effective tax rate of 37.4% used to calculate the tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2000 was reduced from 40.9% by the effect of the portion of the Company's state net operating loss carryforward that is forfeited under California tax law.

Residual Interests

    The carrying value of our residual interests at December 31, 1999 and December 31, 2000 is summarized below:

 
   As of December 31,
 
   1999
   2000
 
   (in thousands)
Book value of securities   $ 369,689   $ 361,646
Less: General valuation allowance for NIR     (5,000 )   —
   
 
Net carrying value   $ 364,689   $ 361,646
   
 

    During the second quarter of 2000, we recorded a $21.2 million write-down to our residual interests we issued prior to 2000. This write-down resulted primarily from our decision to increase the discount rates used to value our residual interests. During the fourth quarter of 2000, we recorded a total write-down of $45.8 million. Approximately $26.9 million of this adjustment stemmed from Salomon Smith Barney's exercise of a call option for our 1998-NC5 securitization transaction. None of our other securitization transactions contain such a call feature. The remainder of the fourth quarter write-downs resulted from (i) a continuing increase in prepayment speeds which occurred despite the increase in interest rates, and (ii) an increase in overall loss assumptions.

Year Ended December 31, 1999 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1998

Originations and Purchases

    We originated and purchased $4.1 billion in loans for the year ended December 31, 1999, compared to $3.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 1998. Loans originated and purchased through our Wholesale Division were $2.9 billion, or 70.9%, of our total originations and purchases for the year ended December 31, 1999. Loans originated through our Retail Division, including anyloan.com, were $1.0 billion, or 25.1%, of our total originations and purchases for the year ended December 31, 1999. Loans originated through our subsidiary, Primewest, were $163.1 million, or 4.0%, of our total originations and purchases for the year ended December 31, 1999. For the same period in 1998, Wholesale, Retail and Primewest originations and purchases totaled $2.4 billion, or 71.7%, $842.8 million, or 25.3%, and $99.3 million, or 3.0%, respectively, of our total originations and purchases.

25

Loan Sales and Securitizations

    Whole loan sales for the year ended December 31, 1999 decreased to $1.0 billion, or 30.1%, from $1.5 billion for the corresponding period in 1998. This decrease resulted from our election to sell a greater percentage of our loan originations and purchases through securitizations due to whole loan prices remaining at historically low levels. Securitizations increased to $3.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 1999, from $2.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 1998, a increase of 33.2%.

Revenues

    Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999 increased to $233.9 million, or 32.6%, from $176.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, due primarily to the increase in loan originations, purchases and sales as well as the growth in the servicing portfolio in 1999. Gain on sale of loans increased to $121.7 million, or 15.8%, for the year ended December 31, 1999, from $105.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 due to the increase in loan sales in 1999.

    We sold $4.0 billion in loans for the year ended December 31, 1999, of which $1.0 billion were sold through whole loan sale transactions and $3.0 billion were sold through securitizations. The loans we sold through securitizations included $61.3 million in loans that we acquired from a whole loan investor in the third quarter of 1999 for the purpose of securitizing the loans.

    Gain on Sale.  The components of the gain on sale of loans are illustrated in the following table:

 
   For the Years Ended December 31,
  
 
   1998
   1999
  
 
   (in thousands)

  
Gain from whole loan sale transactions   $ 58,001   $ 30,749  
Non-cash gain from securitizations (NIR gains)     168,065     169,980  
Non-cash gain from servicing asset     8,791     16,368  
Cash gain (loss) from securitizations/NIMs transactions     (4,664 )   (4,670 )
Securitization expenses     (13,664 )   (17,161 )
Accrued interest     (11,818 )   (14,807 )
Write-down of NIR     (5,900 )   (23,000 )
General valuation allowance for NIR     (7,500 )   —  
Provision for losses     (6,400 )   (2,549 )
Non-refundable fees     47,933     54,598  
Premiums, net     (58,816 )   (22,355 )
Origination costs     (62,783 )   (63,300 )
Hedging losses     (6,185 )   (2,181 )
   
 
 
Gain on sales of loans   $ 105,060   $ 121,672  
   
 
 

    Interest Income.  Interest income for the year ended December 31, 1999 increased to $61.5 million, or 29.0%, from $47.7 million for the same period in 1998. Interest income is earned on loans held in inventory for sale. Such interest income accrues during periods when loans are accumulated for future sales, and increases as loan originations and purchases increase. The increase in interest income for the year ended December 31, 1999 is the result of a higher average inventory of loans held for sale compared to the corresponding period in 1998. The average inventory held for sale for the year ended December 31, 1999, based on quarter-end balances, was $387.7 million, compared to $302.6 million for the corresponding period in 1998.

26

    Servicing Income.  Servicing income for the year ended December 31, 1999 increased to $23.4 million, or 158.2%, from $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, as a result of an increase in the servicing portfolio and our assumption of all servicing responsibilities for loans previously sub-serviced by Advanta Mortgage Corporation.

    Residual Interest Income.  Residual interest income for the year ended December 31, 1999 increased to $27.4 million, or 87.3%, from $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1998. The increase in residual interest income resulted from an increase in the residual interests in the securitizations, from $205.4 million at December 31, 1998 to $364.7 million at December 31, 1999.

Expenses

    Operating expenses increased 34.6% to $167.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, from $124.1 million in 1998. Personnel expenses increased to $54.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, from $41.3 million for 1998, as a result of higher loan origination and purchase volume in 1999 and an increase in staffing from 1,417 employees at December 31, 1998 to 1,770 employees at December 31, 1999. Interest expense increased to $53.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 from $40.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, as a result of the higher average loan inventory and related warehouse and aggregation borrowings, as well as an increase in residual financing outstanding. General and administrative expenses increased to $42.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 from $31.0 million for 1998, as a result of increased loan origination and purchase volume in 1999. Advertising and promotion expenses increased to $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 from $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, as a result of costs incurred in conducting market research and media testing, including radio and television.

Income Taxes

    Income tax expense increased to $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 from $21.2 million for 1998. This increase resulted from an increase in pretax income, as well as a slight increase in the effective tax rate in 1999 to 40.9%, from 40.5% in 1998.

Residual Interests

    The carrying value of our residual interests at December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1999 is summarized below:

 
   As of December 31,
  
 
   1998
   1999
  
 
   (in thousands)

  
Book value of securities   $ 215,895   $ 369,689  
Less: General valuation allowance for NIR     (10,500 )   (5,000 )
   
 
 
Net carrying value   $ 205,395   $ 364,689  
   
 
 

    During the fourth quarter, we recorded a $10 million adjustment to our residual interests issued prior to 1999, representing approximately 2.7% of the total carrying value of residual interests, and resulting in a $0.31 cent decrease in fourth quarter diluted net earnings per share. This adjustment was the result of (i) a continuing increase in prepayment speeds that occurred despite the increase in interest rates, and (ii) an increase in overall static pool loss assumption to 2.50%.

27

Quarterly Results of Operations

    The following data was derived from unaudited consolidated financial information for each of the ten quarters ending June 30, 2001. This data has been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus and, in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto. The operating results in any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.

 
   For the Three Months Ended
 
   March 31,
1999
   June 30,
1999
   September 30,
1999
   December 31,
1999
   March 31, 2000
   June 30,
2000
   September 30,
2000
   December 31,
2000
   March 31,
2001
   June 30,
2001
 
   (in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:                                                            
Gain (loss) on sale of loans   $ 29,428   $ 30,187   $ 35,275   $ 26,782   $ 22,810   $ (1,605 ) $ 20,265   $ (26,518 ) $ 20,550   $ 38,129
Interest income     15,318     13,656     16,014     16,469     18,441     17,771     15,338     15,801     9,258     13,717
Servicing income     4,006     5,234     6,222     7,966     7,809     7,746     7,654     6,883     6,506     2,998
Residual interest income     5,459     6,881     5,525     9,520     11,324     11,481     13,369     13,694     11,154     9,530
Other income     —     —     —     —     —     540     564     549     487     420
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues     54,211     55,958     63,036     60,737     60,384     35,933     57,190     10,409     47,955     64,794
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                                                            
Personnel     12,191     12,602     13,964     15,877     13,244     15,071     11,830     17,273     18,100     18,908
Interest     12,416     10,936     13,640     16,201     18,087     17,391     18,562     18,086     16,095     12,967
General and administrative     9,474     9,761     10,722     12,775     11,488     12,672     14,575     13,866     13,165     11,635
Advertising and promotion     2,385     2,742     3,466     3,174     3,464     3,943     2,682     2,592     2,784     2,374
Professional services     1,120     1,316     956     1,338     1,384     1,516     1,235     1,736     1,006     1,551
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses     37,586     37,357     42,748     49,365     47,667     50,593     48,884     53,553     51,150     47,435
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     16,625     18,601     20,288     11,372     12,717     (14,660 )   8,306     (43,144 )   (3,195 )   17,359
Income taxes (benefit)     6,813     7,722     8,360     4,482     5,444     (6,057 )   3,569     (16,712 )   (1,343 )   7,466
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   $ 9,812   $ 10,879   $ 11,928   $ 6,890   $ 7,273   $ (8,603 ) $ 4,737   $ (26,432 ) $ (1,852 ) $ 9,893
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.66   $ 0.73   $ 0.78   $ 0.42   $ 0.45   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.27   $ (1.84 ) $ (0.19 ) $ 0.61
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.55   $ 0.60   $ 0.62   $ 0.36   $ 0.38   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.24   $ (1.84 ) $ 0.19   $ 0.51
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

    Quarterly volatility in revenues has primarily been the result of adjustments to the fair value of our residual interests. The loss on sale of loans in the second and fourth quarters of 2000 resulted from write-downs in the carrying value of residual interests of $21.2 million and $45.9 million, respectively. Residual interests in securitizations increased through 1999 and the first half 2000, and have since declined as a result of the decrease in securitization activity. Interest income earned on our inventory of loans receivable held for sale has fluctuated as a result of the timing of loan sales, which affects the holdings periods of the loans. Our servicing portfolio grew steadily until the March 2001 sale to Ocwen Federal Bank FSB.

    Expenses have grown generally in proportion to the growth in loan origination volume. While increased volume resulted in higher general and administrative expenses, consolidation and operating efficiencies have resulted in only moderate growth in overhead.

    Our quarterly results are likely to vary due to a number of factors, such as:

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   For the Three Months Ended
  
 
   March 31,
1999
   June 30,
1999
   September 30,
1999
   December 31,
1999
   March 31,
2000
   June 30,
2000
   September 30,
2000
   December 31,
2000
   March 31,
2001
   June 30,
2001
  
Revenues:                                          
Gain (loss) on sale of loans   54.2 % 53.9 % 56.0 % 44.1 % 37.8 % (4.5 )% 35.4 % (254.8 )% 42.8 % 58.9 %
Interest income   28.3   24.4   25.3   27.1   30.5   49.5   26.8   151.8   19.3   21.2  
Servicing income   7.4   9.4   9.9   13.1   12.9   21.6   13.4   66.1   13.6   4.6  
Residual interest income   10.1   12.3   8.8   15.7   18.8   31.9   23.4   131.6   23.3   14.7  
Other income   —   —   —   —   —   1.5   1.0   5.3   1.0   0.6  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                                          
Personnel   22.4   22.6   22.2   26.2   21.9   41.9   20.6   165.9   37.7   29.1  
Interest   22.9   19.5   21.6   26.7   30.0   48.4   32.5   173.8   33.6   20.0  
General and administrative   17.5   17.4   17.0   21.0   19.0   35.3   25.5   133.2   27.5   18.0  
Advertising and promotion   4.4   4.9   5.5   5.2   5.7   11.0   4.7   24.9   5.8   3.7  
Professional services   2.1   2.4   1.5   2.2   2.3   4.2   2.2   16.7   2.1   2.4  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses   69.3 % 66.8 % 67.8 % 81.3 % 78.9 % 140.8 % 85.5 % 514.5 % 106.7 % 73.2 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)   30.7 % 33.2 % 32.2 % 18.7 % 21.1 % (40.8 )% 14.5 % (414.5 )% (6.7 )% 26.8 %
Income taxes (benefit)   12.6   13.8   13.3   7.4   9.0   (16.9 ) 6.2   (160.6 ) (2.8 ) 11.5  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   18.1 % 19.4 % 18.9 % 11.3 % 12.1 % (23.9 )% 8.3 % (253.9 )% (3.9 )% 15.3 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

    We need to borrow substantial sums of money each quarter to originate and purchase mortgage loans. We do not purchase bulk pools of loans. We need separate credit arrangements to hold these loans until we have aggregated a pool that we sell through securitization or whole loan sales.

    We use our syndicated warehouse line of credit led by U.S. Bank National Association, as well as the warehouse and aggregation facility with CDC Mortgage Capital, to finance the actual funding of our loan originations and purchases. After we fund loans on our warehouse lines and all loan documentation is complete, we generally transfer the loans to one of our aggregation facilities. We then sell through securitization or whole loan sales the loans within two or three months and pay down the aggregation facilities with the proceeds.

    In prior periods, when we securitized loans, we generally needed financing secured by the residual interests that we received in the transaction. The investment bank that underwrote the securitization typically provided this financing. During the second quarter of 2001, as a result of a NIM transaction in connection with our securitization, we realized net cash proceeds in an amount similar to whole loan sales. Subject to market conditions, we expect to continue to utilize this form of securitization in future periods.

    Our credit facilities contain customary covenants including maintaining specified levels of liquidity and net worth, restricting indebtedness and investments and requiring compliance with applicable laws. If we fail to comply with any of these covenants, the lender has the right to terminate the facility and require immediate repayment. In addition, if we default under one facility, it would generally trigger a

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default under our other facilities. The material terms and features of our various credit facilities are as follows:

    The U.S. Bank Warehouse Credit Agreement.  We have a $300.0 million syndicated warehouse line of credit led by U.S. Bank National Association that expires in May 2002 and bears interest at a rate equal to the one month LIBOR plus 1.625%. At June 30, 2001, the balance outstanding under the warehouse line of credit was $275.0 million.

    Borrowings under the warehouse line are generally secured by first mortgages funded through the facility. Within seven business days of funding, we are required to deposit the mortgage note and file with U.S. Bank to be held as collateral. If the file is incomplete, U.S. Bank ceases to count the loan when it calculates our available borrowing capacity. As a consequence, we are essentially forced to use our own cash to carry the loan until the file defect can be cured and the loan can be resubmitted under the warehouse line. As of June 30, 2001, our "zero-collateral" balance was not material and did not affect our liquidity.

    The warehouse line is contingent upon having a committed "take-out"—generally a committed aggregation facility or a forward sale commitment—for the financed loans. The advance rate for a loan on the warehouse line is generally calculated as the lesser of (i) 99% of the unpaid principal balance of the loan and (ii) the take-out commitment level minus 2.0%.

    CDC Warehouse and Aggregation Facility.  In July 2001, we entered into a $200 million repurchase agreement with CDC Mortgage Capital. The agreement allows for both funding of loan originations and aggregation of loans for up to six months pending their sale or securitization. The facility expires in July 2002 and bears interest at rates ranging from 0.95% to 1.25% above the one-month LIBOR. The advance rate on loans is a maximum of 100% of the outstanding principal balance. We began using this facility in tandem with the U.S. Bank warehouse line of credit in late July 2001.

    Salomon Aggregation Facility.  As of June 30, 2001, we had a $500 million aggregation facility with Salomon Smith Barney, which bears interest at a rate generally equal to the one month LIBOR plus 1.25%. This facility expires in December 2001, but can be terminated by Salomon upon 28 days written notice. As of June 30, 2001, the outstanding balance on the facility was $177.5 million.

    Salomon Loan Agreement for Delinquent and Problem Loans.  We also have a $25.0 million Master Loan and Security Agreement with Salomon that is secured by delinquent or problem loans and by properties we obtained in foreclosures. This facility also expires in December 2001 and bears interest at a rate equal to the one-month LIBOR plus 2.00%. As of June 30, 2001, the outstanding balance on this facility was $1.7 million.

    Morgan Stanley Aggregation Facility.  We also have a $400 million aggregation facility with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital. It expires in November 2001 and bears interest at a rate generally equal to the one-month LIBOR plus 1.05%. As of June 30, 2001, the balance outstanding under this facility was $124.9 million.

    PaineWebber Aggregation and Residual Financing Facility.  In addition, we have a $300 million uncommitted aggregation and residual financing facility with PaineWebber Real Estate Securities. We expect to terminate this facility upon retirement of the outstanding residual financing projected to occur prior to year end 2001. As of June 30, 2001, the balance outstanding under the residual financing portion of this facility was $2.0 million. There was no outstanding balance under the aggregation portion of this facility as of June 30, 2001.

    Residual Financing Arrangements.  As of June 30, 2001, we had residual financing arrangements with Salomon, Greenwich Capital Markets, PaineWebber, and Countrywide Warehouse Lending,

30

whereby each lender provides financing secured by our residual interests in securitizations as well as our residual interests from NIM transactions.

    The Salomon facility is structured as a repurchase arrangement and does not have a specified limit. All cash flows from the financed residuals are directed to pay down the facility. Based upon current projections, we expect these cash flows to be adequate to cover the minimum monthly and quarterly pay-down obligations. If there is a shortfall, we will be required to make up the difference using our general working capital. As of June 30, 2001, the outstanding balance under the Salomon facility was $111.3 million. We expect the facility to be repaid prior to its maturity in December 2002.

    The Greenwich residual financing facility had an outstanding balance of $4.6 million as of June 30, 2001 and will be repaid by October 2001. The PaineWebber facility is uncommitted, and is built into the overall $300 million limit for that facility. The Countrywide residual financing facility is structured as a rolling monthly repurchase agreement requiring a principal reduction of $133,000 per month until the expected repayment date of July 2002. The outstanding balance under this facility as of June 30, 2001 was $1.7 million. These facilities bear interest at a range of 1.75 - 5.0% above the one-month LIBOR.

Other Borrowings

    During 1999 and 2000, U.S. Bancorp provided us with a total of $40 million in subordinated debt secured by a second lien on our Warehouse Agreement collateral as well as subordinate interests in our residuals. This debt bears interest at a rate of 12% per year and expires in December 2003.

    We have a discretionary, non-revolving $5.0 million line of credit with an affiliate of U.S. Bank that is secured by our furniture and equipment. Advances under this facility are made periodically at the discretion of the lender and bear interest at a fixed-rate established at the time of each advance for a term of three years. As of June 30, 2001, the balance outstanding under this facility was $1.1 million and the weighted-average interest rate was 9.7%. In addition, as of June 30, 2001, we had various non-revolving operating lease agreements totaling $18.3 million.

Residual Cash Flows

    We expect to have repaid all residual financing by the end of 2002. The majority of the funds for the repayment come from the residual cash flows themselves. Once the residual financing is repaid, we anticipate that the residual cash flows will be a significant source of liquidity and working capital for us to support future operations.

Recent Private Placement

    In July 2001, we raised gross proceeds of approximately $15 million through a private placement of 1,442,308 shares of our common stock at $10.40 per share. Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. served as placement agent for this transaction. Net proceeds to us totaled approximately $14.15 million. In connection with this transaction, we agreed to promptly register for resale the shares sold in the private placement and to maintain the effectiveness of the registration for up to two years, subject to customary exceptions.

Cash Flow

    For the six months ended June 30, 2001, cash flow from operations provided approximately $10.3 million in cash. Positive cash flow from operations resulted primarily from improved execution of our secondary marketing strategy. One of our objectives in our business plan for 2001 was to achieve cash flow neutral and then cash flow positive operations. To that end, we have focused on a loan sale strategy that emphasizes maximization of cash flow and a cost reduction strategy to improve both cash

31

flow and profit margins. We have made significant progress during the second quarter in achieving our goals for 2001 relative to both maximizing cash flow from loan sales and reducing operating expenses.

    Our loan origination and purchase programs still require significant cash investments, including the funding of: (i) fees paid to brokers and correspondents in connection with generating loans through wholesale lending activities; (ii) commissions paid to sales employees to originate loans; (iii) any difference between the amount funded per loan and the amount advanced under the current warehouse facility; (iv) principal and interest payments on residual financing in excess of cash flows we have received from residuals; and (v) income tax payments arising from the recognition of gain on sale of loans. We also require cash to fund ongoing operating and administrative expenses, including capital expenditures and debt service. Our sources of operating cash flow include: (i) the premium advance component of the aggregation facilities; (ii) premiums obtained in whole loan sales; (iii) mortgage origination income and fees; and (iv) interest income on loans held for sale.

    During the first two quarters of 2001, we generated additional cash from investing activities as a result of two non-recurring transactions. First, we received cash in connection with the call of the 1998-NC5 securitization in January 2001. The proceeds we received as holder of residual interests in this transaction totaled $32.4 million, $25.9 million of which was used to pay down residual financing on this security, $0.7 million covered disposition expenses, and $5.8 million increased our cash and liquidity.

    In addition, in March 2001, we received approximately $36.9 million in cash from the sale of servicing rights and servicing advance receivables to Ocwen, $32.9 million of which was used to pay down short-term borrowing and $4.0 million increased our cash and liquidity.

Liquidity Strategy for 2001

    We took steps early in 2001 to improve our liquidity and cash flow. The Ocwen transaction allowed us to pay down approximately $32.9 million in debt and also receive approximately $4.0 million in cash. Moreover, as a result of the Ocwen transaction, we are no longer obligated to make servicing advances on our securitized loans. At the same time, however, our sale to Ocwen reduced servicing cash flows by approximately $3.5 million in the second quarter. Upon completion of the transfer of servicing to Ocwen, we expect to discontinue our loan servicing operations.

    In addition, the amendment of our Salomon residual financing arrangement makes us substantially less vulnerable to margin calls on our residual financing. Likewise, the extension of the maturity of the U.S. Bank subordinated debt allows us to time repayment of that debt to coincide with the anticipated cash flows from our residual interests.

    We intend to continue to concentrate on improving cash flow in order to maintain cash-flow positive operations. Our principal strategies will be (i) continuing to reduce the loan acquisition cost for loans, with a goal of reducing it to 2.25% by the end of 2001 and to 2.0% by the end of 2003, (ii) reducing the number of loans that we must sell at a discount as a result of defects because they are rejected by loan buyers or because the borrower failed to make the first payment, (iii) reducing the size of the average loss on sale for those loans that are sold at a discount, (iv) improving the gain on sale of loans sold at a premium, and (v) increasing net interest income by holding loans for a longer period of time prior to their sale or securitization. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve these goals and operate on a cash flow neutral or cash flow positive basis.

    Subject to the various uncertainties described above, and assuming that we will be able to successfully execute our liquidity strategy, we anticipate that our liquidity, credit facilities and capital resources will be sufficient to fund our operations for the foreseeable future.

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Quantitative and Qualitative Market Risk Disclosure

    Market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from the potential change in the value of a financial instrument due to fluctuations in interest rates. Market risk is inherent to both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and accordingly, the scope of our market risk management includes all market risk sensitive financial instruments.

    We monitor the value of our residual interests using various scenarios for interest rate, prepayment and loss assumptions. Certain financial instruments perform poorly in an increasing or decreasing interest rate environment, other instruments may perform well, and others may not be impacted at all.

    We use several tools and risk management strategies to monitor and address interest rate risk. Such tools allow us to monitor and evaluate our exposure to these risks and to manage the risk profile of our residual interest portfolio in response to changes in the market risk.

    We measured the sensitivity of the current value of our residual interests to changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates are defined as instantaneous and sustained parallel interest rate movements in 50 basis point increments in the forward LIBOR curve. We estimated the fair value of our residual interests assuming there would be no changes in interest rates from those at period end. Once we established the base case, we projected cash flows for each of the defined interest rate scenarios. These projections were then compared with the base case to determine the estimated change to the fair value of our residual interests.

    The following table summarizes the sensitivity analysis of change in the fair value of our residual interests as of December 31, 2000 and June 30, 2001:

 
   Change in fair value as of:
  
 
   December 31, 2000
   June 30, 2001
  
Increase of 100 basis points   (6.4 )% (11.2 )%
Increase of 50 basis points   (3.0 )% (5.8 )%
Decrease of 50 basis points   5.9 % 5.9 %
Decrease of 100 basis points   8.3 % 11.9 %

Income Taxes

    We account for income taxes by using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

    In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Securities and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138 (collectively, "SFAS No. 133"). SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments imbedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (i) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (ii) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction, or (iii) a

33

hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available for sale security, or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction.

    Under SFAS No. 133, an entity that elects to apply hedge accounting is required to establish at the inception of the hedge the method it will use for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. Those methods must be consistent with the entity's approach to managing risk. This statement became effective on January 1, 2001.

    On January 1, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 133. As of December 31, 2000, we had already recognized all outstanding derivatives at fair value with the offset through earnings. Consequently, the adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not result in any adjustment to the recorded value of our derivative hedging instruments.

    In September 2000, FASB issued SFAS No. 140 to replace No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." SFAS No. 140 provides the accounting and reporting guidance for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. Statement No. 140 will be the authoritative accounting literature for: (i) securitization transactions involving financial assets; (ii) sales of financial assets; (iii) servicing assets and liabilities; (iv) securities lending transactions; (v) repurchase agreements; and (vi) extinguishment of liabilities. The accounting provisions are effective beginning after March 31, 2001. The reclassification and disclosure provisions are effective beginning after December 15, 2000. We adopted the disclosure provisions required by SFAS No. 140 and have included all appropriate and necessary disclosures required by SFAS No. 140 in our financial statements and footnotes. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

    The Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) consensus 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, provides guidance for interest income recognition and measurement of impairment for interests retained in a securitization. This consensus was required to be implemented by the Company on April 1, 2001. The consensus had no significant impact on the consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

    In July, 2001, FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Accounting for Business Combinations," and SFAS No. 142, "Accounting for Goodwill and Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 141 eliminates the ability to utilize the pooling of interests method of accounting for business combination transactions initiated after June 30, 2001. The purchase method of accounting is now required. SFAS 142 eliminates the existing requirement to amortize goodwill through a periodic charge to earnings. For existing goodwill, the elimination of the amortization requirement is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2002. As of that date, and at least annually thereafter, goodwill must be evaluated for impairment based on estimated fair value. As of June 30, 2001, the Company had goodwill of $3.6 million. Since the goodwill and related amortization has not been significant to the consolidated balance sheet and results of operations, the implementation of this standard is not expected to be material to the consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

34


BUSINESS

General

    We are a leading nationwide specialty mortgage banking company that originates, purchases and sells residential mortgage loans secured primarily by first mortgages on single-family residences. We offer a broad array of mortgage products focused on the needs of borrowers who generally do not satisfy the credit, documentation or other underwriting standards prescribed by conventional mortgage lenders and loan buyers, such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. We have been originating these types of loans since 1996 and believe we have developed a comprehensive and sophisticated process for credit evaluation and risk-based pricing that allows us to effectively manage the potentially higher risks associated with this segment of the mortgage industry.

    Our borrowers generally have considerable equity in the property securing their loan, but have impaired or limited credit profiles or higher debt-to-income ratios than traditional mortgage lenders allow. Our borrowers also include individuals who, due to self-employment or other circumstances, have difficulty verifying their income through conventional methods, and who prefer the prompt and personalized service we provide.

    We originate and purchase approximately 75% of our loans through our wholesale network of 7,200 independent mortgage brokers, and the remainder through our retail network of 66 branch offices located in 26 states and through our anyloan.com website. We are authorized to do business in all 50 states and regularly originate and purchase loans throughout the country. Wholesale originations and purchases occur through independent mortgage brokers who provide loans to the Wholesale Division of one of our subsidiaries, New Century Mortgage Corporation, as well as through its subsidiary, Worth Funding. Retail originations occur through New Century Mortgage's network of branch offices, through its Central Retail Division and from applicants directed to New Century Mortgage through another one of our subsidiaries, The Anyloan Company, including its anyloan.com website.

    Our loan sale strategy has historically included both securitizations and whole loan sales in order to achieve our goal of enhancing profits while managing cash flows. Our previous securitizations required us to make significant investments of cash at the time of securitization, and were not expected to generate significant cash flow to us for an extended period. In fiscal 2000, we transitioned our loan sales strategy to selling substantially all of our loans in a way so as to generate cash revenue and liquidity. Whole loan sale transactions enable us to generate current cash flow, protect against the potential volatility of the securitization market and reduce the risks inherent in retaining residual interests. In our most recent securitization, we employed a securitization structure that allowed us to achieve cash proceeds similar to those received through whole loan sales. We expect to continue to employ a combination of whole loan sales and cash flow positive securitizations in order to maximize our operating flexibility and to maintain multiple loan sales channels.

Industry Overview

    The residential mortgage market is the largest consumer finance market in the United States. Lenders in the United States originated over $1.02 trillion in single-family mortgage loans in 2000, and are expected to originate approximately $1.45 trillion in 2001. Generally, the industry is segmented by the size of the mortgage loans and credit characteristics of the borrowers. Mortgage loans that conform to the government-sponsored enterprise guidelines for both size and credit characteristics are called "conforming mortgages." All other mortgage loans are considered "non-conforming loans" because of the size of the loans (referred to as "jumbo mortgages") or the credit profiles of the borrowers (generally referred to as "Alt-A" and/or "sub-prime" mortgages). Historically, non-conforming mortgage loans have represented approximately 27% of total U.S. single-family mortgage originations. We believe this segment of the mortgage industry can provide higher risk-adjusted returns on investment than the

35

traditional conforming mortgage loan market, provided the lender has a comprehensive and sophisticated process for credit evaluation, risk-based pricing, and diligent servicing.

    Prior to the latter part of 1998, lenders such as us, typically referred to as "sub-prime" lenders, routinely originated and securitized a substantial amount of their mortgage loans, which allowed them to recognize significant accounting gain on sale that exceeded the amount at which such loans could be sold for cash. The securitization structures employed at that time required significant allocations of capital and cash, resulted in significant delays in the receipt of cash flows from the retained residual interests and exposed lenders to earnings and book value volatility. These lenders were able to readily raise capital and obtain financing to support this business strategy and provide necessary cash flow. In late 1998, partly as a result of foreign economic problems and the financial crisis of Long Term Capital Management, our industry experienced a significant liquidity crisis resulting in substantially decreased available financing, fewer whole loan buyers who sought to securitize and, as a result, lower prices for whole loans. During these extreme market conditions, a number of lenders implemented reduced pricing and other non-economic strategies in an effort to stay in business. Many of our competitors failed during this time period as a result of their inability to sell or securitize their loans profitably and meet the payment demands on their financing facilities.

Recent Operational Highlights

    Starting in late 1998, the market for our loans and the availability of capital and financing to mortgage lenders in our industry declined dramatically. We also experienced significant changes in the general level of interest rates and other economic conditions that adversely affected our business. In response to these events, we implemented several strategic initiatives that have reduced our risk profile and significantly improved our recent operating performance and financial results. These initiatives have allowed us to achieve our goal of positive cash flow from operations for the last two consecutive quarters. The key initiatives include:

36

Growth and Operating Strategies

    The following are our growth and operating strategies to increase earnings and improve cash flow:

37

Strengths and Competitive Advantages

    We believe that we have several strengths and competitive advantages that will allow us to compete effectively in our business, including:

Product Types

    We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, or ARMs. We also offer loans with an interest rate that is initially fixed for a period of time and that subsequently converts to an adjustable-rate. Most of the ARMs that we originate are offered at a low initial interest rate, sometimes referred to as a "start rate." At each interest rate adjustment date, we adjust the rate, subject to certain limitations on the amount of any single adjustment and a cap on the aggregate of all adjustments.

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    Our borrowers generally fall into six risk classifications. In addition, our products are available at different interest rates and with different origination and application points and fees depending on the particular borrower's risk classification (see "Business—Underwriting Standards"). Borrowers may choose to increase or decrease their interest rate through the payment of different levels of origination fees. Many of our fixed-rate borrowers, in particular, choose to "buy down" their interest rate through the payment of additional origination fees. Our maximum loan amounts are generally $500,000 with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 80%. We do, however, offer larger loans with lower loan-to-value ratios on a case-by-case basis. We also offer products that permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 95% for selected borrowers with a risk classification of "A+" or of up to 90% for selected borrowers with a risk classification of "A-." We have also introduced our "Prime Alternative" product (see "Business—Underwriting Standards") with unique grading designed to appeal to borrowers with higher credit quality.

    Loans originated or purchased by us during the first six months of 2001 had an average loan amount of approximately $130,000 and an average loan-to-value ratio of approximately 76%. If permitted by applicable law and agreed to by the borrower, our loans may also include a prepayment charge that is triggered by the loan's full or substantial prepayment early in the loan's term. Approximately 84% of the loans we originated or purchased during the first six months of 2001 included some form of prepayment provision.

Loan Originations and Purchases

    We originate and purchase loans through New Century Mortgage's Wholesale Division, Retail Branch Division, its subsidiary, Worth Funding and through our Central Retail Division. Our divisions originate and purchase loans as follows:

    Characteristics of the loans we originated and purchased during the first six months of 2001 include:

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Wholesale and Worth Funding

    During the first six months of 2001, our wholesale originations and purchases totaled $1.9 billion, or 79.3% of our total loan production, including $151.2 million, or 6.3%, which originated through Worth Funding. As of June 30, 2001, the Wholesale Division operated through five regional operating centers located in Southern California, Northern California, Schaumburg, Illinois, Englewood, Colorado, and Tampa, Florida. The Wholesale Division also operated through 31 additional sales offices located in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri (2), Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio (3), Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas (2), Utah, Virginia, Washington (2), West Virginia and Wisconsin (2). As of June 30, 2001, the Wholesale Division employed 174 account executives.

    As of June 30, 2001, approximately 7,200 mortgage brokers were approved by us to submit loans. We originated loans through approximately 3,700 brokers during the first six months of 2001. During this period, our ten largest producing brokers originated 5.2% of our loans, with the largest broker accounting for 1.1% of the total production of the Wholesale Division.

    In wholesale originations, the broker's role is to identify the applicant, assist in completing the loan application form, gather necessary information and documents and serve as our liaison with the borrower through the lending process. We review and underwrite the application submitted by the broker, approve or deny the application, set the interest rate and other terms of the loan and, upon acceptance by the borrower and satisfaction of all conditions imposed by us, fund the loan. Because brokers conduct their own marketing and employ their own personnel to complete loan applications and maintain contact with borrowers, originating loans through the Wholesale Division allows us to increase our loan volume without incurring the higher marketing, labor and other overhead costs associated with increased retail originations.

    Mortgage brokers generally submit loan applications to an account executive in one of our sales offices. The sales office then forwards the application to the closest regional operating center where the loan is logged in for regulatory compliance purposes, underwritten and, in most cases, conditionally approved or denied within 24 hours of receipt. Because mortgage brokers generally submit individual loan files to several prospective lenders simultaneously, we attempt to respond to each application as quickly as possible. If approved, we issue a "conditional approval" to the broker with a list of specific conditions that have to be met (for example, credit verifications and independent third-party appraisals) and additional documents to be supplied prior to the funding of the loan. An account manager and the account executive that originated the loan work directly with the submitting mortgage broker to collect the requested information and to meet the underwriting conditions and other requirements. In most cases, we fund loans within 30 days following approval of the application.

    The Wholesale Division also purchases closed loans on an individual or "flow" basis from independent mortgage brokers and financial institutions. We review an application for approval from each lender that seeks to sell us a closed loan. We analyze the mortgage broker's underwriting guidelines and financial condition, including its licenses and financial statements. We require each mortgage broker to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with customary representations and warranties regarding the loans the mortgage broker will sell to us. These representations and warranties are comparable to those given by NC Capital to its loan purchasers.

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    The following table sets forth selected information relating to loan originations through the Wholesale Division and Worth Funding during the periods shown:

 
   For the Three Months Ended
  
 
   March 31, 2000
   June 30, 2000
   September 30, 2000
   December 31, 2000
   March 31, 2001
   June 30, 2001
  
Principal balance (in thousands)   $ 709,480   $ 793,172   $ 766,680   $ 772,429   $ 807,953   $ 1,103,236  
Average principal balance per loan (in thousands)   $ 106   $ 113   $ 118   $ 133   $ 140   $ 143  
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio     78.8 %   79.4 %   78.1 %   78.9 %   78.4 %   78.8 %
Percent of first mortgage loans     97.0     95.9     95.9     97.9     98.7     99.5  
Property securing loans:                                      
Owner occupied     93.2     93.9     95.0     93.7     91.9     91.5  
Non-owner occupied     6.8     6.1     5.0     6.3     8.1     8.5  
Weighted average interest rate:                                      
Fixed-rate     10.9     11.5     11.5     11.3     10.5     9.7  
ARMs     10.3     10.5     10.5     10.5     9.9     9.6  
Margin—ARMs     6.1     6.1     6.1     6.3     6.5     6.6  

Retail Branch Operations Division and Central Retail Division

    During the first six months of 2001, the Retail Branch Operations Division originated $385.5 million in loans, or 16.0% of our total loan production. As of June 30, 2001, the Retail Branch Operations Division employed 255 retail loan officers. These employees were located in 66 sales offices in Arizona (3), California (18), Colorado, Florida (4), Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois (2), Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota (2), Missouri (2), Montana, Nevada (2), New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio (3), Oklahoma, Oregon (2), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee, Texas (8), Utah, Virginia (2), and Washington (3).

    During the first six months of 2001, the Central Retail Division originated $113.8 million, or 4.7%, of our total loan production. As of June 30, 2001, the Central Retail Division employed 61 loan officers at its offices in Irvine, California.

    By creating a direct relationship with the borrower, retail lending provides a more sustainable loan origination franchise and greater control over the lending process. Loan origination fees contribute to profitability and cash flow and offset the higher costs of retail lending.

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    The following table sets forth selected information relating to loan originations through the Retail Branch Operations Division and Central Retail Division during the periods shown:

 
   For the Three Months Ended
  
 
   March 31,
2000
   June 30,
2000
   September 30,
2000
   December 31,
2000
   March 31,
2001
   June 30,
2001
  
Principal balance (in thousands)   $ 246,981   $ 317,204   $ 284,084   $ 262,327   $ 218,580   $ 280,684  
Average principal balance per loan (in thousands)   $ 90   $ 88   $ 87   $ 96   $ 95   $ 104  
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio     78.6 %   78.6 %   77.8 %   77.1 %   76.1 %   78.2 %
Percent of first mortgage loans     92.7     88.3     91.3     95.3     95.2     96.9  
Property securing loans:                                      
Owner occupied     94.1     94.8     96.2     96.1     96.3     96.5  
Non-owner occupied     5.9     5.2     3.8     3.9     3.7     3.5  
Weighted average interest rate:                                      
Fixed-rate     10.6     10.7     11.0     10.8     10.8     10.6  
ARMs     10.0     10.1     10.4     10.5     10.1     9.6  
Margins—ARMs     6.1     6.2     6.2     6.4     6.4     6.5  

Marketing

Wholesale Marketing

    The marketing strategy of the Wholesale Division of New Century Mortgage focuses on the sales efforts of its account executives, and on providing prompt, consistent service to brokers and their customers. These efforts are supplemented with the Wholesale Division's e-commerce website, direct mail and fax programs to brokers, advertisements in trade publications, in-house production of collateral sales material, seminar sponsorships, tradeshow attendance and periodic sales contests.

Worth Funding Marketing

    The marketing strategy of New Century Mortgage's subsidiary, Worth Funding, relies on direct broker solicitation, fax programs as well as convention and conference attendance.

Retail Branch Marketing

    The Retail Branch Operations Division of our subsidiary, New Century Mortgage, relies primarily on targeted direct mail and outbound telemarketing to attract borrowers. New Century Mortgage's direct mail programs are managed by a centralized staff who create a targeted mailing list for each branch market and oversee the completion of mailings by a third party mailing vendor. All calls or written inquiries from potential borrowers that result from the mailings are tracked centrally and then forwarded to each branch location and handled by branch loan officers. This division's website (www.newcenturymortgage.com) is used in the direct mail program to provide information to prospective borrowers and to allow them to complete an application online. Under the Central Telemarketing Program, the telemarketing staff solicits prospective borrowers, makes a preliminary evaluation of the applicant's credit and the value of the collateral property and refers qualified leads to loan officers in the retail branch closest to the customer.

Central Retail Marketing

    The Central Retail Division of our subsidiary, New Century Mortgage, engages in a variety of direct response advertising, such as purchased leads from aggregators, radio advertising, direct mail, search engine placement, banner ads, e-mail campaigns and links to related websites. The Central

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Retail Division also markets to the current customer base of New Century Mortgage through direct mail and outbound telemarketing. In addition, this division maintains a comprehensive database on all customers with whom it has had contact and markets to these potential customers in an effort to convert them to application.

Financing Loan Originations and Loans Held for Sale

    We require access to credit facilities in order to originate and purchase mortgage loans and to hold them pending their sale or securitization. In particular, we rely on a $300 million syndicated warehouse credit facility led by U.S. Bank and a $200 million warehouse and aggregation facility with CDC Mortgage Capital to fund our originations and purchases. We also rely on aggregation financing facilities totaling $900 million with Salomon Brothers Realty and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital to finance the loans pending their sale or securitization. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Underwriting Standards

    We originate or purchase our mortgage loans in accordance with the underwriting guidelines described below. The loans we originate or purchase generally do not satisfy conventional underwriting standards, such as those utilized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Therefore, our loans are likely to have higher delinquency and foreclosure rates than portfolios of mortgage loans underwritten to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards.

    Our underwriting guidelines take into account the applicant's credit history and capacity to repay the proposed loan as well as the secured property's value and adequacy as collateral for the loan. Each applicant completes an application that includes information on the applicant's liabilities, income, credit history, employment history and personal information. Based on review of the loan application and other data from the applicant against the Underwriting Guidelines, we determine the loan terms, including the interest rate and maximum loan-to-value ratio.

    During the third quarter of 2000, we implemented an automated credit grading process designed to reduce errors in reading and interpreting credit reports and assigning the correct grade to individual loans. This process was completely integrated into our underwriting process during the fourth quarter of 2000.

Credit History

    Our underwriting guidelines require a credit report on each applicant from a credit reporting company. In evaluating an applicant's credit history, we utilize credit bureau risk scores, or a FICO score, which is a statistical ranking of likely future credit performance developed by Fair, Isaac & Company and the three national credit data repositories—Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.

Collateral Review

    All mortgaged properties are appraised by qualified independent appraisers prior to the loan's funding. The appraiser inspects and appraises the property and verifies that it is in acceptable condition. Following each appraisal, the appraiser prepares a report that includes a market value analysis based on recent sales of comparable homes in the area and, when deemed appropriate, replacement cost analysis based on the current cost of constructing a similar home. All appraisals are required to conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice adopted by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation and are generally on forms acceptable to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Our underwriting guidelines require a review of the appraisal by one of our qualified employees or by a qualified review appraiser that we have retained. Our underwriting

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guidelines then require our underwriters to be satisfied that the value of the property being financed, as indicated by the appraisal, currently supports the outstanding loan balance.

Income Documentation

    Our underwriting guidelines include three levels of income documentation requirements, referred to as the "full documentation," "limited documentation" and "stated income documentation" programs. Under the full documentation program, applicants generally are required to submit two written forms of verification of stable income for at least twelve months. Under the limited documentation program, applicants are generally required to submit twelve consecutive monthly bank statements on their individual bank account. Under the stated income documentation program, an applicant may be qualified based upon monthly income as stated on the mortgage loan application if the applicant meets certain criteria. All of these documentation programs require that, with respect to salaried employees, the applicant's employment be verified by telephone. In the case of a purchase money loan, verification of the source of funds, if any, to be deposited by the applicant into escrow is required. Under each of these programs, we review the applicant's source of income, calculate the amount of income from sources indicated on the loan application or similar documentation, review the applicant's credit history, calculate the debt service-to-income ratio to determine the applicant's ability to repay the loan, review the type and use of the property being financed, and review the property. In determining the applicant's ability to repay the loan, our underwriters use a qualifying rate that is equal to the initial interest rate on the loan, in the case of other LIBOR-based loans.

Underwriting Requirements

    In general, the maximum loan amount for mortgage loans originated under the programs is $500,000. Our underwriting guidelines permit loans on one-to-four-family residential properties to have:

    The applicability of the above ratios depends on, among other things, the purpose of the mortgage loan, a borrower's credit history, the borrower's repayment ability and debt service-to-income ratio, and the type and use of the property. The loan-to-value of a mortgage loan that is secured by mortgaged properties acquired by a borrower under a "lease option purchase" is determined in one of two ways. If the "lease option price" was set less than twelve months prior to origination, the loan-to-value of the related mortgage loan is based on the lower of the appraised value at the time of origination of the mortgage loan or the sale price of the related mortgaged property. If the "lease option price" was set twelve months or more prior to origination, the loan-to-value of the related mortgage is based on the appraised value at the time of origination.

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    Our underwriting guidelines for first lien mortgage loans have the following categories and criteria for grading the potential likelihood that an applicant will satisfy the repayment obligations of a mortgage loan:

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES(1)

 
   Prime Alternative

   A+ Risk

   A- Risk

   B Risk

   C Risk

   C- Risk
Existing mortgage history   Maximum one 30-day late payment within the last 12 months.   Maximum one 30-day late payment and no 60-day late payments w/in last 12 mos.; must have an LTV of 90% or less.   Maximum three 30-day late payments and no 60-day late payments w/in last 12 mos.; must have an LTV of 90% or less.   Maximum one 60-day late payment within last 12 months; must be less than 90 days late at funding.   Maximum one 90-day late payment within last 12 months; must be less than 120 days late at funding.   Maximum of two 90-day late payments and one 120-day late payment w/in last 12 months; less than 150 days late at funding. No current Notice of Default.

Other credit
 
FICO score of 650 or higher.
 
4 accts w/30-day late payments or FICO score of 620 or higher; no more than $500 in open collection accounts or charge-offs open after funding. Past/Present 30-day late payments and 1 acct w/60 day late payment or FICO score of 590 or higher; no more than $1,000 in open collection accounts or charge-offs open after funding.
 
Past/Present 30-day late payments and 4 accts w/60-day late payments and 2 accts w/90-day late payments or FICO score of 570 or higher; some prior defaults acceptable; no more than $2,500 in open collection accounts or charge-offs open after funding.
 
Significant prior defaults acceptable; Generally, no more than $5,000 in open collection accounts or charge-offs open after funding; on a case by case basis.
 
Significant defaults acceptable; collection accounts may remain open after funding.
 
 

Bankruptcy filings
 
Generally, no Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy discharge in last 2 years or Notice of Default in last 2 years.
 
Generally, no Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy discharge in last 2 years or Notice of Default filings in last 3 years.
 
Generally, no Bankruptcy filings in last 2 years or Notice of Default filings in last 3 years.
 
Generally, no Bankruptcy discharge in last 18 months or Notice of Default filings in last 2 years.
 
Generally, no Bankruptcy filings or Notice of Default filings in last 12 months.
 
Generally, no Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge in last 12 mos. or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filing allowed in last 12 months and no current NOD in last 12 months.

Debt service to income Ratio
 
up to 50%
 
45% to 55%
 
50% to 55%
 
55% to 59%
 
55% to 59%
 
50% to 59%

Maximum loan-to-value ratio:(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied: single family
 
90%
 
95%
 
90%
 
80%
 
75%
 
70%
 
Owner occupied: condo/three-to-four unit
 
Not applicable
 
85%
 
85%
 
75%
 
70%
 
65%
 
Non-owner occupied
 
Not applicable
 
85%
 
80%
 
75%
 
70%
 
65%
(1)
The letter grades applied to each risk classification reflect the Company's internal standards and do not necessarily correspond to the classifications used by other mortgage lenders.

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(2)
The maximum LTV set forth in the table is for borrowers providing full documentation. The LTV is reduced 5% for stated income applications, if applicable. Additionally, if the borrower's FICO score meets or exceeds the risk category and debt ratio guidelines, consumer credit may be disregarded.

Prime Alternative Program

    We have introduced our "Prime Alternative Program" to attract higher quality "Alternative—A" types of borrowers. We assess the borrower's mortgage repayment history, any incidents of bankruptcy, mortgage default, or major derogatory credit, and call for a minimum FICO score of 650, which is substantially higher than our "core" product requirements. This program is restricted to owner-occupied properties; single unit, two unit, or detached PUD's, with highly conforming property characteristics. We have limitations on loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, income documentation type, and the amount of "cash out" allowed on refinances. We assign a unique 4-level grade classification based on the FICO score range for the primary borrower.

Mortgage Credit Only Program

    In addition to the five risk grade categories described above, New Century Mortgage also has a Mortgage Credit Only program. This program uses the applicant's mortgage payment history as the primary factor in qualifying the applicant's ability to repay the loan. The Mortgage Credit Only program allows no more than three 30-day late payments and no 60-day late payments within the last 12 months on an existing mortgage loan and must be current at funding. An existing mortgage loan is not required to be current at the time the application is submitted. Derogatory credit report items are allowed as to non-mortgage credit. In order to qualify for a Mortgage Credit Only loan:

Home Saver Program

    We have established a sub-category of our C- credit grade for borrowers faced with at least one of the following credit scenarios: (i) the borrower has an existing mortgage currently in foreclosure; (ii) the borrower is subject to a notice of default filing; or (iii) the borrower has had a serious mortgage delinquency for more than one 120 day period in the last 12 months or is more than 90 days late at the time of funding. This sub-category is known as our Home Saver Program. The Home Saver Program is available only to Full Documentation borrowers and permits a maximum loan-to-value of 65% and a maximum debt service-to-income ratio of 55%. The maximum loan is $300,000 and all derogatory credit report items must either be brought current or paid through the loan proceeds. A maximum of 3% of the loan proceeds may be paid to the borrower in cash. If the borrower is in an open Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the bankruptcy must be discharged through the proceeds of the loan. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, Home Saver loans accounted for 2.3% of total loan originations and purchases.

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Exceptions

    The categories and criteria described in our underwriting guideline table above are guidelines only. On a case-by-case basis, we may determine that an applicant warrants a loan-to-value exception, a debt service-to-income ratio exception, or another exception. We may allow such an exception if the application reflects certain compensating factors such as low LTV, a maximum of one 30-day late payment on all mortgage loans during the last 12 months, and stable employment or ownership of current residence. We may also allow an exception if the applicant places a down payment through escrow of at least 20% of the purchase price of the mortgaged property or if the new loan reduces the applicant's monthly aggregate mortgage payment by 25% or more. Loans containing at least one exception declined to 28.2% in the second quarter of 2001 from 36.6% in the second quarter of 2000. Our automated credit grading system aids in identifying and managing underwriting exceptions. Certain of our loan programs and risk grade classifications limit the approval of exceptions to higher loan approval authority levels.

    We evaluate our underwriting guidelines on an ongoing basis and periodically modify them to reflect our current assessment of various underwriting issues. We also maintain separate underwriting guidelines appropriate to our non-conforming second lien mortgage loans and adopt new underwriting guidelines appropriate to new loan products we offer.

Loan Production by Borrower Risk Classification

    The following table sets forth information concerning the characteristics of our fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loan production by borrower risk classification for the periods shown:

 
   For the Quarters Ended
  
 
   March 31,
2000
   June 30,
2000
   September 30,
2000
   December 31,
2000
   March 31, 2001
   June 30, 2001
  
Prime Alternative Risk Grade:                          
Percent of total purchases and originations   0.9 % 6.9 % 5.9 % 4.5 % 1.9 % 3.1 %
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio   86.3   84.9   83.6   85.2   80.0   79.9  
Weighted average interest rate:                          
  Fixed-rate   10.7   10.7   10.5   10.6   9.7   9.9  
  ARMs   9.3   9.7   9.6   9.4   8.9   8.7  
  Margin—ARMs   5.3   5.0   4.9   5.0   5.3   5.9  
A+ Risk Grade:                          
Percent of total purchases and originations   31.8 % 32.7 % 31.5 % 34.8 % 39.2   44.0 %
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio   82.5   82.8   81.5   82.5   81.1   81.4  
Weighted average interest rate:                          
  Fixed-rate   10.4   10.8   10.8   10.7   10.3   9.6  
  ARMs   9.8   10.0   10.0   10.2   9.5   9.2  
  Margin—ARMs   5.8   5.8   5.8   6.0   6.2   6.3  
A- Risk Grade:                          
Percent of total purchases and originations   30.9 % 27.3 % 27.6 % 29.0 % 26.9 % 22.6 %
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio   80.5   80.2   79.3   78.5   78.1   78.5  
Weighted average interest rate:                          
  Fixed-rate   10.4   10.8   11.0   10.9   10.6   10.1  
  ARMs   10.0   10.2   10.2   10.3   9.8   9.5  
  Margin—ARMs   6.2   6.2   6.2   6.4   6.6   6.6  

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B Risk Grade:                          
Percent of total purchases and originations   22.5 % 20.7 % 21.9 % 20.1 % 21.9 % 21.8 %
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio   76.6   76.5   75.4   75.3   75.8   77.1  
Weighted average interest rate:                          
  Fixed-Rate   10.9   11.3   11.3   11.2   10.9   10.4  
  ARMs   10.3   10.5   10.6   10.7   10.1   9.8  
  Margin—ARMs   6.3   6.4   6.4   6.6   6.8   6.8  
C Risk Grade:                          
Percent of total purchases and originations   9.4 % 8.1 % 7.9 % 7.4 % 6.5 % 5.9 %
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio   71.9   71.3   71.8   71.9   71.5   71.3  
Weighted average interest rate:                          
  Fixed-rate   11.8   12.8   12.5   12.3   12.3   11.5  
  ARMs   11.3   11.6   11.7   11.6   11.2   10.8  
  Margin—ARMs   6.6   6.7   6.7   6.9   7.0   7.1  
C- Risk Grade:                          
Percent of total purchases and originations   4.5 % 4.3 % 5.2 % 4.2 % 3.6 % 2.6 %
Combined weighted average initial loan-to-value ratio   64.5   64.6   63.8   64.1   64.0   61.4  
Weighted average interest rate:                          
  Fixed-rate   13.0   13.4   13.4   13.1   12.8   12.8  
  ARMs   12.6   13.1   12.9   12.7   12.4   12.1  
  Margin—ARMs   6.7   6.7   6.7   6.9   7.1   7.2  

Geographic Distribution

    The following table sets forth aggregate dollar amounts (in thousands) and the percentage of all loans we originated or purchased by state for the periods shown:

 
   For the Quarters Ended
  
 
   September 30, 2000
   December 31, 2000
   March 31, 2001
   June 30, 2001
  
 
   $
   %
   $
   %
   $
   %
   $
   %
  
California   $ 414,639   39.5 % $ 423,712   40.9 % $ 446,880   43.5 % $ 613,953   44.4 %
Texas     75,219   7.2 %   69,081   6.7 %   57,979   5.6 %   69,379   5.0  
Florida     59,305   5.6 %   57,895   5.6 %   59,743   5.8 %   73,877   5.3  
Illinois     55,864   5.3 %   49,271   4.8 %   58,690   5.7 %   71,378   5.2  
Michigan     39,986   3.8 %   36,624   3.5 %   46,486   4.5 %   67,328   4.9  
Massachusetts     30,003   2.8 %   44,437   4.3 %   39,577   3.9 %   52,055   3.8  
Colorado     37,972   3.6 %   41,113   4.0 %   39,476   3.8 %   46,560   3.4  
Minnesota     31,388   3.0 %   25,396   2.5 %   22,414   2.2 %   23,013   1.7  
Washington     27,806   2.6 %   22,813   2.2 %   14,277   1.4 %   32,355   2.3  
Arizona     29,787   2.8 %   24,370   2.4 %   24,353   2.4 %   21,607   1.6  
Other     248,795   23.8 %   240,044   23.1 %   216,658   21.2 %   312,414   22.4  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 1,050,764   100.0 % $ 1,034,756   100.0 % $ 1,026,533   100.0 % $ 1,383,919   100.0 %

    Our loan production in California increased noticeably from the third quarter of 2000 to the second quarter of 2001 due primarily to the consolidation of our production units on the East Coast, the curtailment of unprofitable products in several other states and an increase in our presence on the West Coast.

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    Loan Sales and Securitizations

    Our subsidiary, NC Capital Corporation, performs our secondary marketing functions. First, NC Capital buys loans from New Century Mortgage within a week or two after origination, paying a price that approximates the loans' secondary market value. NC Capital then sells the loans through both securitizations and bulk whole loan sales to institutional purchasers. NC Capital is responsible for determining when and through which channel to sell the loans, and bears the risks of market fluctuations in the period between purchase and sale.

Whole Loan Sales

    During the first six months of 2001, whole loan sales accounted for $1.8 billion, or 82.9%, of our total loan sales. Of this amount, 56.5% were sold servicing-retained and 43.5% were sold servicing-released. In the servicing-retained sales, we agreed to service the loans for a fee of 0.50% per year of the outstanding principal balance of the loans. The weighted average sales price of our premium whole loan sales during the first six months of 2001 was equal to 103.92% of the original principal balance of the loans sold, including premiums paid by investors for servicing rights.

    We seek to maximize our premium on whole loan sale revenue by closely monitoring the requirements of institutional purchasers and focusing on originating or purchasing the types of loans that meet those requirements and for which institutional purchasers tend to pay higher premiums. During the six month period ended June 30, 2001, we sold $606.8 million in loans to Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Capital LLC and $421.9 million in loans to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc., which represented 46.6% and 19.0%, respectively, of total loans sold.

    Whole loan sales are made on a non-recourse basis pursuant to a purchase agreement in which we give customary representations and warranties regarding the loan characteristics and the origination process. Therefore, we may be required to repurchase or substitute loans in the event of a breach of these representations and warranties. In addition, we generally commit to repurchase or substitute a loan if a payment default occurs within the initial months following the date the loan is funded, unless we make other arrangements with the purchaser.

Securitizations

    In a securitization, we sell a pool of loans to a trust for a cash purchase price and a certificate evidencing our residual interest ownership in the trust. The trust raises the cash portion of the purchase price by selling senior certificates representing senior interests in the loans in the trust. Following the securitization, purchasers of senior certificates receive the principal collected, including prepayments, on the loans in the trust. In addition, they receive a portion of the interest on the loans in the trust equal to the specified "investor pass-through interest rate" on the principal balance. We receive the cash flows from the residual interests, after payment of servicing fees, guarantor fees and other trust expenses, and provided the specified over-collateralization requirements are met.

    During the second quarter of 2001, we completed a securitization of $380 million of mortgage loans (the New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2001-NC1). Following the securitization, we issued a net interest margin security. The net cash proceeds from the two transactions yielded cash proceeds to us comparable to cash proceeds we receive through whole loan sales. Credit enhancement for the securitization was provided through a fully-funded over-collateralization account of 0.75%. The securitization closed in May and the net interest margin portion closed in June. Approximately 86% of the mortgage loans in the pool were covered by a lender paid private mortgage insurance policy for the excess of the LTV over 60%.

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    The following are the material assumptions used to record gain on sale for the New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2001-NC1:

 
   2-Year
ARM
   3-Year
ARM
   Fixed
   Combined Pool
  
% of Pool   78.20 % 6.30 % 15.50 % 100.00 %
Weighted Average Life (in years)   2.55   2.90   3.64   2.74  
Static Pool Losses   2.68 % 2.26 % 2.60 % 2.64 %
Prepayment Penalty Coverage                  
  1 year   4.20 % 4.11 % 0.90 % 3.69 %
  2 years   74.70   2.51   2.66   58.99  
  3 years   6.61   61.52   6.65   10.07  
  4 years   0.05   14.90   0.89   1.11  
  5 years   0.76   1.43   53.97   9.06  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total   86.32 % 84.48 % 65.08 % 82.91 %
   
 
 
 
 

    A summary of gain on sale and cash flow from the New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2001-NC1 is presented below:

Gain on Sale Summary        
  Loans (thousands)   $ 380,242  
 
NIM Bonds
 
 
4.08
%
  Residual     0.97  
  Less: Transaction and Other Costs     (1.30 )
  Less: O/C Accounts     (0.75 )
   
 
    Subtotal     3.00  
Interest-Only Certificate     1.43  
Servicing Rights     0.48  
   
 
    Net Gain on Sale Recorded     4.91 %
   
 
Cash Flow From:        
  NIM Bonds     4.08 %
  Interest-Only Certificate     1.43  
  Servicing Rights     0.48  
  Less: Transaction and Other Costs     (1.30 )
  Less: O/C Accounts     (0.75 )
   
 
    Net Cash Flow At Closing     3.94 %
   
 

Loan Servicing and Delinquencies

Servicing

    Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting loan payments, making required advances, accounting for principal and interest, holding escrow or impound funds for payment of taxes and insurance and, if applicable, contacting delinquent borrowers and supervising foreclosures and property dispositions in the event of unremedied defaults.

    As of June 30, 2001, our servicing portfolio consisted of 9,619 loans with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $1.3 billion, of which 4,290 loans with an aggregate principal balance of $586.1 million were held for sale and serviced on an interim basis, and 5,329 loans with an aggregate principal balance of $753.2 million were serviced on behalf of the whole loan purchasers thereof.

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    In March 2001, we sold the servicing rights on approximately $4.8 billion of our servicing portfolio to Ocwen Federal Bank FSB for $19.7 million. The initial transfer of $242.1 million of our servicing portfolio to Ocwen was completed in June 2001, and the balance is scheduled to be completed by August 1, 2001. As part of the transaction, we also agreed to sell Ocwen servicing rights with respect to up to $3 billion in mortgage loans between March 2001 and December 31, 2002 at a price to be determined based on the characteristics of those servicing rights. Pursuant to this agreement, as of June 30, 2001, we have sold servicing rights on an aggregate of $1.2 billion of mortgage loans to Ocwen. Concurrent with the completion of the transfer of our servicing portfolio to Ocwen, we intend to reduce our staffing by approximately 140 employees.

    Starting in August 2001, Ocwen Federal Bank FSB will sub-service all of our newly originated loans and loans that we have repurchased from buyers. Ocwen will also service some loans we sell to purchasers on an interim basis following the sale. According to Ocwen's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Ocwen's servicing portfolio at December 31, 2000 was approximately $10.8 billion in loans.

    Ocwen is one of the country's highest-rated specialty servicers and has a strong capital position. Mortgage loan servicing operations are typically highly capital intensive, and cost efficiencies are gained through economies of scale. For securitized loans, the servicer is required to advance to the trust the scheduled principal and interest payments for delinquent borrowers and are reimbursed for those advances from future collections. We have been able to eliminate this working capital requirement as a result of our transaction with Ocwen and by utilizing Ocwen as a sub-servicer for all of our servicing needs. The elimination of servicing advance obligations and the closing of our servicing operations will allow us to re-deploy the capital required to support servicing operations to support the growth of loan originations.

Delinquencies and Foreclosures

    The loans we originate or purchase are secured by mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds or deeds to secure debt, depending upon the prevailing practice in the state in which the property securing the loan is located. Depending on local law, foreclosure is effected by judicial action or non-judicial sale, and is subject to various notice and filing requirements. In general, the borrower, or any person having a junior encumbrance on the real estate, may cure a monetary default by paying the entire amount in arrears plus other designated costs and expenses incurred in enforcing the obligation during a statutorily prescribed reinstatement period. Generally, state law controls the amount of foreclosure expenses and costs, including attorney's fees, which may be recovered by a lender. After the reinstatement period has expired without the default having been cured, the borrower or junior lien-holder no longer has the right to reinstate the loan and may be required to pay the loan in full to prevent the scheduled foreclosure sale. Where a loan has not yet been sold or securitized, we will generally allow a borrower to reinstate the loan up to the date of foreclosure sale.

    Although foreclosure sales are typically public sales, third-party purchasers rarely bid in excess of the lender's lien because of the difficulty of determining the exact status of title to the property, the possible deterioration of the property during the foreclosure proceedings and a requirement that the purchaser pay for the property in cash or by cashier's check. Thus, the foreclosing lender often purchases the property from the trustee or referee for an amount equal to the sum of the principal amount outstanding under the loan, accrued and unpaid interest and the expenses of foreclosure. Depending on market conditions, the ultimate proceeds of the sale may not equal the lender's investment in the property.

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Delinquency Reporting

    In February 1996, we began receiving applications for mortgage loans under our regular lending program. During 1996, we sold all of our loans on a whole loan, servicing-released basis. We began selling loans through securitizations in 1997. In connection with these securitizations, we established reporting systems to track historical delinquency, bankruptcy, foreclosure and default experience for the loans included in our securitizations as well as our total portfolio of loans. Current delinquency and loss information is not necessarily representative of future delinquencies and losses.

    The following table provides information for the loans securitized in 1997 through 2001 that are delinquent over 60 days (dollars in thousands) expressed as a percentage of the current balance of the mortgage loans as of June 30, 2001:

 
    
    
    
   Delinquency Rate
  
Risk Grade
   Original
Balance
   Current
Balance
   Orig.
LTV
   1997
   1998
   1999
   2000
   2001
   Combined Pools
  
Prime Alternative   $ 12,675   $ 12,126   79.8 % — % — % — % 2.55 % — % 0.55 %
A+     2,827,774     1,358,389   78.2   4.77   8.33   6.33   5.95   —   5.89  
A-     2,610,214     1,251,155   77.5   10.04   10.40   8.29   8.83   —   8.31  
B     1,528,468     744,985   74.5   12.53   13.24   12.78   12.54   0.53   11.28  
C     897,744     385,487   70.4   21.61   21.42   17.42   19.51   1.54   18.04  
C-     402,502     140,509   63.8   22.95   21.78   30.21   28.49   0   25.40  
   
 
                             
Total   $ 8,279,477   $ 3,892,651   75.8 % 10.61 % 11.65 % 10.01 % 11.37 % 0.20 % 9.59 %
   
 
                             

    The above table indicates that, as anticipated, we are experiencing higher rates of delinquency on lower credit grade loans. In addition, we have repurchased loans from our first three 1997 and one of our 1998 securitizations. The agreements governing the securitizations permit these repurchases, but only to the extent the loans being repurchased are more than 90 days delinquent. We elected to make these repurchases in order to avoid disruption of cash flow from the 1997-NC1, NC2 and NC3 and 1998-NC5 trusts and to provide us with maximum flexibility in resolving problem loans.

    In order to provide additional flexibility in trying to maximize recovery on our delinquent loans and loans in foreclosure, our aggregation financing arrangements with Salomon and Morgan Stanley permit financing of a limited number of delinquent loans and loans in foreclosure at a reduced financing rate based on the value of the underlying property. In addition, Salomon permits financing of real property owned by us upon foreclosure on delinquent loans. This facility provides us with additional flexibility in disposing of those properties for the highest possible price.

Insurance Agency

    During 2000, we established an affiliated insurance agency, NC Insurance Services, in order to be able to offer certain insurance products to our customers. The revenues received by NC Insurance Services during the first six months of 2001 were $907,000. The vast majority of these revenues were from commissions earned by placing hazard and flood collateral protection insurance. NC Insurance Services is also beginning to offer Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage to our customers and is evaluating a variety of other insurance products that might be of interest to those customers.

    Upon the transfer of our servicing rights to Ocwen, we will no longer have the ability to offer insurance products to the mortgagors on our securitized loans. However, we plan to continue to offer insurance products from time to time to the borrowers on our loans held for sale. We may also begin offering credit insurance products to borrowers at origination, although we do not intend to offer any single premium insurance products.

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Interest Rate Risk Management Strategies

    We try to mitigate interest rate risks by utilizing a variety of strategies. For instance, we do not lock the interest rate that will be charged to our borrowers until the loan is funded. This allows us to reprice our pipeline of approved loans if significant increases in interest rates occur. We may use forward committed sales with a calculated price to protect us from price changes due to interest rate increases. If we do not have a forward loan sale commitment in place, we may elect to use various instruments, including swaps, options, futures contracts and other derivative instruments to mitigate this interest rate risk. In addition, in order to protect us against the adverse effects resulting from interest rate increases on our adjustable-rate mortgage loans, we forecast future interest rates utilizing the LIBOR forward curve in the valuation of our residual assets. We may purchase an interest rate cap contract, with a notional balance that reduces in a corresponding amount as the estimated reduction in the mortgage loans underlying the residual interests, and with monthly interest rate strike prices that change at the same rate and direction as the LIBOR forward curve. In months where the actual LIBOR rate is greater than the strike rate on the interest rate cap contract, the counterparty to the interest rate cap contract is required to pay to us the difference in interest rates multiplied by the notional balance for the contract as set forth in agreement. The cash flow received by us corresponds to the reduction in cash flow realized by the residual interests as a result of the interest rate increase.

Competition

    We continue to face intense competition in the business of originating, purchasing and selling mortgage loans. Our competitors include other consumer finance companies, mortgage banking companies, commercial banks, credit unions, thrift institutions, credit card issuers and insurance finance companies. Most notably, in the past two or three years, some large, diversified financial corporations have purchased several of our competitors. Other large financial institutions have gradually expanded their "non-prime" or "sub-prime" lending capabilities. Many of these companies have greater access to capital at a cost lower than our cost of capital under our warehouse, aggregation and residual financing facilities. In addition, many of these competitors have considerably greater technical and marketing resources than we have.

    At the same time the two large government-sponsored secondary market purchasers of loans, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have begun purchasing some non-prime loans. This has the potential of increasing competition as lenders without prior non-prime origination expertise begin originating non-prime loans to Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's guidelines using their automated tools.

    Competition among industry participants can take many forms, including convenience in obtaining a loan, customer service, marketing and distribution channels, amount and term of the loan, loan origination fees and interest rates. Additional competition may lower the rates we can charge borrowers, thereby potentially lowering gain on future loan sales and securitizations. Our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects could be materially adversely affected to the extent any of our competitors significantly expands its activities in our markets. Fluctuations in interest rates and general economic conditions may also affect our competitive position. During periods of rising rates, competitors that have locked in low borrowing costs may have a competitive advantage. During periods of declining rates, competitors may solicit our customers to refinance their loans.

    We believe that one of our key competitive strengths is our employees, with their strong commitment to customer service and their team-oriented approach. In addition to the strength of our work force, we believe that our competitive strengths include:

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Regulation

    The mortgage lending industry is a highly regulated industry. Our business is subject to extensive and complex rules and regulations of, and examinations by, various state and federal government authorities. These regulations impose obligations and restrictions on our loan origination, loan purchase and servicing activities. In addition, these regulations may limit the interest rates, finance charges and other fees that we may assess, mandate extensive disclosure to our customers, prohibit discrimination and impose multiple qualification and licensing obligations on us. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in, among other things, loss of approved licensing status, demands for indemnification or mortgage loan repurchases, certain rights of rescission for mortgage loans, class action lawsuits, administrative enforcement actions and civil and criminal liability. Our management believes that we are in compliance with these rules and regulations in all material respects.

    Our loan origination and loan purchase activities are subject to the laws and regulations in each of the states in which those activities are conducted. For example, state usury laws limit the interest rates we can charge on our loans. As of June 30, 2001, we were licensed or exempt from licensing requirements by the relevant state banking or consumer credit agencies to originate first mortgages in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and second mortgages in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Our lending activities are also subject to various federal laws, including the Truth in Lending Act, or TILA, the Homeownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and their implementing regulations.

    We are subject to certain disclosure requirements under TILA and Regulation Z promulgated under TILA. TILA is designed to provide consumers with uniform, understandable information with respect to the terms and conditions of loan and credit transactions. TILA gives consumers, among other things, a three-business day right to rescind certain refinance loan transactions that we originate.

    The Homeownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, or the High Cost Mortgage Act, amends TILA. The High Cost Mortgage Act generally applies to consumer credit transactions secured by the consumer's principal residence, other than residential mortgage transactions, reverse mortgage transactions or transactions under an open end credit plan, in which the loan has either (i) total points and fees upon origination in excess of the greater of eight percent of the loan amount or $465, or (ii) an annual percentage rate of more than ten percentage points higher than United States Treasury securities of comparable maturity. These loans are known as Covered Loans. The High Cost Mortgage Act imposes additional disclosure requirements on lenders originating Covered Loans. In addition, it prohibits lenders from, among other things, originating Covered Loans that are underwritten solely on the basis of the borrower's home equity without regard to the borrower's ability to repay the loan. The High Cost Mortgage Act also prohibits prepayment fee clauses in Covered Loans to borrowers with a debt-to-income ratio in excess of 50% or Covered Loans used to refinance existing loans originated by the same lender. In addition, the High Cost Mortgage Act restricts, among other things, certain balloon payments and negative amortization features. We commenced originating and purchasing Covered Loans during 1997 and stopped originating and purchasing them in the second quarter of 2000.

    We are also required to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, as amended, and Regulation B promulgated thereunder, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, as amended, and Regulation X promulgated thereunder, and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, as amended. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national

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origin or marital status if all or part of the applicant's income is derived from a publicly assisted program or if the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. Regulation B restricts creditors from requesting certain types of information from loan applicants. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended, requires lenders, among other things, to supply an applicant with certain information if the lender denied the applicant credit. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act mandates certain disclosures concerning settlement fees and charges and mortgage servicing transfer practices. It also prohibits the payment or receipt of kickbacks or referral fees in connection with the performance of settlement services. In addition, we are required to file an annual report with the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, which requires the collection and reporting of statistical data concerning mortgage loan transactions.

    In the course of our business, we may acquire properties securing loans that are in default. There is a risk that hazardous or toxic waste could be found on such properties. If this occurs, we could be held responsible for the cost of cleaning up or removing this hazardous waste. This cost could exceed the value of the underlying properties.

Regulatory Developments

    During 2000 and the first half of 2001, federal and state legislative and regulatory developments regarding consumer privacy and predatory lending could have a significant impact on our future business activities. The federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley financial reform legislation imposes additional privacy obligations on us with respect to our applicants and borrowers. We adopted a new privacy policy and adopted controls and procedures in order to comply with the law when it took effect on July 1, 2001. In addition, several states are considering even more stringent privacy legislation. If passed, a variety of inconsistent state privacy legislation could substantially increase our compliance costs.

    Several federal, state and local laws and regulations have been adopted or are under consideration that are intended to eliminate so-called "predatory" lending practices. Many of these laws and regulations impose broad restrictions on certain commonly accepted lending practices, including some of our practices. There can be no assurance that these proposed laws, rules and regulations, or other similar laws, rules or regulations, will not be adopted in the future. Adoption of these laws and regulations could have a material adverse impact on our business by substantially increasing the costs of compliance with a variety of inconsistent federal, state and local rules, or by restricting our ability to charge rates and fees adequate to compensate it for the risk associated with certain loans.

    In an effort to prevent the origination of loans containing unfair terms or involving predatory practices, we have employed extensive policies and procedures, including:

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    We plan to continue to review, revise and improve our practices in order to enhance our fair lending efforts and support the goal of eliminating predatory lending practices.

Employees

    At June 30, 2001, we employed 1,378 full-time employees and 27 part-time employees. None of our employees is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.

Properties

    Our executive, administrative offices and some of our lending offices are located in Irvine, California and consist of approximately 222,000 square feet. The three leases covering these executive, administrative and lending offices expire in June 2002, December 2002 and October 2005, respectively, and the combined monthly rent is $424,000. We lease space for our regional operating centers in Schaumburg, Illinois, Rancho Bernardo and San Ramon, California, Tampa, Florida and Englewood, Colorado. As of June 30, 2001, these facilities had an annual aggregate base rental of approximately $75,200. We also lease space for our sales offices, which range in size from 140 to 2,928 square feet with lease terms typically ranging from one to five years. As of June 30, 2001, annual base rents for the sales offices ranged from approximately $5,600 to $79,500. In general, the terms of these leases vary as to duration and rent escalation provisions, expire between August 2001 and January 2005 and provide for rent escalations dependent upon either increases in the lessors' operating expenses or fluctuations in the consumer price index in the relevant geographical area.

    We seek to sublease space that we no longer use as a result of branch closings, moves or the reduction or elimination of certain operations. Accordingly, upon the completion of the transfer of all of the servicing operations to Ocwen and the subsequent closing of our servicing division, it is our intention to sublease the approximately 66,000 square feet facility that houses our mortgage servicing operations. If we are successful in subleasing this space, we will save approximately $1.0 million per year in rent expense.

Legal Proceedings

    FTC Inquiry.  In August 2000, we were informed by the Federal Trade Commission that it was conducting an inquiry to determine whether we had violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Federal Trade Commission Act or other statutes administered by the Commission. The Commission subsequently focused its inquiry on whether the pre-approved credit solicitations our retail units generated comply with applicable law. We are cooperating with the inquiry and the Commission is reviewing data and information we have provided to it. The Commission recently informed us that the matter is temporarily on hold pending the completion of some staffing changes relating to the change of administrations in Washington.

    Matthews, et al.  In October 2000, Hazel Jean Matthews, Ruth D. Morgan and Marie I. Summerall filed an amended class action suit against New Century Mortgage Corporation, Central Mortgage, Equibanc Mortgage Corporation, Century 21 Home Improvements, and Incredible Exteriors, on behalf

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of themselves and other consumers located in the State of Ohio whose credit transaction was brokered by Equibanc and Central Mortgage. We were not named in the original complaint. The suit was filed in the Ohio state court and later removed by New Century Mortgage to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The complaint alleges breaches of the Federal Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act, gender discrimination, fraud, unconscionability, civil conspiracy, RICO, as well as other claims against the other defendants. The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees and costs. We filed a motion to dismiss this complaint in December 2000. Plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Complaint in May 2001. Plaintiffs thereafter expressed an interest in settling the case on an individual basis with each of the named plaintiffs. The parties have agreed to postpone the deadline for us to respond to the Second Amended Complaint while we pursue settlement negotiations.

    Fairbanks.  In May 2001, Fairbanks Capital initiated arbitration against New Century Mortgage Corporation for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith, fraud and negligent misrepresentation stemming from our decision to sell our servicing rights to Ocwen Federal Bank FSB instead of closing a sub-servicing arrangement that we had negotiated with Fairbanks and was scheduled to close. Fairbanks is seeking damages of approximately $3.9 million. We paid Fairbanks the $750,000 break-up fee that our agreement with Fairbanks specified, and believe we owe no more. We expect the arbitration to take place by the end of September 2001.

    Grimes.  In June 2001, we were served with a class action complaint filed by Richard L. Grimes and Rosa L. Grimes against New Century Mortgage Corporation. The action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, and seeks rescission, restitution and damages on behalf of the two plaintiffs, others similarly situated and on behalf of the general public. The complaint alleges a violation of the Federal Truth in Lending and Business & Professions Code § 17200. Specifically, the complaint alleges that we gave the borrowers the required three-day notice of their right to rescind before the loan transaction had technically been consummated. Our response is due on July 30, 2001. We believe the allegations lack merit, and intend to defend ourselves vigorously.

    Perry.  In July 2001, Charles Perry Jr. filed a class action complaint against New Century Mortgage Corporation and Noreast Mortgage Company, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The complaint alleges that certain payments we make to mortgage brokers, sometimes referred to as yield spread premiums, violate the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. The complaint also alleges that New Century Mortgage Corporation induced mortgage brokers to breach their fiduciary duties to borrowers. We have retained legal representation and are evaluating the complaint. Our answer is due in August 2001.

    We are also a party to various legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of our business. Management believes that any liability with respect to these legal actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation or financial position.

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers, Directors and Key Employees

    The following table sets forth information about our executive officers, directors and key employees as of June 30, 2001:

Name
   Age
   Position
Executive Officers and Directors:
Robert K. Cole   54   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Director, New Century Mortgage
Brad A. Morrice   45   Vice Chairman, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, New Century Mortgage; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NC Capital
Edward F. Gotschall   46   Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of the Company; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of New Century Mortgage
Frederic J. Forster   57   Director
Richard A. Zona   56   Director
Michael M. Sachs   60   Director
Terrence P. Sandvik   62   Director
Key Employees:        
Patrick J. Flanagan   37   Executive Vice President of the Company; Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director, New Century Mortgage, and President, NC Capital
George Anderson   62   President, Retail Branch Operations and Director of New Century Mortgage
Shabi S. Asghar   39   President, Wholesale Division and Director of New Century Mortgage
Kirk Redding   42   President, Central Retail Division and Director of New Century Mortgage
Larry Moretti   44   Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Company; Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of New Century Mortgage
William McKay   51   Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Company

    Robert K. Cole, one of our co-founders, has been our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since December 1995 and one of our directors since November 1995. Mr. Cole also serves as a director on the Board of Directors of New Century Mortgage. From February 1994 to March 1995, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer-Finance of Plaza Home Mortgage Corporation, a publicly-traded savings and loan holding company specializing in the origination and servicing of residential mortgage loans. In addition, Mr. Cole served as a director of Option One Mortgage Corporation, a subsidiary of Plaza Home Mortgage specializing in the origination, sale and servicing of non-prime mortgage loans. From June 1990 to January 1994, Mr. Cole was the President of Triple Five, an international real estate development company. Previously, Mr. Cole was the President of operating subsidiaries of NBD Bancorp and Public Storage. Mr. Cole received a Masters of Business Administration degree from Wayne State University.

    Brad A. Morrice, one of our co-founders, has been our Vice Chairman since December 1996, our President, and one of our directors since November 1995 and our Chief Operating Officer since January 2001. Mr. Morrice also served as our General Counsel from December 1995 to December 1997 and our Secretary from December 1995 to May 1999. In addition, Mr. Morrice serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New Century Mortgage and NC Capital. From February 1994 to March 1995, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer-Administration of Plaza Home

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Mortgage, after serving as its Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer since February 1993. In addition, Mr. Morrice served as General Counsel and a director of Option One. From August 1990 to January 1993, Mr. Morrice was a partner in the law firm of King, Purtich & Morrice, where he specialized in the legal representation of mortgage banking companies. Mr. Morrice previously practiced law at the firms of Fried, King, Holmes & August and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. He received his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall) and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Stanford University.

    Edward F. Gotschall, one of our co-founders, has been our Vice Chairman since December 1996, our Chief Financial Officer since August 1998, our Chief Operating Officer Finance/Administration from December 1995 to August 1998 and one of our directors since November 1995. Mr. Gotschall also serves as Chief Financial Officer and a director of New Century Mortgage. From April 1994 to July 1995, he was the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of Plaza Home Mortgage and a director of Option One. In December 1992, Mr. Gotschall was one of the co-founders and principal architect of the initial business plan for Option One and served as its Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer until April 1994. From January 1991 to July 1992, he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Mortgage Network, a retail mortgage banking company. Mr. Gotschall received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University and received his CPA designation during his employment term with Touche Ross (now Deloitte & Touche) in Phoenix, Arizona.

    Fredric J. Forster has been a director on our board of directors since 1997. From March 1999 to May 2001, Mr. Forster was a director and consultant to LoanTrader. He has been a private investor and business consultant since January 1998. From November 1996 to December 1998, Mr. Forster was a principal of Financial Institutional Partners Mortgage Company, LP. From March 1993 to April 1996, Mr. Forster was the President and Chief Operating Officer of H.F. Ahmanson and Company and its subsidiary, Home Savings of America. From 1979 to 1993, Mr. Forster was President of ITT Federal Bank, formerly Newport Balboa Savings and Loan Association.

    Richard A. Zona has been a director on our board of directors since 2000. He has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zona Financial since 2000. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Zona was the Vice Chairman of U.S. Bancorp. From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Zona was the Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Bancorp. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of ING Direct Bank, FSB, Polaris Industries, Inc., IPI, Inc. and Centre Pacific Partners.

    Michael M. Sachs has been a director on our board of directors since 1995. Mr. Sachs has been the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Westrec Financial, Inc., which operates marinas and related businesses, since 1990. Mr. Sachs has been the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Pinpoint Systems, Inc., which manufactures marine electronic equipment, since 1995.

    Terrence P. Sandvik has been a director on our board of directors since September 2000. He was previously a director from February 1999 to April 2000. From 1990 to 1999, Mr. Sandvik was the President of U.S. Bancorp Business Technology Center at U.S. Bancorp, Inc.

    Patrick J. Flanagan has been our Executive Vice President since August 1998. He has been President of NC Capital Corporation since December 1998 and a director of New Century Mortgage since May 1997. Since January 1997, Mr. Flanagan has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New Century Mortgage. Mr. Flanagan initially joined New Century Mortgage in May 1996 as Regional Vice President of Midwest Wholesale and Retail Operations. From August 1994 to April 1996, Mr. Flanagan was a Regional Manager with Long Beach Mortgage. From July 1992 to July 1994, he was an Assistant Vice President for First Chicago Bank, from February 1989 to February 1991, he was Assistant Vice President for Banc One in Chicago and from February 1991 to

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July 1992, he was a Business Development Manager for Transamerica Financial Services. Mr. Flanagan received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth College.

    George Anderson has been President-Retail Branch Operations of New Century Mortgage since August 1998 and a director of New Century Mortgage since November 1999. From 1994 to July 1998, Mr. Anderson was the President and CEO of Advanta Finance Corporation. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Anderson served as Executive Vice President for Transamerica Financial Services and from 1984 to 1990, Mr. Anderson served as President and CEO of Nova Financial Services where he was responsible for the full spectrum of start-up activities associated with building a multi-state consumer finance company. In 1990, Nova was acquired by Transamerica Financial Services. From 1959 to 1984, Mr. Anderson served as Area Vice President for Transamerica Financial Services and was responsible for the mid-west and east coast operations of Transamerica. Mr. Anderson has over 37 years experience in the consumer finance and mortgage business.

    Shabi S. Asghar has been President-Wholesale Lending Division of New Century Mortgage since August 1998. He previously served as Senior Vice President-Wholesale Lending from January 1996 to August 1998 and has been a director of New Century Mortgage since May 1997. Mr. Asghar initially joined New Century Mortgage as Vice President, Mortgage Banking Operations and served in this position from December 1995 to January 1996. From June 1995 to November 1995, Mr. Asghar was the Southern California District Manager for Ford Consumer Finance. From September 1992 to March 1995, he was an Area Sales Manager for Long Beach Mortgage and from June 1988 to September 1992, he was a Business Development Manager for Transamerica Financial Services. Mr. Asghar received his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Northridge.

    Kirk Redding has been President-Central Retail Division of New Century Mortgage since December 2000 when PWF Corporation, or Primewest, merged with New Century Mortgage Corporation. Mr. Redding also became a director of New Century Mortgage in January 2001. Mr. Redding was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Primewest, a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation since January 1998, when it was acquired by us as its correspondent subsidiary. Mr. Redding was the owner of Primewest since its inception in 1992. Prior to creating Primewest, Mr. Redding was a Senior Loan Officer with Mission Viejo National Bank from 1989 to 1992. He received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business/Marketing from Long Beach State University of California.

    Larry Moretti has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Officer of New Century Mortgage since May 1999. Mr. Moretti became Chief Administrative Officer and a director of New Century Mortgage in January 2001. Prior to joining New Century, Mr. Moretti was Senior Information Systems Account Manager for TRW Space and Electronics Group from 1997 to May 1999. From 1994 to 1999, Mr. Moretti also had his own consulting firm, Telenet Solutions, which provided technology services to the communications industry. Mr. Moretti was previously manager of Information Technology Support Systems for Transamerica Specialty Financial from 1975 to 1994. Mr. Moretti has over 25 years experience in the communications and technology industries.

    William McKay has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer since January of 2001. Mr. McKay began his career with New Century Mortgage in 1998, serving as the Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of our Retail Division. Prior to joining New Century Mr. McKay was a Vice President and Region Manager with Advanta Finance Corporation from 1997 to 1998. From 1971 to 1997 Mr. McKay was employed by Transamerica Financial Services, a consumer finance and mortgage lender, where he held a wide variety of positions, including Division Vice President for Underwriting Operations. Mr. McKay has 30 years of experience in the lending industry.

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Board Composition

    Our amended and restated bylaws provide that the board of directors shall initially consist of nine members and thereafter, that the number of directors be fixed or altered exclusively by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of all of the directors. Currently, our board of directors consists of seven directors.

    Our board of directors is divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III. At present, three directors are Class I directors, three directors are Class II directors and one director is a Class III director. Our Class I directors are Fredric J. Forster, Edward F. Gotschall and Richard A. Zona, our Class II directors are Brad A. Morrice, Michael M. Sachs and Terrence P. Sandvik, and our Class III director is Robert K. Cole. The current terms of the Class I, Class II and Class III directors expire in 2004, 2002 and 2003, respectively. Both Mr. Sandvik and Mr. Zona were originally designated by U.S. Bancorp to serve on our Board of Directors. Under our October 1998 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement with U.S. Bancorp, U.S. Bancorp had the right to designate nominees to our board of directors approximately in proportion to its percentage ownership of our outstanding capital stock. Mr. Zona was appointed to our board of directors in June 2000. Mr. Sandvik resigned from our board of directors in April 2000 and was reappointed in September 2000. In March 2001, U.S. Bancorp terminated its right to designate directors. Mr. Sandvik and Mr. Zona remain on our Board of Directors, but no longer serve as U.S. Bancorp designees.

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

    The following table contains information about the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of July 27, 2001 and immediately after the offering for:

    Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each person or entity named below is c/o New Century Financial Corporation, 18400 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000, Irvine, California 92612.

    Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as indicated by footnote, and except for community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. The table assumes no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. If the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, we have agreed to sell up to an aggregate of 450,000 additional shares of common stock. The percentage of beneficial ownership before the offering is based on 16,636,364 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2001.

 
   Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
   Percentage of
Shares Outstanding(2)
    
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
   Before
Offering
   After
Offering
   Before
Offering
   After
Offering
   Number of Shares to be
Sold in Offering
Five Percent or Greater Stockholders:                    
Brookhaven Capital Management Co. Ltd(3)
3000 Sand Hill Road #3-105
Menlo Park, California 94025		   8,077,527   8,077,527   48.6 % 41.8 % —
U.S. Bancorp(4)
U.S. Bank Place
601 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402		   4,689,400   4,689,400   22.6 % 20.0 % —
The Foundation Companies(5)
1313 East Osborn Road, Suite 250
Phoenix, Arizona 85067		   881,269   881,269   5.3 % 4.6 % —
Dimensional Fund Advisors(6)   1,095,700   1,095,700   6.6 % 5.7 % —
Directors and Officers:                    
Robert K. Cole(7)   1,396,855   1,296,855   8.3 % 6.6 % 100,000
Brad A. Morrice(8)   1,256,878   1,156,878   7.5 % 5.9 % 100,000
Edward F. Gotschall(9)   1,354,401   1,254,401   8.0 % 6.4 % 100,000
Frederic J. Forster(10)   21,667   21,667   *   *   —
Michael M. Sachs(11)   567,382   567,382   3.4 % 2.9 % —
Terrence P. Sandvik   —   —   —   —   —
Richard A. Zona(12)   5,000   5,000   *   *   —
Executive officers and directors as a group                    
  (7 persons)(13)   4,602,183   4,302,183   26.7 % 21.5 % 300,000
*
Less than one percent

(1)
Each of the directors and executive officers listed can be reached through the company at 18400 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000, Irvine, California 92612.

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(2)
If a stockholder holds options or other securities that are exercisable or otherwise convertible into our common stock within 60 days of July 27, 2001, we treat the common stock underlying those securities as owned by that stockholder, and as outstanding shares when we calculate that stockholder's percentage ownership of our common stock. However, we do not consider that common stock to be outstanding when we calculate the percentage ownership of any other stockholder.

(3)
The share information reflected is based on the Schedule 13F filed by Brookhaven Capital Management Co. Ltd. on February 16, 2001. Brookhaven and its affiliates, Watershed Partners, Watershed (Cayman) Ltd. and Vincent Carrino, have granted the company an irrevocable proxy to vote all shares controlled by these stockholders which exceed 34.9% of the total voting shares of the company.

(4)
Includes 2,724,800 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of 20,000 shares of Series 1998A convertible preferred stock and 1,399,600 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of 20,000 shares of Series 1999A convertible preferred stock. The share information reflected is based on the Schedule 13D Amendment filed on January 23, 2001.

(5)
The Foundation Companies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foundation Administrative Services, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Baptist Foundation of Arizona, each of which may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares owned by The Foundation Companies. The share information reflected is based on the Schedule 13G Amendment filed jointly on February 23, 2001 by The Foundation Companies, Foundation Administrative Services and the Baptist Foundation of Arizona.

(6)
The share information reflected is based on the Schedule 13G filed by Dimensional Fund Advisors on February 2, 2001. In this filing, Dimensional, a registered investment advisor, disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares.

(7)
Includes 209,305 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of July 27, 2001.

(8)
Includes 21,103 shares owned by the Samantha H. Morrice Trust, the sole beneficiary of which is Mr. Morrice's daughter. Also includes 129,098 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of July 27, 2001.

(9)
Includes 249,305 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of July 27, 2001.

(10)
Includes 21,667 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of July 27, 2001.

(11)
Includes 225,232 shares of common stock owned by Westrec PS Plan, of which Mr. Sachs is the trustee and sole beneficiary, and 3,500 shares owned by Mr. Sachs' wife. Also includes 15,000 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of July 27, 2001.

(12)
Includes 5,000 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of July 27, 2001.

(13)
Includes 629,375 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of July 27, 2001.

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

    Our authorized capital stock consists of 45,000,000 shares of common stock and 7,500,000 shares of preferred stock. Upon the closing of this offering, we will have 19,317,317 shares of common stock outstanding and 40,000 shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

    Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders, including the election of directors. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

    Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and after satisfaction of the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock.

    Holders of our common stock have no conversion or redemption rights and are not subject to further assessments by us. Upon consummation of this offering, all of the then outstanding shares of common stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

    In November 1998, we issued 20,000 shares of Series 1998-A convertible preferred stock to U.S. Bancorp for $20.0 million. The holders of Series 1998-A preferred stock are entitled to convert each share of Series 1998-A preferred stock into 136.24 shares of common stock. The Series 1998-A preferred stock earns a dividend at a rate of 7.5% per annum, payable quarterly. In July 1999, we issued 20,000 shares of Series 1999-A convertible preferred stock to U.S. Bancorp for $20.0 million. The holders of Series 1999-A preferred stock are entitled to convert each share of Series 1999-A preferred stock into 69.98 shares of common stock. The Series 1999-A preferred stock earns a dividend at a rate of 7.0% per annum, payable quarterly. The holders of the Series 1998-A and 1999-A preferred stock vote with the holders of common stock on an as-converted basis. Upon liquidation, the holders of Series 1998-A and 1999-A preferred stock are entitled to receive, in preference to any payment on common stock, an amount equal to $1,000 per share and any accumulated unpaid dividends.

    In connection with its purchase of the Series 1998-A preferred stock, we granted U.S. Bancorp a preemptive right to purchase shares of our capital stock. No other holders of our stock have preemptive rights.

    In addition, our board of directors is authorized to issue from time to time, without stockholder authorization, in one or more designated series, any or all of the remaining authorized but unissued shares of our preferred stock with such dividend, redemption, conversion and exchange provisions as may be provided for the particular series. Any series of preferred stock may possess voting, dividend, liquidation and redemption rights superior to those of the common stock. The rights of holders of common stock will be subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. Issuance of a new series of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discourage a third party from acquiring, our outstanding voting stock, and make removal of our present board of directors more difficult. We have no present plans to issue additional shares of preferred stock. See "Risk Factors—Anti-Takeover Provisions."

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Warrants

    As of June 30, 2001, we had outstanding warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $11.00 per share. The warrants are exercisable through May 30, 2002.

Registration Rights

    Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement between us and certain of our original stockholders and an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement between us, U.S. Bank and U.S. Bancorp, if at any time after a public offering of our shares of common stock we propose to register our common stock under the Securities Act for our own account or the account of any of our stockholders or both, the stockholders party to these agreements are entitled to notice of the registration and to include registrable shares in that offering, provided that the underwriters of that offering do not limit the number of shares included in the registration. In addition, stockholders that have registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement described above can demand registration of their shares three times, while U.S. Bancorp, under the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, can demand registration of its shares two times. These demand registration rights are subject to postponement by us under certain circumstances. The stockholders with these registration rights hold an aggregate of 5,729,284 shares. We are required to bear substantially all costs incurred in these registrations, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. The registration rights described above could result in substantial future expenses for us and adversely affect any future equity or debt offerings.

    All holders of registration rights, other than Robert Cole, Brad Morrice, and Ed Gotschall, have waived their right to register shares in connection with this offering. Messrs. Cole, Morrice and Gotschall have each elected to register 100,000 shares of common stock in this offering.

    In connection with our private placement of 1,442,308 shares of common stock in July 2001, we agreed to promptly register the shares for resale and to maintain the effectiveness of the registration for up to two years, subject to customary exceptions.

Certain Provisions of Delaware Law

    As a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 would prevent an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a "business combination" with us for three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder unless (i) before the person became an interested stockholder, our board of directors approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or approved the business combination, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of our outstanding voting stock at the time the transaction commenced (excluding shares owned by persons who are both officers and directors and shares held by certain employee stock ownership plans) or (iii) following the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at a meeting of our stockholders by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Agreements

    Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be liable to us or to our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director except to the extent provided by applicable law. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director's liability may not be limited:

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    The effect of the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation is to eliminate our rights and the rights of our stockholders (through stockholders' derivative suits on behalf of us) to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of the fiduciary duty of care as a director (including breaches resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior), except as provided above. These provisions do not limit or eliminate our rights or the right of any stockholder to seek nonmonetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event of a breach of a director's duty of care.

    Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to certain limitations for settlements that are not approved by us, for losses covered by an insurance policy, for judgments for an accounting of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and similar laws, and where prohibited by applicable law.

    We have entered into agreements with each of our directors and officers pursuant to which we indemnify each of our directors or officers, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, from claims, liabilities, damages, expenses, losses, costs, penalties or amounts paid in settlement that are incurred by the director or officer in his capacity as a director, officer, employee and/or agent of the company or of any other corporation of which he is serving as a director or officer at our request. In addition, our directors and officers are entitled to an advancement of expenses to the maximum extent authorized or permitted by law.

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions

    Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws include various provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt that may be in the best interest of our stockholders. These provisions include:

    Issuance of our preferred stock could also discourage bids for the common stock at a premium as well as create a depressive effect on the market price of the common stock.

The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market

    Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol "NCEN".

Transfer Agent and Registrar

    The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is U.S. Stock Transfer.

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UNDERWRITING

    The underwriters named below are acting through their representatives, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., Jefferies & Company, Inc. and Advest, Inc. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has agreed to purchase from us, the number of shares set forth opposite its name below. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of our common stock is subject to approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all shares of our common stock offered (other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below) if any of the shares are taken.

Underwriter
   Number of Shares
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.    
Jefferies & Company, Inc.    
Advest, Inc.    
   
  Total   3,000,000
   

    We have granted the underwriters an option exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus to purchase up to 450,000 additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. If the underwriters exercise this option, the underwriters will have a firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase all of the shares covered by the option.

    The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions we will pay to the underwriters. The amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase 450,000 additional shares of our common stock to cover over-allotments.

 
   No Exercise
   Full Exercise
Per Share   $     $  
   
 
  Total            
   
 

    Each of our officers and directors has agreed with the representatives, for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock owned by them, without the prior written consent of the representatives. However, the representatives may, in their sole discretion and at any time without notice, release all or any portion of the securities subject to these agreements.

    The underwriters propose to offering our common stock directly to the public at $            per share and to certain dealers at this price less a concession not in excess of $            per share. The underwriters may all, and the dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $            per share to certain dealers.

    We expect to incur expenses of approximately $            in connection with this offering.

    We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

    In connection with this offering, the underwriters are permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of our common stock. These transactions consist of bids or purchases for the

67

purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of our common stock. If the underwriters create a short position in our common stock in connection with this offering by selling more than             shares of common stock, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing our common stock in the open market. In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of these purchases. Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will engage in those transactions or that those transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

    In July 2001, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. served as placement agent of approximately $15 million of our common stock, and was entitled to receive a fee or discount of approximately 6% of the gross proceeds of the private placement. The representatives or their affiliates may provide us with investment banking, financial advisory or commercial banking services in the future, for which they may receive customary compensation.

    The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend to confirm sales of the common stock offered by this prospectus to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.


EXPERTS

    The consolidated financial statements of New Century Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2000 have been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance on the report of KPMG LLP, independent auditors, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.


LEGAL MATTERS

    The validity of the shares of common stock offered in this prospectus will be passed upon for us by O'Melveny & Myers LLP, Newport Beach, California. Morrison & Foerster LLP, Los Angeles, California, will pass upon certain legal matters in connection with this offering for the underwriters.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy the materials we file at the Commission's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Rooms. Our Commission filings are also available to the public from the Commission's World Wide Web site on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. This site contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission. You may also read and copy this information at the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

    We maintain a site on the World Wide Web at www.ncen.com. The information contained in our website, in our www.anyloan.com website or in any website linked by our website, is not a part of this prospectus and you should not rely on it in deciding whether to invest in our common stock.

    We have filed a registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, covering the offered securities. As allowed by the Commission rules, this prospectus does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement and the included exhibits, financial statements and schedules. We refer you to the registration statement, the included exhibits, financial statements and schedules for further information. This prospectus is qualified in its entirety by such other information.

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

    The Commission allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this prospectus. We have filed our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and June 30, 2001 with the Commission, and those documents are incorporated herein by reference.

    Any documents we file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities to which this prospectus relates will automatically be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be part hereof from the date of filing those documents. Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other document that is also incorporated by reference modifies or supersedes that statement.

    You may obtain copies of all documents that are incorporated in this prospectus by reference (other than the exhibits to those documents that are specifically incorporated by reference herein) without charge by writing or calling Mr. Stergios Theologides, at New Century Financial Corporation, 18400 Von Karman, Suite 1000, Irvine, California 92612, telephone number (949) 440-7030.

69


NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
   Page Reference
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2001 (unaudited) and December 31, 2000   F-2
Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three and Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2000 and 2001   F-3
Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Three and Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2000 and 2001   F-4
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) as of June 30, 2000 and 2001   F-5
Independent Auditors' Report   F-13
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 2000   F-14
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years ended December 31, 2000   F-15
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2000   F-16
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2000   F-17
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the three years ended December 31, 2000   F-18

F–1


New Century Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

 
   December 31,
2000
   June 30,
2001
  
ASSETS:              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 10,283   $ 9,073  
Loans receivable held for sale, net (notes 2 and 5)     400,089     588,305  
Residual interests in securitizations (note 3)     361,646     324,551  
Mortgage servicing assets (note 4)     22,945     3,622  
Accrued interest receivable     1,588     3,385  
Office property and equipment     3,171     3,268  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     37,439     28,722  
   
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 837,161   $ 960,926  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:              
Warehouse and aggregation lines of credit (note 5)   $ 404,446   $ 579,164  
Residual financing     176,806     119,641  
Subordinated debt     40,000     40,000  
Notes payable     24,340     1,126  
Income taxes payable     7,498     10,154  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     24,040     45,884  
Deferred income taxes     7,882     7,882  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities     685,012     803,851  
Stockholders' equity:              
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 7,500,000 shares; 40,000 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference $40,000     —     —  
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 14,852,931 shares at December 31, 2000 and 15,175,009 shares at June 30, 2001     149     152  
Additional paid-in capital     90,579     90,222  
Retained earnings, restricted     61,426     68,018  
   
 
 
      152,154     158,392  
Deferred compensation costs     (5 )   (1,317 )
   
 
 
  Total stockholders' equity     152,149     157,075  
   
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 837,161   $ 960,926  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

F–2


New Century Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
   Six Months Ended June 30,
   Three Months Ended June 30,
  
 
   2000
   2001
   2000
   2001
  
Revenues:                          
  Gain (loss) on sale of loans   $ 21,205   $ 58,679   $ (1,605 ) $ 38,129  
  Interest income     36,212     22,975     17,771     13,717  
  Servicing income     15,555     9,504     7,746     2,998  
  Residual interest income     22,805     20,684     11,481     9,530  
  Other income     540     907     540     420  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues     96,317     112,749     35,933     64,794  
   
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                          
  Personnel     28,315     37,008     15,071     18,908  
  Interest     35,478     29,062     17,391     12,967  
  General and administrative     24,160     24,800     12,672     11,635  
  Advertising and promotion     7,407     5,158     3,943     2,374  
  Professional services     2,900     2,557     1,516     1,551  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     98,260     98,585     50,593     47,435  
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     (1,943 )   14,164     (14,660 )   17,359  
Income taxes (benefit)     (613 )   6,123     (6,057 )   7,466  
   
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   $ (1,330 ) $ 8,041   $ (8,603 ) $ 9,893  
  Dividends paid on preferred stock     (1,450 )   (1,450 )   (725 )   (725 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders   $ (2,780 ) $ 6,591   $ (9,328 ) $ 9,168  
   
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share (note 6)   $ (0.19 ) $ 0.44   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.61  
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (note 6)   $ (0.19 ) $ 0.41   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.51  
   
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

F–3


New Century Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2000 and 2001
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
   2000
   2001
  
Cash flows from operating activities:              
Net earnings (loss)   $ (1,330 ) $ 8,041  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:              
  Depreciation and amortization     4,849     3,326  
  NIR gains     (35,116 )   (16,347 )
  Initial deposits to over-collateralization accounts     (21,944 )   (2,853 )
  Deposits to over-collateralization accounts     (40,416 )   (43,761 )
  Release of cash from over-collateralization accounts     31,500     33,433  
  Servicing gains     (3,138 )   (4,938 )
  Amortization (accretion) of NIRs     15,562     18,522  
  Fair value adjustment of residual securities     21,197     —  
  Provision for losses     5,850     5,441  
  Loans originated or acquired for sale     (2,064,305 )   (2,412,559 )
  Loan sales, net     1,964,916     2,219,658  
  Principal payments on loans receivable held for sale     21,694     6,642  
  Increase in warehouse and aggregation lines of credit     69,875     174,718  
  Net change in other assets and liabilities     (10,019 )   20,977  
   
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (40,825 )   10,300  
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
  Purchase of office property and equipment     (746 )   (1,171 )
  Stock issued in connection with acquisition of Primewest     (43 )   —  
  Proceeds from sale of residual interests in securitization     —     22,204  
  Proceeds from sale of mortgage servicing rights     —     22,754  
   
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (789 )   43,787  
Cash flows from financing activities:              
  Net proceeds from (repayments of) residual financing     27,798     (31,268 )
  Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt     15,000     —  
  Proceeds from (net repayments of) notes payable     (912 )   (23,214 )
  Payment of dividends on convertible preferred stock     (1,450 )   (1,450 )
  Net proceeds from issuance of stock/purchase of treasury stock     (222 )   635  
   
 
 
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     40,214     (55,297 )
   
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (1,400 )   (1,210 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     4,496     10,283  
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 3,096   $ 9,073  
   
 
 
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:              
  Interest paid   $ 35,570   $ 29,917  
  Income taxes paid   $ 4,212   $ 3,467  
Supplemental non-cash financing activity:              
  Stock issued in connection with acquisition   $ 43   $ 125  
  Restricted stock issued   $ —   $ 1,520  
  Cancellation of warrants   $ —   $ 2,631  
  Net assets acquired through acquisition of subsidiary   $ 553   $ —  

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

F–4

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2000 and 2001

1. Basis of Presentation

    The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2001.

    Recent accounting developments—In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Securities and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138 (collectively "SFAS No. 133"). SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments imbedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (i) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (ii) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction, or (iii) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available for sale security, or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction.

    Under SFAS No. 133, an entity that elects to apply hedge accounting is required to establish at the inception of the hedge the method it will use for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. Those methods must be consistent with the entity's approach to managing risk. This statement is effective for the Company on January 1, 2001.

    On January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133. All outstanding derivatives at December 31, 2000 had already been recognized at fair value with the offset through earnings, consequently, the adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not result in any adjustment to the recorded value of the Company's derivative hedging instruments.

    In September 2000, FASB issued SFAS No. 140 to replace SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" (SFAS No. 140). SFAS No. 140 provides the accounting and reporting guidance for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. SFAS No. 140 will be the authoritative accounting literature for: (1) securitization transactions involving financial assets; (2) sales of financial assets; (3) servicing assets and liabilities; (4) securities lending transactions; (5) repurchase agreements; and (6) extinguishments of liabilities. The accounting provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after March 31, 2001. The reclassification and disclosure provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2000. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions required by SFAS No. 140 and has included all appropriate and necessary disclosures required by SFAS No. 140 in its financial statements and footnotes. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

F–5

    The Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) consensus 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, provides guidance for interest income recognition and measurement of impairment for interests retained in a securitization. This consensus was required to be implemented by the Company on April 1, 2001. The consensus had no significant impact on the consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

    In July, 2001, FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Accounting for Business Combinations," SFAS No. 142, "Accounting for Goodwill and Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 141 eliminates the ability to utilize the pooling of interests method of accounting for business combination transactions initiated after June 30, 2001. The purchase method of accounting is now required. SFAS 142 eliminates the existing requirement to amortize goodwill through a periodic charge to earnings. For existing goodwill, the elimination of the amortization requirement is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2002. As of that date, and at least annually thereafter, goodwill must be evaluated for impairment based on estimated fair value. As of June 30, 2001, the Company had goodwill of $3.6 million. Since the goodwill and related amortization has not been significant to the consolidated balance sheet and results of operations, the implementation of this standard is not expected to be material to the consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

    Residual interests in securitizations—Residual interests in securitizations (Residuals) are recorded as a result of the sale of loans through securitizations and the sale of residual interests in securitizations through what are sometimes referred to as net interest margin securities (NIMS).

    The loan securitizations are generally structured as follows: First, the Company sells a portfolio of mortgage loans to a special purpose entity (SPE) which has been established for the limited purpose of buying and reselling mortgage loans. The SPE then transfers the same mortgage loans to a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit or Owners Trust (the REMIC or Trust), and the Trust in turn issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities (the Certificates) generally in an amount equal to the aggregate principal balance of the mortgage loans. The Certificates are typically sold at face value and without recourse except that representations and warranties customary to the mortgage banking industry are provided by the Company to the Trust. One or more investors purchase these Certificates for cash. The Trust uses the cash proceeds to pay the Company the cash portion of the purchase price for the mortgage loans. The Trust also issues a certificate representing a residual interest in the payments on the securitized loans. In addition, the Company may provide a credit enhancement for the benefit of the investors in the form of additional collateral (over-collateralization account or OC Account) held by the Trust. The OC Account is required by the servicing agreement to be maintained at certain levels.

    At the closing of each securitization, the Company removes from its consolidated balance sheet the mortgage loans held for sale and adds to its consolidated balance sheet (i) the cash received, (ii) the estimated fair value of the interest in the mortgage loans retained from the securitizations (Residuals), which consist of (a) the OC Account and (b) the net interest receivable (NIR) and (iii) the estimated fair value of the servicing asset. The NIR represents the discounted estimated cash flows to be received by the Company in the future. The excess of the cash received and the assets retained by the Company over the carrying value of the loans sold, less transaction costs, equals the net gain on sale of mortgage loans recorded by the Company.

    The NIMS are generally structured as follows. First, the Company sells or contributes the Residuals to an SPE which has been established for the limited purpose of receiving and selling asset-backed residual interests in securitization certificates. Next, the SPE transfers the Residuals to an

F–6

owner trust (the Trust) and the Trust in turn issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities (the bonds and certificates). The Company sells these Residuals without recourse except that normal representations and warranties are provided by the Company to the Trust. One or more investors purchase the bonds and certificates and the proceeds from the sale of the bonds and certificates, along with a residual interest certificate that is subordinate to the bonds and certificates, represent the consideration to the Company for the sale of the Residuals.

    At the closing of each NIMS, the Company removes from its consolidated balance sheet the carrying value of the Residuals sold and adds to its consolidated balance sheet (i) the cash received, and (ii) the estimated fair value of the portion of the Residuals retained, which consists of the net interest receivable (NIR) and the OC account. The excess of the cash received and assets retained over the carrying value of the Residuals sold, less transaction costs, equals the net gain or loss on the sale of Residuals recorded by the Company.

    The Company allocates its basis in the mortgage loans and residual interests between the portion of the mortgage loans and residual interests sold through the Certificates and the portion retained (the Residuals and servicing assets) based on the relative fair values of those portions on the date of sale. The Company may recognize gains or losses attributable to the changes in the fair value of the Residuals, which are recorded at estimated fair value and accounted for as "held-for-trading" securities. The Company is not aware of an active market for the purchase or sale of Residuals and, accordingly, the Company determines the estimated fair value of the Residuals by discounting the expected cash flows released from the OC Account (the cash out method) using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved. The Company utilizes an effective discount rate of 13% on the estimated cash flows released from the OC Account to value the Residuals through securitization and a range of 15% to 20% on the estimated cash flows released from the Trust to value Residuals through NIMS transactions.

    In securitization transactions, generally the Company has the right to collect periodic servicing fees for the servicing and collection of the mortgage loans as master servicer of the securitized loans. In addition, the Company is entitled to the cash flows from the Residuals that represent collections on the mortgage loans in excess of the amounts required to pay the Certificate principal and interest, the servicing fees and certain other fees such as trustee and custodial fees. At the end of each collection period, the aggregate cash collections from the mortgage loans are allocated first to the base servicing fees and certain other fees such as trustee and custodial fees for the period, then to the Certificateholders for interest at the pass-through rate on the Certificates plus principal as defined in the servicing agreements. If the amount of cash required for the above allocations exceeds the amount collected during the collection period, the shortfall is drawn from the OC Account. If the cash collected during the period exceeds the amount necessary for the above allocations, and there is no shortfall in the related OC Account, the excess is released to the Company. If the OC Account balance is not at the required credit enhancement level, the excess cash collected is retained in the OC Account until the specified level is achieved. The cash and collateral in the OC Account is restricted from use by the Company. Pursuant to certain servicing agreements, cash held in the OC Accounts may be used to make accelerated principal paydowns on the Certificates to create additional excess collateral in the OC Account which is held by the Trusts on behalf of the Company as the Residual holder. The specified credit enhancement levels are defined in the servicing agreements as the OC Account balance expressed generally as a percentage of the current collateral principal balance.

F–7

    For NIMS transactions, the Company will receive cash flows once the holders of the senior bonds and certificates created in the NIMS transaction are fully repaid.

    The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on the mortgage loans is relatively high in comparison to the pass-through rate on the Certificates. Accordingly, the Residuals described above are a significant asset of the Company. In determining the value of the Residuals, the Company must estimate the future rates of prepayments, prepayment penalties to be received by the Company, delinquencies, defaults and default loss severity as they affect the amount and timing of the estimated cash flows. As of June 30, 2001 significant assumptions used to determine the present value of estimated future cash flows from the Residuals were:

 
   Adjustable-Rate
   Fixed-Rate
Cumulative pool losses   3.08%   3.23%
Weighted average life   2.75 years   3.97 years

    Cumulative pool losses represent the total actual plus expected losses, divided by the original pool balance. These estimates are based on historical loss data for comparable loans and the specific characteristics of the loans originated by the Company. The Company estimates prepayments by evaluating historical prepayment performance of comparable mortgage loans and the impact of trends in the industry. The Company has used a prepayment curve to estimate the prepayment characteristics of the mortgage loans. The rate of increase, duration, severity and decrease of the curve depends on the age and nature of the mortgage loans, primarily whether the mortgage loans are fixed or adjustable and the interest rate adjustment characteristics of the mortgage loans (6 month, 1 year, 2 year, 3 year or 5 year adjustment periods.

    Historically, the Company performs an evaluation of its Residuals quarterly, which takes into consideration trends in actual cash flow performance, industry and economic developments, as well as other relevant factors. Although recent experience resulted in an increase in prepayment and loss assumptions as of June 30, 2001, the current interest rate environment resulted in an increase in value such that the carrying value of the Residuals is at the fair market value at June 30, 2001. For the quarter ended June 30, 2000, the Company recorded a market value adjustment of $21.2 million to reduce the carrying value of the Residuals, and charged off the $5.0 million general valuation allowance. The combined $26.2 million reduction in the carrying value of the Residuals resulted from an increase of 1% in the discount rate used to calculate the present value of estimated future cash flows, as well as increases in the prepayment and loss assumptions.

    The Bond and Certificate holders and their securitization trusts have no recourse to the Company for failure of mortgage loan borrowers to pay when due. The Company's Residuals are subordinate to the Bonds and Certificates until the Bond and Certificate holders are fully paid.

F–8

2. Loans Receivable Held for Sale, Net

    A summary of loans receivable held for sale, at the lower of cost or market at December 31, 2000 and June 30, 2001 follows (dollars in thousands):

 
   December 31,
2000
   June 30,
2001
  
Mortgage loans receivable   $ 401,139   $ 588,895  
Net deferred origination fees     (1,050 )   (590 )
   
 
 
    $ 400,089   $ 588,305  
   
 
 

3. Residual Interests in Securitizations

    Residual interests in securitizations consist of the following components at December 31, 2000 and June 30, 2001 (dollars in thousands):

 
   December 31,
2000
   June 30,
2001
Over-collateralization account   $ 242,636   $ 204,556
Net interest receivable (NIR)     119,010     119,995
   
 
    $ 361,646   $ 324,551
   
 

    The following table summarizes activity in the NIR amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001 (dollars in thousands):

 
   2000
   2001
  
Balance, beginning of period   $ 185,144   $ 119,010  
NIR gains     35,116     16,347  
Sales of NIR through NIM's/call transactions     —     3,160  
Charge-offs of NIR     (5,000 )   —  
Fair value adjustment     (21,197 )   —  
NIR accretion (amortization)     (15,562 )   (18,522 )
   
 
 
Balance, end of period   $ 178,501   $ 119,995  
   
 
 

    The call transactions represent (i) the effect of the January 2001 exercise of the call option for the Company's 1998-NC5 securitization transaction; and (ii) the effect of the June 2001 clean-up call on the Company's first three securitization transactions, NC97-1, NC97-2 and NC97-3.

F–9

    The following table summarizes activity in the OC accounts for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001 (dollars in thousands):

 
   2000
   2001
  
Balance, beginning of period   $ 184,545   $ 242,636  
Initial deposits to OC accounts     21,944     2,853  
Call transactions     —     (51,261 )
Additional deposits to OC accounts     40,416     43,761  
Release of cash from OC accounts     (31,500 )   (33,433 )
   
 
 
Balance, end of period   $ 215,405   $ 204,556  
   
 
 

    The following table summarizes activity in the allowance for NIR losses for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001 (dollars in thousands):

 
   2000
   2001
Balance, beginning of period   $ 5,000   $ —
Charge-offs of NIR     (5,000 )   —
   
 
Balance, end of period   $ —   $ —
   
 

4. Mortgage Servicing Assets

    Mortgage servicing assets represent the carrying value of the Company's servicing portfolio. The following table summarizes activity in mortgage servicing assets for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001 (dollars in thousands):

 
   2000
   2001
  
Balance, beginning of period   $ 22,145   $ 22,945  
Additions     3,138     4,938  
Sales of servicing rights     —     (22,754 )
Amortization     (2,912 )   (1,507 )
   
 
 
Balance, end of period   $ 22,371   $ 3,622  
   
 
 

    The table below summarizes activity in the Company's mortgage loan servicing portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001 (dollars in millions):

 
   2000
   2001
  
Balance, beginning of period   $ 5,950   $ 6,080  
Loans funded     2,066     2,410  
Bulk sale of servicing rights     —     (5,969 )
Payoffs/servicing-released sales     (2,044 )   (1,182 )
   
 
 
Balance, end of period   $ 5,972   $ 1,339  
   
 
 

F–10

    During the six months ended June 30, 2001, the Company sold servicing rights in four separate transactions. The first transaction was the sale of servicing rights to $4.8 billion in loans, for which the Company will perform subservicing until third quarter of 2001. The second transaction was the sale of servicing rights to $520 million in loans, for which the servicing transferred to the purchaser prior to the end of the first quarter of 2001. The third transaction was the sale of servicing rights to $380 million in loans securitized during the second quarter, and the fourth transaction was the sale of servicing rights to $317 million in loans sold through whole loan sales early in the second quarter.

5. Warehouse and Aggregation Lines of Credit

    Warehouse and aggregation lines of credit consist of the following at December 31, 2000 and June 30, 2001 (dollars in thousands):

 
   December 31,
2000
   June 30,
2001
A $300 million line of credit expiring in May 2002 secured by loans receivable held for sale, bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (3.86% at June 30, 2001)   $ 201,705   $ 275,045
A $500 million master repurchase agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (3.86% at June 30, 2001), secured by loans receivable held for sale. The agreement may be terminated by the lender after giving 28 days written notice and expires in December 2001     167,522     177,512
A $400 million loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR (3.86% at June 30, 2001), secured by loans receivable held for sale, expiring in November 2001     29,071     124,883
A $300 million loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR, secured by loans receivable held for sale, cancelled in February 2001 by the Company     639     —
A $25 million master loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (3.86% at June 30, 2001), secured by delinquent loans and REO properties, expiring in December 2001     3,952     1,724
A $298 million loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR, secured by loans receivable held for sale, renewing automatically for successive 12-month periods starting in August 2000, but is uncommitted     1,557     —
   
 
    $ 404,446   $ 579,164
   
 

    The warehouse and aggregation line of credit agreements contain certain restrictive financial and other covenants which require the Company to, among other things, restrict dividends, maintain certain net worth and liquidity levels, remain below specified debt-to-net-worth ratios and comply with regulatory and investor requirements. At June 30, 2001, the Company was in compliance with all material financial and other covenants in its warehouse and aggregation facilities.

F–11

6. Earnings per Share

    The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
   Six Months Ended June 30,
   Three Months Ended June 30,
  
 
   2000
   2001
   2000
   2001
  
Basic:                          
Net earnings (loss)   $ (1,330 ) $ 8,041   $ (8,603 ) $ 9,893  
  Less: dividends declared on preferred stock     (1,450 )   (1,450 )   (725 )   (725 )
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders     (2,780 )   6,591     (9,328 )   9,168  
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding     14,681     14,964     14,700     15,020  
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share   $ (0.19 ) $ 0.44   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.61  
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted:                          
Net earnings (loss), as adjusted   $ (2,780 ) $ 8,041   $ (9,328 ) $ 9,893  
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding     14,681     14,964     14,700     15,020  
Dilutive effect of convertible preferred stock, stock options and warrants     —     4,491     —     4,469  
   
 
 
 
 
      14,681     19,455     14,700     19,489  
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share   $ (0.19 ) $ 0.41   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.51  
   
 
 
 
 

    For the three and six months ended June 30, 2001, 1,027,000 stock options and 50,000 warrants are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect is anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2000, 2,373,387 stock options, 737,500 warrants and 40,000 shares of convertible preferred stock (convertible into 4,124,400 shares of common stock) are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect is anti-dilutive.

F–12


Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors
New Century Financial Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of New Century Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of New Century Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Orange County, California
February 1, 2001,
    except as to note 22
    to the consolidated financial statements,
    which is as of March 29, 2001.

F–13

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
   December 31,
  
 
   1999
   2000
  
 
   (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

  
ASSETS:              

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,496
 
$
10,283
 
Loans receivable held for sale, net (Notes 2 and 7)     442,653     400,089  
Residual interests in securitizations (Notes 3 and 7)     364,689     361,646  
Mortgage servicing assets (Note 4)     22,145     22,945  
Accrued interest receivable     1,538     1,588  
Income taxes receivable     548     —  
Office property and equipment (Notes 6 and 9)     3,780     3,171  
Prepaid expenses and other assets (Notes 5 and 10)     23,860     37,439  
   
 
 
      TOTAL ASSETS   $ 863,709   $ 837,161  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warehouse and aggregation lines of credit (Note 7)
 
$
428,726
 
$
404,446
 
  Residual financing (Note 7)     177,493     176,806  
  Subordinated debt (Note 8)     20,000     40,000  
  Notes payable (Note 9)     3,051     24,340  
  Income taxes payable (Note 12)     —     7,498  
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Notes 11 and 14)     26,484     24,040  
  Deferred income taxes (Note 12)     34,992     7,882  
   
 
 
      Total liabilities     690,746     685,012  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)              

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 14 and 15):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 7,500,000 shares; 40,000 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference $40,000     —     —  
  Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 14,694,984 shares at December 31, 1999 and 14,852,931 shares at December 31, 2000     147     149  
  Additional paid-in capital     85,625     90,579  
  Retained earnings, restricted     87,351     61,426  
   
 
 
      173,123     152,154  
  Deferred compensation costs     (160 )   (5 )
   
 
 
      Total stockholders' equity     172,963     152,149  
   
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 863,709   $ 837,161  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F–14

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
   Year Ended December 31,
  
 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
 
   (in thousands, except per share data)

  
REVENUES:                    
  Gain on sale of loans (Note 2)   $ 105,060   $ 121,672   $ 14,952  
  Interest income (Note 2)     47,655     61,457     67,351  
  Servicing and residual income (Note 3)     23,692     50,813     79,960  
  Other income     —     —     1,653  
   
 
 
 
      Total revenues     176,407     233,942     163,916  
   
 
 
 

EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Personnel (Notes 11 and 13)     41,345     54,634     57,418  
  Interest     40,328     53,193     72,126  
  General and administrative (Note 16)     30,994     42,732     52,601  
  Advertising and promotion     8,681     11,767     12,681  
  Professional services     2,751     4,730     5,871  
   
 
 
 
      Total expenses     124,099     167,056     200,697  
   
 
 
 
EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)     52,308     66,886     (36,781 )

INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT) (Note 12)
 
 
21,193
 
 
27,377
 
 
(13,756
)
   
 
 
 

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
 
 
31,115
 
 
39,509
 
 
(23,025
)
  Dividends paid on preferred stock     158     2,111     2,900  
   
 
 
 

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
 
$
30,957
 
$
37,398
 
$
(25,925
)
   
 
 
 

BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Note 19)
 
$
2.19
 
$
2.59
 
$
(1.76
)
   
 
 
 

DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Note 19)
 
$
2.03
 
$
2.11
 
$
(1.76
)
   
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F–15

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998

 
   Preferred
Shares
Outstanding
   Preferred
Stock
Amount
   Common
Shares
Outstanding
   Common
Stock
Amount
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings,
Restricted
   Deferred
Compensation
   Total
  
(in thousands)

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997   —   $ —   14,166   $ 142   $ 43,486   $ 18,996   $ (1,788 ) $ 60,836  
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock   —     —   317     1     830     —     —     831  
  Issuance of common stock for acquisition of subsidiary   —     —   19     2     1,998     —     —     2,000  
  Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock   20     —   —     —     20,000     —     —     20,000  
  Cancellation of warrants   —     —   —     —     (825 )   —     —     (825 )
  Issuance of restricted stock   —     —   16     —     174     —     —     174  
  Purchase of treasury stock   —     —   (44 )   —     (422 )   —     —     (422 )
  Amortization of deferred compensation   —     —   —     —     —     —     1,062     1,062  
  Net earnings   —     —   —     —     —     31,115     —     31,115  
  Preferred stock dividends   —     —   —     —     —     (158 )   —     (158 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
20
 
 
—
 
14,474
 
 
145
 
 
65,241
 
 
49,953
 
 
(726
)
 
114,613
 
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock   —     —   271     3     1,135     —     —     1,138  
  Issuance of common stock for acquisition of subsidiary   —     —   10     —     108     —     —     108  
  Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock   20     —   —     —     20,000     —     —     20,000  
  Purchase of treasury stock   —     —   (60 )   (1 )   (859 )   —     —     (860 )
  Amortization of deferred compensation   —     —   —     —     —     —     566     566  
  Net earnings   —     —   —     —     —     39,509     —     39,509  
  Preferred stock dividends   —     —   —     —     —     (2,111 )   —     (2,111 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1999
 
40
 
 
—
 
14,695
 
 
147
 
 
85,625
 
 
87,351
 
 
(160
)
 
172,963
 
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock   —     —   149     1     912     —     —     913  
  Issuance of common stock for acquisition of subsidiary   —     —   69     1     792     —     —     793  
  Purchase of treasury stock   —     —   (60 )   —     (562 )   —     —     (562 )
  Issuance of warrants   —     —   —     —     3,812     —     —     3,812  
  Amortization of deferred compensation   —     —   —     —     —     —     155     155  
  Net loss   —     —   —     —     —     (23,025 )   —     (23,025 )
  Preferred stock dividends   —     —   —     —     —     (2,900 )   —     (2,900 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2000
 
40
 
$
—
 
14,853
 
$
149
 
$
90,579
 
$
61,426
 
$
(5
)
$
152,149
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F–16

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
 
   (in thousands)

  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Net earnings (loss)   $ 31,115   $ 39,509   $ (23,025 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:                    
  Depreciation and amortization     3,900     6,226     11,540  
  Deferred income taxes     12,205     14,750     (19,612 )
  NIR gains     (168,065 )   (169,980 )   (54,035 )
  Initial deposits to over-collateralization accounts     (64,942 )   (87,940 )   (23,927 )
  Deposits to over-collateralization accounts     (31,284 )   (43,288 )   (81,626 )
  Release of cash from over-collateralization accounts     27,658     36,475     62,941  
  Servicing gains     (8,791 )   (16,368 )   (8,009 )
  Amortization (accretion) of NIRs     15,935     11,282     24,005  
  Fair value adjustment of residual interests     13,400     23,000     67,006  
  Net proceeds from NIMS transaction     99,163     76,098     8,679  
  Provision for losses     6,400     2,549     15,451  
  Loans originated or acquired for sale     (3,326,027 )   (4,082,145 )   (4,148,208 )
  Loan sales, net     3,198,221     3,989,352     4,162,682  
  Principal payments on loans receivable held for sale     37,440     7,581     31,545  
  Increase (decrease) in warehouse and aggregation lines of credit     90,480     82,883     (30,083 )
  Net change in other assets and liabilities     (5,432 )   (6,985 )   (26,120 )
   
 
 
 
      Net cash used in operating activities     (68,624 )   (117,001 )   (30,796 )
   
 
 
 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Purchase of office property and equipment     (1,603 )   (2,131 )   (1,312 )
  Purchase of mortgage servicing rights     —     —     (115 )
  Acquisition of Primewest     (1,642 )   —     (43 )
   
 
 
 
      Net cash used in investing activities     (3,245 )   (2,131 )   (1,470 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net proceeds from (repayments of) residual financing     68,871     55,195     (687 )
  Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt     —     20,000     20,000  
  Proceeds from (net repayments of) notes payable     763     (934 )   21,289  
  Payment of dividends on convertible preferred stock     —     (1,786 )   (2,900 )
  Net proceeds from issuance of stock/purchase of treasury stock     20,409     20,278     351  
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by financing activities     90,043     92,753     38,053  
   
 
 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     18,174     (26,379 )   5,787  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     12,701     30,875     4,496  
   
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 30,875   $ 4,496   $ 10,283  
   
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE:                    
  Interest paid   $ 40,467   $ 52,005   $ 72,647  
  Income taxes paid     9,087     14,865     5,857  
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITY:                    
  Restricted stock issued to Founding Managers     174     —     —  
  Stock issued in connection with acquisitions     2,000     108     793  
  Warrants issued to US Bank     —     —     3,812  
  Accrued dividends on preferred stock     158     483     483  
  Cancellation of warrants     825     —     —  
  Net assets acquired through acquisition of subsidiary     —     —     553  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F–17

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Organization

    New Century Financial Corporation (the Company), a Delaware corporation, was incorporated on November 17, 1995. New Century Mortgage Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, commenced operations in February 1996 and is a specialty finance company engaged in the business of originating, purchasing, selling and servicing mortgage loans secured primarily by first and second mortgages on single family residences. PWF Corporation (Primewest), a retail sub-prime originator, was a wholly owned subsidiary acquired in January 1998 and merged into New Century Mortgage Corporation in December 2000. NC Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of New Century Mortgage Corporation, was formed in December 1998 to conduct the secondary marketing activities of the Company. Anyloan Financial Corporation (formerly Anyloan Holdings, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and its subsidiaries, The Anyloan Company and NC Insurance Services, were formed in October 1999 and May 2000, respectively, to conduct the Company's web-based lending and mortgage servicing-related insurance operations. Worth Funding Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of New Century Mortgage Corporation, was acquired in March 2000 to conduct the Company's centralized wholesale operations.

(b) Principles of Consolidation

    The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Anyloan Financial Corporation. All material intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents

    For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly-liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and due from banks.

(d) Loans Receivable Held For Sale

    Mortgage loans held for sale are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value as determined by outstanding commitments from investors or current investor-yield requirements calculated on an aggregate basis.

    Interest on loans receivable held for sale is credited to income as earned. Interest is accrued only if deemed collectible.

(e) Gain on Sales of Loans

    Gains or losses resulting from sales or securitizations of mortgage loans are recognized at the date of settlement and are based on the difference between the selling price for sales or securitizations and the carrying value of the related loans sold. Such gains and losses may be increased or decreased by the amount of any servicing-released premiums received. Nonrefundable fees and direct costs associated with the origination of mortgage loans are deferred and recognized when the loans are sold.

F–18

    Loan sales and securitizations are accounted for as sales when control of these loans is surrendered, to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests in the loans transferred is received in the exchange. Liabilities and derivatives incurred or obtained by the transfer of loans are required to be measured at fair value, if practicable. Also, servicing assets and other retained interests in the loans are measured by allocating the previous carrying value between the loans sold and the interest retained, if any, based on their relative fair values at the date of transfer.

(f)  Hedging

    The Company uses various hedging strategies from time to time to provide protection against interest rate risk on its fixed-rate mortgage loans. These strategies include forward sales of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities, interest rate caps and floors and buying and selling of futures and options on futures. The Company recognizes the gain or loss on hedge positions in the same period as the related asset hedged is sold, which is included in gain on sale of loans. The fair value of the Company's open hedge positions was $881,000 at December 31, 2000 and is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

(g) Allowance for Losses

    The allowance for losses on loans sold relates to expenses incurred due to the potential repurchase of loans or indemnification of losses based on alleged violations of representations and warranties which are customary to the mortgage banking industry. The allowance represents the Company's estimate of the total losses expected to occur and is considered to be adequate. Provisions for losses are charged to gain on sales of loans and credited to the allowance and are determined to be adequate by management based upon the Company's evaluation of the potential exposure related to the loan sale agreements over the life of the associated loans sold.

(h) Office Property and Equipment

    Office property and equipment are stated at cost. The straight-line method of depreciation is followed for financial reporting purposes. Depreciation and amortization are provided in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of assets to operations over their estimated service lives or the lives of the respective leases, whichever is shorter. The estimated service lives for furniture and office equipment, computer hardware/software and leasehold improvements are five years, three years and five years, respectively.

(i)  Goodwill

    Goodwill recorded in connection with the January 1998 acquisition of Primewest, totaled $5.2 million and is being amortized over a seven-year period using the straight-line method. Goodwill recorded in connection with the March 2000 acquisition of Worth Funding Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of New Century Mortgage Corporation, totaled $553,000 and is being amortized over a seven-year period using the straight-line method. Goodwill is reviewed for possible impairment when events or changed circumstances may affect the underlying basis of the asset. Impairment is measured by discounting the operating income at an appropriate discount rate. Accumulated amortization was $1.7 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

F–19

(j)  Financial Statement Presentation

    The Company prepares its financial statements using an unclassified balance sheet presentation as is customary in the mortgage banking industry. A classified balance sheet presentation would have aggregated current assets, current liabilities and net working capital as of December 31, 2000 as follows (dollars in thousands):

Current assets   $ 522,714  
Current liabilities     636,482  
   
 
Net working capital (deficit)   $ (113,768 )
   
 

    Current assets include the portion of the residual interests in securitizations expected to be collected within one year, while current liabilities include the entire balance of residual financing.

(k) Errors and Omissions Policy

    In connection with the Company's lending activities, the Company has Fidelity Bond and Errors and Omissions insurance coverage of $7.0 million each at December 31, 2000.

(l)  Income Taxes

    The Company files consolidated Federal and combined state tax returns. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

(m) Residual Interests in Securitizations

    Residual interests in securitizations (Residuals) are recorded as a result of the sale of loans through securitizations and the sale of residual interests in securitizations through what are sometimes referred to as net interest margin securities (NIMS).

    The loan securitizations are generally structured as follows: First, the Company sells a portfolio of mortgage loans to a special purpose entity (SPE) which has been established for the limited purpose of buying and reselling mortgage loans. The SPE then transfers the same mortgage loans to a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit or Owners Trust (the REMIC or Trust), and the Trust in turn issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities (the Certificates) generally in an amount equal to the aggregate principal balance of the mortgage loans. The Certificates are typically sold at face value and without recourse except that representations and warranties customary to the mortgage banking industry are provided by the Company to the Trust. One or more investors purchase these Certificates for cash. The Trust uses the cash proceeds to pay the Company the cash portion of the purchase price for the mortgage loans. The Trust also issues a certificate representing a residual interest in the payments on the securitized loans. In addition, the Company may provide a credit enhancement for the benefit of the investors in the form of additional collateral (over-collateralization account or OC Account) held by the Trust. The OC Account is required by the servicing agreement to be maintained at certain levels.

F–20

    At the closing of each securitization, the Company removes from its consolidated balance sheet the mortgage loans held for sale and adds to its consolidated balance sheet (i) the cash received, (ii) the estimated fair value of the interest in the mortgage loans retained from the securitizations (Residuals), which consist of (a) the OC Account and (b) the net interest receivable (NIR) and (iii) the estimated fair value of the servicing asset. The NIR represents the discounted estimated cash flows to be received by the Company in the future. The excess of the cash received and the assets retained by the Company over the carrying value of the loans sold, less transaction costs, equals the net gain on sale of mortgage loans recorded by the Company.

    The NIMS are generally structured as follows: First, the Company sells or contributes the Residuals to an SPE which has been established for the limited purpose of receiving and selling asset-backed residual interests in securitization certificates. Next, the SPE transfers the Residuals to an Owner Trust (the Trust) and the Trust in turn issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities (the bonds and certificates). The Company sells these Residuals without recourse except that normal representations and warranties are provided by the Company to the Trust. One or more investors purchase the bonds and certificates and the proceeds from the sale of the bonds and certificates, along with a residual interest certificate that is subordinate to the bonds and certificates, represent the consideration to the Company for the sale of the Residuals.

    At closing of each NIMS, the Company removes from its consolidated balance sheet the carrying value of the Residuals sold and adds to its consolidated balance sheet (i) the cash received, and (ii) the estimated fair value of the portion of the Residuals retained, which consists of a net interest receivable (NIR). The excess of the cash received and assets retained over the carrying value of the Residuals sold, less transaction costs, equals the net gain or loss on the sale of Residuals recorded by the Company.

    The Company allocates its basis in the mortgage loans and residual interests between the portion of the mortgage loans and residual interests sold through the Certificates and the portion retained (the Residuals and servicing assets) based on the relative fair values of those portions on the date of sale. The Company may recognize gains or losses attributable to the changes in the fair value of the Residuals, which are recorded at estimated fair value and accounted for as "held-for-trading" securities. The Company is not aware of an active market for the purchase or sale of Residuals and, accordingly, the Company determines the estimated fair value of the Residuals by discounting the expected cash flows released from the OC Account (the cash out method) using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved. The Company utilizes an effective discount rate of approximately 13.0% on the estimated cash flows released from the OC Account to value the Residuals through securitization and approximately 15.0% on the estimated cash flows released from the Trust to value Residuals through NIMS.

    The Company receives periodic servicing fees for the servicing and collection of the mortgage loans as master servicer of the securitized loans. In addition, the Company is entitled to the cash flows from the Residuals that represent collections on the mortgage loans in excess of the amounts required to pay the Certificate principal and interest, the servicing fees and certain other fees such as trustee and custodial fees. At the end of each collection period, the aggregate cash collections from the mortgage loans are allocated first to the base servicing fees and certain other fees such as trustee and custodial fees for the period, then to the Certificateholders for interest at the pass-through rate on the Certificates plus principal as defined in the servicing agreements. If the amount of cash required for the above allocations exceeds the amount collected during the collection period, the shortfall is drawn from the OC Account. If the cash collected during the period exceeds the amount necessary for the

F–21

above allocation, and there is no shortfall in the related OC Account, the excess is released to the Company. If the OC Account balance is not at the required credit enhancement level, the excess cash collected is retained in the OC Account until the specified level is achieved. The cash and collateral in the OC Account is restricted from use by the Company. Pursuant to certain servicing agreements, cash held in the OC Account may be used to make accelerated principal paydowns on the Certificates to create additional excess collateral in the OC Account which is held by the Trusts on behalf of the Company as the Residual holder. The specified credit enhancement levels are defined in the servicing agreements as the OC Account balance expressed generally as a percentage of the current collateral principal balance.

    For NIMS transactions, the Company will receive cash flows once the holders of the senior bonds and certificates created in the NIMS transaction are fully repaid.

    The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on the mortgage loans is relatively high in comparison to the pass-through rate on the Certificates. Accordingly, the Residuals described above are a significant asset of the Company. In determining the value of the Residuals, the Company must estimate the future rates of prepayments, prepayment penalties to be received by the Company, delinquencies, defaults and default loss severity as they affect the amount and timing of the estimated cash flows. The Company's uses an average annual default rate estimate of 0.60% to 2.25% for adjustable-rate first trust deeds, 0.25% to 0.75% annual default rate estimate for fixed-rate first trust deeds, and a range of 0.75% to 1.50% for second trust deeds. The Company's default rate estimates result in average cumulative loss estimates as a percentage of the original principal balance of the mortgage loans of 1.52% to 4.99% for adjustable-rate first trust deeds, 2.01% to 2.99% for fixed-rate first trust deeds, and a range of 2.41% to 3.43% for second trust deeds. These estimates are based on historical loss data for comparable loans and the specific characteristics of the loans originated by the Company. The Company estimates prepayments by evaluating historical prepayment performance of comparable mortgage loans and the impact of trends in the industry. The Company has used a prepayment curve to estimate the prepayment characteristics of the mortgage loans. The rate of increase, duration, severity and decrease of the curve depends on the age and nature of the mortgage loans, primarily whether the mortgage loans are fixed or adjustable and the interest rate adjustment characteristics of the mortgage loans (6 month, 1 year, 2 year, 3 year or 5 year adjustment periods). The Company's prepayment curve and default estimates have resulted in weighted average lives of between 1.37 to 4.49 years for its adjustable mortgage loans, 4.11 to 4.79 for its fixed-rate mortgage loans, and for its second trust deeds a range of 2.57 to 2.86.

    Historically, the Company performs an evaluation of its Residuals quarterly, which takes into consideration trends in actual cash flow performance, industry and economic developments, as well as other relevant factors. As a result of its evaluation of the Residuals during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company wrote down its NIR by $67.0, $28.5 million and $5.9 million, respectively, to reduce the carrying values of its residual interests in securitizations.

    The Bond and Certificate holders and their securitization trusts have no recourse to the Company for failure of mortgage loan borrowers to pay when due. The Company's Residuals are subordinate to the Bonds and Certificates until the Bond and Certificate holders are fully paid.

(n) Mortgage Servicing Asset

    As of December 31, 2000, the Company was designated as the master servicer for its securitizations and received a monthly fee based on the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage

F–22

loans. In the year ended December 31, 1998 and in earlier years, the Company contracted with a subservicer to perform the servicing and investor reporting of the mortgage loans in the Company's first five securitizations. The subservicer charged a monthly fee based on the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage loans. Commencing in July of 1998, the Company began servicing all loans originated and certain other loans on its in-house servicing platform.

    The Company recognizes a servicing asset based on the excess of the fees received for the servicing and collection of the mortgage loans as master servicer of the securitized loans over the subservicer fees and the costs incurred by the Company in performing the servicing functions. This servicing asset is amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income.

    For the purposes of measuring impairment, the Company stratifies the mortgage loans it services using the type of loan as the primary risk. Impairment is measured utilizing the current estimated fair value of the mortgage servicing asset.

(o) Stock Option Plan

    The Company accounts for its stock option plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25), and related interpretations. As such, compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price. However, the Company provides pro forma net earnings (loss) and pro forma net earnings (loss) per share disclosures as if the fair value of all stock options as of the grant date were recognized as expense over the vesting period.

(p) Earnings Per Share

    Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted from issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings.

(q) Use of Estimates

    Management of the Company has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, results of operations and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

(r) Advertising

    The Company accounts for its advertising costs as non-direct response advertising. Accordingly, advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

(s) Reclassification

    Certain amounts for prior years' presentation have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

F–23

(t)  Segment Reporting

    The Company, through the branch network of its subsidiary, New Century Mortgage Corporation, provides a broad range of mortgage products. While the Company's management monitors the revenue streams through wholesale and retail loan originations, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Company's operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

(u) Recent Accounting Developments

    In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Securities and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138 (collectively "SFAS No. 133"). SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments imbedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (i) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (ii) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction, or (iii) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available for sale security, or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction.

    Under SFAS No. 133, an entity that elects to apply hedge accounting is required to establish at the inception of the hedge the method it will use for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. Those methods must be consistent with the entity's approach to managing risk. This statement is effective for the Company on January 1, 2001.

    On January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133. All outstanding derivatives at December 31, 2000 had already been recognized at fair value with the offset through earnings, consequently, the adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not result in any adjustment to the recorded value of the Company's derivative hedging instruments.

    In September 2000, FASB issued SFAS No. 140 to replace No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities," (SFAS No. 140). SFAS No. 140 provides the accounting and reporting guidance for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. SFAS 140 will be the authoritative accounting literature for: (i) securitization transactions involving financial assets; (ii) sales of financial assets; (iii) servicing assets and liabilities; (iv) securities lending transactions; (v) repurchase agreements; and (vi) extinguishment of liabilities. The accounting provisions are effective beginning after March 31, 2001. The reclassification and disclosure provisions are effective beginning after December 15, 2000. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions required by SFAS No. 140 and has included all appropriate and necessary disclosures required by SFAS No. 140 in its financial statements and footnotes. The adoption of the accounting provisions is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

    In March 2000, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 44 "Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation—an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25" (FIN 44). This Interpretation clarifies the definition of an employee for purposes of applying Accounting Principles

F–24

Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25), the criteria for determining whether a plan qualifies as a non-compensatory plan, the accounting consequence of various modifications to the terms of a previously fixed stock option or award, and the accounting for an exchange of stock compensation awards in a business combination. This Interpretation is effective July 1, 2000, but certain conclusions in this Interpretation cover specific events that occur after either December 15, 1998 or January 12, 2000. The adoption of FIN 44 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

(2) LOANS RECEIVABLE HELD FOR SALE

    A summary of loans receivable held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value at December 31 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
  
 
 
   1999

   2000

  
 
  
 
Mortgage loans receivable:            
  First trust deeds   $ 404,034   376,080  
  Second trust deeds     37,769   25,059  
  Net deferred origination costs (fees)     850   (1,050 )
   
 
 
    $ 442,653   400,089  
   
 
 

    At December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company had loans receivable held for sale of approximately $23.5 million and $26.7 million, respectively, on which the accrual of interest had been discontinued. If these loans receivable had been current throughout their terms, interest income would have increased by approximately $952,000 and $501,000 in the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

(a) Interest Income

    The following table presents the components of interest income for the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
Interest on loans receivable held for sale   $ 46,409   59,504   65,022
Interest on cash and cash equivalents     1,246   1,953   2,329
   
 
 
    $ 47,655   61,457   67,351
   
 
 

F–25

(b) Gain On Sales Of Loans

    Gain on sales of loans was comprised of the following components for the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
Gain from whole loan sale transactions   $ 58,001   30,749   73,737  
Non-cash gain from securitizations (NIR gains)     168,065   169,980   54,035  
Non-cash gain from servicing asset     8,791   16,368   8,009  
Cash gain (loss) from securitizations/NIM transactions     (4,664 ) (4,670 ) 2,062  
Securitization expenses     (13,664 ) (17,161 ) (4,637 )
Accrued interest     (11,818 ) (14,807 ) (7,201 )
Write down of NIR     (5,900 ) (23,000 ) (67,006 )
General valuation allowance for NIR     (7,500 ) —   —  
Provision for losses     (6,400 ) (2,549 ) (15,451 )
Nonrefundable fees     47,933   54,598   61,085  
Premiums, net     (58,816 ) (22,355 ) (27,287 )
Origination costs     (62,783 ) (63,300 ) (62,800 )
Hedging gains (losses)     (6,185 ) (2,181 ) 406  
   
 
 
 
    $ 105,060   121,672   14,952  
   
 
 
 

(c) Originations and Purchases

    During the year ended December 31, 2000, approximately 37.9% and 5.6% of the Company's total loan originations and purchases were in the states of California and Illinois, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 1999, approximately 31.2% and 7.2% of total loan originations and purchases were in the states of California and Illinois, respectively.

(d) Significant Customers

    During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company sold $1.3 billion in loans to CS First Boston and $483.4 million in loans to CIT, which represented 31.9% and 11.6%, respectively, of total loans sold. For the year ended December 31, 1999, no investor accounted for more than 10% of total loans sold.

(3) RESIDUAL INTEREST IN SECURITIZATIONS

    Residual interests in securitizations consist of the following components for the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
Over-collateralization amount   $ 184,545   242,636
Net interest receivable (NIR)     185,144   119,010
General valuation allowance     (5,000 ) —
   
 
    $ 364,689   361,646
   
 

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NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000

    The following table for the activity in the over-collateralization account at December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
  
Balance, beginning of year   $ 89,792   184,545  
Initial deposits to OC accounts     87,940   23,927  
Reclassification of NIR to OC     —   15,479  
Additional deposits to OC accounts     43,288   81,626  
Release of cash from OC accounts     (36,475 ) (62,941 )
   
 
 
    $ 184,545   242,636  
   
 
 

    The following table summarizes activity in NIR interests at December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
  
Balance, beginning of year   $ 126,103   185,144  
NIR gains     169,980   54,035  
Reclassification of NIR to OC     —   (15,479 )
NIR amortization     (11,282 ) (24,005 )
Sale of NIRs through NIMs     (71,157 ) (8,679 )
Writedown of NIR     (28,500 ) (72,006 )
   
 
 
    $ 185,144   119,010  
   
 
 

    The following table summarizes activity in the general valuation allowance for NIR at December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
  
Balance, beginning of year   $ 10,500   5,000  
Writedown of NIR     (5,500 ) (5,000 )
   
 
 
    $ 5,000   —  
   
 
 

    During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company sold $1.0 billion in loans through securitization transactions and recognized a pre-tax gain of $44.3 million, which is included in gain on sale of loans. Pursuant to the securitization, the Company retained residual interests, and in the case of two of the securitizations, the Company also retained the servicing rights. In future periods, the Company will receive an annual servicing fee of 0.50% of the balance of the loans securitized for two of the three securitizations, and will receive NIR from all three securitizations, once over-collateralization targets are reached and maintained. Purchasers of the bonds and certificates have no recourse against the other assets of the Company, other than the assets of the trust. The value of the Company's retained interests is subject to credit, prepayment and interest rate risk on the transferred financial assets.

    The Company uses certain assumptions and estimates to determine the fair value allocated to the retained interest at the time of initial sale and each subsequent sale in accordance with SFAS No. 140. These assumptions and estimates include projections concerning the various rate indices applicable to the Company's loans and the pass-through rate paid to bondholders, credit loss experience, prepayment

F–27

rates, and the discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. These assumptions are reviewed periodically by management. If these assumptions change, the related asset and income would be affected.

    For the securitization transactions completed in 2000, the fair value assigned to the retained interests at the date of securitization was $54.0 million. Key economic assumptions used to measure the retained interest at this date were as follows: prepayment curves which resulted in a weighted average life of 2.93 years for adjustable-rate loans and 4.30 years for fixed-rate loans; a weighted average static pool loss of 2.44%; a discount rate of 12% for securitizations closed in the first quarter, 13% for residuals interests closed after the first quarter and 15% for NIM transactions, and the actual LIBOR rate at the time of the securitization.

    At December 31, 2000, key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value of residual interests in securitization to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in those assumptions are illustrated in the following table (dollars in thousands).

 
   Collateral Type
 
   Fixed
   Adjustable
   Total
Carrying value/fair value of residual interests   165,858   195,788   361,646
Weighted average life in years   3.41   2.94    
   
 
 

Prepayment assumptions (CPR)
 
Ramp from
 
Peak 65
 
 
    5% to 20%   Months > 50% - 12    
        Months > 40% - 19    
        Months > 30% - 37    
Decline in fair value with 10% adverse change           21,503
Decline in fair value with 20% adverse change           39,665
   
 
 
Assumed annual default rates   .65% to 1.5%   .90% to 1.5%    
Decline in fair value with 10% adverse change           9,583
Decline in fair value with 20% adverse change           18,095
   
 
 
Assumed discount rate   13% - 15%   13% - 15%    
Decline in fair value with 10% adverse change           10,966
Decline in fair value with 20% adverse change           21,970
   
 
 
Interest rate assumptions   3-6-01 forward curve   3-6-01 forward curve    
Decline in fair value with 10% adverse change           11,871
Decline in fair value with 20% adverse change           23,939
   
 
 

F–28

    These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10% and 20% variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in the assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption when, in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in interest rates may result in lower prepayments and higher credit losses) which may magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

    The table below summarizes cash flows received in connection with securitizations during the year ended December 31, 2000 (dollars in thousands):

Cash proceeds from new securitizations   $ 2,062  
Initial deposits to OC accounts     (23,927 )
Servicing fees received     27,130  
Cash flows received from NIRs     73,872  
Purchase of delinquent or foreclosed loans     (16,400 )
Net increase in servicing advances     (8,691 )
Prepayment interest shortfalls     (4,788 )

    The following table summarized delinquencies and credit losses as of December 31, 2000 (dollars in thousands):

 
   Total
Principal
Amount
of Loans
   Delinquent
Principal
Over
60 days
   Inception
To-Date
Credit
Losses
(net of
Recoveries)
Adjustable-rate loans   $ 3,930,951   297,173   37,383
Fixed-rate loans     2,119,447   151,092   28,107
   
 
 
Total managed loans   $ 6,050,398   448,265   65,490
   
 
 
Comprised of:              
Loans sold through securitization   $ 5,342,843        
Loans sold servicing retained     306,416        
Loans held for sale     401,139        
   
       
Total managed loans   $ 6,050,398        
   
       

F–29

Servicing and Residual Income

    The following table presents the components of servicing and residual income for the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
Servicing and ancillary fees collected   $ 8,820   26,017   37,135  
Amortization of mortgage servicing asset     (126 ) (2,888 ) (7,324 )
Residual interest income     30,555   38,668   73,872  
NIR amortization     (15,935 ) (11,282 ) (24,005 )
Prepayment penalties collected     378   298   282  
   
 
 
 
    $ 23,692   50,813   79,960  
   
 
 
 

(4) MORTGAGE SERVICING ASSET

    The following table summarizes activity in mortgage servicing asset for the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
  
Beginning balance   $ 8,665   22,145  
Additions     16,368   8,009  
Purchases of servicing     —   115  
Amortization     (2,888 ) (7,324 )
   
 
 
    $ 22,145   22,945  
   
 
 

(5) GOODWILL

    On January 12, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Primewest. The purchase price was $1.5 million in cash, and $2.0 million in the Company's common stock. There were no assets or liabilities acquired, therefore the entire purchase price, plus transaction costs of $142,000, was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is being amortized over seven years using the straight-line method. In the three years following the acquisition, additional purchase price payments totaling $1.6 million that were contingent on meeting performance standards were made. On March 17, 2000, New Century Mortgage Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the outstanding stock of Worth Funding Inc. The purchase price was $700,000, of which $553,000 was allocated to goodwill.

    The following table summarizes activity in goodwill, included in prepaid expenses and other assets at December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
  
Balance, beginning of year   $ 3,139   2,796  
Additions     215   1,888  
Amortization     (558 ) (653 )
   
 
 
    $ 2,796   4,031  
   
 
 

F–30

(6) OFFICE PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

    Office property and equipment consist of the following at December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
  
Leasehold improvements   $ 812   1,093  
Furniture and office equipment     1,623   1,773  
Computer hardware and software     5,763   6,631  
   
 
 
      8,198   9,497  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     (4,418 ) (6,326 )
   
 
 
    $ 3,780   3,171  
   
 
 

(7) SHORT-TERM FINANCING

    Warehouse and aggregation lines of credit consist of the following at December 31 (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
A $265 million line of credit expiring in May 2001 secured by loans receivable held for sale, bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000)   $ 234,778   201,705

A $500 million master repurchase agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000). The agreement may be terminated by the lender after giving 28 days written notice
 
 
164,326
 
167,522

A $25 million master loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000) secured by delinquent loans and REO properties, expiring in April 2001
 
 
—
 
3,952

A $300 million loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000), secured by loans receivable held for sale, expiring in June 2001
 
 
17,682
 
639

A $296 million loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000), secured by loans receivable held for sale. This facility renews automatically for successive 12-month periods starting in August 2000, but is uncommitted
 
 
11,940
 
1,557

A $400 million loan and security agreement bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000), secured by loans receivable held for sale, expiring in November 2001.
 
 
—
 
29,071

 
 

 

 
 
$
428,726
 
404,446

 
 

 

F–31

    Residual financing payable:

 
   1999
   2000
$162 million in residual financing lines renewable monthly, secured by residual interests in securitizations bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000)   $ 159,900   161,241

$21 million in residual financing lines renewable monthly, secured by residual interests in securitizations, bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000)
 
 
11,285
 
9,632

$4 million in residual financing lines renewable monthly, secured by residual interests in securitizations, bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000)
 
 
6,308
 
3,533

$3 million in residual financing lines renewable monthly, secured by residual interests in securitizations, bearing interest based on one month LIBOR (6.56% at December 31, 2000)
 
 
—
 
2,400

 
 

 

 
 
$
177,493
 
176,806

 
 

 

    The weighted-average interest rate on the warehouse and aggregation lines of credit payable was 7.80% and 7.10% at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on residual financing payable was 7.77% and 7.44% at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

    The warehouse line of credit agreements contain certain restrictive financial and other covenants which require the Company to, among other requirements, restrict dividends, maintain certain levels of net worth, liquidity and available borrowing capacity of at least $10.0 million, and certain debt to net worth ratios and comply with regulatory and investor requirements. At December 31, 2000, the Company was in compliance with these financial and other covenants.

    Advances under the residual financing lines are made at the sole discretion of the lender and are based on a percentage of the amount of loans securitized. These advances are repayable on demand by the lender and are subject to renewal on a monthly basis.

(8) SUBORDINATED DEBT

    In October 1999, the Company entered into an agreement with US Bancorp to amend the warehouse line of credit agreement to include a subordinated debt component. The Company borrowed $20.0 million in subordinated debt in October 1999 and an additional $20.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2000. Such debt bears interest at a rate of 12.0% per annum and matures in June 2002.

(9) NOTES PAYABLE

    Notes payable consists of (i) a revolving, uncommitted financing line of credit of $5.0 million, collateralized by office property and equipment bearing interest at revolving, uncommitted rates varying from 7.99% to 10.59%, payable in blended monthly payments of principal and interest and mature commencing from January 2001 to November 2003; and (ii) a $22.5 million borrowing from the Company's warehouse lender which rolls weekly, secured by servicing advances and certain other assets.

F–32

    The maturities of notes payable at December 31 for the years ended are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Due in 2001   $ 23,692
Due in 2002     431
Due in 2003     217
   
    $ 24,340
   

(10) LOAN SERVICING

    The Company's portfolio of mortgage loans serviced for others was comprised of approximately $5.6 billion and $5.5 billion at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, the majority of which represents loans securitized by the Company. The Company commenced full servicing operations on its in-house platform in July 1998 and performs all servicing functions for its entire portfolio.

    At December 31, 2000 and 1999, 34.5% and 33.2%, respectively, of the servicing portfolio was collateralized by real estate properties located in California.

    Fiduciary bank accounts are maintained on behalf of investors and for impounded collections. These bank accounts are not assets of the Company and are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. These amounts are as follows at December 31, 2000 (dollars in thousands):

Impounded collections, taxes and insurance   $ 7,433
Principal and interest collections     82,106
   
    $ 89,539
   

    As master servicer, the Company is required to make advances for delinquent payments and other servicing-related costs. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, such advances totaled $20.9 million and $12.2 million, respectively, and are included in prepaid expenses and other assets. Such advances are recovered from borrower payments and are senior to any distribution to investors. These advances are reviewed periodically for recoverability and amounts deemed to be unrecoverable are included in general and administrative expenses.

(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(a) Related Party

    The Company has entered into employment agreements with the four executive officers (the Founding Managers). The original term of each agreement continued in effect until December 31, 1998. In November 1998, the agreements were amended to extend until December 31, 2002. Then, in January 1999, the agreements were superseded by new employment agreements, also extending until December 31, 2002. The new agreements provide that on December 31, 2000 and on each December 31 thereafter, the term of each agreement is automatically extended for one additional year unless either party provides notice prior to such date. The Founding Managers received a salary of $281,600 for 1998, plus a $500 per month auto allowance. Effective January 1, 1999, the Board of Directors increased the Founding Managers' salary to $333,000 for 1999, plus a $500 per month auto allowance. Effective January 1, 2000, the Board of Directors increased the Founding Managers' salary to $350,000, plus a $500 per month auto allowance. On December 27, 2000, one of the four Founding

F–33

Managers resigned from the Company. Separation expenses totaling $1.2 million are included in personnel expenses for the year ended December 31, 2000. On December 31, 2000, the expiration date of the employment agreements of the remaining three Founding Managers was automatically extended to December 31, 2003.

    In December 1996, the Company adopted the Founding Managers' Incentive Compensation Plan (the FMIC Plan) and the Company has amended the terms thereof effective for 1997 and subsequent plan years. The Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors administered the FMIC Plan. The Committee had full discretion to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of the FMIC Plan and related agreements. In addition, the Committee had the authority to make all determinations under the FMIC Plan, and to prescribe, amend and rescind rules relating to its administration. Under the FMIC Plan, each of the Founding Managers was entitled to one quarter of amounts payable. Subject to the limitations described below, the amounts available for incentive awards (the Incentive Pool) for each fiscal year, commencing in 1997, was an amount equal to a percentage of the Company's earnings (Earnings) before income taxes and without deducting amounts payable under the FMIC Plan. The specific percentage of Earnings that was used to determine the Incentive Pool was based on the ratio (the Ratio) of Earnings to Total Stockholders' Equity. If the Ratio was at least 25% but less than 50%, the Incentive Pool was an amount equal to 5% of Earnings in excess of 25% of Total Stockholders' Equity. If the Ratio was at least 50%, the Incentive Pool was an amount equal to the sum of (i) 5% of Earnings in excess of 25% of Total Stockholders' Equity plus (ii) 2% of Earnings in excess of 50% of Total Stockholders' Equity. Total Stockholders' Equity for purposes of this calculation was equal to the amount of stockholders' equity as of January 1 of each fiscal year adjusted on a pro-rata basis for any equity offerings completed during the fiscal year. Awards under the FMIC Plan were payable in either cash or restricted stock if agreed by the Committee and respective Founding Manager. In the absence of such an agreement, incentive compensation to each Founding Manager would be paid in cash up to 200% of such base salary. If the Incentive Pool exceeded the cash portion of the incentive compensation and there is no agreement between the Committee and respective Founding Manager regarding the distribution of the excess, such excess would be paid to the respective Founding Manager in the form of restricted stock. In February 1999, the Board of Directors approved the 1999 Incentive Compensation Plan (the Incentive Compensation Plan), and simultaneously terminated the FMIC Plan. The Board designed the Incentive Compensation Plan so that the Founding Managers' bonuses would qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company's stockholders approved the Incentive Compensation Plan in May 1999.

    The Founding Managers' January 1999 employment agreements provide for two awards for 1999 under the Incentive Compensation Plan: one for the Company's performance during the first six months of the year, and the second for the Company's performance for the entire year. The awards base the potential incentive compensation on the Ratio of the Company's Earnings to its Total Stockholders' Equity, using definitions virtually identical to those used in the FMIC Plan. For the January 1, 1999 to June 30, 1999 performance period, if the Ratio is at least 10% but less than 20%, each Founding Manager is entitled to 1.25% of Earnings in excess of 10% of Total Stockholders' Equity. If the Ratio is at least 20%, each Founding Manager will receive incentive payments equal to the sum of (i) 1.25% of Earnings in excess of 10% of Total Stockholders Equity, plus (ii) 0.50% of Earnings in excess of 20% of Total Stockholders' Equity. For the January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999 performance period, if the Ratio is at least 20% but less than 40%, each Founding Manager is entitled to 1.25% of the Earnings in excess of 20% of Total Stockholders' Equity. If the Ratio is at least 40%, each Founding Manager will receive incentive payments equal to the sum of (i) 1.25% of Earnings in

F–34

excess of 20% of Total Stockholders' Equity, plus (ii) 0.50% of Earnings in excess of 40% of Total Stockholders' Equity. For 2000, the thresholds of 10%, 20% and 40% are reduced to 9%, 18% and 35%, respectively. The amount of any incentive award paid for the 12-month performance period will be reduced by any amounts paid for the six-month performance period. Award amounts up to 200% of the Founding Manager's current annual salary are paid in cash. Any amounts exceeding 200% of the base salary are paid in restricted stock, unless the Committee and the Founding Manager agree otherwise.

    Included in personnel expense for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, are zero and $1.7 million, related to the Incentive Compensation Plan and $2.4 million related to the FMIC Plan.

(b) Operating Leases

    The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain facilities under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2005. Total rental expenditures under these leases were approximately $8.5 million, $7.0 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company and its subsidiaries lease office property and equipment from various equipment leasing companies under operating lease agreements. Total lease commitments available under these facilities are $18.3 million, all of which was utilized as of December 31, 2000. These operating leases expire from January 2001 to December 2003. Total rental expenditures under these office property and equipment leases were approximately $9.4 million, $5.9 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

    Minimum rental commitments for these leases are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Years ending December 31:          
2001   $ 14,629    
2002     10,311    
2003     3,719    
2004     1,996    
2005     225    
   
   
    $ 30,880    
   
   

(c) Loan Commitments

    Commitments to fund loans are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Also, external market forces affect the probability of commitments being exercised; therefore, total commitments outstanding do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company quotes interest rates to borrowers which are subject to change by the Company. Although the Company generally honors such interest rate quotes, the quotes do not constitute interest rate locks, minimizing any potential interest rate risk exposure. The Company had commitments to fund loans of approximately $487.6 million and $602.1 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

    The Company had commitments to sell loans of $117.6 million and $100 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, to whole loan investors.

F–35

(d) Contingencies

    The Company has entered into loan sale agreements with investors in the normal course of business which include representations and warranties customary to the mortgage banking industry. Violations of these representations and warranties may require the Company to repurchase loans previously sold or to reimburse investors for losses incurred. In the opinion of management, the potential exposure related to the Company's loan sale agreements is adequately provided for in the repurchase liability included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

    At December 31, 2000 and 1999, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities are approximately $6.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively, in allowances for losses related to possible off-balance sheet recourse and repurchase agreement provisions. The activity in the allowance related to possible off-balance sheet recourse and repurchase agreement provisions for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
   2000
   1999
   1998
  
Balance, beginning of year   $ 1,597   2,382   3,665  
Provision for losses     6,400   2,549   15,451  
Charge-offs, net     (5,615 ) (1,266 ) (12,673 )
   
 
 
 
Balance, end of year   $ 2,382   3,665   6,443  
   
 
 
 

(e) Litigation

    In August, 2000, the Company was informed by the Federal Trade Commission that it was conducting an inquiry to determine whether New Century Financial Corporation violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Federal Trade Commission Act or other statutes administered by the Commission. The Commission subsequently focused its inquiry on whether the pre-approved credit solicitations generated by the Company's Retail Division comply with applicable law. The Commission is reviewing data and information provided by the Company, which is cooperating with the inquiry.

    In October, 2000, Hazel Jean Matthews, Ruth D. Morgan and Marie I. Summerall filed an amended class action suit against New Century Mortgage Corporation, Central Mortgage, Inc., Equibanc Mortgage Corporation, Century 21 Home Improvements, and Incredible Exteriors, Inc., on behalf of themselves and other Ohio consumers whose credit transaction was brokered by Equibanc or Central Mortgage. New Century was not named in the original complaint. The suit was filed in the Ohio state court and later removed by New Century to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The complaint alleges breaches of the Federal Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act, gender discrimination, fraud, unconscionability, civil conspiracy, RICO, as well as other claims against the other defendants. Plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees and costs. The Company filed a motion to dismiss in December 2000. Plaintiffs obtained court authorization to amend their complaint. New Century intends to renew its motion to dismiss and continue to vigorously defend this action.

    The Company is also a party to various legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. Management believes that any liability with respect to such legal actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

F–36

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000

(12) INCOME TAXES

    Components of the Company's provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
Current:                
  Federal   $ 7,184   10,418   9,848  
  State     1,804   2,209   3,506  
   
 
 
 
      8,988   12,627   13,354  
   
 
 
 
Deferred:                
  Federal     9,512   12,075   (22,989 )
  State     2,693   2,675   (4,121 )
   
 
 
 
      12,205   14,750   (27,110 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 21,193   27,377   (13,756 )
   
 
 
 

    Actual income taxes (benefit) differ from the amount determined by applying the statutory Federal rate of 35% for the years ended December 31 to earnings before income taxes as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
Computed "expected" income taxes   $ 18,309   23,410   (12,873 )
State tax, net of Federal benefit     2,923   3,173   (400 )
Other     (39 ) 794   (483 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 21,193   27,377   (13,756 )
   
 
 
 

    The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
   1999
   2000
Deferred tax assets:          
  Allowance for loan losses   $ 824   2,665
  State taxes     3,328   1,409
  Office property and equipment     523   386
  Net operating loss carryover     250   16,200
  Deferred loan fees     —   1,456
  Other     —   242
   
 
      4,925   22,358
   
 

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
  Non-cash gain from securitization     36,968   30,218
  Deferred loan fees     2,922   —
  Other     27   22
   
 
      39,917   30,240
   
 
      Net deferred income tax liability   $ 34,992   7,882
   
 

F–37

    As of December 31, 2000, the Company had Net Operating Loss (NOL) carry-forwards for federal and state purposes of $40 million and $32 million, respectively, which are available to offset future taxable income, if any, through 2020 and 2010, respectively.

    There was no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

    Deferred tax assets are initially recognized for differences between the financial statement carrying amount and the tax bases of assets and liabilities which will result in future deductible amounts and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. A valuation allowance is then established to reduce that deferred tax asset to the level at which it is "more likely than not" that the tax benefits will be realized. Realization of tax benefits of deductible temporary differences and operating loss or tax credit carry-forwards depends on having sufficient taxable income of an appropriate character within the carry-back and carry-forward periods. Sources of taxable income of an appropriate character that may allow for the realization of tax benefits include: (1) taxable income in the current year or prior years that is available through carry-back, (2) future taxable income that will result from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, (3) future taxable income generated by future operations and (4) tax planning strategies that, if necessary, would be implemented to accelerate taxable income into years in which net operating losses might otherwise expire.

    Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize deferred tax assets existing at December 31, 2000 and 1999.

(13) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

    On July 1, 1996, the Company established the New Century Financial Corporation 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the "Plan") for the benefit of eligible employees and their beneficiaries. The Plan is a defined contribution 401(k) plan which allows eligible employees to save for retirement through pretax contributions. Under the Plan, employees of the Company may contribute up to the statutory limit. The Company will match 25% of the first 6% of compensation contributed by the employee. An additional Company contribution may be made at the discretion of the Company. Contributions to the Plan by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were $802,000, $538,000 and $407,000, respectively.

    In October 1997, the Company established the New Century Financial Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") for the benefit of eligible employees. This plan is a compensatory plan as defined in accordance with APB 25. The plan allows employees to contribute, through payroll deductions, to the Plan. Plan periods are six months, with the exception of the first plan period, which was October 13, 1997 to December 31, 1997. At the end of each plan period, the employees purchase stock at a price equal to 90% of the lesser of the market price at the beginning and end of the plan period. Since its inception, the Company has issued 125,959 shares of common stock under this plan.

    In December 1998, the Company established the New Century Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for the benefit of eligible employees. This plan allows eligible employees to defer payment of a portion of their salary to future years. The Company does not contribute to this plan.

F–38

(14) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(a) Convertible Preferred Stock

    In November 1998, the Company issued 20,000 shares of Series 1998-A Convertible Preferred stock to US Bancorp. The Company received $20.0 million from this issue. The holders of Series 1998-A preferred stock are entitled to convert each share of Series 1998-A preferred stock into 136.24 shares of common stock. The Series 1998-A preferred stock earns a dividend at a rate of 7.5% per annum, payable quarterly. In July 1999, the Company issued 20,000 shares of Series 1999-A convertible preferred stock to US Bancorp. The Company received $20.0 million from this issue. The holders of Series 1999-A preferred stock are entitled to convert each share of Series 1999-A preferred stock into 69.98 shares of common stock. The Series 1999-A preferred stock earns a dividend at a rate of 7.0% per annum, payable quarterly. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, accrued dividends of $483,000 are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Upon liquidation, the holders of Series 1998-A and 1999-A preferred stock are entitled to receive, in preference to any payment on common stock, an amount equal to $1,000 per share and any accumulated unpaid dividends.

(b) Common Stock

    In May 1997, pursuant to certain Restricted Stock Award Agreements, the Company issued 92,500 shares of restricted stock to each of the four Founding Managers. The Company recorded $2.8 million in deferred compensation expense and additional paid in capital at the grant date. The deferred compensation expense is being amortized over the vesting period of the restricted stock, which is in equal installments in May 1998, 1999 and 2000. Included in personnel expenses for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 is $155,000, $566,000 and $1,286,000, respectively, related to the amortization of deferred compensation.

    In January 1998, the Company issued 188,150 shares of common stock in connection with the acquisition of Primewest.

    In April 1998, the Company issued 16,204 shares of restricted stock to two of its Founding Managers in partial payment of its 1997 bonus obligation under the Founding Managers' Incentive Compensation Plan.

    In May 1998, the Company received 43,676 shares of common stock from its Founding Managers as payment of the Company's withholding obligations upon vesting of the first installment of the May 1997 Founding Managers' Restricted Stock Awards. The fair value of the stock at the time it was paid to the Company was $422,000. These shares were held as Treasury stock as of December 31, 1998 and the Treasury shares were cancelled in August 1999.

    In March 1999, the Company issued 9,872 shares of common stock in connection with its obligations under the Primewest acquisition agreement.

    In May 1999, the Company received 59,756 shares of common stock from its Founding Managers as payment of the Company's withholding obligations upon vesting of the second installment of the May 1997 Founding Managers' Restricted Stock Awards and the first installment of the April 1998 Restricted Stock Award. The fair value of the stock at the time it was paid to the Company was $860,000. These shares were cancelled in August 1999.

    In August 1999, the Company issued 42,377 shares of common stock upon the exercise of 100,000 warrants held by Comerica.

F–39

    In March 2000, the Company issued 2,732 shares of common stock in connection with its obligations under the Primewest Acquisition Agreement.

    In April 2000, the Company issued 13,577 shares in connection with the acquisition of Worth Funding, a wholly owned subsidiary of New Century Mortgage Corporation.

    In May 2000, the Company received 59,734 shares of common stock from its Founding Managers as payment of the Company's withholding obligations upon vesting of the third installment of the May 1997 Founding Managers' Restricted Stock Awards and the second installment of the April 1998 Restricted Stock Award. The fair value of the stock at the time it was paid to the Company was $562,000. These shares were cancelled in September 2000.

    In December 2000, the Company issued 55,090 shares of common stock in connection with its obligations under the Primewest acquisition agreement.

(c) Warrants

    In May 1997, the Company issued to Comerica warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at $11.00 per share and in September 1997, the Company issued an additional 50,000 warrants at $11.00 per share pursuant to the completion of certain services by Comerica with respect to servicing the Company's loans. During 1998, Comerica forfeited the right to receive an additional 183,333 warrants due to non-completion of certain services. The warrants granted are exercisable over five years, and were fully vested at December 31, 2000. The Company believes that the warrant prices approximated fair value of the Company's stock at the date of grant. In accordance with FASB No. 123, $675,000 has been determined to be the value of the stock warrants issued on the measurement date. As of December 31, 1999, the value of the warrants had been amortized as general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2000, 50,000 warrants remain outstanding.

    In April 2000, the Company issued warrants to US Bank in connection with the extension of the maturity of the subordinated debt. The Company issued a total of 725,000 warrants which were deemed to have a value of $3.8 million. Included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2000 is $1.2 million in amortization related to these warrants. These warrants were forfeited on January 12, 2001.

(15) STOCK OPTIONS

    In 1995, the Company adopted and received stockholders' approval of the qualified 1995 Stock Option Plan (the Plan) pursuant to which the Company's Board of Directors may grant stock options to officers and key employees. The Plan authorizes grants of options to purchase up to 3.0 million shares of authorized but unissued common stock. Stock options granted under the Plan have terms of ten years and vest over a range from December 1996 to September 2005. The Company has also issued the following grants of nonqualified stock options outside the Plan: (i) 120,000 granted to certain executive officers of the Company in December 1996, vesting over a three-year period and expiring ten years from the grant date, (ii) 7,500 granted to a former director of the Company in May 1997, vesting over five years and expiring ten years from the grant date, (iii) 10,000 granted to a nonemployee director of the Company in September 1998, vesting over five years and expiring ten years from the grant date, and (iv) 30,000 granted to two non-employee directors of the Company in May 1999, vesting over five years and expiring ten years from the grant date. All stock options are granted with an exercise price not less than the stock's fair market value at the date of grant.

F–40

    At December 31, 2000, there were 494,477 shares available for grant under the Plan. Of the options outstanding at December 31, 2000 and 1999, 1,414,936 and 1,166,500, respectively, were exercisable with weighted-average exercise prices of $8.86 and $8.23, respectively. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31 was $4.00 and $7.68, respectively, at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 
   1999
   2000
  
Expected life (years)   4.5   4.5  
Risk-free interest rate   7.0 % 6.5 %
Volatility   55.0 % 55.0 %
Expected dividend yield   —   —  
   
 
 

    The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its plans and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the consolidated financial statements. Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company's net earnings would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
Net earnings (loss):                
  As reported   $ 31,115   39,509   (23,025 )
  Pro forma     30,018   38,135   (24,855 )
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:                
  As reported   $ 2.19   2.59   (1.76 )
  Pro forma     2.11   2.50   (1.88 )
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:                
  As reported   $ 2.03   2.11   (1.76 )
  Pro forma     1.96   2.04   (1.88 )
   
 
 
 

F–41

    Stock options activity during the years ended December 31 is as follows:

 
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted-average
Exercise Price
Balance at December 31, 1997   1,938,070     7.25
  Granted   510,900     9.88
  Exercised   (108,150 )   1.18
  Canceled   (273,700 )   7.49
   
 
Balance at December 31, 1998   2,067,120     8.19
  Granted   448,000     14.54
  Exercised   (179,165 )   4.63
  Canceled   (62,575 )   11.92
   
 
Balance at December 31, 1999   2,273,380     9.62
  Granted   333,500     7.66
  Exercised   (108,847 )   4.32
  Canceled   (299,772 )   11.77
   
 
Balance at December 31, 2000   2,198,261   $ 9.26
   
 

    At December 31, 2000, the range of exercise prices, the number outstanding, weighted-average remaining term and weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding and the number exercisable and weighted-average price of options currently exercisable are as follows:

Range of
Exercise Prices
   Number
Outstanding
   Weighted-average
Remaining Term
   Weighted-average
Exercise Price
   Number
Exercisable
   Weighted-average
Exercise Price
$ 0.50-0.50   20,000   5.23   $ 0.50   11,600   $ 0.50
  1.75-1.75   24,879   5.67     1.75   9,029     1.75
  3.50-3.50   126,650   5.92     3.50   121,650     3.50
  7.00-7.00   267,500   9.17     7.00   —     —
  7.50-7.50   624,832   6.33     7.50   604,507     7.50
  8.38-8.38   74,200   7.67     8.38   32,950     8.38
  9.00-9.00   18,800   9.16     9.00   3,800     9.00
  9.50-9.53   76,800   7.41     9.53   51,800     9.53
  10.00-10.75   145,146   7.35     10.19   71,771     10.18
  11.00-11.75   472,254   6.81     11.06   380,154     11.03
  12.00-12.75   198,800   8.09     12.47   73,900     12.51
  15.00-15.00   10,000   7.58     15.00   10,000     15.00
  17.00-17.00   20,400   6.67     17.00   14,275     17.00
  18.25-18.25   118,000   8.58     18.25   29,500     18.25
     
 
 
 
 

F–42

(16) GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

    A summary of general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
Other administrative expenses   $ 3,469   6,346   7,999
Occupancy     7,596   8,488   10,807
Depreciation and amortization     2,550   2,778   4,166
Telephone     3,467   4,575   4,849
Postage and courier     2,892   3,633   4,143
Travel, entertainment and conferences     3,246   3,454   2,610
Servicing     1,840   2,896   2,697
Equipment rental     4,207   7,074   9,842
Data processing     54   1,477   3,339
Office supplies     1,673   2,011   2,149
   
 
 
    $ 30,994   42,732   52,601
   
 
 

(17) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

    The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments using available market information and appropriate valuation methods. However, considerable judgment is necessarily required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methods may have a material impact on the estimated fair value amounts.

    The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments as of December 31 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
   2000
 
   Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value
Financial assets:          
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 10,283   10,283
  Loans receivable held for sale, net     400,089   406,420
  Residual interests in securitizations     361,646   361,646
  Interest rate cap     881   881
Financial liabilities:          
  Warehouse and aggregation lines of credit     404,446   404,446
  Residual financing payable     176,806   176,806
  Subordinated debt     40,000   40,000
  Notes payable     24,340   24,340
   
 

F–43

 
   1999
 
   Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value
Financial assets:          
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,496   4,496
  Loans receivable held for sale, net     442,653   444,599
  Residual interests in securitizations     364,689   364,689
Financial liabilities:          
  Warehouse and aggregation lines of credit     428,726   428,726
  Residual financing payable     177,493   177,493
  Subordinated debt     20,000   20,000
  Notes payable     3,051   3,051
   
 

    The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the Company's fair value disclosures for financial instruments.

    Cash and cash equivalents: The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the carrying value reported in the balance sheet.

    Loans receivable held for sale: The fair value of loans receivable held for sale is determined in the aggregate based on outstanding whole loan commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements.

    Residual interests in securitizations: The fair value of residual interests in securitizations is determined by calculating the net present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.

    Interest rate cap: The fair value of the interest rate cap is determined based on a market quote.

    Warehouse lines of credit and residual financing payable: The carrying value reported in the balance sheet approximates fair value as the warehouse lines of credit and residual financing payable are due upon demand and bear interest at a rate that approximates current market interest rates for similar type lines of credit.

    Subordinated debt: The fair value of subordinated debt is estimated to approximate carrying value as the subordinated debt bears interest at a rate that approximates current market rate for similar borrowings.

    Notes payable: The fair value of notes payable is determined by discounting expected cash payments at the current market interest rate over the term of the notes payable.

F–44

(18) CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

    The following is condensed information as to the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of New Century Financial Corporation:


Condensed Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   December 31
ASSETS

   1999
   2000
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,328   768
Investment in and receivable from subsidiaries     172,196   151,721
Other assets     411   2,631
   
 
    $ 173,935   155,120
   
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Other liabilities   $ 972   2,971
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     172,963   152,149
   
 
    $ 173,935   155,120
   
 


Condensed Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
Interest income   $ 44   3,187   3,926  
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries     32,940   39,206   (21,509 )
   
 
 
 
      32,984   42,393   (17,583 )
   
 
 
 
Personnel     1,979   1,602   2,215  
General and administrative     236   571   3,163  
Professional services     289   479   994  
   
 
 
 
      2,504   2,652   6,372  
   
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     30,480   39,741   (23,955 )
Income taxes (benefit)     (635 ) 232   (930 )
   
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   $ 31,115   39,509   (23,025 )
   
 
 
 

F–45

NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000 --(Continued)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Net earnings (loss)   $ 31,115   $ 39,509   $ (23,025 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                    
      Depreciation and amortization     1,035     668     1,336  
      Decrease (increase) in other assets     (1,027 )   1,624     411  
      Increase in other liabilities     186     244     1,999  
      Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries     (32,940 )   (39,206 )   21,509  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (1,631 )   2,839     2,230  
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITY—DECREASE (INCREASE) IN INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM SUBSIDIARY     (18,211 )   (20,570 )   (241 )
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Net proceeds from issuance of stock     20,409     20,278     351  
  Dividends paid on preferred stock     —     (1,786 )   (2,900 )
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by financing activities     20,409     18,492     (2,549 )
   
 
 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     567     761     (560 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     —     567     1,328  
   
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 567   $ 1,328   $ 768  
   
 
 
 

F–46

(19) EARNINGS PER SHARE

    The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
   1998
   1999
   2000
  
Numerator:                    
  Net earnings (loss)   $ 31,115   $ 39,509   $ (23,025 )
  Less preferred stock dividends     158     2,111     2,900  
   
 
 
 
  Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders   $ 30,957   $ 37,398   $ (25,925 )
   
 
 
 
Denominator:                    
  Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted-average common shares outstanding     14,165,307     14,414,565     14,727,582  
Effect of dilutive securities:                    
  Convertible preferred stock     283,678     3,132,490     —  
  Restricted stock award     258,397     180,954     —  
  Warrants     22,879     29,569     —  
  Stock options     591,332     941,326     —  
   
 
 
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share     15,321,593     18,698,904     14,727,582  
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share   $ 2.19   $ 2.59   $ (1.76 )
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ 2.03   $ 2.11   $ (1.76 )
   
 
 
 

    For 2000, 1,243,661 stock options, 40,000 shares of convertible preferred stock and 725,000 warrants are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect is anti-dilutive in periods where losses are reported. In addition, for 2000, 1999, and 1998, 947,100, 224,300 and 798,850 stock options, respectively and 50,000 warrants for 2000 and for 1998, whose exercise price exceeded the average market price of the common shares are excluded from calculation of the dilutive number of shares.

F–47

(20) SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

    Selected quarterly financial data are presented below by quarter for the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
   March 31,
2000
   June 30,
2000
   September 30,
2000
   December 31,
2000
  
Gain (loss) on sale of loans   $ 22,810   $ (1,605 ) $ 20,265   $ (26,518 )
Interest income     18,441     17,771     15,338     15,801  
Other income     — —     540     564     549  
Servicing income     19,133     19,227     21,023     20,577  
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     60,384     35,933     57,190     10,409  
Operating expenses     47,667     50,593     48,884     53,553  
   
 
 
 
 
  Earnings (loss) before income taxes     12,717     (14,660 )   8,306     (43,144 )
Income taxes (benefit)     5,444     (6,057 )   3,569     (16,712 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net earnings (loss)     7,273     (8,603 )   4,737   $ (26,432 )
   
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.45   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.27   $ (1.84 )
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.38   $ (0.63 ) $ 0.24   $ (1.84 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
   March 31,
1999
   June 30,
1999
   September 30,
1999
   December 31,
1999
Gain on sale of loans   $ 29,428   $ 30,187   $ 35,275   $ 26,782
Interest income     15,318     13,656     16,014     16,469
Servicing income     9,465     12,115     11,747     17,486
   
 
 
 
  Total revenues     54,211     55,958     63,036     60,737
Operating expenses     37,586     37,357     42,748     49,365
   
 
 
 
  Earnings before income taxes     16,625     18,601     20,288     11,372
Income taxes     6,813     7,722     8,360     4,482
   
 
 
 
  Net earnings     9,812     10,879     11,928   $ 6,890
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.66   $ 0.73   $ 0.78   $ 0.42
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.55   $ 0.60   $ 0.62   $ 0.36
   
 
 
 

(21) LIQUIDITY

    The Company's business requires substantial cash to support its operating activities and growth plans. As a result, the Company is dependent on its warehouse and aggregation lines of credit, its residual financing facility and subordinated debt in order to finance its continued operations. If the Company's principal lenders decided to terminate or not to renew any of these credit facilities with the Company, the loss of borrowing capacity would have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations unless the Company found a suitable alternative source. The Company's strategies for mitigating the effects of a loss of financing would most likely include (i) reducing production levels; (ii) continuing to rely on whole loan sales rather than securitizations in its secondary marketing

F–48

strategy; (iii) accelerating the disposal of its loan inventory; and (iv) attempting to find interim financing from alternative sources.

(22) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

    In March 2001, Ocwen Federal Bank FSB (Ocwen) purchased the mortgage loan servicing rights on approximately $4.8 billion in loans. Ocwen also purchased all advances related to those servicing rights. There was no significant gain or loss recorded. The Company also committed to sell $3.0 billion in mortgage loan servicing rights over the next 20 months at a price to be determined based on the characteristics of the particular loans.

    Concurrent with the closing of the Ocwen transaction, the Company and Salomon agreed to amend the residual financing facility to provide for pre-determined monthly and quarterly payment obligations and the elimination of the margin call feature. Scheduled payments provide for full repayment of the debt by December 31, 2002.

    In addition, the Company and US Bank agreed to extend the maturity of the $40.0 million in subordinated debt to December 31, 2003.

F–49

3,000,000 Shares

LOGO

New Century Financial Corporation

Common Stock


PROSPECTUS

FRIEDMAN BILLINGS RAMSEY          
  JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
            ADVEST, INC.

            2001



PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

    The following table sets forth all expenses payable by New Century Financial Corporation (the "Company") in connection with the sale of the common stock being registered. All of the amounts shown are estimates, except for the SEC registration fee and the NASD filing fee.

 
   Amount to
Be Paid
Registration fee   $ 9,789
NASD filing fee     4,371
Blue sky qualification fees and expenses     *
Printing and engraving expenses     *
Legal fees and expenses     *
Accounting fees and expenses     *
Transfer agent and registrar fees     *
Miscellaneous     *
   
  Total   $ *
   
*
To be completed.

Item 15. Indemnification Of Officers And Directors

    Under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Company has broad powers to indemnify its directors and officers against liabilities they may incur in such capacities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

    The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that a director of the Company shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director except to the extent provided by applicable law for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, pursuant to Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") or for any transaction from which such director derived an improper personal benefit. Under the DGCL, liability of a director may not be limited (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) in respect of certain unlawful dividend payments or stock redemptions or repurchases and (iv) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. The effect of the provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is to eliminate the rights of the Company and its stockholders (through stockholders' derivative suits on behalf of the Company) to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of the fiduciary duty of care as a director (including breaches resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior), except as provided in the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and in the situations described in clauses (i) through (iv) above. This provision does not limit or eliminate the rights of the Company or any stockholder to seek nonmonetary relief such as an injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a director's duty of care.

    The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company provide that the Company will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, subject to certain limitations for settlements not approved by the Company, for losses covered by an insurance policy, for judgments for

II–1

an accounting of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and similar laws and where prohibited by applicable law.

    The Company has entered into agreements with each of the directors and officers of the Company pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify such director or officer from claims, liabilities, damages, expenses, losses, costs, penalties or amounts paid in settlement incurred by such director or officer in or arising out of his capacity as a director, officer, employee and/or agent of the Company or any other corporation of which such person is a director or officer at the request of the Company to the maximum extent provided by applicable law. In addition, such director or officer is entitled to an advance of expenses to the maximum extent authorized or permitted by law.

    The Form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement provides for indemnification by the Underwriters of the Company and its directors and officers for certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise.

    At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or officer of the Company as to which indemnification is being sought nor is the Company aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any officer or director.

Item 16. Exhibits And Financial Statement Schedule

(a)
Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
   Description of Document
1.1†   Form of Underwriting Agreement
4.1   Specimen Stock Certificate(1)
4.2   Specimen Series 1998A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate(2)
4.3   Specimen Series 1999A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate(5)
5.1†   Opinion of O'Melveny & Myers LLP
10.1   Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and each of its executive officers and directors(1)*
10.2   1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference from the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 333-56514) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2001*
10.3   Founding Managers' Incentive Compensation Plan(1)*
10.4   Office Building Lease by and between Koll Center Irvine Number Two and New Century Financial Corporation dated April 11, 1997(1)
10.5   Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 30, 1997, by and between the Company and certain stockholders of the Company(1)
10.6   Form of Equalization Option granted to two executive officers of the Company(1)*
10.7   New Century Financial Corporation Comerica Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Comerica on May 30, 1997(1)
10.8   Office Building Lease by and between AGBRI Cowan and New Century Financial Corporation dated November 6, 1997(6)
10.9   Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended(7)*
10.10   Merger Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1997, by and among New Century, NC Acquisition Corp., PWF, Kirk Redding and Paul Akers(8)

II–2

10.11   First Amendment to Merger Agreement, dated January 12, 1998, by and among New Century, NC Acquisition Corp., PWF, Kirk Redding and Paul Akers(8)
10.12   Master Lease Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and General Electric Capital Corporation, dated as of October 24, 1997(6)
10.13   First Amendment to Founding Managers' Incentive Compensation Plan(9)*
10.14   Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated May 29, 1998(10)
10.15   First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated July 27, 1998(11)
10.16   Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 30, 1998(11)
10.17   Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated November 23, 1998(4)
10.18   Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated December 11, 1998(4)
10.19   Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement(No. 333-68467) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 1998*
10.20   Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1998, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(2)
10.21   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1998, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(2)
10.22   Flow Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1998, between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, ND(2)
10.23   Service Provider Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1998, between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, ND(2)
10.24   Form of Founding Managers' Shareholder Agreement, dated November 24, 1998(4)
10.25   Form of Founding Managers' Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 1999(4)*
10.26   Letter Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated December 11, 1998(4)
10.27   Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated May 26, 1999(5)
10.28   Master Loan and Security Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc., dated June 23, 1999(5)
10.29   Residual Financial Facility Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc., dated June 23, 1999(5)
10.30   Master Loan and Security Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Paine Webber Real Estate Securities, Inc., dated as of July 20, 1999(5)
10.31   Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1999, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(5)

II–3

10.32   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1999, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(5)
10.33   First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, dated August 31, 1999(12)
10.34   Letter Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated September 1, 1999(12)
10.35   Amendment to Master Loan and Security Agreement dated as of July 20, 1999 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Paine Webber Real Estate Securities, Inc., dated as of September 30, 1999(12)
10.36   Industrial Lease, dated October 11, 1999, between the Company and the Irvine Company(12)
10.37   Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, dated October 15, 1999(12)
10.38   Amendment Number One to Master Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 23, 1999 by and between NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc., dated as of October 23, 1999(12)
10.39   Third Amendment to Pledge and Security Agreement dated February 17, 2000 between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(7)
10.40   Amendment to Letter Agreement dated as of September 1, 1999 by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated March 7, 2000(7)
10.41   Subordinated Loan Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.42   Warrant Issuance Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation, U.S. Bancorp and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.43   Promissory Note by New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.44   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation, U.S. Bancorp and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.45   Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 30, 2000(3)
10.46   Amended and Restated Security Agreement by and among NC Capital Corporation, NC Residual II Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 30, 2000(3)
10.47   Amended and Restated Servicing Security Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 30, 2000(3)
10.48   Intercreditor Agreement by and among U.S. Bank National Association, NC Capital Corporation, NC Residual II Corporation and Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. dated April 26, 2000(3)
10.49   Master Loan & Security Agreement, by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated April 1, 2000(3)
10.50   Letter Agreement, by and among Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., NC Capital Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated April 1, 2000(3)

II–4

10.51   Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 24, 2000 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(13)
10.52   Fourth Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 29, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.53   Amendment Number Two to the Master Loan and Security Agreement, dated June 23, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.54   Amendment Number One to the Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated June 23, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.55   Intercreditor Letter Agreement, dated June 30, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.56   Purchase Agreement dated July 20, 2000 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(13)
10.57   Restated Purchase Agreement dated July 31, 2000 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(13)
10.58   Global Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of December 11, 1998 between Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Capital Corporation(14)
10.59   Global Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of December 11, 1998 between Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Residual II Corporation(14)
10.60   Warrant, dated April 28, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association (650,000 shares)(14)
10.61   Warrant, dated April 28, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association (37,500 shares)(14)
10.62   Warrant, dated July 18, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association(14)
10.63   Warrant, dated October 30, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association(14)
10.64   Amendment Number Two to Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated September 28, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(14)
10.65   Amendment Number Three to Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated October 31, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(14)
10.66   Amendment to Letter Agreement by and between Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., NC Capital Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated April 1, 2000(14)
10.67   Irrevocable Proxy, dated November 11, 2000, executed by Brookhaven Capital Management, LLC, Watershed Partners, L. P. and Vincent A. Carrino(14)
10.68   First Amendment to Subordinated Loan Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association dated July 20, 2000(15)

II–5

10.69   Letter Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corporation, dated November 30, 2000(15)
10.70   Letter Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corporation, dated December 27, 2000(15)
10.71   Amendment Number Four to Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated November 21, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(15)
10.72   Termination of the Master Loan and Security Agreement by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc. dated February 13, 2001(15)
10.73   Termination Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation, PWF Corporation, Paul B. Akers and Kirk Redding, dated December 13, 2000(15)
10.74   Master Loan and Security Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc., dated December 1, 2001(15)
10.75   Separation Agreement and General Release by and between New Century Financial Corporation and Steve Holder, dated as of December 27, 2000(15)
10.76   Consulting Agreement between New Century Financial Corporation and Steve Holder, dated as of December 27, 2000(15)
10.77   Termination Letter regarding U.S. Bank National Association's Warrants, dated January 12, 2001(15)
10.78   Termination Letter regarding U.S. Bank National Association's Shareholder Agreements with Robert Cole, Brad Morrice, Ed Gotschall and Steve Holder dated January 12, 2001(15)
10.79   Servicing Rights Purchase Agreement by and among Ocwen Federal Bank FSB and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated February 28, 2001(15)
10.80   Receivables Financing Facility Agreement by and among Ocwen Federal Bank FSB and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated February 28, 2001(15)
10.81   Residential Flow Interim Servicing and Servicing Rights Purchase Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and Ocwen Federal Bank FSB, dated as of March 1, 2001(15)
10.82   First Amendment to Restated Purchase Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated February 28, 2001(15)
10.83   Second Amendment to Subordinated Loan Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association dated as of March 29, 2001(15)
10.84   Third Amended and Restated Subordinated Promissory Note executed by New Century Mortgage Corporation in favor of U.S. Bank National Association, dated as of March 29, 2001(15)
10.85   TBMA/ISMA Global Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Salomon Smith Barney Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Capital Corporation and Annex I thereto, dated as of March 29, 2001(15)
10.86   TBMA/ISMA Global Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Salomon Smith Barney Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Residual II Corporation and Annex I thereto, dated as of March 29, 2001(15)

II–6

10.87   Letter Agreement dated March 29, 2001 by and among U.S. Bank National Association, NC Capital Corporation, NC Residual II Corporation and Salomon Smith Barney as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Ltd.(15)
10.88   Letter dated March 29, 2001 from U.S. Bancorp to the Corporation regarding termination of certain board rights(15)
10.89   Amended and Restated Annex I dated April 30, 2001 to the Global Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2001, by and among Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., as agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited, NC Residual II Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation(16)
10.90   Amended and Restated Annex I dated April 30, 2001 to the Global Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2001, by and among Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., as agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited, NC Capital Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation(16)
10.91   Amendment No. 1 to the Master Loan and Security Agreement dated April 2, 2001 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc. dated December 1, 2000(16)
10.92   Amendment No. 1 to the Custodial Agreement dated April 2, 2001 by and among NC Capital corporation, U.S. Bank Trust National Association and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc. dated December 1, 2000(16)
10.93   Amendment No. 1 to the Master Loan & Security Agreement dated April 1, 2000, by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated March 30, 2001(16)
10.94   Amendment No. 2 to the Master Loan & Security Agreement dated April 1, 2000, by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp, dated May 1, 2001(16)
10.95   Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated May 23, 2001(17)
10.96   Agreement to Increase Commitment Amount by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association and CDC Mortgage Capital Inc., dated as of June 25, 2001.
10.97   Letter Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated June 1, 2001(17)
10.98   Amendment No. 1 to the Letter Agreement dated July 2, 2001 by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated June 1, 2001(17)
10.99   Amendment No. 3 to the Master Loan & Security Agreement dated June 12, 2001, by and among NC Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc. dated December 1, 2000(17)
10.100   Purchase Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation and Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., dated July 19, 2001(17)
10.101   Placement Agency Agreement, by and among New Century Financial Corporation and Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., dated July 19, 2001(17)
10.102   Master Repurchase Agreement by and among CDC Mortgage Capital Inc., New Century Mortgage Corporation and NC Capital Corporation, dated July 19, 2001(17)

II–7

23.1   Consent of KPMG LLP
23.2†   Consent of O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1
24.1   Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-9
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

[nc_cad,217]
To be filed by amendment.

(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement (No. 333-25483) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 1997.

(2)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 1998.

(3)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2000.

(4)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(5)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 1999.

(6)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(7)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(8)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 1998.

(9)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 1998.

(10)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 1998.

(11)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 1998.

(12)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 1999.

(13)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2000.

(14)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2000.

(15)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(16)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2001.

(17)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2001.

(b)
Financial Statement Schedules.

    All schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable, or the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

II–8

Item 17. Undertakings

    The Company hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to provisions described in Item 14 or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Exchange Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Exchange Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

    The undersigned Company hereby undertakes that:

    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Exchange Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Exchange Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

II–9


SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irvine, County of Orange, State of California, on July 27, 2001.

    NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 
 
By:
/s/ ROBERT K. COLE   
Robert K. Cole
 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

    KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert K. Cole and Brad A. Morrice as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments, exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith) to this Registration Statement and any subsequent registration statement filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which relates to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agent, or any of them, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated.

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
   Title
   Date

 
 
 
 
 
/s/ ROBERT K. COLE   
Robert K. Cole		   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)		   July 27, 2001

/s/ BRAD A. MORRICE   
Brad A. Morrice
 
Vice Chairman, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
 
July 27, 2001

/s/ EDWARD F. GOTSCHALL   
Edward F. Gotschall
 
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
July 27, 2001

II–10


/s/ FREDRIC J. FORSTER   
Fredric J. Forster
 
Director
 
July 27, 2001

/s/ MICHAEL M. SACHS   
Michael M. Sachs
 
Director
 
July 27, 2001

/s/ TERRENCE P. SANDVIK   
Terrence P. Sandvik
 
Director
 
July 27, 2001

/s/ RICHARD A. ZONA   
Richard A. Zona
 
Director
 
July 27, 2001

II–11


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
   Description of Document
1.1†   Form of Underwriting Agreement
4.1   Specimen Stock Certificate(1)
4.2   Specimen Series 1998A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate(2)
4.3   Specimen Series 1999A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate(5)
5.1†   Opinion of O'Melveny & Myers LLP
10.1   Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and each of its executive officers and directors(1)*
10.2   1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference from the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 333-56514) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2001*
10.3   Founding Managers' Incentive Compensation Plan(1)*
10.4   Office Building Lease by and between Koll Center Irvine Number Two and New Century Financial Corporation dated April 11, 1997(1)
10.5   Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 30, 1997, by and between the Company and certain stockholders of the Company(1)
10.6   Form of Equalization Option granted to two executive officers of the Company(1)*
10.7   New Century Financial Corporation Comerica Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Comerica on May 30, 1997(1)
10.8   Office Building Lease by and between AGBRI Cowan and New Century Financial Corporation dated November 6, 1997(6)
10.9   Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended(7)*
10.10   Merger Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1997, by and among New Century, NC Acquisition Corp., PWF, Kirk Redding and Paul Akers(8)
10.11   First Amendment to Merger Agreement, dated January 12, 1998, by and among New Century, NC Acquisition Corp., PWF, Kirk Redding and Paul Akers(8)
10.12   Master Lease Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and General Electric Capital Corporation, dated as of October 24, 1997(6)
10.13   First Amendment to Founding Managers' Incentive Compensation Plan(9)*
10.14   Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated May 29, 1998(10)
10.15   First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated July 27, 1998(11)
10.16   Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 30, 1998(11)
10.17   Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated November 23, 1998(4)
10.18   Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated December 11, 1998(4)
10.19   Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement(No. 333-68467) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 1998*
10.20   Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1998, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(2)
10.21   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1998, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(2)
10.22   Flow Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1998, between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, ND(2)
10.23   Service Provider Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1998, between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, ND(2)
10.24   Form of Founding Managers' Shareholder Agreement, dated November 24, 1998(4)
10.25   Form of Founding Managers' Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 1999(4)*
10.26   Letter Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated December 11, 1998(4)
10.27   Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated May 26, 1999(5)
10.28   Master Loan and Security Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc., dated June 23, 1999(5)
10.29   Residual Financial Facility Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc., dated June 23, 1999(5)
10.30   Master Loan and Security Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Paine Webber Real Estate Securities, Inc., dated as of July 20, 1999(5)
10.31   Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1999, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(5)
10.32   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1999, between the Company and U.S. Bancorp(5)
10.33   First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, dated August 31, 1999(12)
10.34   Letter Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated September 1, 1999(12)
10.35   Amendment to Master Loan and Security Agreement dated as of July 20, 1999 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Paine Webber Real Estate Securities, Inc., dated as of September 30, 1999(12)
10.36   Industrial Lease, dated October 11, 1999, between the Company and the Irvine Company(12)
10.37   Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, dated October 15, 1999(12)
10.38   Amendment Number One to Master Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 23, 1999 by and between NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc., dated as of October 23, 1999(12)
10.39   Third Amendment to Pledge and Security Agreement dated February 17, 2000 between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(7)
10.40   Amendment to Letter Agreement dated as of September 1, 1999 by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated March 7, 2000(7)
10.41   Subordinated Loan Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.42   Warrant Issuance Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation, U.S. Bancorp and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.43   Promissory Note by New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.44   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation, U.S. Bancorp and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 28, 2000(3)
10.45   Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 30, 2000(3)
10.46   Amended and Restated Security Agreement by and among NC Capital Corporation, NC Residual II Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 30, 2000(3)
10.47   Amended and Restated Servicing Security Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated April 30, 2000(3)
10.48   Intercreditor Agreement by and among U.S. Bank National Association, NC Capital Corporation, NC Residual II Corporation and Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. dated April 26, 2000(3)
10.49   Master Loan & Security Agreement, by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated April 1, 2000(3)
10.50   Letter Agreement, by and among Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., NC Capital Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated April 1, 2000(3)
10.51   Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 24, 2000 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(13)
10.52   Fourth Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 29, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.53   Amendment Number Two to the Master Loan and Security Agreement, dated June 23, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.54   Amendment Number One to the Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated June 23, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.55   Intercreditor Letter Agreement, dated June 30, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(13)
10.56   Purchase Agreement dated July 20, 2000 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(13)
10.57   Restated Purchase Agreement dated July 31, 2000 by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association(13)
10.58   Global Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of December 11, 1998 between Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Capital Corporation(14)
10.59   Global Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of December 11, 1998 between Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Residual II Corporation(14)
10.60   Warrant, dated April 28, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association (650,000 shares)(14)
10.61   Warrant, dated April 28, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association (37,500 shares)(14)
10.62   Warrant, dated July 18, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association(14)
10.63   Warrant, dated October 30, 2000, issued to U.S. Bank National Association(14)
10.64   Amendment Number Two to Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated September 28, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(14)
10.65   Amendment Number Three to Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated October 31, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(14)
10.66   Amendment to Letter Agreement by and between Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., NC Capital Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated April 1, 2000(14)
10.67   Irrevocable Proxy, dated November 11, 2000, executed by Brookhaven Capital Management, LLC, Watershed Partners, L. P. and Vincent A. Carrino(14)
10.68   First Amendment to Subordinated Loan Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association dated July 20, 2000(15)
10.69   Letter Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corporation, dated November 30, 2000(15)
10.70   Letter Agreement by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corporation, dated December 27, 2000(15)
10.71   Amendment Number Four to Residual Financing Facility Agreement, dated November 21, 2000 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc.(15)
10.72   Termination of the Master Loan and Security Agreement by and among NC Capital Corporation and Greenwich Capital Financial Products, Inc. dated February 13, 2001(15)
10.73   Termination Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation, PWF Corporation, Paul B. Akers and Kirk Redding, dated December 13, 2000(15)
10.74   Master Loan and Security Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc., dated December 1, 2001(15)
10.75   Separation Agreement and General Release by and between New Century Financial Corporation and Steve Holder, dated as of December 27, 2000(15)
10.76   Consulting Agreement between New Century Financial Corporation and Steve Holder, dated as of December 27, 2000(15)
10.77   Termination Letter regarding U.S. Bank National Association's Warrants, dated January 12, 2001(15)
10.78   Termination Letter regarding U.S. Bank National Association's Shareholder Agreements with Robert Cole, Brad Morrice, Ed Gotschall and Steve Holder dated January 12, 2001(15)
10.79   Servicing Rights Purchase Agreement by and among Ocwen Federal Bank FSB and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated February 28, 2001(15)
10.80   Receivables Financing Facility Agreement by and among Ocwen Federal Bank FSB and New Century Mortgage Corporation, dated February 28, 2001(15)
10.81   Residential Flow Interim Servicing and Servicing Rights Purchase Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and Ocwen Federal Bank FSB, dated as of March 1, 2001(15)
10.82   First Amendment to Restated Purchase Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated February 28, 2001(15)
10.83   Second Amendment to Subordinated Loan Agreement by and between New Century Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association dated as of March 29, 2001(15)
10.84   Third Amended and Restated Subordinated Promissory Note executed by New Century Mortgage Corporation in favor of U.S. Bank National Association, dated as of March 29, 2001(15)
10.85   TBMA/ISMA Global Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Salomon Smith Barney Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Capital Corporation and Annex I thereto, dated as of March 29, 2001(15)
10.86   TBMA/ISMA Global Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Salomon Smith Barney Inc. as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited and NC Residual II Corporation and Annex I thereto, dated as of March 29, 2001(15)
10.87   Letter Agreement dated March 29, 2001 by and among U.S. Bank National Association, NC Capital Corporation, NC Residual II Corporation and Salomon Smith Barney as Agent for Salomon Brothers International Ltd.(15)
10.88   Letter dated March 29, 2001 from U.S. Bancorp to the Corporation regarding termination of certain board rights(15)
10.89   Amended and Restated Annex I dated April 30, 2001 to the Global Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2001, by and among Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., as agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited, NC Residual II Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation(16)
10.90   Amended and Restated Annex I dated April 30, 2001 to the Global Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2001, by and among Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., as agent for Salomon Brothers International Limited, NC Capital Corporation and New Century Mortgage Corporation(16)
10.91   Amendment No. 1 to the Master Loan and Security Agreement dated April 2, 2001 by and among NC Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc. dated December 1, 2000(16)
10.92   Amendment No. 1 to the Custodial Agreement dated April 2, 2001 by and among NC Capital corporation, U.S. Bank Trust National Association and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc. dated December 1, 2000(16)
10.93   Amendment No. 1 to the Master Loan & Security Agreement dated April 1, 2000, by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated March 30, 2001(16)
10.94   Amendment No. 2 to the Master Loan & Security Agreement dated April 1, 2000, by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capital Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp, dated May 1, 2001(16)
10.95   Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated May 23, 2001(17)
10.96   Agreement to Increase Commitment Amount by and among New Century Mortgage Corporation, NC Capitacl Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association and CDC Mortgage Capital Inc., dated as of June 25, 2001.
10.97   Letter Agreement by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated June 1, 2001(17)
10.98   Amendment No. 1 to the Letter Agreement dated July 2, 2001 by and between NC Capital Corporation, New Century Mortgage Corporation and Salomon Brothers Realty Corp., dated June 1, 2001(17)
10.99   Amendment No. 3 to the Master Loan & Security Agreement dated June 12, 2001, by and among NC Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc. dated December 1, 2000(17)
10.100   Purchase Agreement by and among New Century Financial Corporation and Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., dated July 19, 2001(17)
10.101   Placement Agency Agreement, by and among New Century Financial Corporation and Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., dated July 19, 2001(17)
10.102   Master Repurchase Agreement by and among CDC Mortgage Capital Inc., New Century Mortgage Corporation and NC Capital Corporation, dated July 19, 2001(17)
23.1   Consent of KPMG LLP
23.2†   Consent of O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1
24.1   Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-9
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

[nc_cad,217]
To be filed by amendment.

(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement (No. 333-25483) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 1997.

(2)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 1998.

(3)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2000.

(4)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(5)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 1999.

(6)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(7)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(8)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 1998.

(9)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 1998.

(10)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 1998.

(11)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 1998.

(12)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 1999.

(13)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2000.
(14)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2000.

(15)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(16)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2001.

(17)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2001.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Our Company
Recent Operational Highlights
Growth and Operating Strategies
General Information
Recent Developments
The Offering
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
RISK FACTORS
USE OF PROCEEDS
CAPITALIZATION
PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
UNDERWRITING
EXPERTS
LEGAL MATTERS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
New Century Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)
New Century Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
New Century Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Six Months Ended June 30, 2000 and 2001 (In thousands) (Unaudited)
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditors' Report
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000
NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000
Condensed Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands)
Condensed Statements of Operations (Dollars in thousands)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands)
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX