H&R Block says it has reduced by $29.2 million the carrying value of "residual interests" in its Option One Mortgage Corp. unit due to "volatility in the mortgage market."The tax services giant said it will provide an update on Option One's sale by the end of the month. The announcement came late Tuesday. Because of the hit on Option One, Block restated its fiscal third-quarter earnings downward by $15.5 million (after tax), resulting in a $60.3 million loss in the period. The Irvine, Calif.-based Option One lost $69.7 million in its most recent quarter (ending Jan. 31), reflecting a large increase in loan-loss reserves. Option One's earnings are reported as part of H&R Block's. According to the Quarterly Data Report, Option One ranked seventh among subprime funders in the fourth quarter, originating $6 billion, a 38% decline from the volume in the fourth quarter of 2005.
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A federal judge in Texas dismissed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's medical debt rule and prohibited states from passing their own laws prohibiting medical debt on credit reports.
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Dr. Mark Calabria takes on the additional role of chief statistician of the United States; retired Ally Bank executive Diane Morais has joined First Citizens Bancshares' board of directors; MainStreet Bank has promoted Alex Vari to chief financial officer; and more in this week's banking news roundup.
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While refinances are behind the latest increases, the pace of purchase activity may be a stronger indicator of where the housing market sits.
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The share of economists expecting a September rate reduction grew in the July Wolters Kluwer survey, but the October or later percentage also increased.
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Rising home prices and softening sales offer a mixed view of a market that some say is shifting to favor buyers.
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The notes are backed by home improvement installment loans originated by approved dealers in Foundation Finance Company's network.
10h ago