FALSE00018301972022FYP3Yhttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecoveryhttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecoveryhttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecoveryhttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecoveryP10Yhttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#OtherAssetshttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#OtherAssetshttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#OtherLiabilitieshttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#OtherLiabilitieshttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022#OtherIncome00018301972022-01-012022-12-3100018301972022-06-30iso4217:USD00018301972023-03-03xbrli:shares00018301972022-12-3100018301972021-12-31iso4217:USDxbrli:shares00018301972021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-12-310001830197us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-12-310001830197us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-12-3100018301972020-12-310001830197us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:TreasuryStockCommonMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:TreasuryStockCommonMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-12-31hmpt:segment0001830197hmpt:PublicStockOfferingSharesFromExistingShareholdersMember2021-02-022021-02-020001830197hmpt:PublicStockOfferingSharesFromExistingShareholdersMember2021-02-020001830197hmpt:TridentStockholdersMember2021-02-022021-02-02xbrli:pure0001830197srt:MinimumMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197srt:MaximumMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:ConventionalLoanMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:UsGovernmentAgencyInsuredLoansMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ReverseLoansMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:ConventionalLoanMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:UsGovernmentAgencyInsuredLoansMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:ReverseLoansMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationCertificatesAndObligationsGNMAMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationCertificatesAndObligationsGNMAMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalNationalMortgageAssociationCertificatesAndObligationsFNMAMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalNationalMortgageAssociationCertificatesAndObligationsFNMAMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationCertificatesAndObligationsFHLMCMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationCertificatesAndObligationsFHLMCMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:OtherMortgageServicingPortfolioMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:OtherMortgageServicingPortfolioMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:FinancialAsset30To89DaysPastDueMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:FinancialAsset30To89DaysPastDueMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberhmpt:ForwardSaleContractsMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberus-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:NondesignatedMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberhmpt:TreasuryFuturePurchaseContractsMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberhmpt:MarginMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberhmpt:ForwardSaleContractsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberus-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:NondesignatedMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberhmpt:InterestRateSwapFuturesPurchaseContractsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberhmpt:TreasuryFuturePurchaseContractsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:NondesignatedMemberhmpt:MarginMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardSaleContractsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardSaleContractsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateSwapAndTreasuryFuturePurchaseContractsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateSwapAndTreasuryFuturePurchaseContractsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardSaleContractsMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsNotSubjectToMasterNettingAgreementsMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardSaleContractsMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateSwapFuturesPurchaseContractsMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsNotSubjectToMasterNettingAgreementsMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:OriginationSegmentMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:ServicingSegmentMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:ComputerAndTelephoneEquipmentMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ComputerAndTelephoneEquipmentMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FurnitureAndFixturesMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FurnitureAndFixturesMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:LeaseholdsAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:LeaseholdsAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:SoftwareDevelopmentMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:SoftwareDevelopmentMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMember2022-12-31hmpt:financialInstitution0001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A450MWarehouseFacilityMaturingSeptember2022Member2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingSeptember20221Memberus-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingSeptember20222Member2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A200MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMarch2023Member2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A50MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMarch2023Member2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A1500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMay2023Memberus-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A885MWarehouseFacilityMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A550MWarehouseFacilityMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:GestationMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingSeptember20221Memberus-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingSeptember20222Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMarch20222Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A325MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMarch2023Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A325MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMarch2023Member2022-06-300001830197hmpt:A1500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMay2023Memberus-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A550MWarehouseFacilityMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A1200MWarehouseFacilityMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A500MWarehouseFacilityMaturingMarch20221Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A1000MWarehouseFacilityMaturingAugust2022Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A450MWarehouseFacilityMaturingSeptember2022Member2021-12-310001830197hmpt:A89MWarehouseFacilityMemberus-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:GestationMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:EarlyFundingMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:A10BMSRFacilityMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A10BMSRFacilityMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:SeniorNotesMemberhmpt:A550MSeniorNotesMember2021-01-310001830197us-gaap:SeniorNotesMemberhmpt:A550MSeniorNotesMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:SeniorNotesMemberhmpt:A550MSeniorNotesMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:A90MServicingAdvanceFacilityMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A90MServicingAdvanceFacilityMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:A35MOperatingLineOfCreditMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A35MOperatingLineOfCreditMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:SeniorNotesMemberhmpt:A550MillionSeniorNoteDueFebruary2026Member2022-06-300001830197hmpt:A90MServicingAdvanceFacilityMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2022-06-080001830197hmpt:A10BillionMSRFacilityDueMay2025Memberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A10BMSRFacilityMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-04-290001830197hmpt:A10BMSRFacilityMembersrt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-04-290001830197hmpt:A10BMSRFacilityMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMembersrt:MaximumMember2022-04-290001830197hmpt:A10BillionMSRFacilityDueMay2025Memberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-04-292022-04-290001830197us-gaap:SeniorNotesMemberhmpt:A550MillionSeniorNoteDueFebruary2026Member2021-01-310001830197hmpt:A90MServicingAdvanceFacilityMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMembersrt:MinimumMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A90MServicingAdvanceFacilityMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMembersrt:MaximumMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:LineOfCreditMemberhmpt:A35MillionOperatingLineOfCreditMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:LineOfCreditMemberhmpt:A10BMSRFacilityMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:LineOfCreditMemberhmpt:A85MServicingAdvanceFacilityMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:A10BMSRFacilityAnd550MSeniorNotesMember2022-12-31hmpt:loan0001830197us-gaap:CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember2021-12-310001830197srt:MinimumMemberhmpt:HomePointFinancialCorporationHPFMemberhmpt:BankingRegulationMortgageBankingStateMandateVariousStatesMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:HomePointFinancialCorporationHPFMemberhmpt:BankingRegulationMortgageBankingStateMandateVariousStatesMembersrt:MaximumMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationFhlmcInsuredLoansMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalNationalMortgageAssociationFnmaInsuredLoansMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalNationalMortgageAssociationFnmaInsuredLoansMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationFhlmcInsuredLoansMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputPullThroughRateMembersrt:WeightedAverageMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputPullThroughRateMembersrt:WeightedAverageMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2022-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2021-12-310001830197hmpt:ForwardPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhmpt:InterestRateSwapFuturesPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhmpt:InterestRateSwapFuturesPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateSwapFuturesPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateSwapFuturesPurchaseContractsMemberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsAssetMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsLiabilityMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsAssetMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsLiabilityMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsAssetMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsLiabilityMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMember2020-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsAssetMember2020-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMember2020-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsLiabilityMember2020-12-310001830197hmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsAssetMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleExcludingEarlyBuyoutLoansMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:InterestRateLockCommitmentsLiabilityMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputDiscountRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MinimumMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputDiscountRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MaximumMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputDiscountRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:WeightedAverageMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MinimumMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MaximumMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:WeightedAverageMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMembersrt:MinimumMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputPullThroughRateMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputPullThroughRateMembersrt:MaximumMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleMembersrt:MinimumMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputInvestorPricingMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleMembersrt:MaximumMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputInvestorPricingMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleMembersrt:WeightedAverageMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputInvestorPricingMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputDiscountRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MinimumMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputDiscountRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MaximumMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputDiscountRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:WeightedAverageMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MinimumMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:MaximumMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMemberhmpt:HedgingMortgageServicingRightsMembersrt:WeightedAverageMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMembersrt:MinimumMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputPullThroughRateMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:InterestRateLockCommitmentsMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputPullThroughRateMembersrt:MaximumMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleMembersrt:MinimumMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputInvestorPricingMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleMembersrt:MaximumMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputInvestorPricingMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansHeldForSaleMembersrt:WeightedAverageMemberhmpt:MeasurementInputInvestorPricingMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:WriteOffOfficeEquipmentMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:RestructuringTypeOfficeEquipmentMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:RestructuringTypeOfficeEquipmentMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:RestructuringTypeOfficeEquipmentMember2022-12-3100018301972021-01-210001830197us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197srt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMembersrt:MaximumMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember2021-12-310001830197us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:A2021IncentivePlanMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:A2021IncentivePlanMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:A2021IncentivePlanMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:A2021IncentivePlanMember2022-12-310001830197srt:MinimumMember2022-12-310001830197srt:MaximumMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2021-01-012021-12-3100018301972022-02-240001830197hmpt:LongbridgeFinancialLLCMember2021-12-310001830197hmpt:LongbridgeFinancialLLCMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:LongbridgeFinancialLLCMember2022-10-032022-10-030001830197us-gaap:DomesticCountryMember2022-12-310001830197us-gaap:StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember2022-12-310001830197hmpt:OriginationSegmentMemberus-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:ServicingSegmentMemberus-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:OperatingSegmentsAndCorporateNonSegmentMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:OriginationSegmentMemberus-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:ServicingSegmentMemberus-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:OperatingSegmentsAndCorporateNonSegmentMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember2021-01-012021-12-31hmpt:state0001830197stpr:CAhmpt:FinancingReceivableOriginationPercentageMemberus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197stpr:TXhmpt:FinancingReceivableOriginationPercentageMemberus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:FinancingReceivableOriginationPercentageMemberstpr:FLus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197stpr:CAhmpt:FinancingReceivableOriginationPercentageMemberus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:FinancingReceivableOriginationPercentageMemberstpr:FLus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:FinancingReceivableOriginationPercentageMemberstpr:NJus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstandingPercentageMemberstpr:CAus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197stpr:TXhmpt:ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstandingPercentageMemberus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstandingPercentageMemberstpr:FLus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstandingPercentageMemberstpr:CAus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstandingPercentageMemberstpr:FLus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197stpr:TXhmpt:ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstandingPercentageMemberus-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansSalesMemberhmpt:AgenciesMemberus-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:MortgageLoansSalesMemberhmpt:AgenciesMemberus-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalNationalMortgageAssociationFnmaInsuredLoansMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalNationalMortgageAssociationFnmaInsuredLoansMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationFhlmcInsuredLoansMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197us-gaap:FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationFhlmcInsuredLoansMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197hmpt:OtherMember2022-01-012022-12-310001830197hmpt:OtherMember2021-01-012021-12-310001830197us-gaap:DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMemberhmpt:CorrespondentChannelMember2022-06-012022-06-010001830197hmpt:HPAMAndWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryHPMACMemberus-gaap:DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember2022-12-222022-12-2200018301972022-12-222022-12-220001830197us-gaap:SubsequentEventMemberhmpt:AgencyMBSMember2023-01-312023-01-310001830197us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2023-01-312023-01-310001830197us-gaap:SubsequentEventMemberus-gaap:WarehouseAgreementBorrowingsMemberhmpt:A200MWarehouseFacilityMaturingApril2023Member2023-03-03
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
|
|
|
|
|
|
☒ |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
OR
|
|
|
|
|
|
☐ |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from ______________ to
______________
Commission file number 001-39964
Home Point Capital Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Delaware |
|
|
90-1116426 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
|
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
|
2211 Old Earhart Road, Suite 250
Ann Arbor, Michigan
|
|
|
48105 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
|
|
(Zip Code) |
(888) 616-6866
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title of each class |
|
Trading Symbol |
|
Name of each exchange on which
registered |
Common Stock, par value
$0.0000000072 per share |
|
HMPT |
|
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(The Nasdaq Global Select Market)
|
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned
issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
☐
No
☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act.
Yes
☐
No
☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted
electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to submit such files). Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a
smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the
definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Large accelerated filer |
☐ |
Accelerated filer |
☐ |
Non-accelerated filer |
☒ |
Smaller reporting company |
☒ |
|
|
Emerging growth company |
☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the
registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange
Act.☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on
and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section
404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the
registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit
report.
☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act,
indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the
registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an
error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are
restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based
compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers
during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
☐
No
☒
As of June 30, 2022, the aggregate value of the registrant’s common
stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $29.4 million,
based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on the
Nasdaq Global Select Market on that date. This calculation does not
reflect a determination that certain persons are affiliates of the
registrant for any other purposes.
The registrant had outstanding 138,401,090 shares of common stock
as of March 3, 2023.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to
its 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART I |
Page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART II |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART III |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART IV |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains certain
“forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other
than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements relating to our future financial performance, our
business prospects and strategy, anticipated financial position,
liquidity and capital needs, the industry in which we operate and
other similar matters. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,”
“intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,”
“could,” “would,” “will,” “may,” “can,” “continue,” “potential,”
“should” and the negative of these terms or other comparable
terminology often identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance, are based upon assumptions, and are subject to risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking
statements, including the risks discussed in this Report. Factors,
risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and
results to be materially different from those contemplated include,
among others:
•our
reliance on our financing arrangements to fund mortgage loans and
otherwise operate our business;
•the
dependence of our loan origination and servicing revenues on
macroeconomic and U.S. residential real estate market
conditions;
•the
requirement to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify investors if
we breach representations and warranties;
•counterparty
risk;
•the
requirement to make servicing advances that can be subject to
delays in recovery or may not be recoverable in certain
circumstances;
•risks
related to any subservicer;
•competition
for mortgage assets that may limit the availability of desirable
originations, acquisitions and result in reduced risk-adjusted
returns;
•our
ability to continue to grow our loan origination business or
effectively manage significant increases in our loan production
volume;
•difficult
conditions or disruptions in the MBS, mortgage, real estate and
financial markets;
•competition
in the industry in which we operate;
•our
ability to acquire loans and sell the resulting MBS in the
secondary markets on favorable terms in our production
activities;
•our
ability to adapt to and implement technological
changes;
•the
effectiveness of our risk management efforts;
•our
ability to detect misconduct and fraud;
•any
failure to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce, including
our senior executives;
•our
ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual
property;
•any
cybersecurity risks, cyber incidents and technology
failures;
•our
vendor relationships;
•our
failure to deal appropriately with various issues that may give
rise to reputational risk, including legal and regulatory
requirements;
•any
employment litigation and related unfavorable
publicity;
•exposure
to new risks and increased costs as a result of initiating new
business activities or strategies or significantly expanding
existing business activities or strategies;
•the
impact of changes in political or economic stability or by
government policies on our material vendors with operations in
India;
•our
ability to fully utilize our NOL and other tax
carryforwards;
•any
challenge by the IRS of the amount, timing and/or use of our NOL
carryforwards;
•possible
changes in legislation and the effect on our ability to use the tax
benefits associated with our NOL carryforwards;
•the
impact of other changes in tax laws;
•the
impact of interest rate fluctuations;
•risks
associated with hedging against interest rate
exposure;
•the
impact of any prolonged economic slowdown, recession or declining
real estate values;
•risks
associated with financing our assets with borrowings;
•risks
associated with a decrease in value of our collateral;
•the
dependence of our operations on access to our financing
arrangements, which are mostly uncommitted;
•risks
associated with the financial and restrictive covenants included in
our financing agreements;
•our
ability to raise the debt or equity capital required to finance our
assets and maintain and grow our business;
•risks
associated with derivative financial instruments;
•our
ability to comply with continually changing federal, state and
local laws and regulations;
•the
impact of revised rules and regulations and enforcement of existing
rules and regulations by the CFPB;
•the
impact of revised rules and regulations and enforcement of existing
rules and regulations by state regulatory agencies;
•our
ability to comply with the GSE, FHA, VA and USDA guidelines and
changes in these guidelines or GSE and Ginnie Mae
guarantees;
•changes
in regulations or the occurrence of other events that impact the
business, operations or prospects of government agencies such as
Ginnie Mae, the FHA or the VA, the USDA, or GSEs such as Fannie Mae
or Freddie Mac, or such changes that increase the cost of doing
business with such entities;
•our
ability to obtain and/or maintain licenses and other approvals in
those jurisdictions where required to conduct our
business;
•our
ability to comply with the regulations applicable to our investment
management subsidiary;
•the
impact of private legal proceedings;
•risks
associated with our acquisition of MSRs;
•the
impact of our counterparties terminating our servicing rights under
which we conduct servicing activities;
•risks
associated with higher risk loans that we service;
•our
ability to foreclose on our mortgage assets in a timely manner or
at all; and
•the
effects of the COVID-19 (as defined herein) pandemic on our
business.
Many of the important factors that will determine these results are
beyond our ability to control or predict. You are cautioned not to
put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date of this Report. Except as otherwise required by
law, we do not assume any obligation to publicly update or release
any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this Report or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated
events. You should refer to the risks and uncertainties listed
under the heading “Risk
Factors”
in Part I, Item 1A. of this Report, as such risk factors may be
amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other
reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”), for a discussion of other important factors that may cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by the forward-looking statements.
Website and Social Media Disclosure
We use our website (www.investors.homepoint.com) and our corporate
Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts as routine channels of
distribution of Company information. The information we post
through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly,
investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following
our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and
webcasts. The contents of our website and social media channels are
not, however, incorporated herein by reference or otherwise a part
of this Report.
Glossary of Defined Terms
As used in this Report, unless the context otherwise
requires:
•“An
Agency” or “Agencies” refers to Ginnie Mae, the FHA, the VA, the
USDA and/or GSEs.
•“CFPB”
refers to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
•“Fannie
Mae” refers to the Federal National Mortgage
Association.
•“FHA”
refers to the Federal Housing Administration.
•“FOA”
refers to fallout adjusted.
•“Freddie
Mac” refers to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation.
•“Ginnie
Mae” refers to the Government National Mortgage
Association.
•“GSE”
refers to Government-Sponsored Enterprises, such as Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac.
•“Holdings”
refers to Home Point Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership,
the direct parent of Home Point Capital Inc. prior to the
consummation of the merger in connection with our initial public
offering.
•“HUD”
refers to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
•“MBS”
refers to mortgage-backed securities—a type of asset-backed
security that is secured by a group of mortgage loans.
•“MSRs”
refers to mortgage servicing rights—the right and obligation to
service a loan or pool of loans and to receive a servicing fee as
well as certain ancillary income. MSRs may be bought and sold,
resulting in the transfer of loan servicing obligations. MSRs are
designated as such when the benefits of servicing the loans are
expected to adequately compensate the servicer for performing the
servicing.
•“Sponsor”
or “Stone Point Capital” refers to Stone Point Capital
LLC.
•“Trident
Stockholders” refers, collectively, to one or more investment
entities directly or indirectly managed by Stone Point Capital,
including Trident VI, L.P., Trident VI Parallel Fund, L.P., Trident
VI DE Parallel Fund, L.P. and Trident VI Professionals Fund,
L.P.
•“UPB”
refers to unpaid principal balance.
•“USDA”
means the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
•“VA”
means the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, any reference in this
Report to “Home Point,” “our Company,” “the Company,” “us,” “we”
and “our” refers to Home Point Capital Inc.
Part I.
Item 1. Business
Company Overview
We are a leading residential mortgage originator and servicer
driven by a mission to create financially healthy, happy
homeowners. We do this by delivering scale, efficiency and savings
to our partners and customers. Our business model is focused on
leveraging a nationwide network of partner relationships to drive
sustainable originations. We support our origination operations
through a robust operational infrastructure and a highly responsive
customer experience. We then leverage our servicing platform to
manage the customer experience. We believe that the complementary
relationship between our origination and servicing businesses
allows us to provide a best-in-class experience to our customers
throughout their homeownership lifecycle.
Our primary focus is our Wholesale channel, a
business-to-business-to-customer distribution model in which we
utilize our relationships with independent mortgage brokerages,
which we refer to as our Broker Partners, to reach our end-borrower
customers. In this channel, while our Broker Partners establish and
maintain the relationship with the end-borrower, we as the lender
underwrite the loan in-house and act as the original lender. To
emphasize focus on the Wholesale channel, on June 1, 2022, we
completed the sale of our Delegated Correspondent channel and
subsequently redirected our Direct channel resources to
wholesale.
According to
Inside Mortgage Finance,
we are the third largest wholesale lender by origination volume for
the year ended December 31, 2022. We propel the success of our more
than 9,000 Broker Partners through a combination of full service,
localized sales coverage and an efficient loan fulfillment process
supported by our fully integrated technology platform. We
differentiate ourselves from our peers focused on the wholesale
channel by following a partnership approach towards our Broker
Partners, where we seek to mitigate any conflict of interest by
allowing the Broker Partners to maintain their customer
relationships while we support them with our best-in-class
technology platform. Broker Partners, which we define to include
brokerage businesses that may include multiple broker employees,
represent wholesale and non-delegated correspondent accounts that
Home Point is authorized to conduct business with at a given point
in time (whether or not we have recently originated mortgages
through such broker).
The wholesale channel share of the U.S. residential mortgage market
continues to increase. According to
Inside Mortgage Finance,
our market share in the wholesale channel was 6.6% in 2022 compared
to 1.6% in 2017. This growth trend, together with our distinct
wholesale strategy, enable highly scalable production volumes, a
strong mix of purchase transactions and favorable unit economics,
driven by lower fixed costs.
In February 2022, we announced an agreement with ServiceMac, LLC
(“ServiceMac”), a wholly owned subsidiary of First American
Financial Corporation, pursuant to which ServiceMac will subservice
all mortgage loans underlying MSRs we hold. ServiceMac began
subservicing loans for us in the second quarter of 2022. While
ServiceMac is performing the servicing functions on our behalf, we
continue to hold the MSRs. The transition of our servicing
operation to ServiceMac enables the redeployment of technology and
process resources to support our Wholesale channel, including
expanding product offerings and enhancing the partner experience.
Strategically retaining the servicing on our originations gives us
the opportunity to establish productive relationships with our
customers. The opportunity for productive relationships with our
customers continues after ServiceMac began subservicing loans for
us since customers receive the same high-quality service they are
accustomed to and they will continue to see our brand on all
communications. Our relationship with ServiceMac allows us to
maintain a lower, more variable cost structure and provides greater
flexibility when strategically selling certain non-core
MSRs.
We have built a flexible technology infrastructure that is highly
componentized, which we believe allows us to leverage nimble
internal development teams and market leading third-party systems
to provide a best-in-class experience for our partners and
customers. We believe that our ability to rapidly reconfigure
individual solutions using technology in areas such as
underwriting, pricing and disclosure preparation reduces the
complexity and improves the efficiency of the origination
process.
Our Business
Our business model is focused on growing originations by leveraging
a network of partner relationships that we support through reliable
loan origination infrastructure and a highly responsive customer
experience. Our operations are organized into two separate
reportable segments: Origination and Servicing.
Origination
We originate mortgages in the Wholesale channel and choose to
operate in this channel because we believe that it:
•provides
us efficient access to both purchase and refinance transactions
throughout market cycles;
•benefits
from the premise that in-market advisors will continue to be a
cornerstone of the mortgage origination process;
•is
highly scalable and flexible; and
•provides
an optimized experience for our customers.
Our primary source of revenue consists of (i) gains on loans, which
is the difference between the cost of originating or purchasing the
mortgage loans and the price at which we sell such loans to
investors, primarily the GSEs and Ginnie Mae, and (ii) gains on
fair value of MSRs.
Our originations are comprised of both purchase and refinance
originations. While refinancing origination levels in the market
vary based on a number of market dynamics, including interest rate
levels, inflation, unemployment and the strength of the overall
economy, we are focused on maintaining steady purchase origination
volumes, which gives us a considerable advantage over many of our
competitors as purchase originations tend to be more stable and
reduce earnings volatility. In 2021, our purchase origination mix
was 31.1%. In 2022, the higher interest rate environment resulted
in an increase in our purchase origination mix to
61.3%.
Wholesale Channel
We originate residential mortgages in our Wholesale channel through
a nationwide network of more than 9,000 Broker Partners. We are
strategically focused on this channel given that the underlying
cost structure is more efficient than that of Distributed Retail
channel, where the costs and overhead associated with originating
loans are the full responsibility of the lender. As a result, we
are able to operate with a lower fixed cost than many of our
competitors. This highly leverageable cost structure allows for
improved financial flexibility in varying interest rate
environments.
Our Broker Partners have local and personal relationships with
their customers and therefore can provide tailored and thoughtful
advice. However, they do not have the underwriting, funding,
distributing or servicing capabilities for these loans. We provide
these resources, which allow them to operate with scale and compete
against larger market participants. This enables our Broker
Partners to be nimble and run their business in an entrepreneurial
fashion. Our Broker Partners are focused on providing the best
possible experience, service, and price to their customers, while
we concentrate on maximizing the efficiency of the origination
platform leveraged by our partners. While our Broker Partners are
responsible for originating the loan, we, as the lender, are
responsible for making the loan. As a result, the decision to
extend credit to the borrower, and the associated credit risk
exposure, is our sole responsibility and not the responsibility of
our Broker Partners.
The efficiency of our sales team, combined with our flexible cost
structure, has positioned us to further consolidate volume from the
smaller and less efficient wholesale lenders that still control
nearly 45% of the wholesale market. We plan to do this by
increasing the number of independent brokerages that serve as our
Broker Partners. We believe that further penetration of the highly
fragmented brokerage market will allow us to maintain our industry
leading profile.
The strategy we employ in our Wholesale channel is closely tied to
our servicing strategy. Strategically retaining the servicing on
our originations gives us the opportunity to establish productive
relationships with our customers. This provides us the ability to
include our Broker Partners in the management of the customer
relationship and ultimately the retention of customers in our
collective ecosystem. The opportunity for productive relationships
with our customers continues since ServiceMac began subservicing
loans for us as customers receive the same high-quality service
they are accustomed to and they continue to see our brand on all
communications. In addition, the transition of our servicing
operation to ServiceMac enables the redeployment of technology and
process resources to support our Wholesale channel, including
expanding product offerings and enhancing the partner
experience.
Legacy Correspondent and Direct Channels
In mid-2022, we sold our delegated correspondent channel and
redirected our direct channel resources to focus solely on our
Wholesale channel.
Correspondent Channel
In our Correspondent channel, we purchased closed and funded
mortgages from a trusted network of our Correspondent Partners. Our
Correspondent Partners included primarily small- to medium-sized
independent mortgage banks, builder affiliates and financial
institutions. Our partners underwrote, processed and funded loans,
but typically lacked the scale to economically retain servicing.
Our financial institution partners preferred to sell to non-bank
originators to avoid conflicting customer solicitation. This
channel provided a flexible alternative for us to achieve our
customer acquisition goals at a low cost.
Direct Channel
In our Direct channel, we originated residential mortgages
primarily for existing servicing customers who are seeking new
financing options. Our Direct strategy was focused on maximizing
the customer retention opportunity in our servicing portfolio, but
was differentiated from our competitors in that it was designed to
be inclusive of both of our customers’ preferences and our Broker
Partners’ in-market presence. For example, if a Broker
Partner-initiated customer proactively contacts us about a
refinancing, we referred the customer to the applicable Broker
Partner that originally established the relationship. This strategy
removed the conflict of interest that some competitors have between
their direct and wholesale channels. If the customer preferred to
use our Direct functionality, or if there is no Broker Partner
perhaps because the customer was sourced through a Correspondent
Partner, we could still fulfill the customer’s preference and
retain the customer relationship.
Servicing
While we initiate our customer relationships at the time the
mortgage is originated, we maintain ongoing connectivity with our
nearly 317,000 servicing portfolio customers. Additionally,
retaining the MSR provides the Company with opportunities to
strategically manage liquidity. Our Servicing segment is authorized
to conduct business in all 50 states and D.C.
In February 2022, we announced an agreement with ServiceMac,
pursuant to which ServiceMac began to subservice all mortgage loans
underlying MSRs we hold in the second quarter of 2022. They perform
servicing functions on our behalf, but we continue to hold the
MSRs. The transition of our servicing operation to ServiceMac
enables the redeployment of technology and process resources to
support our Wholesale channel, including expanding product
offerings and enhancing the partner experience. Strategically
retaining the servicing on our originations gives us the
opportunity to establish productive relationships with our
customers while opportunistically participating in the dynamic MSR
sale market. Productive relationships with our customers continues
after ServiceMac began subservicing loans for us since customers
receive the same high-quality service they are accustomed to and
they continue to see our brand on all communications. Our
relationship with ServiceMac allows us to maintain a lower, more
variable cost structure and provides greater flexibility when
strategically selling certain non-core MSRs.
As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 317,000
servicing portfolio customers, as compared to 442,000 at the end of
2021. During this same period, our servicing portfolio UPB
decreased from $133.9 billion at the end of 2021 to $89.3 billion
at the end of 2022.
Technology
Mortgage banking technology is evolving rapidly. Historically, it
has been an advantage to develop technology in-house, but in
today’s marketplace, there are various alternative technology
solutions that provide a competitive advantage through increased
flexibility and lower costs. Building and maintaining a monolithic,
proprietary loan origination system is not only costly, but highly
complex. This makes it increasingly challenging to evolve with
emerging technologies. We have developed a multi-prong strategy
whereby we (i) partner with best-in-class third-party software
providers to meet our core technology needs and (ii) deploy
internal resources to build proprietary software in areas where we
believe we can create a strategic advantage. We integrate our
third-party providers with our proprietarily built software to
provide a unified, seamless experience for our partners and
customers. We believe that our componentized approach promotes
nimbleness and allows us to provide technology solutions faster
than our competition, while retaining control in areas that we deem
strategically important.
Our servicing platform supports our customers’ home ownership
journey. This is done together with third-party providers that
offer a variety of products and services to our customers,
including insurance, loans and other ancillary home service
products. In addition to revenue generation, the successful
execution of these offerings is intended to build a stronger
relationship between us and our customers with the goal of
retaining the customer in our ecosystem.
We believe the combination of customer-centric technology and
process execution is key to creating the best overall technology
platform. As a result, we have placed a heavy emphasis on process
design and have assembled a team of process engineers that possess
a unique combination of business acumen and an understanding of how
to deploy mortgage technology. This process engineering team is
integrated within the operations of our business to ensure our
technology solutions are strategically aligned in developing and
delivering efficiencies to the business. These efficiencies promote
our ability to drive scale and better serve the needs of both our
customers and our partners. The dedicated focus of this team
enables us to constantly identify and streamline operational areas
that can be best served through technological
improvement.
U.S. Mortgage Market
The U.S. mortgage market is one of the largest and consistently
growing financial markets in the world. As of September 30, 2022,
according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York there was
approximately $11.67 trillion of residential mortgage debt
outstanding in the United States. Despite continued aggregate
growth, the pace of new mortgage originations slowed in 2022 in a
rapidly rising interest rate environment from pandemic new mortgage
origination highs. According to Fannie Mae’s January 2023 Housing
Forecast, total purchase and refinance originations are expected to
be $1.6 trillion in 2023, down from $2.3 trillion in originations
in 2022. Periods of outsized refinancing opportunities, such as
those opportunities experienced in 2020, provided significant
upside in the mortgage market. The shifting interest rate
environment has emphasized long-term stability through purchase
mortgages, which represent $1.3 trillion of the market of the 2023
forecast.
Regulation
We operate in a heavily regulated industry that is highly focused
on consumer protection. Both the scope of the laws and regulations
and the intensity of the supervision to which we are subject have
increased in recent years, initially in response to the financial
crisis, and more recently in light of other factors such as
technological and market changes. Regulatory enforcement and fines
have also increased across the financial services sector. We expect
to continue to face regulatory scrutiny as a participant in the
mortgage sector.
Our business is subject to extensive oversight and regulation by
federal, state and local governmental authorities, including the
CFPB, HUD and various state agencies that license and conduct
examinations of our origination, loan servicing, loss mitigation,
and collection activities. From time to time, we also receive
requests from federal, state and local agencies for records,
documents and information relating to the policies, procedures and
practices of our origination, loan servicing, loss mitigation and
collection activities. The GSEs and Ginnie Mae, and various
investors and lenders also conduct periodic reviews and audits of
our operations.
The descriptions below summarize certain significant state and
federal laws to which we are subject. The descriptions are
qualified in their entirety by reference to the particular
statutory or regulatory provisions summarized. They do not
summarize all possible or proposed changes in current laws or
regulations and are not intended to be a substitute for the related
statues or regulatory provisions.
Federal, State and Local Laws and Regulations
We must comply with a large number of federal, state and local
consumer protection laws and regulations including, among
others:
•the
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”) and Regulation X,
which (1) require certain disclosures to be made to the borrower at
application, as to the lender’s good faith estimate of loan
origination costs, and at closing with respect to the real estate
settlement statement, (2) apply to certain loan servicing practices
including escrow accounts, customer complaints, servicing
transfers, lender-placed insurance, error resolution and loss
mitigation, and (3) prohibit giving or accepting any fee, kickback
or a thing of value for the referral of real estate settlement
services;
•The
Truth In Lending Act (“TILA”), Home Ownership and Equity Protection
Act of 1994, and Regulation Z, which regulate mortgage loan
origination activities, require certain disclosures be made to
borrowers throughout the loan process regarding terms of mortgage
financing, provide for a three-day right to rescind some
transactions, regulate certain higher-priced and high-cost
mortgages, require lenders to make a reasonable and good faith
determination that consumers have the ability to repay the loan,
mandate home ownership counseling for mortgage applicants, impose
restrictions on loan originator compensation, and apply to certain
loan servicing practices;
•Regulation
N, covering Mortgage Acts and Practices, prohibits certain unfair
and deceptive acts and practices related to mortgage
advertising;
•certain
provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, including the Consumer Financial
Protection Act, which, among other things, prohibit unfair,
deceptive or abusive acts or practices;
•the
Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended by the Fair and Accurate
Credit Transactions Act, and Regulation V, which regulate the use
and reporting of information related to the credit history of
consumers, require disclosures to consumers regarding the use of
credit report information in certain credit decisions and require
lenders to undertake remedial actions if there is a breach in the
lender’s data security;
•the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, which prohibit
discrimination on the basis of age, race and certain other
characteristics in the extension of credit and require certain
disclosures to applicants for credit;
•the
Homeowners Protection Act, which requires certain disclosures and
the cancellation or termination of mortgage insurance once certain
equity levels are reached;
•the
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C, which require
reporting of loan origination data, including the number of loan
applications taken, approved, denied and withdrawn;
•the
Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the
basis of race, sex, national origin, and certain other
characteristics;
•the
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which regulates the timing and
content of third-party debt collection communications;
•the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which requires initial and periodic
communication with consumers on privacy matters and the maintenance
of privacy safeguards regarding certain consumer data in our
possession;
•the
Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations from the Office of Foreign
Assets Control, and the Uniting and Strengthening America by
Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct
Terrorism Act, or the USA PATRIOT Act, which impose certain due
diligence and recordkeeping requirements on lenders to detect and
block money laundering that could support terrorist or other
illegal activities;
•the
Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (the “SAFE
Act”), which imposes state licensing requirements on mortgage loan
originators;
•the
Military Lending Act, or MLA, which restricts, among other things,
the interest rate and other terms that can be offered to active
military personnel and their dependents on most types of consumer
credit, requires certain disclosures and prohibits certain terms,
such as mandatory arbitration if a dispute arises concerning the
consumer credit product;
•the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides financial
protections for eligible service members;
•the
Federal Trade Commission Act, the FTC Credit Practices Rules and
the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule, which prohibit unfair or
deceptive acts or practices and certain related
practices;
•the
Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which restricts telephone and
text solicitations and communications and the use of automatic
telephone equipment;
•the
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, or
ESIGN, and similar state laws, particularly the Uniform Electronic
Transactions Act, or UETA, which require businesses that use
electronic records or signatures in consumer transactions and
provide required disclosures to consumers electronically, to obtain
the consumer’s consent to receive information
electronically;
•the
Electronic Fund Transfer Act of 1978, or EFTA, and Regulation E,
which protect consumers engaging in electronic fund
transfers;
•the
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing
Act of 2003 and the FTC’s rules promulgated pursuant to such Act,
or the CAN-SPAM Act, which establish requirements for certain
“commercial messages” and “transactional or relationship messages”
transmitted via email; and
•the
Bankruptcy Code and bankruptcy injunctions and stays, which can
restrict collection of debts.
In addition to applicable federal laws and regulations governing
our operations, our ability to originate and service loans in any
particular state is subject to that state’s laws, regulations and
licensing requirements, which may differ from the laws, regulations
and licensing requirements of other states. State laws often
include limits on the fees and interest rates we may charge,
disclosure requirements with respect to fees and interest rates and
other requirements. Many states have adopted regulations that
prohibit various forms of “predatory” lending and place obligations
on lenders to substantiate that a customer will derive a tangible
benefit from the proposed home financing transaction and/or have
the ability to repay the loan. Many of these laws are vague and
subject to differing interpretation, which exposes us to additional
risks.
We also must comply with federal, state, and local laws related to
data privacy and the handling of personally identifiable
information and other sensitive, regulated, or non-public data.
These include the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and the
California Privacy Rights Act which amends and expands on the CCPA
(together, the “Amended CCPA”), and we expect other states to enact
legislation similar to the Amended CCPA. The Amended CCPA limits
how companies can use customer data and impose obligations on
companies in their management of such data, and requires us to
modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur
costs and expenses in an effort to fully comply. Generally
speaking, the Amended CCPA provides consumers with certain privacy
rights such as the right to request deletion of their data, the
right to receive data on record for them, and the right to know
what categories of data (generally) are maintained about them. It
also mandates disclosures prior to, and at, the point of data
collection and increases the privacy and security obligations of
entities handling certain personal information of such consumers.
The Amended CCPA allows consumers to submit verifiable consumer
requests regarding their personal information and requires our
business to implement procedures to comply with such requests. The
Amended CCPA provides for civil money penalties for violations, as
well as a private right of action for certain data breaches that
result from a failure to implement reasonable
safeguards.
These laws and regulations apply to many facets of our business,
including loan origination, loan servicing, default servicing and
collections, use of credit reports, safeguarding of non-public
personally identifiable information about our customers,
foreclosure and claims handling, investment of and interest
payments on escrow balances and escrow payment features, and
mandate certain disclosures and notices to borrowers. These
requirements can and do change as statutes and regulations are
enacted, promulgated, amended, interpreted and
enforced.
In response to COVID-19, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security Act (“CARES Act”) imposed several new compliance
obligations on our mortgage servicing activities, including, but
not limited to, mandatory forbearance offerings, altered credit
reporting obligations, and moratoriums on foreclosure actions and
late fee assessments. Many states have taken similar measures to
provide mortgage payment and other relief to consumers, which
create additional complexity around our mortgage servicing
compliance activities. Federal, state and local executive,
legislative and regulatory responses to COVID-19 have not been
consistent in scope or application. For example, while certain
foreclosure moratorium and forbearance programs have expired, other
such programs have been extended. The regulatory response to
COVID-19 has been characterized by rapid evolution and may continue
to evolve in unpredictably ways.
Our failure to comply with applicable federal, state and local
laws, regulations and licensing requirements could lead to, without
limitation, any of the following:
•loss
of our licenses and approvals to engage in our servicing and
lending businesses;
•governmental
investigations and enforcement actions;
•administrative
fines and penalties and litigation;
•civil
and criminal liability, including class action lawsuits and actions
to recover incentive and other payments made by governmental
entities;
•breaches
of covenants and representations resulting in defaults and
cross-defaults under our servicing and trade agreements and
financing arrangements;
•damage
to our reputation;
•inability
to obtain new financing and maintain existing
financing;
•inability
to raise capital; or
•inability
to execute on our business strategy.
Supervision and Enforcement
Since its formation, the CFPB has taken a very active role in the
mortgage industry. The CFPB has rulemaking authority with respect
to many of the federal consumer protection laws applicable to
mortgage lenders and servicers, and its rulemaking and regulatory
agenda relating to loan servicing and origination continues to
evolve. The CFPB also has broad supervisory and enforcement powers
with regard to non-depository financial institutions that engage in
the origination and servicing of mortgage loans. The CFPB has
conducted routine examinations of our business and will conduct
future examinations.
As part of its enforcement authority, the CFPB can order, among
other things, rescission or reformation of contracts, the refund of
moneys or the return of real property, restitution, disgorgement or
compensation for unjust enrichment, the payment of damages or other
monetary relief, public notifications regarding violations,
remediation of practices, external compliance monitoring and civil
money penalties. The CFPB has been active in investigations and
enforcement actions and has issued large civil money penalties
since its inception to parties the CFPB determines violated the
laws and regulations it enforces.
Individual states have also been active in the mortgage industry,
as have other regulatory organizations such as the Multistate
Mortgage Committee, a multistate coalition of various mortgage
banking regulators. We also believe there has been a shift among
certain regulators towards a broader view of the scope of
regulatory oversight responsibilities with respect to mortgage
lenders and servicers. In addition to their traditional focus on
licensing and examination matters, certain regulators have begun to
make observations, recommendations or demands with respect to areas
such as corporate governance, safety and soundness and risk and
compliance management.
In addition, we receive information requests and other inquiries,
both formal and informal in nature, from our federal and state
regulators as part of their general regulatory oversight of our
servicing and lending businesses.
The CFPB and state regulators have also increasingly focused on the
use and adequacy of technology in the mortgage servicing industry.
In 2016, the CFPB issued a special edition supervisory report that
stressed the need for mortgage servicers to assess and make
necessary improvements to their information technology systems to
ensure compliance with the CFPB’s mortgage servicing requirements.
The New York Department of Financial Services, or the NYDFS, also
issued Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies,
which took effect in 2017, and which required banks, insurance
companies, and other financial services institutions regulated by
the NYDFS to establish and maintain a cybersecurity program
designed to protect consumers and ensure the safety and soundness
of New York State’s financial services industry.
New regulatory and legislative measures, or changes in enforcement
practices, including those related to the technology we use, could,
either individually or in the aggregate, require significant
changes to our business practices, impose additional costs on us,
limit our product offerings, limit our ability to efficiently
pursue business opportunities, negatively impact asset values or
reduce our revenues.
State Licensing, State Attorneys General and Other
Matters
Because we are not a depository institution, we must comply with
state licensing requirements to conduct our business, and we are
licensed to originate loans in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia. We also are able to purchase and service loans in all 50
states and the District of Columbia, either because we have the
required licenses in such jurisdictions or are exempt or otherwise
not required to be licensed to perform such activity in such
jurisdictions.
Under the SAFE Act, all states have laws that require mortgage loan
originators employed by non-depository institutions to be
individually licensed to offer mortgage loan products. These
licensing requirements require individual loan originators employed
by us to register in a nationwide mortgage licensing system, submit
application and background information to state
regulators for a character and fitness review, submit to a criminal
background check, complete a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensing
education, complete an annual minimum of eight hours of continuing
education and successfully complete an examination. As a result of
each license we maintain, we are subject to regulatory oversight,
supervision and enforcement authority in connection with the
activities that we conduct pursuant to the license, including to
determine our compliance with applicable law.
We also must comply with state licensing requirements to conduct
our business, and we incur significant ongoing costs to comply with
these licensing requirements. Our licensed entities are required to
renew their licenses, typically on an annual basis, and to do so
they must satisfy the license renewal requirements of each
jurisdiction. This generally will include financial requirements
such as providing audited financial statements or satisfying
minimum net worth requirements and non-financial requirements such
as satisfactorily completing examinations as to the licensee’s
compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Failure to satisfy any of the requirements to which our licensed
entities are subject could result in a variety of regulatory
actions such as a fine, a directive requiring a certain step to be
taken, a prohibition or restriction on certain activities, a
suspension of a license or ultimately a revocation of a license.
Certain types of regulatory actions could limit our ability to
continue to conduct our business in the relevant jurisdictions or
result in a breach of representations, warranties and covenants,
and potentially cross-defaults in our financing arrangements which
could limit or prohibit our access to liquidity to operate our
business.
Competition
We compete with third-party businesses in originating forward
mortgages, including bank and other non-bank financial services
companies focused on one or more of these business lines.
Competition in our industry can take many forms, including the
variety of loan programs being made available, interest rates and
fees charged for a loan, convenience in obtaining a loan, customer
service levels, the amount and term of a loan, and marketing and
distribution channels. Many of our competitors for forward mortgage
originations are commercial banks or savings institutions. These
financial institutions typically have access to greater financial
resources, have more diverse funding sources with lower funding
costs, are less reliant on loan sales or securitizations of
mortgage loans into the secondary markets to maintain their
liquidity, and may be able to participate in government programs in
which we are unable to participate because we are not a state or
federally chartered depository institution, all of which places us
at a competitive disadvantage. In addition, our competitors seek to
compete aggressively on the basis of pricing factors. To the extent
that we match our competitors’ lower pricing, we may experience
lower gain on sale margins. Fluctuations in interest rates,
inflation and general economic conditions may also affect our
competitive position. During periods of rising interest rates,
competitors that have locked in low borrowing costs may have a
competitive advantage. Furthermore, a cyclical decline in the
industry’s overall level of originations or decreased demand for
loans due to a higher interest rate environment, may lead to
increased competition for the remaining loans. Any increase in
these competitive pressures could be detrimental to our
business.
Intellectual Property
We use a combination of proprietary and third-party intellectual
property, including trade secrets, unregistered copyrights,
trademarks, service marks, and domain names, and the intellectual
property rights in our proprietary software, all of which we
believe maintain and enhance our competitive position and protect
our products.
Cyclicality and Seasonality
The demand for loan originations is affected by consumer demand for
home loans and the market for buying, selling, financing and/or
re-financing residential, which in turn, is affected by the
national economy, regional trends, property valuations, interest
rates, and socio-economic trends and by state and federal
regulations and programs which may encourage and accelerate or
discourage and slowdown certain real estate trends. Our business is
generally subject to seasonal trends with activity generally
decreasing during the winter months, especially home purchase loans
and related services.
Human Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2022, we employed approximately 830
full-time associates globally. None of our associates are covered
by collective bargaining agreements, and we consider our associate
relations to be good. Our culture and technology has allowed many
of our associates to work remotely, which has allowed us to recruit
and hire top managers and executives regardless of geography and to
continue our business and operations. In 2022, we announced actions
taken to reduce the number of full-time associates in response to
the sale of our delegated correspondent channel, the transition to
subservicing with ServiceMac, and decreased origination
volume.
For additional information, please see the section titled “Human
Capital” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement relating to
its 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Available Information
Our website address is www.investors.homepoint.com. We make
available on or through our website certain reports and amendments
to those reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC in
accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “Exchange Act”). These include our Annual Reports on Form
10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our Current Reports
on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. We make
this information available on or through our website free of charge
as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the
information with, or furnish it to, the SEC. References to our
website address do not constitute incorporation by reference of the
information contained on the website, and the information contained
on the website is not part of this document or any other document
that we file with or furnish to the SEC. The SEC maintains a
website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding our filings at
www.sec.gov.
Summary Risks
The following is a summary of the principal risks that could
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial
condition. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business,
results of operations and financial condition may be materially
adversely affected.
•our
reliance on our financing arrangements to fund mortgage loans and
otherwise operate our business;
•the
dependence of our loan origination and servicing revenues on
macroeconomic and U.S. residential real estate market
conditions;
•the
requirement to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify investors if
we breach representations and warranties;
•counterparty
risk;
•the
requirement to make servicing advances that can be subject to
delays in recovery or may not be recoverable in certain
circumstances;
•risks
related to any subservicer;
•competition
for mortgage assets that may limit the availability of desirable
originations, acquisitions and result in reduced risk-adjusted
returns;
•our
ability to continue to grow our loan origination business or
effectively manage significant increases or decreases in our loan
production volume;
•our
ability to comply with the laws and regulations to which we are
subject, whether actual or alleged;
•competition
in the industry in which we operate;
•our
ability to acquire loans and sell the resulting MBS in the
secondary markets on favorable terms in our production
activities;
•our
ability to adapt to and implement technological
changes;
•any
failure to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce, including
our senior executives;
•any
cybersecurity risks, cyber incidents and technology
failures;
•our
failure to deal appropriately with various issues that may give
rise to reputational risk, including legal and regulatory
requirements;
•the
impact of interest rate fluctuations;
•the
impact of private legal proceedings;
•risks
associated with our acquisition of MSRs;
•our
being a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq rules
and, as a result, qualifying for exemptions from certain corporate
governance requirements;
•our
Sponsor controlling us and its interests conflicting with ours or
yours in the future; and
•the
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described
below and the other information set forth in this Report before
deciding to invest in us. If any of the following risks actually
occurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition
may be materially adversely affected. The risks described below are
not the only risks that we face. Additional risks not presently
known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations in future periods.
Risks Related to Our Business
General Business Risks
Our business relies on our financing arrangements to fund mortgage
loans and otherwise operate our business. If one or more of such
facilities are terminated other than in the ordinary course, we may
be unable to find replacement financing at commercially favorable
terms, or at all, which could be detrimental to our
business.
We currently fund substantially all of the MSRs and mortgage loans
we close through borrowings under our financing arrangements and
warehouse lines of credit along with funds generated by our
operations. In the ordinary course of our business, we manage the
number and size of our mortgage warehouse lines of credit in light
of various factors, including origination volumes and broader
macroeconomic conditions. As of December 31, 2022, we held
mortgage warehouse lines of credit with eight separate financial
institutions with a total maximum borrowing capacity of $2.8
billion. Each mortgage funding arrangement is collateralized by the
underlying mortgage loans.
Of the nine existing mortgage warehouse lines of credit as of
December 31, 2022, five of the facilities are 364-day
facilities, one of the facilities renews every two years, and the
remaining mortgage warehouse lines of credit are evergreen
agreements. As of December 31, 2022, approximately
$50 million of borrowing capacity under our mortgage warehouse
lines of credit was committed, while the remaining borrowing
capacity was uncommitted and can be terminated by the applicable
lender at any time. Two of the facilities require that we establish
a cash reserve of $6.3 million in the aggregate, which is reflected
within Restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2022.
Our borrowings are generally repaid with the proceeds we receive
from mortgage loan sales. We are currently, and may in the future
continue to be, dependent upon our lenders to provide the primary
mortgage warehouse lines of credit for our loans. We currently
believe that we maintain appropriate financing arrangements for our
business needs and expect to be able to renew our existing
warehouse facilities prior to their expiration. However, there is
no guarantee that our current uncommitted facilities will be
available for future financing needs, nor that we will be able to
secure alternative funding facilities to address unanticipated
changes in market conditions or to replace any current facilities
that we are unable to renew upon their scheduled expiration. In the
event that any of our mortgage warehouse lines of credit is
terminated or is not renewed, or if the principal amount that may
be drawn under our funding agreements that provide for immediate
funding at closing were to significantly decrease, in each case
outside of the ordinary course management of our capital resources,
we may be unable to find replacement financing on commercially
favorable terms, or at all, which could be detrimental to our
business.
Our ability to refinance existing debt and borrow additional funds
is affected by a variety of factors, including:
•restrictive
covenants and borrowing conditions in our existing or future
financing arrangements that may limit our ability to raise
additional debt;
•a
decline in the liquidity in the credit markets;
•prevailing
interest rates;
•the
financial strength of our lenders;
•the
decisions of lenders from whom we borrow to reduce their exposure
to mortgage loans; and
•accounting
changes that impact the calculations of covenants in our debt
agreements.
If we are unable to refinance our existing debt or borrow
additional funds due to any of the foregoing or other factors, our
ability to maintain or grow our business could be
limited.
Our loan origination and servicing revenues are highly dependent on
macroeconomic and U.S. residential real estate market
conditions.
Our success depends largely on the health of the U.S. residential
real estate industry, which is seasonal, cyclical and affected by
changes in general economic conditions beyond our control. We also
have significant exposure to certain states such as California and
are particularly susceptible to adverse economic conditions in
those states. Economic factors such as increased interest rates,
slow economic growth or recessionary conditions, the pace of home
price appreciation or lack thereof, changes in household debt
levels and increased unemployment or stagnant or declining wages
affect our customers’ income and thus their ability and willingness
to make loan payments. National or global events, including, but
not limited to, health crises,
unprovoked attacks on sovereign nations and geopolitical conflicts,
affect all such macroeconomic conditions. Weak or a significant
deterioration in economic conditions reduces the amount of
disposable income consumers have, which in turn reduces consumer
spending and the willingness of qualified potential borrowers to
take out loans. As a result, such economic factors affect loan
origination volume, and recent market conditions, such as rapidly
rising interest rates, high inflation and home price appreciation
due to limited housing supply, have led to a decrease in the
affordability index and negatively impacted Origination
volume.
Additional macroeconomic factors including, but not limited to,
rising government debt levels, the withdrawal or augmentation of
government interventions into the financial markets, changing U.S.
consumer spending patterns, recession or inflationary pressures,
and weak credit markets may create low consumer confidence in the
U.S. economy or the U.S. residential real estate industry or result
in increased volatility in the United States and worldwide
financial markets and economy. Excessive home building or
historically high foreclosure rates resulting in an oversupply of
housing in a particular area may also increase the amount of losses
incurred on defaulted mortgage loans, or may limit our ability to
make additional loans in those affected areas. The economic impact
of these events could also adversely affect the credit quality of
some of our loans and investments and the properties underlying our
interests.
Market conditions that lead to a decrease in loan originations
result in lower revenue on loans sold into the secondary market.
Lower loan origination volumes generally place downward pressure on
margins, thus compounding the effect of the deteriorating market
conditions. Such events could be detrimental to our business.
Moreover, any deterioration in market conditions that leads to an
increase in loan delinquencies will result in lower revenue from
GSE and Ginnie Mae loans that we service because we ultimately
collect servicing fees from them only for performing loans. While
increased delinquencies generate higher ancillary revenues,
including late fees, these fees are likely unrecoverable when the
related loan is liquidated.
Increased delinquencies may also increase the cost of servicing
loans. The decreased cash flow from lower servicing fees could
decrease the estimated value of our MSRs, resulting in recognition
of losses when we write down those values. In addition, an increase
in delinquencies lowers the interest income we receive on cash held
in collection and other accounts and increases our obligation to
advance certain principal, interest, tax and insurance obligations
owed by the delinquent mortgage loan borrower. An increase in
delinquencies could therefore be detrimental to our business. See
the risk factor entitled, “Risks Related to our Mortgage
Assets—A
significant increase in delinquencies for the loans serviced could
have a material impact on our revenues, expenses and liquidity and
on the valuation of our MSRs.”
Additionally, origination of loans can be seasonal. Historically,
our loan origination has increased activity in the second and third
quarters and reduced activity in the first and fourth quarters as
home buyers tend to purchase their homes during the spring and
summer in order to move to a new home before the start of the
school year. As a result, our loan origination revenues vary from
quarter to quarter.
Any of the circumstances described above, alone or in combination,
may lead to volatility in or disruption of the credit markets at
any time and have a detrimental effect on our
business.
We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify
investors if we breach representations and warranties.
When we sell loans, we are required to make customary
representations and warranties about such loans to the loan
purchaser. If a mortgage loan does not comply with the
representations and warranties that we made with respect to it at
the time of its sale, we could be required to repurchase the loan,
replace it with a substitute loan and/or indemnify secondary market
purchasers for losses.
In our Direct and Wholesale channels, we underwrite each loan prior
to funding and attempt to comply with applicable investor
guidelines. However, no assurance can be given that such
underwriting will result in all cases with loans that fully comply
with such guidelines, and state or federal law.
Prior to the sale of our Correspondent Channel, which we completed
in June 2022, we would re-underwrite a percentage of acquired loans
to ensure quality underwriting by our Correspondent Partners.
However, no assurance can be given that this re-underwriting of a
sample population of such loans identified any, or all,
underwriting and regulatory compliance issue related to such loans.
In the event of a breach of any representations or warranties we
make to purchasers, insurers or investors, we believe, based on our
experience, that in a majority of cases, for correspondent
originated loans acquired using the “delegated underwriting”
option, we will have recourse to the Correspondent Partner that
sold the mortgage loans to us and breached similar or other
representations and warranties. Although we believe we will have
the right to seek a recovery of related repurchase losses from that
Correspondent Partner, we cannot assure you that this will always
be the case. For Correspondent loans where we do the underwriting,
referred to as the “non-delegated underwriting” option, our ability
to seek a recovery of repurchase and other losses from
Correspondent Partners is more limited.
In addition to the customary representations and warranties we
make, the documents governing our securitized pools of loans and
our contracts with certain purchasers of our whole loans contain
additional provisions that require us to indemnify or repurchase
the related loans under certain circumstances. While our contracts
vary, they contain provisions that require us to repurchase loans
if the borrower fails to make loan payments due to the purchaser on
a timely basis in the first few months after we sell the loan. We
have been and continue to be subject to repurchase claims from
investors for various reasons, and we will
continue to be subject to such claims in the future. If we are
required to indemnify or repurchase loans that we have sold or
securitized, or will sell or securitize in the future, and this
results in losses that exceed our reserve, such occurrence could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Furthermore, the repurchased loan typically can only be financed at
a steep discount to its repurchase price, if at all, and can
generally be sold only at a discount to the unpaid principal
balance, which in some cases can be significant. Significant loan
repurchase activity without offsetting recourse to a counterparty
that we purchased the loan from could materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
We have historically been subject to counterparty risk and may be
unable to seek indemnity from, or require our correspondent
counterparties or sellers to repurchase mortgage loans if they
breach representations and warranties, which could cause us to
suffer losses.
When we have purchased mortgage assets, our correspondent
counterparty or seller typically makes customary representations
and warranties to us about such assets. Our residential mortgage
loan purchase agreements may entitle us to seek indemnity or demand
repurchase or substitution of the loans in the event our
counterparty breaches such a representation or warranty. However,
there can be no assurance that our mortgage loan purchase
agreements contain appropriate representations and warranties, that
we will be able to enforce our contractual right to demand
repurchase or substitution, or that our counterparty will remain
solvent or otherwise be willing and able to honor its obligations
under our mortgage loan purchase agreements. Our inability to
obtain indemnity or enforce repurchase obligations of
counterparties and sellers for a significant number of loans could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations.
We are required to make servicing advances that can be subject to
delays in recovery or may not be recoverable in certain
circumstances, which could adversely affect our business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations.
During any period in which a borrower is not making payments on a
loan we service, we are required under most of our servicing
agreements to advance our own funds to pass through scheduled
principal and interest payments to security holders of the MBS or
whole loans into which the loans are sold, and pay property taxes
and insurance premiums, legal expenses and other protective
advances. We also advance funds under these agreements to maintain,
repair and market real estate properties on behalf of investors. In
certain situations, our contractual obligations may require us to
make advances for which we may not be reimbursed. If a mortgage
loan serviced by us is in default or becomes delinquent, the
repayment to us of the advance may be delayed until the mortgage
loan is repaid or refinanced or a liquidation occurs. When a
relatively young MSR portfolio such as ours ages, it is expected
that the percentage of delinquent loans will typically increase and
the amount of advances that are required and become outstanding in
connection with such loans will increase in the aggregate. This
increase in advances could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 27, 2020, the CARES
Act was signed into law, allowing borrowers affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic to request temporary loan forbearance for
federally backed mortgage loans. In addition, in February 2021 the
federal government announced an additional extension of three to
six months depending on loan type, and the federal government
announced an additional extension of six months depending on
certain criteria in September 2021. Nevertheless, servicers of
mortgage loans are contractually bound to advance monthly payments
to investors, insurers and taxing authorities regardless of whether
the borrower actually makes those payments. While the GSEs and
Ginnie Mae issued guidance in April 2020 limiting the number of
payments a servicer must advance in the case of a forbearance, we
expect that a borrower who has experienced a loss of employment or
a reduction of income may not repay the forborne payments at the
end of the forbearance period. Additionally, we are prohibited by
the CARES Act from collecting certain servicing related fees, such
as late fees, during the forbearance plan period. We are further
prohibited from initiating foreclosure and/or eviction proceedings
under applicable investor and/or state law
requirements.
In addition, multiple forbearance programs, moratoria of
foreclosure and eviction and other requirements to assist borrowers
enduring financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been
issued by states, agencies and regulators. While certain
foreclosure moratorium and forbearance programs have expired, other
such programs have been extended and remain available. These
measures could stay in place for an extended period of time. If we
are unable to comply with, or face allegations that we are in
breach of, applicable laws, regulations or other requirements, we
may face regulatory action, including fines, penalties and
restrictions on our business. In addition, we could face litigation
and reputational damage.
We have risks related to any Subservicer which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial
condition and results of operation.
We act as named servicer with respect to MSRs that we retain or
acquire or otherwise for loans that we are required to service
(including as an issuer of Ginnie Mae securities) and in each such
case, we may contract with a third party (the “Subservicer”) for
the subservicing of the loans. For example, in February 2022, Home
Point Financial Corporation (“Homepoint”), our wholly-owned
subsidiary, entered into a subservicing agreement with ServiceMac,
LLC (“ServiceMac”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First American
Financial Corporation. ServiceMac currently subservices our agency
loan portfolio. We have agreed to indemnify ServiceMac for any
losses resulting from their subservicing of the mortgage loans in
accordance with the related subservicing agreement (so long as such
loss does not result from a breach by ServiceMac under the
related
subservicing agreement). To the extent that we do not have a right
to reimburse ourselves for the same amounts under our servicing
agreement or if there are insufficient collections in respect of
the mortgage loans for such reimbursements, we may face losses in
our servicing business. Any subservicing relationship may present a
number of risks to us.
Although ServiceMac performs servicing functions on the Company’s
behalf, we continue to hold the MSRs. Failure by any Subservicer,
including ServiceMac, to meet stipulations of the Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac servicing guidelines, when applicable, including
forbearance requirements, can result in the assessment of fines and
loss of reimbursement of loan related advances, expenses, interest
and servicing fees. The Subservicer has obligations to promptly
apply payments received from borrowers, to properly manage and
reconcile tax and insurance escrow accounts, and to comply with
obligations to pay taxes and insurance in a timely manner for
escrowed accounts. If the Subservicer is not vigilant in
encouraging borrowers to make their monthly payments or to keep
their hazard insurance premiums or property taxes current, the
borrowers may be less likely to make these payments, which could
result in a higher frequency of default. If the Subservicer takes
longer to mitigate losses or liquidate non-performing assets, loss
severities may be higher than originally anticipated. If fines or
any amounts lost are not recovered from the Subservicer, such
events may lead to the eventual realization of a loss by
us.
If any Subservicer fails to perform its duties pursuant to its
subservicing agreement, our business acting as the named servicer
will be required to perform the servicing functions previously
performed by such Subservicer or cause another Subservicer to
perform such duties, to the extent required pursuant to the
servicing agreement. The process of transitioning the functions
performed by the Subservicer to a successor subservicer could
result in delays in collections and other functions performed by
the Subservicer and expose our business to breach of contract and
indemnity claims. If any Subservicer experiences financial
difficulties, including as a result of a bankruptcy, it may not be
able to perform its subservicing duties under the subservicing
agreement. There can be no assurance that any Subservicer will
remain solvent or that such Subservicer will not file for
bankruptcy at any time. Any such financial difficulties,
insolvency, or bankruptcy could have a negative impact on our
business.
The recovery process against a Subservicer can be prolonged and is
subject to our meeting minimum loss deductibles under the
indemnification provisions in our agreements with the Subservicer.
The time may be extended as the Subservicer has the right to review
underlying loss events and our request for indemnification. The
amounts ultimately recovered from the Subservicers may differ from
our estimated recoveries recorded based on the Subservicer’s
interpretation of responsibility for loss, which could lead to our
realization of additional losses. We are also subject to
counterparty risk for collection of amounts which may be owed to us
by a Subservicer.
Any Subservicer may also be required to be licensed under
applicable state law, and they are subject to various federal and
state laws and regulations, including regulation by the CFPB.
Failure of any Subservicer to comply with applicable laws and
regulations may expose them to fines, responsibility for refunds to
borrowers, loss of licenses needed to conduct their business, and
third party litigation, all of which may adversely impact the
Subservicer’s ability to perform its responsibilities under the
subservicing agreement. Such occurrences may also impact its
financial condition and ability to provide indemnification as
agreed in the subservicing agreement. In addition, regulators or
third parties may take the position that we were responsible for
the Subservicer’s actions or failures to act; in that event, we
might be exposed to the same risks as the Subservicer.
Competition for mortgage assets may limit the availability of
desirable originations, acquisitions and result in reduced
risk-adjusted returns and adversely affect our business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations.
We face substantial competition in originating and acquiring
attractive assets, particularly in our loan origination activities.
The competition for mortgage loan assets may compress margins and
reduce yields, making it difficult for us to acquire assets with
attractive risk-adjusted returns. There can be no assurance that we
will be able to successfully maintain returns, transition from
assets producing lower returns into investments that produce better
returns, or that we will not seek investments with greater risk to
obtain the same level of returns. Any or all of these factors could
cause the profitability of our operations to decline substantially
and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations.
In addition, the financial services industry is undergoing rapid
technological changes, with frequent introductions of new
technology-driven products and services. The effective use of
technology increases efficiency and enables financial and lending
institutions to better serve customers and reduce costs. We may not
be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and
services as quickly as competitors or be successful in marketing
these products and services to our Broker Partners and consumers.
Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change
affecting the financial services industry could harm our ability to
attract customers and adversely affect our results of operations,
financial condition and liquidity.
Our profitability depends, in part, on our ability to continue to
acquire our targeted mortgage assets at favorable prices. We
compete with mortgage REITs, specialty finance companies, private
funds, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds,
institutional investors, investment banking firms, depository
institutions, governmental bodies and other entities, many of which
focus on acquiring mortgage assets. Many of our competitors also
have competitive advantages over us, including size, financial
strength, access to capital, cost of funds, federal pre-emption and
higher risk tolerance. Competition may result in fewer
acquisitions, higher prices, acceptance of greater risk, lower
yields and a narrower spread of yields over our financing
costs.
We may not be able to continue to grow our loan origination
business or effectively manage significant increases in our loan
production volume, both of which could negatively affect our
reputation and business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our mortgage loan origination business consists of providing
purchase money loans to homebuyers and refinancing existing loans.
The origination of purchase money mortgage loans is greatly
influenced by traditional business customers in the home buying
process such as realtors and builders. As a result, our or our
partners’ ability to secure relationships with such traditional
business customers will influence our ability to grow our loan
origination business. Our loan origination business also operates
through third-party mortgage professionals who do business with us
on a best efforts basis (i.e., they are not contractually obligated
to do business with us). Further, our competitors also have
relationships with these brokers and actively compete with us in
our efforts to expand our broker networks. Accordingly, we may not
be successful in maintaining our existing relationships or
expanding our broker networks. Our business is also subject to
overall market factors that can impact our ability to grow our loan
production volume. For example, increased competition from new and
existing market participants, reductions in the overall level of
refinancing activity or slow growth in the level of new home
purchase activity can impact our ability to continue to grow our
loan production volumes, and we may be forced to accept lower
margins in our respective businesses in order to continue to
compete and keep our volume of activity consistent with past or
projected levels. If we are unable to continue to grow our loan
origination business, this could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
On the other hand, we may experience material growth in our
mortgage loan volume and MSRs. If we do not effectively manage our
growth, the quality of our services could suffer. For example, in
connection with our increased loan origination volume in recent
years, we identified a higher rate of errors in our post-closing
loan quality control review of our originations function, and we
implemented certain remedial measures to address these errors,
including additional training programs for our associates. If these
remedial measures are not effective or if these or other errors
arise in connection with future growth in our loan volume, the
quality of our loans could be impacted, which could in turn
negatively affect our reputation and business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Difficult conditions or disruptions in the MBS, mortgage, real
estate and financial markets and the economy generally may
adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and
results of operations.
Most of the Agency-eligible mortgage loans that we originate or
acquire are delivered to the GSEs and Ginnie Mae to be pooled into
an Agency MBS or sold directly to the Agencies through the cash
window or other third parties. Any significant disruption or period
of illiquidity in the general MBS market would directly affect our
liquidity because no existing alternative secondary market would
likely be able to accommodate on a timely basis the volume of loans
that we typically acquire and sell in any given period.
Accordingly, if the MBS market experiences a period of illiquidity,
we might be prevented from selling the loans that we acquire into
the secondary market in a timely manner or at favorable prices or
we may be required to repay a portion of the debt securing these
assets, which could impact the availability and cost of financing
arrangements and would likely result in a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
The success of our business strategies and our results of
operations are also materially affected by current conditions in
the broader mortgage markets, the financial markets and the economy
generally. Continuing concerns over factors including inflation,
deflation, unemployment, personal and business income taxes,
healthcare, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and
cost of credit, the mortgage markets and the real estate markets
have contributed to increased volatility and unclear expectations
for the economy and markets going forward. The mortgage markets
have been and continue to be affected by changes in the lending
landscape, defaults, credit losses and significant liquidity
concerns. A destabilization of the real estate and mortgage markets
or deterioration in these markets may adversely affect the
performance and fair value of our assets, reduce our loan
production volume, reduce the profitability of servicing mortgages
or adversely affect our ability to sell mortgage loans that we
acquire, either at a profit or at all. Any of the foregoing could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations.
The industry in which we operate is highly competitive, and could
become more competitive, which could adversely affect
us.
We operate in a highly competitive industry that could become even
more competitive as a result of economic, legislative, regulatory
and technological changes. Non-banks of various sizes and types
have become increasingly competitive in the acquisition of newly
originated mortgage loans and servicing rights. Many banks and
large savings institutions have significantly greater resources or
access to capital than we do, as well as a lower cost of funds.
Additionally, some of our existing and potential competitors may
decide to modify their business models to compete more directly
with our wholesale production business. For example, non-bank loan
servicers may try to leverage their servicing operations to develop
or expand a wholesale and correspondent production business. Since
the withdrawal of a number of large participants from the mortgage
markets following the financial crisis in 2007, non-bank
participants have become more active in these markets. As more
non-bank entities enter these markets, or if more of the large
commercial banks decide to become aggressive in the mortgage space
once again, our production activities may generate lower volumes
and/or margins. Accordingly, our inability to compete successfully
or a material decrease in profit margins resulting from increased
competition could adversely affect our business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations.
We depend on our ability to acquire loans and sell the resulting
MBS in the secondary markets on favorable terms in our production
activities. If our ability to acquire and sell is impaired, this
could subject us to increased risk of loss.
In our production activities, we acquire and originate new loans,
including non-Agency loans, primarily from our Broker Partners, and
sell or securitize those loans to or through the Agencies or other
third-party investors. We also may sell the resulting securities
into the MBS markets. However, there can be no assurance that we
will continue to be successful in operating this business or that
we will continue to be able to capitalize on these opportunities on
favorable terms or at all. In particular, we have committed, and
expect to continue to commit, capital and other resources to this
operation. However, we may not be able to continue to source
sufficient loan acquisition opportunities to justify the
expenditure of such capital and other resources. In the event that
we are unable to continue to source sufficient opportunities for
this operation, there can be no assurance that we would be able to
acquire such assets on favorable terms or at all, or that such
loans, if acquired, would be profitable to us. In addition, we may
be unable to finance the acquisition of these loans or may be
unable to sell the resulting loans or MBS in the secondary mortgage
market on favorable terms or at all. We are also subject to the
risk that the fair value of the acquired loans may decrease prior
to their disposition either due to changes in market conditions,
the delinquencies of our mortgage loans or a change in the
condition of the underlying mortgage property. The occurrence of
any one or more of these risks could adversely impact our business,
financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
The gain recognized from sales in the secondary market represents a
significant portion of our revenues and net earnings. Further, we
are dependent on the cash generated from such sales to fund our
future loan closings and repay borrowings under our mortgage
warehouse lines of credit. A decrease in the prices paid to us upon
sale of our loans could materially adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations. The prices we
receive for our loans vary from time to time and may be materially
adversely affected by several factors, including, without
limitation:
•an
increase in the number of similar loans available for
sale;
•conditions
in the loan securitization market or in the secondary market for
loans in general or for our loans in particular, which could make
our loans less desirable to potential investors;
•defaults
under loans in general;
•loan-level
pricing adjustments imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,
including any adjustments for the purchase of loans in forbearance
and refinancing loans;
•the
types and volume of loans being originated or sold by
us;
•the
level and volatility of interest rates; and
•the
quality of loans previously sold by us.
The MBS market is also particularly affected by the policies of the
U.S. Federal Reserve, which influences interest rates and impacts
the size of the loan origination market. In response to the
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced
programs to increase its purchase of certain MBS products to
sustain smooth market functioning and help foster accommodative
financial conditions, thereby supporting the flow of credit to
households and businesses. Following signals in early 2022 that the
Federal Reserve would begin moving away from accommodative monetary
policies, in mid-March 2022 the Federal Reserve began increasing
interest rates with steady increases continuing throughout the
remainder of 2022 and into 2023. Any change to the Federal
Reserve’s policies could have a negative impact on the liquidity of
MBS markets in the future.
Further, to the extent we become subject to delays in our ability
to sell future mortgage loans which we originate, we would need to
reduce our origination volume to the amount that we can sell plus
any excess capacity under our mortgage warehouse lines of credit.
Delays in the sale of mortgage loans also increase our exposure to
increases in interest rates, which could adversely affect our
profitability on sales of loans.
The success and growth of our production will depend, in part, upon
our or any of our Subservicers’ ability to adapt to and implement
technological changes.
The production process and our or any of our Subservicers’
servicing platforms are becoming more dependent upon technological
advancement and depends, in part, upon our ability to effectively
interface with our Broker Partners and other third parties.
Maintaining, improving and becoming proficient with new technology
may require us, or any of our Subservicers, to make significant
capital expenditures. To the extent we or our Subservicers are
dependent on any particular technology or technological solution,
we may be harmed if such technology or technological solution
becomes non-compliant with existing industry standards, fails to
meet or exceed the capabilities of our competitors’ equivalent
technologies or technological solutions, becomes increasingly
expensive to service, retain and update, becomes subject to
third-party claims of intellectual property infringement,
misappropriation or other violation or malfunctions or functions in
a way we did not anticipate that results in loan defects
potentially requiring repurchase.
We also rely on third-party software products and services to
operate our business. If we lose our rights to such products or
services, or our current software vendors become unable to continue
providing services to us on acceptable terms, we may not be able to
procure alternatives in a timely and efficient manner and on
acceptable terms, or at all.
Additionally, new technologies and technological solutions are
continually being released. We need to continue to develop and
invest in our technological capabilities to remain competitive and
our failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations.
There is no assurance that we or our Subservicers will be able to
successfully adopt new technology as critical systems and
applications become obsolete and better ones become available.
Additionally, if we fail to respond to technological developments
in a cost-effective manner, or fail to acquire, integrate or
interface with third-party technologies effectively, we may
experience disruptions in our operations, lose market share or
incur substantial costs.
Our risk management efforts may not be effective.
We could incur substantial losses and our business operations could
be disrupted if we are unable to effectively identify, manage,
monitor and mitigate financial risks, such as credit risk, interest
rate risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk and other market-related
risks, as well as operational, cybersecurity, tax and legal risks
related to our business, assets and liabilities. We also are
subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws,
regulations and rules that are not industry specific, including
health and safety laws, environmental laws, privacy laws and other
federal, state, local and foreign laws and other regulations and
rules in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our risk management
policies, procedures and techniques may not be sufficient to
identify all of the risks to which we are exposed, mitigate the
risks we have identified or identify additional risks to which we
may become subject in the future. Expansion of our business
activities may also result in our being exposed to risks to which
we have not previously been exposed or may increase our exposure to
certain types of risks including risks related to our hedging
transactions and strategy, as well as access to cash reserves, and
we may not effectively identify, manage, monitor and mitigate these
risks as our business activity changes or increases.
We could be harmed by misconduct or fraud that is difficult to
detect.
We are exposed to risks relating to fraud and misconduct by our
associates, contractors, custodians, Broker Partners, Subservicers,
and other third parties with whom we have relationships. For
example, associates could execute unauthorized transactions, use
our assets improperly or without authorization, use confidential
information for improper purposes or misreport or otherwise try to
hide improper activities from us. This type of misconduct can be
difficult to detect and if not prevented or detected could result
in claims or enforcement actions against us or losses. In addition,
such persons or entities may misrepresent facts about a mortgage
loan, including the information contained in the loan application,
property appraisal, title information and employment and income
stated on the loan application. If any of this information was
intentionally or negligently misrepresented and such
misrepresentation was not detected prior to the acquisition or
funding of the loan, the value of the loan could be significantly
lower than expected. A mortgage loan subject to a material
misrepresentation is typically unsalable or subject to repurchase
if it is sold before detection of the misrepresentation. In
addition, the persons and entities making a misrepresentation are
often difficult to locate and it is often difficult to collect from
them any monetary losses we have suffered. Our controls may not be
completely effective in detecting this type of activity.
Accordingly, such undetected instances of fraud may subject us to
regulatory sanctions, litigation and losses, including those under
our indemnification arrangements, and may seriously harm our
reputation.
Cybersecurity risks, cyber incidents and technology failures may
adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our
operations, an unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential or
regulated data and information, and/or damage to our business
relationships, all of which could negatively impact our
business.
The financial services industry as a whole is characterized by
rapidly changing technologies. As our reliance on rapidly changing
technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our
information systems and the information therein, both internal and
those of third-party service providers.
A cyber incident refers to any adverse event that threatens the
confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information
technology resources, or those of our third-party providers, that
result in the unauthorized access to, or disclosure, use, loss or
destruction of, personally identifiable information or other
sensitive, non-public, confidential or regulated data and
information (including our borrowers’ personal information and
transaction data), the misappropriation of assets, or a significant
breakdown, invasion, corruption, destruction or interruption of any
part of such information technology resources and the data therein.
System disruptions and failures caused by fire, power loss,
telecommunications outages, unauthorized intrusion, computer
viruses and disabling devices, employee and contractor error,
negligence or malfeasance, failures during the process of upgrading
or replacing software and databases, hardware failures, natural
disasters and other similar events may interrupt or delay our
ability to provide services to our customers. We have faced, and
may continue to face, a variety of cyber incidents. Our
cybersecurity costs, including cybersecurity insurance, are
significant and will likely rise in tandem with the sophistication
and frequency of system attacks.
We have undertaken measures intended to protect the safety and
security of our information systems and the information systems of
our third-party providers and the data therein, including physical
and technological security measures, employee training, contractual
precautions and business continuity plans, and implementation of
policies and procedures designed to help mitigate the risk of
system disruptions and failures and the occurrence of cyber
incidents. Despite our efforts, there can be no assurance that any
such risks will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be
adequately addressed in a timely manner. It is possible that
advances in computer capabilities, undetected fraud, inadvertent
violations of our policies or procedures or other developments
could result in a cyber incident or system disruption or failure.
We may not be able to anticipate or implement effective preventive
measures against all such risks, especially with respect to cyber
incidents, as the methods of attack change frequently or are not
recognized until launched, and because cyber incidents can
originate from a wide variety of sources, including persons
involved with organized crime or associated with external service
providers. Those parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce
associates, customers or other users of our systems to disclose
sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or that
of our Broker Partners or borrowers. These risks have increased in
recent years and may increase in the future as we continue to
increase our reliance on the internet and use of web-based product
offerings and on the use of cybersecurity. In addition, our current
work-from-home policy may increase the risk for the unauthorized
disclosure or use of personal information or other
data.
We may also be held accountable for the actions and inactions of
third-party vendors regarding cybersecurity and other
consumer-related matters, which may not be covered by
indemnification arrangements with our third-party
vendors.
Additionally, cyberattacks on local and state government databases
and offices, including the rising trend of ransomware attacks,
expose us to the risk of losing access to critical data and the
ability to provide services to our customers.
In addition, through 2021, we transitioned a substantial portion of
our operations to remote working environments and continue to
permit many of our associates, including executives, mortgage loan
officers and staff, to work remotely. The increase in the number of
our associates working from home may increase certain business and
procedural control risks. For example, cybersecurity risks have
increased following our transition into a substantially
work-from-home environment.
Any of the foregoing events could result in violations of
applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to us or to our
customers, loss of confidence in our security measures, customer
dissatisfaction, regulatory action or investigation, fines or
penalties, additional regulatory scrutiny, significant litigation
exposure and harm to our reputation, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations. We may be required to expend
significant capital and other resources to protect against and
remedy any potential or existing security breaches and their
consequences. In addition, our remediation efforts may not be
successful and we may not have adequate insurance to cover these
losses.
We rely on our senior executive team and will require additional
key personnel to grow our business, and the loss of key management
members or key employees, or an inability to hire key personnel,
could harm our business.
Our future success will depend on the efforts and talents of the
members of our senior executive team, who have significant
experience in the residential mortgage origination and servicing
industry, are responsible for our core competencies and would be
difficult to replace. Our future success depends on our continuing
ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified
and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand,
and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain them. In
addition, the loss of any of our senior management or key employees
could materially adversely affect our ability to execute our
business plan and strategy, and we may not be able to find adequate
replacements on a timely basis, or at all.
Changes to our senior executive team may occur from time to time,
and their knowledge of our business and industry may be difficult
to replace.
For example, on February 24, 2023, Mark E. Elbaum submitted his
resignation as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr.
Elbaum’s resignation will be effective April 3, 2023. We do not
expect his departure to have a material impact on our business or
operations.
However, future changes to our senior executive team, particularly
if they occur on short notice, could have an adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. If we do
not succeed in attracting new members for our senior executive team
or retaining and motivating existing members of our senior
executive team, our business could be materially and adversely
affected.
The competitive job market creates a challenge and potential risk
as we strive to attract and retain a highly skilled
workforce.
Competition for our employees, including highly skilled technology
and management professionals, loan servicers, debt default
specialists, loan officers and underwriters, is extremely intense,
reflecting a tight labor market. This can present a risk as we
compete for experienced candidates, especially if the competition
is able to offer more attractive financial terms of employment.
This risk of increased competition extends to our ability to retain
our current employees. We also invest significant time and expense
in engaging and developing our employees, which also increases
their value to other companies that may seek to recruit them.
Turnover can result in significant replacement costs and lost
productivity. If we are unable to attract, develop and maintain an
adequate skilled workforce necessary to operate our businesses, it
could materially affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We could be adversely affected if we inadequately obtain, maintain,
protect and enforce our intellectual property and proprietary
rights, and we may encounter disputes from time to time relating to
our use of the intellectual property of third parties.
We rely on a combination of strategies to protect our intellectual
property and proprietary rights, including the use of trademarks,
service marks, domain names, trade secrets and unregistered
copyrights, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual
provisions. Nevertheless, these measures may not prevent
misappropriation, infringement, reverse engineering or other
violation of these rights by third parties. Any intellectual
property rights owned by or licensed to us may be challenged,
invalidated, held unenforceable or circumvented in litigation or
other proceedings, and such intellectual property rights may be
lost or no longer provide us meaningful competitive advantages. We
cannot guarantee that we will be able to conduct our operations in
such a way as to avoid all alleged infringements, misappropriations
or other violations of such intellectual property rights. Third
parties may raise claims against us alleging an infringement,
misappropriation or other violation of their intellectual property
or proprietary rights.
Whether it is to defend against such claims or to protect and
enforce our intellectual property and proprietary rights, we may be
required to spend significant resources including bringing
litigation, which could be costly, time consuming and could divert
the time and attention of our management team and result in the
impairment or loss of portions of our rights, and we may not
prevail. Our failure to secure, maintain, protect and enforce our
intellectual property and proprietary rights, or defend against
claims related to same, could adversely affect our brands and
adversely impact our business.
Our vendor relationships subject us to a variety of
risks.
We have significant vendors that, among other things, provide us
with financial, technology and other services to support our
mortgage loan servicing and origination businesses. If our current
vendors were to stop providing services to us on acceptable terms,
including as a result of one or more vendor bankruptcies due to
poor economic conditions or other events, we may be unable to
procure alternatives from other vendors in a timely and efficient
manner and on acceptable terms, or at all. Further, we may incur
significant costs to resolve any such disruptions in service and
this could adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations. Additionally, in April 2012, the CFPB issued
Bulletin 2012-03, as amended in 2016 by bulletin 2016-02, which
states that supervised banks and non-banks could be held liable for
actions of their service providers. As a result, we could be
exposed to liability, CFPB enforcement actions or other
administrative actions and/or penalties if the vendors with whom we
do business violate consumer protection laws.
Our failure to deal appropriately with various issues that may give
rise to reputational risk, including legal and regulatory
requirements, could cause harm to our business and adversely affect
our business and financial condition and may negatively impact our
reputation.
Maintaining our reputation is critical to attracting and retaining
customers, trading and financing counterparties, investors and
associates. If we fail to deal with, or appear to fail to deal
with, various issues that may give rise to reputational risk, we
could significantly harm our business. Reputational risk could
negatively affect our financial condition and business, strain our
working relationships with regulators and government agencies,
expose us to litigation and regulatory action, impact our ability
to attract and retain customers, trading counterparties, investors
and associates and adversely affect our business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Reputational risk from negative public opinion is inherent in our
business and can result from a number of factors. Negative public
opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number
of activities, including lending and debt collection practices,
corporate governance and actions taken by government regulators and
community organizations in response to those activities. Negative
public opinion can also result from social media and media
coverage, whether accurate or not. Like other consumer-facing
companies, we have received some amount of negative comment. These
factors could tarnish or otherwise strain our working relationships
with regulators and government agencies, expose us to litigation
and regulatory action, negatively affect our ability to attract and
retain customers, trading and financing counterparties and
associates and adversely affect our business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations.
Large-scale natural or man-made disasters may lead to further
reputational risk in the servicing area. Our mortgage properties
are generally required to be covered by hazard insurance in an
amount sufficient to cover repairs to or replacement of the
residence. However, when a large scale disaster occurs, the demand
for inspectors, appraisers, contractors and building supplies may
exceed availability, insurers and mortgage servicers may be
overwhelmed with inquiries, mail service and other communications
channels may be disrupted, borrowers may suffer loss of employment
and unexpected expenses which cause them to default on payments
and/or renders them unable to pay deductibles required under the
insurance policies, and widespread casualties may also affect the
ability of borrowers or others who are needed to effect the process
of repair or reconstruction or to execute documents. Loan
originations may also be disrupted, as lenders are required to
re-inspect properties which may have been affected by the disaster
prior to funding. In these situations, borrowers and others in the
community may believe that servicers and originators are penalizing
them for being the victims of the initial disaster and making it
harder for them to recover, potentially causing reputational damage
to us.
Moreover, the proliferation of social media websites as well as the
personal use of social media by our associates and others,
including personal blogs and social network profiles, also may
increase the risk that negative, inappropriate or unauthorized
information may be posted or released publicly that could harm our
reputation or have other negative consequences, including as a
result of our associates interacting with our customers in an
unauthorized manner in various social media outlets.
In addition, our ability to attract and retain customers is highly
dependent upon the external perceptions of our level of service,
trustworthiness, business practices, financial condition and other
subjective qualities. Negative perceptions or publicity regarding
these matters—even if related to seemingly isolated incidents, or
even if related to practices not specific to the origination or
servicing of loans, such as debt collection—could erode trust and
confidence and damage our reputation among existing and potential
customers. In turn, this could decrease the demand for our
products, increase regulatory scrutiny and detrimentally effect our
business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Employment litigation and related unfavorable publicity could
negatively affect our business.
Team members and former team members may, from time to time, bring
lawsuits against us regarding injury, creation of a hostile
workplace, discrimination, wage and hour, employee benefits, sexual
harassment and other employment issues. In recent years there has
been an increase in the number employment-related actions in states
with favorable employment laws, such as California, as well as an
increase in the number of discrimination and harassment claims
against employers generally. Coupled with the expansion of social
media platforms and similar devices that allow individuals access
to a broad audience, these claims have had a significant negative
impact on some businesses. Companies that have faced employment or
harassment related lawsuits have had to terminate management or
other key personnel and have suffered reputational harm that has
negatively impacted their businesses. If we experience significant
incidents involving employment or harassment related claims, we
could face substantial out-of-pocket losses and fines if claims are
not covered by our liability insurance, as well as negative
publicity. In addition, such claims may give rise to litigation,
which may be time-consuming, costly and distracting to our
management team.
Initiating new business activities or strategies or significantly
expanding existing business activities or strategies may expose us
to new risks and will increase our cost of doing
business.
Initiating new business activities or strategies or significantly
expanding existing business activities or strategies may expose us
to new or increased financial, regulatory, reputational and other
risks. Such innovations are important and necessary ways to grow
our businesses and respond to changing circumstances in our
industry; however, we cannot be certain that we will be able to
manage the associated risks and compliance requirements
effectively. Such risks include a lack of experienced
management-level personnel, increased administrative burden,
increased logistical problems common to large, expansive
operations, increased credit and liquidity risk and increased
regulatory scrutiny.
Furthermore, our efforts may not succeed and any revenues we earn
from any new or expanded business initiative or strategy may not be
sufficient to offset the initial and ongoing costs of that
initiative, which would result in a loss with respect to that
initiative, strategy or acquisition.
Certain of our material vendors have operations in India that could
be adversely affected by changes in political or economic stability
or by government policies.
Certain of our material vendors currently have operations located
in India, which is subject to relatively higher political and
social instability than the United States and may lack the
infrastructure to withstand political unrest, natural disasters or
global pandemics. The political or regulatory climate in the United
States, or elsewhere, also could change so that it would not be
lawful or practical for us to use vendors with international
operations in the manner in which we currently use them. If we
could no longer utilize vendors operating in India or if those
vendors were required to transfer some or all of their operations
to another geographic area, we would incur significant transition
costs as well as higher future overhead costs that could materially
and adversely affect our results of operations. In some foreign
countries with developing economies, it may be common to engage in
business practices that are prohibited by laws and regulations
applicable to us, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of
1977, as amended (the “FCPA”). Any violations of the FCPA or local
anti-corruption laws by us, our subsidiaries or our
local vendors could have an adverse effect on our business and
reputation and result in substantial financial penalties or other
sanctions.
We may not be able to fully utilize our net operating loss, or NOL,
and other tax carryforwards.
As of December 31, 2022, we had $443.6 million of NOL
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, a portion of which
begin to expire in 2035. Our ability to utilize NOLs and other tax
carryforwards to reduce taxable income in future years could be
limited due to various factors, including (i) our projected future
taxable income, which could be insufficient to recognize the full
benefit of such NOL carryforwards prior to their expiration; (ii)
limitations imposed as a result of one or more ownership changes
under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), (which subject NOLs to an annual limitation on
usage); and/or (iii) challenges by the Internal Revenue Service
(the “IRS”) that a transaction or transactions were concluded with
the principal purpose of evasion or avoidance of federal income
tax. As of December 31, 2022, $14.0 million of our NOL
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes are subject to
limitations under Section 382 of the Code, which we anticipate
being able to fully utilize in the normal course.
The IRS could challenge the amount, timing and/or use of our NOL
carryforwards.
The amount of our NOL carryforwards has not been audited or
otherwise validated by the IRS after the tax year ended
December 31, 2016. Among other things, the IRS could challenge
the amount, timing and/or our use of our NOLs. Any such challenge,
if successful, could significantly limit our ability to utilize a
portion or all of our NOL carryforwards. In addition, calculating
whether an ownership change has occurred within the meaning of
Section 382 is subject to inherent uncertainty, both because of the
complexity of applying Section 382 and because of limitations on a
publicly traded company’s knowledge as to the ownership of, and
transactions in, its securities. Therefore, the calculation of the
amount of our utilizable NOL carryforwards could be changed as a
result of a successful challenge by the IRS or as a result of new
information about the ownership of, and transactions in, our
securities.
Possible changes in legislation could negatively affect our ability
to use the tax benefits associated with our NOL
carryforwards.
The rules relating to U.S. federal income taxation are periodically
under review by persons involved in the legislative and
administrative rulemaking processes, by the IRS and by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury, resulting in revisions of regulations
and revised interpretations of established concepts as well as
statutory changes, including increase or decreases in the tax rate.
Future revisions in U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations
thereof could adversely impact our ability to use some or all of
the tax benefits associated with our NOL
carryforwards.
Changes in tax laws may adversely affect us.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) enacted on December 22,
2017, significantly affected U.S. federal tax law, including by
changing how the U.S. imposes tax on certain types of income of
corporations and by reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax
rate to 21%. It also imposed new limitations on a number of tax
benefits, including deductions for business interest, use of net
operating loss carryforwards, taxation of foreign income, and the
foreign tax credit, among others.
It also imposed new limitations on deductions for mortgage
interest, which may affect the demand for loans which we acquire
and service. The CARES Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, in
response to the COVID-19 pandemic, further altered U.S. federal tax
law, including in respect of certain changes that were made by the
TCJA, generally on a temporary basis.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Inflation Reduction Act”), which, among
other things, imposed a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain
large corporations, a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases and
several tax incentives to promote clean energy. Proposed tax
changes that may be enacted in the future could impact our current
or future tax structure and effective tax rates. The Biden
administration has previously proposed other legislation that would
further broaden the tax base and limit tax deductions in certain
situations. It is unclear at this time if any of these proposals
will be enacted in the future. Proposed tax changes that may be
enacted in the future could impact our current or future tax
structure and effective tax rates.
There can be no assurance that future tax law changes will not
increase the rate of the corporate income tax significantly, impose
new limitations on deductions, credits or other tax benefits, or
make other changes that may adversely affect our business, cash
flows or financial performance. In addition, the IRS has yet to
issue guidance on a number of important issues regarding the
changes made by the TCJA, the CARES Act, and the Inflation
Reduction Act.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely impact our
business.
On March 13, 2020, the World Health Organization declared
SARS-CoV-2, and the related disease it causes in humans
(“COVID-19”) a pandemic. Subsequently, certain variants of COVID-19
have from time-to-time caused surges in the number and/or severity
of COVID-19 cases regionally and globally. The impact of such
variants cannot be predicted and this time and may depend on
numerous factors, including transmissibility of specific variants,
vaccine availability and vaccination rates. The long-term impacts
of the social, economic and financial disruptions caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic and the government
responses to such disruptions are unknown. See the risk factor
entitled, “Market Risks—Interest rate fluctuations could
significantly decrease our results of operations and cash flows and
the fair value of our assets.”
As long as the COVID-19 pandemic, including any existing or new
variants, remains a public health threat, global economic
conditions may continue to be volatile and uncertainty as to the
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will persist across all industries
and geographies. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,
or other similar public health crises, on our business (including
any adverse impact) will depend on numerous factors that we are not
able to accurately predict.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may also exacerbate other risks
discussed in this Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” any of which could have
a material effect on us.
Market Risks
Interest rate fluctuations could significantly decrease our results
of operations and cash flows and the fair value of our
assets.
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including
governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international
economic and political considerations and other factors beyond our
control. Interest rate fluctuations present a variety of risks to
our operations. Our primary interest rate exposures relate to the
yield on our assets, their fair values and the financing cost of
our debt, as well as to any derivative financial instruments that
we utilize for hedging purposes. Increasing interest rates could
adversely impact our origination volume because refinancing an
existing loan may be less attractive for homeowners and qualifying
for a purchase loan may be more difficult for some borrowers.
Furthermore, an increase in interest rates could also adversely
affect our margins due to increased competition among originators.
On the other hand, decreasing interest rates may cause a large
number of borrowers to refinance, which could result in the loss of
future net servicing revenues with an associated write-down of the
related MSRs. In addition, significant savings in interest rate
movement may impact our gains and losses from interest rate hedging
arrangements and result in our need to change our hedging strategy.
Any such scenario with respect to increasing or decreasing interest
rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
Changes in the level of interest rates also may affect our ability
to acquire assets (including the purchase or origination of
mortgage loans), the value of our assets (including our pipeline of
mortgage loan commitments and our portfolio of MSRs) and any
related hedging instruments, the value of newly originated or
purchased loans, and our ability to realize gains from the
disposition of assets. Changes in interest rates may also affect
borrower default rates and may impact our ability to refinance or
modify loans and/or to sell real estate owned, or REO,
assets.
Borrowings under some of our financing agreements are at variable
rates of interest, which also expose us to interest rate risk. If
interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on certain of
our variable-rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount
borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows,
including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will
correspondingly decrease. We currently have entered into, and in
the future we may continue to enter into, interest rate swaps or
interest rate swap futures that involve the exchange of floating
for fixed-rate interest payments to reduce interest rate
volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps or
interest rate swap futures with respect to all of our variable-rate
indebtedness, and any such swaps may not fully mitigate our
interest rate risk, may prove disadvantageous, or may create
additional risks.
In addition, our business is materially affected by the monetary
policies of the U.S. government and its agencies. We are
particularly affected by the policies of the U.S. Federal Reserve,
which influence interest rates and impact the size of the loan
origination market. In 2017, the U.S. Federal Reserve ended its
quantitative easing program and started its balance sheet reduction
plan. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s balance sheet consists of U.S.
Treasuries and MBS issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie
Mae. To shrink its balance sheet prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the U.S. Federal Reserve had slowed the pace of MBS purchases to a
point at which natural runoff exceeded new purchases, resulting in
a net reduction. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal
Reserve implemented policies to support the financial markets,
including through increased purchases of certain MBS products and
decreased interest rates. Following signals in early 2022 that the
Federal Reserve would begin moving away from accommodative monetary
policies, in mid-March 2022 the Federal Reserve began increasing
interest rates with steady increases continuing throughout the
remainder of 2022 and into 2023. The results of these actions have
been, and are expected to continue to be, upward pressure on
mortgage rates and reduced liquidity of MBS. However, the full
effect and duration of this policy change and future policy changes
by the U.S. Federal Reserve are unknown at this time and could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
Hedging against interest rate exposure may materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
We pursue hedging strategies to reduce our exposure to changes in
interest rates. However, while we enter into such transactions
seeking to reduce interest rate risk, unanticipated changes in
interest rates may result in poorer overall performance than if we
had not engaged in any such hedging transactions, in addition to
directly affecting the percentage of loan applications
in the underwriting process that ultimately close. Interest rate
hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because,
among other things, it may not fully eliminate interest rate risk,
it could expose us to counterparty and default and cross-default
risk that may result in greater losses or the loss of unrealized
profits, and it will create additional expense. Generally, hedging
activity requires the investment of capital and the amount of
capital required often varies as interest rates and asset
valuations change. Thus, hedging activity, while intended to limit
losses, may materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations.
A prolonged economic slowdown, recession or declining real estate
values could materially and adversely affect us.
Our business and earnings are sensitive to general business and
economic conditions in the U.S. A downturn in economic conditions
resulting in adverse changes in interest rates, inflation, the debt
capital markets, unemployment rates, consumer and commercial
bankruptcy filings, the general strength of national and local
economies and other factors that negatively impact household
incomes could decrease demand for our mortgage loan products as a
result of a lower volume of housing purchases and reduced
refinancings of mortgages and could lead to higher mortgage
defaults and lower prices for our loans upon sale.
In addition, a weakening economy, high unemployment and declining
real estate values may increase the likelihood that borrowers will
become delinquent and ultimately default on their debt service
obligations. Our cost to service increases when borrowers become
delinquent. In the event of a default, we may incur additional
costs, the size of which depends on a number of factors, including,
but not limited to, the instruction of the loan investor, location
and condition of the underlying property, the terms of the
guarantee or insurance on the loan, the level of interest rates and
the time it takes to liquidate the property.
We finance our assets with borrowings, which may materially and
adversely affect the income derived from our assets.
We currently leverage and, to the extent available, we intend to
continue to leverage our assets through borrowings, the level of
which may vary based on the particular characteristics of our asset
portfolio and on market conditions. We have financed certain of our
assets through repurchase agreements, pursuant to which we sell
mortgage loans to lenders (i.e., repurchase agreement
counterparties) and receive cash from the lenders. The lenders are
obligated to resell the same assets back to us at the end of the
term of the transaction. Because the cash we receive from the
lender when we initially sell the assets to the lender is less than
our cost to acquire the assets as well as the fair value of those
assets (this difference is referred to as the haircut), if the
lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same assets back to
us we could incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of
the difference in asset value sold back to us reduced further by
interest accrued on the financing (assuming there was no change in
the fair value of the assets). Additionally, if the market value of
the loans pledged or sold by us under a repurchase agreement to a
counterparty lender declines, the lender may initiate a margin call
and require us to either post additional collateral to cover such
decrease or repay a portion of the outstanding borrowing. We may
not have the funds available to do so, and we may be required to
liquidate assets at a disadvantageous time to avoid a default,
which could cause us to incur further losses and limit our ability
to leverage our assets. If we are unable to satisfy a margin call,
our counterparty may accelerate repayment of our indebtedness,
increase interest rates, liquidate the collateral (which may result
in significant losses to it) or terminate our ability to borrow.
Such a situation would likely result in a rapid deterioration of
our financial condition and possibly necessitate a filing for
bankruptcy protection. A rapidly rising interest rate environment
may increase the likelihood of additional margin calls that could
adversely impact our liquidity.
The value of our collateral may decrease, which could lead to our
lenders initiating margin calls and requiring us to post additional
collateral or repay a portion of our outstanding
borrowings.
We originate or acquire certain assets, including MSRs, for which
financing has historically been difficult to obtain. We currently
leverage certain of our MSRs under secured financing arrangements.
Our MSRs are pledged to secure borrowings under a loan and security
agreement. Our Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae MSRs are
financed on a $1.0 billion line of credit with a three year
revolving period ending on May 4, 2024, followed by a one year
amortization period which ends on May 20, 2025. Similar to our
mortgage warehouse lines of credit, the cash that we receive under
this MSR facility is less than the fair value of the assets and a
decrease in the fair value of the pledged collateral can result in
a margin call. Our secured financing arrangements pursuant to which
we finance MSRs are further subject to the terms of an
acknowledgement agreement with the related GSE and Ginnie Mae,
pursuant to which our and the secured parties’ rights are
subordinate in all respects to the rights of the applicable GSE or
Ginnie Mae and subject to financial covenants similar to our
financing arrangements. Accordingly, the exercise by any GSE or
Ginnie Mae of its rights under the applicable acknowledgment
agreement, including at the direction of the secured parties and
whether or not we are in breach of our financing arrangement, could
result in the extinguishment of our and the secured parties’ rights
in the related collateral and result in significant losses to
us.
We may in the future utilize other sources of borrowings, including
term loans, bank credit facilities and structured financing
arrangements, among others. The amount of leverage we employ varies
depending on the asset class being financed, our available capital,
our ability to obtain and access financing arrangements with
lenders and the lenders’ and rating agencies’ estimate of, among
other things, the stability of our asset portfolio’s cash
flow.
Our operations are dependent on access to our financing
arrangements, which are mostly uncommitted. If the lenders under
these financing facilities terminate, or modify the terms of, these
facilities, it could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows.
We depend on short-term debt financing in the form of secured
borrowings under various financing arrangements with financial
institutions. These facilities are primarily uncommitted, which
means that any request we make to borrow funds under these
facilities may be declined for any reason, even if at the time of
the borrowing request we have then-outstanding borrowings that are
less than the borrowing limits under these facilities. We may not
be able to obtain additional financing under our financing
arrangements when necessary, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows and exposing us to, among other things, liquidity
risks which could adversely affect our profitability and
operations.
Our financing agreements contain financial and restrictive
covenants that could adversely affect our financial condition and
our ability to operate our businesses.
The lenders under our financing agreements require us and/or our
subsidiaries to comply with various financial covenants, including
those relating to tangible net worth, profitability and our ratio
of total liabilities to tangible net worth. Our lenders also
require us to maintain minimum amounts of cash or cash equivalents
sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position and maintain
collateral having a market value sufficient to support the related
borrowings. From time to time, as a result of market conditions or
otherwise, we may need to seek amendments or waivers to our
financing arrangements to address an anticipated inability to
satisfy one or more of these financial covenants. For example, we
have entered into amendments to certain warehouse lines that
contain profitability covenants to the extent necessary to allow
for a net loss under such covenants for specified reporting
periods. If we are unable to meet these financial covenants and
lenders are unwilling to waive their application, our financial
condition could deteriorate rapidly and could also result in a
default or cross-defaults under our financing
arrangements.
Our existing financing agreements also impose other financial and
non-financial covenants and restrictions on us that impact our
flexibility to determine our operating policies by limiting our
ability to, among other things: incur certain types of
indebtedness; grant liens; engage in consolidations and mergers and
asset sales; make restricted payments and investments; and enter
into transactions with affiliates. In our financing agreements, we
agree to certain covenants and restrictions and we make
representations about the assets sold or pledged under these
agreements. We also agree to certain events of default (subject to
certain materiality thresholds and grace periods), including
payment defaults, breaches of financial and other covenants and/or
certain representations and warranties, cross-defaults, servicer
termination events, ratings downgrades, bankruptcy or insolvency
proceedings, legal judgments against us, loss of licenses, loss of
Agency, FHA, VA and/or USDA approvals and other events of default
and remedies customary for these types of agreements. If we default
on our obligations under our financing arrangements, fail to comply
with certain covenants and restrictions or breach our
representations and are unable to cure, the lender may be able to
terminate the transaction or its commitments, accelerate any
amounts outstanding, repurchase the assets, and/or cease entering
into any other financing arrangements with us, which could also
result in defaults or cross-defaults in our financing
arrangements.
Because our financing agreements typically contain cross-default
provisions, a default that occurs under any one agreement could
allow the lenders under our other agreements to also declare a
default, thereby exposing us to a variety of lender remedies, such
as those described above, and potential losses arising therefrom.
In addition, defaults and cross-defaults under our financing
arrangements could trigger a cross-defaults under our trading
agreements, which could have a negative impact on our ability to
enter into hedging transactions. Any losses that we incur on our
financing agreements could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
We may not be able to raise the debt or equity capital required to
finance our assets and maintain or grow our
businesses.
Our businesses require continued access to debt and equity capital
that may or may not be available on favorable terms, at the desired
times or at all. In addition, we own certain assets, including
MSRs, for which financing has historically been difficult to
obtain. Our inability to continue to maintain debt financing for
MSRs could require us to seek equity capital that may be more
costly or unavailable to us.
We are also dependent on a limited number of banking institutions
that extend us credit on terms that we have determined to be
commercially reasonable. These banking institutions are subject to
their own regulatory supervision, liquidity and capital
requirements, risk management frameworks and risk thresholds and
tolerances, any of which may materially and negatively impact their
willingness to extend credit to us specifically or mortgage lenders
and servicers generally. Such actions may increase our cost of
capital and limit or otherwise eliminate our access to
capital.
Our access to any debt or equity capital on favorable terms or at
all is uncertain. Our inability to raise such capital or obtain
such debt or equity financing on favorable terms or at all could
materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations.
We utilize derivative financial instruments, which could subject us
to risk of loss.
We enter into a variety of hedging arrangements such as derivative
contracts, to hedge the fair value of the MSR portfolio and
minimize market rate risk although we cannot assure you that these
hedging arrangements will protect the value of our MSR assets. We
utilize derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes,
which may include swap futures, options, “to be announced”
contracts and futures. However, the prices of derivative financial
instruments, including futures and options, are highly volatile. As
a result, the cost of utilizing derivatives may reduce our income
and liquidity, and the derivative instruments that we utilize may
fail to effectively hedge our positions. We are also subject to
credit risk with regard to the counterparties involved in the
derivative transactions.
The use of derivative instruments is also subject to an increasing
number of laws and regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”)
and its implementing regulations. These laws and regulations are
complex, compliance with them may be costly and time consuming, and
our failure to comply with any of these laws and regulations could
subject us to lawsuits or government actions and damage our
reputation, which could materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
Regulatory Risks
We operate in a highly regulated industry with continually changing
federal, state and local laws and regulations.
The mortgage industry is highly regulated, and we are required to
comply with a wide array of federal, state and local laws and
regulations that restrict, among other things, the manner in which
we conduct our loan production and servicing businesses, including
the fees that we may charge and the collection, use, retention,
protection, disclosure and other processing of personal
information. These regulations directly impact our business and
require constant compliance, monitoring and internal and external
audits. Both the scope of the laws and regulations and the
intensity of the supervision to which our business is subject have
increased over time in response to the financial crisis, as well as
other factors, such as technological and market
changes.
The laws and regulations and judicial and administrative decisions
relating to mortgage loans and consumer protection to which we are
subject include, for example, those pertaining to real estate
settlement procedures, equal credit opportunity, fair lending, fair
credit reporting, truth in lending, fair debt collection practices,
service members protections, unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and
practices, federal and state advertising requirements, high-cost
loans and predatory lending, compliance with net worth and
financial statement delivery requirements, compliance with federal
and state disclosure and licensing requirements, the establishment
of maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges,
ability-to-repay and qualified mortgages, licensing of loan
originators and other personnel, loan originator compensation,
secured transactions, property valuations, insurance, servicing
transfers, payment processing, escrow, communications with
consumers, loss mitigation, debt collection, prompt payment
crediting, periodic statements, foreclosure, bankruptcies,
repossession and claims-handling procedures, disclosures related to
and cancellation of private mortgage insurance, flood insurance,
the reporting of loan application and origination data, and other
trade practices. For a more detailed description of the regulations
to which we are subject, see “Item 1.
Business—Regulation.”
We also must comply with federal, state and local laws related to
data privacy and the handling of personally identifiable
information (“PII”) and other sensitive, regulated or non-public
data. These include the California Consumer Privacy Act (the
“CCPA”) and the California Privacy Rights Act which amends and
expands the CCPA (together, the “Amended CCPA”) and we expect other
states to enact legislation similar to the Amended CCPA, which
limit how companies can use customer data and impose obligations on
companies in their management of such data, and require us to
modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur
substantial costs and expenses in an effort to comply. The Amended
CCPA, among other things, requires certain disclosures to
California consumers and affords such consumers new abilities to
opt out of certain sales of personal information, in addition to
limiting our ability to use their information. The Amended CCPA
provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private
right of action for certain data breaches that result from a
failure to implement reasonable safeguards. This private right of
action may increase the likelihood of, and risks associated with,
data breach litigation. The service providers we use, including
outside counsel retained to process foreclosures and bankruptcies,
must also comply with some of these legal requirements. Changes to
laws, regulations or regulatory policies or their interpretation or
implementation and the continued heightening of regulatory
requirements could affect us in substantial and unpredictable
ways.
The influx of new laws, regulations, and other directives adopted
by federal, state and local governments in response to the COVID-19
pandemic exemplifies the ever-changing and increasingly complex
regulatory landscape in which we operate. While some regulatory
reactions to COVID-19 relaxed certain compliance obligations, the
forbearance requirements imposed on mortgage servicers in the CARES
Act added new regulatory responsibilities. The GSEs and the Federal
Housing Finance Agency (the “FHFA”), Ginnie Mae, HUD, state and
local governments, various investors and others have also issued
guidance relating to COVID-19. Future regulatory scrutiny and
enforcement resulting from COVID-19 is not yet fully
known.
Our failure to comply with applicable federal, state and local
consumer protection and data privacy laws could lead
to:
•loss
of our licenses and approvals to engage in our servicing and
lending/loan purchasing businesses;
•damage
to our reputation in the industry;
•governmental
investigations and enforcement actions;
•administrative
fines and penalties and litigation;
•civil
and criminal liability, including class action
lawsuits;
•diminished
ability to sell loans that we originate or purchase, requirements
to sell such loans at a discount compared to other loans or
repurchase or address indemnification claims from purchasers of
such loans, including the GSEs and Ginnie Mae;
•inability
to raise capital; and
•inability
to execute on our business strategy, including our growth
plans.
Furthermore, situations involving a potential violation of law or
regulation, even if limited in scope, may give rise to numerous and
overlapping investigations and proceedings, either by multiple
federal and state agencies and officials in the United States. In
addition, our failure, or the failure of our Broker Partners to
comply with these laws and regulations may result in increased
costs of doing business, reduced payments by borrowers,
modification of the original terms of mortgage loans, rescission of
mortgages and return of interest payments, permanent forgiveness of
debt, delays in the foreclosure process, litigation, reputational
damage, enforcement actions, and repurchase and indemnification
obligations, which could affect our investor approval status and
our ability to sell or service loans. Our failure to adequately
supervise vendors and service providers may lead to significant
liabilities, inclusive of assignee liabilities, as a result of the
errors and omissions of those vendors and service
providers.
As regulatory guidance and enforcement and the views of the CFPB,
state attorneys general, the GSEs and Ginnie Mae and other market
participants evolve, we may need to modify further our loan
origination processes and systems in order to adjust to evolution
in the regulatory landscape and successfully operate our lending
business. In such circumstances, if we are unable to make the
necessary adjustments, our business and operations could be
adversely affected.
Our failure to comply with the laws and regulations to which we are
subject, whether actual or alleged, would expose us to fines,
penalties or potential litigation liabilities, including costs,
settlements and judgments, and also trigger defaults under our
financing arrangements, any of which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition and results
of operations.
We may be subject to liability for potential violations of
anti-predatory lending laws, which could adversely impact our
results of operations, financial condition and
business.
Various federal, state and local laws have been enacted that are
designed to discourage predatory lending and servicing practices.
The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (“HOEPA”)
prohibits inclusion of certain provisions in residential loans that
have mortgage rates or origination costs in excess of prescribed
levels and requires that borrowers be given certain disclosures
prior to origination. Some states have enacted, or may enact,
similar laws or regulations, which in some cases impose
restrictions and requirements greater than those in HOEPA. In
addition, under the anti-predatory lending laws of some states, the
origination of certain residential loans, including loans that are
not classified as “high cost” loans under applicable law, must
satisfy a net tangible benefits test with respect to the related
borrower. This test may be highly subjective and open to
interpretation. As a result, a court may determine that a
residential loan, for example, does not meet the test even if the
related originator reasonably believed that the test was satisfied.
The VA has also adopted rules to protect veterans from predatory
lending in connection with certain home loans.
Failure of residential loan originators or servicers to comply with
these laws, to the extent any of their residential loans are or
become part of our mortgage-related assets, could subject us, as a
servicer or, in the case of acquired loans, as an assignee or
purchaser, to monetary penalties and could result in the borrowers
rescinding the affected loans. Lawsuits have been brought in
various states making claims against originators, servicers,
assignees and purchasers of high cost loans for violations of state
law. Named defendants in these cases have included numerous
participants within the secondary mortgage market. If our loans are
found to have been originated in violation of predatory or abusive
lending laws, we could be subject to lawsuits or governmental
actions, or we could be fined or incur losses.
The CFPB is active in its monitoring of the residential mortgage
origination and servicing sectors. New or revised rules and
regulations and more stringent enforcement of existing rules and
regulations by the CFPB could result in increased compliance costs,
enforcement actions, fines, penalties and the inherent reputational
harm that results from such actions.
The CFPB has oversight of non-depository mortgage lending and
servicing institutions and is empowered with broad supervision,
rulemaking and examination authority to enforce laws involving
consumer financial products and services and to ensure, among other
things, that consumers receive clear and accurate disclosures
regarding financial products and are protected from hidden fees and
unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices. The CFPB has
adopted a number of regulations under long-standing consumer
financial protection laws and the Dodd-Frank Act, including rules
regarding truth in lending, assessments of
a borrower’s ability to repay, home mortgage loan disclosure, home
mortgage loan origination, fair credit reporting, fair debt
collection practices, foreclosure protections and mortgage
servicing rules, including provisions regarding loss mitigation,
prompt crediting of borrowers’ accounts for payments received,
delinquency and early intervention, prompt investigation of
complaints by borrowers, periodic statement requirements,
lender-placed insurance, requests for information and
successors-in-interest to borrowers. The CFPB also periodically
issues guidance documents, such as bulletins, setting forth
informal guidance regarding compliance with these and other laws
under its jurisdiction, and issues public enforcement actions,
which provide additional guidance on its interpretation of these
legal requirements.
The CFPB also has enforcement authority and can order, among other
things, rescission or reformation of contracts, the refund of
moneys or the return of real property, restitution, disgorgement or
compensation for unjust enrichment, the payment of damages or other
monetary relief, public notifications regarding violations, limits
on activities or functions, remediation of practices, external
compliance monitoring and civil money penalties. The CFPB has made
it clear that it expects non-bank entities to maintain an effective
process for managing risks associated with third-party vendor
relationships, including compliance-related risks. In connection
with this vendor risk management process, we are expected to
perform due diligence reviews of potential vendors, review vendors’
policies and procedures and internal training materials to confirm
compliance-related focus, include enforceable consequences in
contracts with vendors regarding failure to comply with consumer
protection requirements, and take prompt action, including
terminating the relationship, in the event that vendors fail to
meet our expectations. Through enforcement actions and guidance,
the CFPB is also applying scrutiny to compensation payments to
third-party providers for marketing services and may issue guidance
that narrows the range of acceptable payments to third-party
providers as part of marketing services agreements, lead generation
agreements and other third-party marketer
relationships.
In addition to its supervision and examination authority, the CFPB
is authorized to conduct investigations to determine whether any
person is engaging in, or has engaged in, conduct that violates
federal consumer financial protection laws, and to initiate
enforcement actions for such violations, regardless of its direct
supervisory authority. Investigations may be conducted jointly with
other regulators. The CFPB has the authority to impose monetary
penalties for violations of applicable federal consumer financial
laws, require remediation of practices and pursue administrative
proceedings or litigation for violations of applicable federal
consumer financial laws. The CFPB also has the authority to obtain
cease and desist orders, orders for restitution or rescission of
contracts and other kinds of affirmative relief and monetary
penalties.
December 2020, the CFPB issued revised Qualified Mortgage (“QM”)
rules that replaced Appendix Q and the strict 43% debt-to-income
ratio (“DTI”) underwriting threshold with a price-based QM loan
definition. The revised QM rules also terminated the QM Patch,
under which certain loans eligible for sale to Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac do not have to be underwritten to Appendix Q or satisfy
the capped 43% DTI requirement. The rule was to take effect on
March 1, 2021, but compliance would not be mandatory until July 1,
2021. However, on April 27, 2021, the CFPB published a final rule
delaying the mandatory compliance date of the revised QM rule from
July 1, 2021, to October 1, 2022, which gave lenders the option of
originating QM rules under either the legacy QM rules or the
revised QM rules between March 1, 2021 and October 1, 2022. This
“optionality” was partially negated by the GSEs’ (that is, Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac) April 2021 pronouncements in which they
announced that they, in effect will adhere to the mandatory
effective date of the revised QM rules as originally promulgated by
the CFPB in December 2020. We cannot predict what other actions the
CFPB will take and how it might affect us as well as other mortgage
lenders.
Consistent with its active monitoring of residential mortgage
origination and servicing, the CFPB may impose new regulations
under existing statutes or revise its existing regulations to more
stringently limit our business activities. In addition, uncertainty
regarding changes in leadership or authority levels within the CFPB
and changes in supervisory and enforcement priorities, including
potentially more stringent enforcement actions, could result in
heightened regulation and oversight of our business activities,
materially and adversely affect the manner in which we conduct our
business, and increase costs and potential litigation associated
with our business activities. Our failure to comply with the laws
and regulations to which we are subject, whether actual or alleged,
would expose us to fines, penalties or potential litigation
liabilities, including costs, settlements and judgments, and also
trigger defaults under our financing arrangements, any of which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity,
financial condition and results of operations.
The state regulatory agencies continue to be active in their
supervision of the loan origination and servicing sectors and the
results of these examinations may be detrimental to our business.
New or revised rules and regulations and more stringent enforcement
of existing rules and regulations by state regulatory agencies
could result in increased compliance costs, enforcement actions,
fines, penalties and the inherent reputational harm that results
from such actions.
We are also supervised by regulatory agencies under state law.
State attorneys general, state licensing regulators, and state and
local consumer protection offices have authority to investigate
consumer complaints and to commence investigations and other formal
and informal proceedings regarding our operations and activities.
In addition, the GSEs and the FHFA, Ginnie Mae, the FTC, HUD,
various investors, non-agency securitization trustees and others
subject us to periodic reviews and audits.
State regulatory agencies have been and continue to be active in
their supervision of loan origination and servicing companies,
including us. If a state regulatory agency imposes new rules or
revises its rules or otherwise engages in more stringent
supervisory and enforcement activities with respect to existing or
new rules, we could be subject to enforcement actions, fines or
penalties, as well as reputational harm as a result of these
actions. We also may face increased compliance costs as a direct
result of new or revised rules or in response to any such stringent
enforcement or supervisory activities. A determination of our
failure to comply with applicable law could lead to enforcement
action, administrative fines and penalties, or other administrative
action.
Failure to comply with the GSEs, FHA, VA and USDA guidelines and
changes in these guidelines or GSE and Ginnie Mae guarantees could
adversely affect our business.
Loan servicers and originators are required to follow specific
guidelines and eligibility standards that impact the way GSE and
U.S. government agency loans are serviced and originated, including
guidelines and standards with respect to:
•underwriting
standards and credit standards for mortgage loans;
•our
staffing levels and other servicing practices;
•the
servicing and ancillary fees that we may charge;
•our
modification standards and procedures;
•the
amount of reimbursable and non-reimbursable advances that we may
make; and
•the
types of loan products that are eligible for sale or
securitization.
These guidelines provide the GSEs and Ginnie Mae and other
government agencies with the ability to provide monetary incentives
for loan servicers that perform well and to assess penalties for
those that do not. In addition, these guidelines directly limit the
types of loan products that we may offer in general and the
mortgage loans that we may underwrite for specific borrowers to the
extent that we those products to be supported by the GSEs and
Ginnie Mae and other government agencies. As a result, failure to
comply with these guidelines could adversely impact our ability to
benefit from GSE and other government agency support and could
therefore impact our business.
At the direction of the FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have
aligned their guidelines for servicing delinquent mortgages, which
could result in monetary incentives for servicers that perform well
and to assess compensatory penalties against servicers in
connection with the failure to meet specified timelines relating to
delinquent loans and foreclosure proceedings, and other breaches of
servicing obligations. We generally cannot negotiate these terms
with the Agencies and they are subject to change at any time
without our specific consent. A significant change in these
guidelines, that decreases the fees we charge or requires us to
expend additional resources to provide mortgage services, could
decrease our revenues or increase our costs.
In addition, changes in the nature or extent of the guarantees
provided by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, the USDA or the
VA, or the insurance provided by the FHA, or coverage provided by
private mortgage insurers, could also have broad adverse market
implications. Any future increases in guarantee fees or changes to
their structure or increases in the premiums we are required to pay
to the FHA or private mortgage insurers for insurance or to the VA
or the USDA for guarantees could increase mortgage origination
costs and insurance premiums for our customers. These industry
changes could negatively affect demand for our mortgage services
and consequently our origination volume, which could be detrimental
to our business. We cannot predict whether the impact of any
proposals to move Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac out of conservatorship
would require them to increase their fees. For further discussion,
see “—We
are highly dependent on the GSEs and Ginnie Mae and the FHFA, as
the conservator of the GSEs, and any changes in these entities or
their current roles could materially and adversely affect our
business, liquidity, financial condition and results of
operations.”
We are highly dependent on the GSEs and Ginnie Mae and the FHFA, as
the conservator of the GSEs, and any changes in these entities or
their current roles could materially and adversely affect our
business, liquidity, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our ability to generate revenues through mortgage loan sales
depends to a significant degree on programs administered by the
GSEs and Ginnie Mae and others that facilitate the issuance of MBS
in the secondary market. The GSEs, Ginnie Mae and FHFA play a
critical role in the mortgage industry and we have significant
business relationships with them. Presently, almost all of the
newly originated conventional conforming loans that we acquire from
mortgage lenders through our correspondent production activities
qualify under existing standards for inclusion in mortgage
securities backed by the GSEs and Ginnie Mae or for purchase by a
GSE directly through its cash window. We also derive other material
financial benefits from these relationships, including the
assumption of credit risk by the GSEs and Ginnie Mae on loans
included in such mortgage securities in exchange for our payment of
guarantee fees, our retention of such credit risk through
structured transactions that lower our guarantee fees, and the
ability to avoid certain loan inventory finance costs through
streamlined loan funding and sale procedures to the Agencies and
other third-party purchasers.
As a result of our dependence on the GSEs and Ginnie Mae, any
adverse change in our relationship with them could materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and
results of operations.
There is significant uncertainty regarding the future of the GSEs
and Ginnie Mae, including with respect to how long they will
continue to be in existence, the extent of their roles in the
market and what forms they will have, and whether they will be
government agencies, government-sponsored agencies or private
for-profit entities. Since they have been placed into
conservatorship, many legislative and administrative plans for GSE
reform have been put forth, but all have been met with resistance
from various constituencies. At this point, it remains unclear
whether any of these legislative or regulatory reforms will be
enacted or implemented. Any changes in laws and regulations
affecting the relationship between the GSEs and Ginnie Mae and the
U.S. federal government could adversely affect our business and
prospects. Although the U.S. Treasury has committed capital to the
GSEs and Ginnie Mae, these actions may not be adequate for their
needs. If the GSEs and Ginnie Mae are adversely affected by events
such as ratings downgrades, inability to obtain necessary
government funding, lack of success in resolving repurchase demands
to lenders, foreclosure problems and delays and problems with
mortgage insurers, they could suffer losses and fail to honor their
guarantees and other obligations. Any discontinuation of, or
significant reduction in, the operation of the GSEs and Ginnie Mae
or any significant adverse change in their capital structure,
financial condition, activity levels in the primary or secondary
mortgage markets or underwriting criteria could materially and
adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and
results of operations. The roles of the GSEs and Ginnie Mae could
be significantly restructured, reduced or eliminated and the nature
of the guarantees could be considerably limited relative to
historical measurements. Elimination of the traditional roles of
the GSEs and Ginnie, or any changes to the nature or extent of the
guarantees provided by the GSEs and Ginnie Mae or the fees, terms
and guidelines that govern our selling and servicing relationships
with them, such as increases in the guarantee fees we are required
to pay, initiatives that increase the number of repurchase demands
and/or the manner in which they are pursued, or possible limits on
delivery volumes imposed upon us and other sellers/servicers, could
also materially and adversely affect our business, including our
ability to sell and securitize loans that we acquire through our
correspondent production activities or our Direct channel
activities, and the performance, liquidity and market value of our
assets. Moreover, any changes to the nature of the GSEs and Ginnie
Mae or their guarantee obligations could redefine what constitutes
an Agency MBS and could have broad adverse implications for the
market and our business, financial condition, liquidity and results
of operations.
We are required to have various Agency approvals and state licenses
in order to conduct our business and there is no assurance we will
be able to maintain those Agency approvals or state licenses or
that changes in Agency guidelines will not materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
We are subject to state mortgage lending, purchase and sale, loan
servicing or debt collection licensing and regulatory requirements.
Our failure to obtain any necessary licenses, comply with
applicable licensing laws or satisfy the various requirements to
maintain them over time could restrict our Direct channel
activities or loan purchase and sale or servicing activities,
result in litigation, or civil and other monetary penalties, or
criminal penalties, or cause us to default under certain of our
lending arrangements, any of which could materially and adversely
impact our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
We are required to hold Agency approvals in order to sell mortgage
loans to a particular Agency and/or service such mortgage loans on
their behalf. Our failure to satisfy the various requirements
necessary to maintain such Agency approvals over time would also
substantially restrict our business activities and could adversely
impact our results of operations and financial condition including
defaults under our financing agreements.
We are also required to follow specific guidelines that impact the
way that we originate and service Agency loans. A significant
change in these guidelines that has the effect of decreasing the
fees we charge or requires us to expend additional resources in
providing mortgage services could decrease our revenues or increase
our costs, which could also adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we are subject to periodic examinations by federal and
state regulators, our lenders and the Agencies, which can result in
increases in our administrative costs, the requirement to pay
substantial penalties due to compliance errors or the loss of our
licenses. Negative publicity or fines and penalties incurred in one
jurisdiction may cause investigations or other actions by
regulators in other jurisdictions and could adversely impact our
business.
In addition, because we are not a state or federally chartered
depository institution, we do not benefit from exemptions from
state mortgage lending, loan servicing or debt collection licensing
and regulatory requirements. We must comply with state licensing
requirements and varying compliance requirements in all states in
which we operate and the District of Columbia, and regulatory
changes may increase our costs through stricter licensing laws,
disclosure laws or increased fees or may impose conditions to
licensing that we or our personnel are unable to meet.
In most states in which we operate, a regulatory agency or agencies
regulate and enforce laws relating to mortgage servicers and
mortgage originators. Future state legislation and changes in
existing regulation may significantly increase our compliance costs
or reduce the amount of ancillary income we are entitled to collect
from borrowers or otherwise. This could make our business
cost-prohibitive in the affected state or states and could
materially affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
If we are unable to comply with TRID rules, our business and
operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The CFPB’s TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (“TRID”) rules impose
requirements on consumer facing disclosure rules and impose certain
waiting periods to allow consumers time to shop for and consider
the loan terms after receiving the required disclosures. If we fail
to comply with the TRID rules, we may be unable to sell loans that
we originate or purchase, or we may be required to sell such loans
at a discount compared to other loans. We could also be subject to
repurchase or indemnification claims from purchasers of such loans,
including the GSEs and Ginnie Mae.
The conduct of mortgage brokers with whom we produce our wholesale
mortgage loans could subject us to lawsuits, regulatory action,
fines or penalties.
The failure to comply with any applicable laws, regulations and
rules by the mortgage lenders from whom loans were acquired through
our wholesale production activities may subject us to lawsuits,
regulatory actions, fines or penalties. We have in place a due
diligence program designed to assess areas of risk with respect to
these acquired loans, including, without limitation, compliance
with underwriting guidelines and applicable law. However, we may
not detect every violation of law by these mortgage lenders.
Further, to the extent any other third-party originators with whom
we do business fail to comply with applicable law, and subsequently
any of their mortgage loans become part of our assets, or prior
servicers from whom we acquire MSR fail to comply with applicable
law, it could subject us, as an assignee or purchaser of the
related mortgage loans or MSR, respectively, to monetary penalties
or other losses. In general, if any of our loans are found to have
been originated, serviced or owned by us or a third party in
violation of applicable law, we could be subject to lawsuits or
governmental actions, or we could be fined or incur
losses.
The independent third-party mortgage brokers through whom we
produce wholesale mortgage loans have parallel and separate legal
obligations to which they are subject. These independent mortgage
brokers are not considered our employees and are treated as
independent third parties. While the applicable laws may not
explicitly hold the originating lenders responsible for the legal
violations of mortgage brokers, federal and state agencies
increasingly have sought to impose such liability. The U.S.
Department of Justice, through its use of a disparate impact theory
under the Fair Housing Act, is actively holding home loan lenders
responsible for the pricing practices of brokers, alleging that the
lender is directly responsible for the total fees and charges paid
by the borrower even if the lender neither dictated what the broker
could charge nor kept the money for its own account. In addition,
under the TRID rule, we may be held responsible for improper
disclosures made to customers by brokers. We may be subject to
claims for fines or other penalties based upon the conduct of the
independent home loan brokers with which we do
business.
Mortgage loan modification and refinance programs, future
legislative action and other actions and changes may materially and
adversely affect the value of, and the returns on, the assets in
which we invest.
The U.S. government, primarily through the Agencies, has
established loan modification and refinance programs designed to
provide homeowners with assistance in avoiding residential mortgage
loan foreclosures. We can provide no assurance that we will be
eligible to use any government programs or, if eligible, that we
will be able to utilize them successfully. These programs, future
U.S. federal, state or local legislative or regulatory actions that
result in the modification of outstanding mortgage loans, as well
as changes in the requirements necessary to qualify for
modifications or refinancing mortgage loans with the GSEs or Ginnie
Mae, may adversely affect the value of, and the returns on MSRs,
residential mortgage loans, residential MBS, real estate-related
securities and various other asset classes in which we invest, all
of which could require us to repurchase loans, generally, and
specifically from Ginnie Mae and the GSEs, which may result in a
material adverse effect on our business and liquidity.
Private legal proceedings alleging failures to comply with
applicable laws or regulatory requirements, and related costs,
could adversely affect our financial condition and results of
operations.
We are subject to various pending private legal proceedings
challenging, among other things, whether certain of our loan
origination and servicing practices and other aspects of our
business comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
The outcome of any legal matter is never certain. In the future, we
are likely to become subject to other private legal proceedings
alleging failures to comply with applicable laws and regulations,
including putative class actions, in the ordinary course of our
business. Please see “Item 8 – Note 13 - Commitments and
Contingencies.”
With respect to legal actions for impending or expected
foreclosures, we may incur costs if we are required to, or if we
elect to, execute or re-file documents or take other actions in our
capacity as a servicer. We may incur increased litigation costs if
the validity of a foreclosure action is challenged by a borrower or
a class of borrowers. In addition, if a court rules that the lien
of a homeowners association takes priority over the lien we
service, we may incur legal liabilities and costs to defend such
actions. If a court dismisses or overturns a foreclosure because of
errors or deficiencies in the foreclosure process, we may have
liability in our capacity as seller, servicer or otherwise to the
loan owner, a borrower, title insurer or the purchaser of the
property sold in foreclosure. These costs and liabilities may not
be legally or otherwise reimbursable to us, particularly to the
extent they relate to securitized mortgage loans or loans that we
sell to the GSEs and Ginnie Mae or other third parties. A
significant increase in litigation costs and losses occurring from
lawsuits could trigger a default or cross-defaults under
our
financing arrangements, which could have a material adverse effect
on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Residential mortgage foreclosure proceedings in certain states have
been delayed due to lack of judicial resources and
legislation.
Several states have enacted Homeowner’s Bill of Rights legislation
to establish mandatory loss mitigation practices for homeowners
which cause delays in foreclosure proceedings. It is possible that
additional states could enact similar laws in the future. Delays in
foreclosure proceedings could require us to delay the recovery of
advances, which could materially affect our business, results of
operations and liquidity and increase our need for
capital.
When a mortgage loan we service is in foreclosure, we are generally
required to continue to advance delinquent principal and interest
to the securitization trust and to make advances for delinquent
taxes and insurance and foreclosure costs and the upkeep of vacant
property in foreclosure to the extent that we determine that such
amounts are recoverable. These servicing advances are generally
recovered when the delinquency is resolved. Regulatory actions that
lengthen the foreclosure process will increase the amount of
servicing advances that we are required to make, lengthen the time
it takes for us to be reimbursed for such advances and increase the
costs incurred during the foreclosure process.
Increased regulatory scrutiny and new laws and procedures could
cause us to adopt additional compliance measures and incur
additional compliance costs in connection with our foreclosure
processes. We may incur legal and other costs responding to
regulatory inquiries or any allegation that we improperly
foreclosed on a borrower. We could also suffer reputational damage
and could be fined or otherwise penalized if we are found to have
breached regulatory requirements.
We may incur increased costs and related losses if a customer
challenges the validity of a foreclosure action, if a court
overturns a foreclosure or if a foreclosure subjects us to
environmental liabilities.
We may incur costs if we are required to, or if we elect to,
execute or re-file documents or take other action in our capacity
as a servicer in connection with pending or completed foreclosures.
In addition, if certain documents required for a foreclosure action
are missing or defective or if a court overturns a foreclosure
because of errors or deficiencies in the foreclosure process, we
may have liability to a title insurer or the purchaser of the
property sold in foreclosure or could be obligated to cure the
defect or repurchase the loan. We may also incur litigation costs,
timeline delays and other protective advance expenses if the
validity of a foreclosure action is challenged by a customer. These
costs and liabilities may not be legally or otherwise reimbursable
to us, particularly to the extent they relate to securitized
mortgage loans. A significant increase in such costs and
liabilities could adversely affect our liquidity and our inability
to be reimbursed for advances could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Regulatory agencies and consumer advocacy groups are becoming more
aggressive in asserting claims that the practices of lenders and
loan servicers result in a disparate impact on protected
classes.
Anti-discrimination statutes, such as the Fair Housing Act and the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibit creditors from
discriminating against loan applicants and borrowers based on
certain characteristics, such as race, sex, religion and national
origin. The Fair Housing Act also expressly prohibits
discrimination with respect to the purchase of mortgage loans.
Various federal regulatory agencies and departments, including the
U.S. Department of Justice and CFPB, take the position that these
laws apply not only to intentional discrimination, but also to
neutral practices that have a disparate impact on a group that
shares a characteristic that a creditor may not consider in making
credit decisions (i.e., creditor or servicing practices that have a
disproportionate negative affect on a protected class of
individuals).
These regulatory agencies, as well as consumer advocacy groups and
plaintiffs’ attorneys, are focusing greater attention on “disparate
impact” claims. The U.S. Supreme Court recently confirmed that the
“disparate impact” theory applies to cases brought under the FHA,
while emphasizing that a causal relationship must be shown between
a specific policy of the defendant and a discriminatory result that
is not justified by a legitimate objective of the defendant.
Although it is still unclear whether the theory applies under the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act, regulatory agencies and private
plaintiffs can be expected to continue to apply it to both the Fair
Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in the context of
home loan lending and servicing. To the extent that the “disparate
impact” theory continues to apply, we may be faced with significant
administrative burdens in attempting to comply and potential
liability for failures to comply.
Furthermore, many industry observers believe that the “ability to
repay” rule issued by the CFPB, discussed above may have the
unintended consequence of having a disparate impact on protected
classes. Specifically, it is possible that lenders that make only
qualified mortgages may be exposed to discrimination claims under a
disparate impact theory.
In addition to reputational harm, violations of the Equal Credit
Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act can result in actual
damages, punitive damages, injunctive or equitable relief,
attorneys’ fees and civil money penalties.
Risks Related to Our Mortgage Assets
Our acquisition of MSRs exposes us to significant
risks.
MSRs arise from contractual agreements between us and the investors
(or their agents) in mortgage securities and mortgage loans that we
service on their behalf. We generally create MSRs in connection
with our sale of mortgage loans to the Agencies or others where we
assume the obligation to service such loans on their behalf. We may
also purchase MSRs from third-party sellers. All MSR
capitalizations are recorded at fair value on our balance sheet.
The determination of the fair value of MSRs requires our management
to make numerous estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and
assumptions include, without limitation, estimates of future cash
flows associated with MSRs based upon assumptions involving
interest rates as well as the prepayment rates, delinquencies and
foreclosure rates of the underlying serviced mortgage loans. The
ultimate realization of future cash flows from the MSRs may be
materially different than the values of such MSRs as may be
reflected in our consolidated balance sheet as of any particular
date. The use of different estimates or assumptions in connection
with the valuation of these assets could produce materially
different fair values for such assets, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. Accordingly, there may be material
uncertainty about the fair value of any MSRs we acquire or
hold.
Prepayment speeds significantly affect MSRs. Prepayment speed is
the measurement of how quickly borrowers pay down the unpaid
principal balance of their loans or how quickly loans are otherwise
brought current, modified, liquidated or charged off. We base the
value of MSRs on, among other things, our projection of the cash
flows from the related mortgage loans. Our expectation of
prepayment speeds is a significant assumption underlying those cash
flow projections. If prepayment speed expectations increase
significantly, the fair value of the MSRs could decline and we may
be required to record a non-cash charge, which would have a
negative impact on our financial results. Furthermore, a
significant increase in prepayment speeds could materially reduce
the ultimate cash flows we receive from MSRs, and we could
ultimately receive substantially less than what we estimated when
initially capitalizing such assets.
Moreover, delinquency rates may also have an effect on the
valuation of any MSRs. An increase in delinquencies generally
results in lower revenue because typically we only collect
servicing fees from Agencies or mortgage owners for performing
loans. Our expectation of delinquencies is also a consideration in
projecting our cash flows. If delinquencies are significantly
greater than we expect, the estimated fair value of the MSRs could
be diminished. Increased delinquencies also typically translate
into increased defaults and liquidations, and as an MSR owner we
are also responsible for certain expenses and losses associated
with the loans we service, particularly on loans sold to Ginnie
Mae. A reduction in the fair value of the MSR or an increase in
defaults and liquidations would adversely impact our business,
financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
Changes in interest rates are a key driver of the performance of
MSRs. Historically, in periods of rising interest rates, the fair
value of the MSRs generally increases as prepayments decrease, and
therefore the estimated life of the MSRs and related expected cash
flows increase. In a declining interest rate environment, the fair
value of MSRs generally decreases as prepayments increase and
therefore the estimated life of the MSRs, and related cash flows,
decrease.
Until recently, there has been a long-term trend of falling
interest rates, with intermittent periods of rate increases. More
recently, there was a rising interest rate environment for the
majority of 2018, 2021, and 2022 and a falling interest rate
environment in 2019 and 2020.
In addition, we may pursue various hedging strategies to seek to
further reduce our exposure to adverse changes in fair value
resulting from changes in interest rates. Our hedging activity will
vary in scope based on the level and volatility of interest rates,
the type of assets held and other changing market conditions.
Interest rate hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect
us. To the extent we do not utilize derivative financial
instruments to fully hedge against changes in fair value of MSRs or
the derivatives we use in our hedging activities do not perform as
expected, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results
of operations would be more susceptible to volatility due to
changes in the fair value of, or cash flows from, MSRs as interest
rates change.
Furthermore, MSRs and the related servicing activities are subject
to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations and may
be subject to various judicial and administrative decisions
imposing various requirements and restrictions on our business. Our
failure to comply with the laws, rules or regulations to which we
or they are subject by virtue of ownership of MSRs, whether actual
or alleged, could expose us to fines, penalties or potential
litigation liabilities, including costs, settlements and judgments,
any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations.
Our counterparties may terminate our servicing rights under which
we conduct servicing activities.
The majority of the mortgage loans we service are serviced on
behalf of the GSEs and Ginnie Mae. These entities establish the
base service fee to compensate us for servicing loans as well as
the assessment of fines and penalties that may be imposed upon us
for failing to meet servicing standards.
As is standard in the industry, under the terms of our master
servicing agreements with the GSEs and Ginnie Mae, the GSEs and
Ginnie Mae have the right to terminate us as servicer of the loans
we service on their behalf at any time and also have the right to
cause us to sell the MSRs to a third party. In addition, failure to
comply with servicing standards could result in termination of our
agreements with the GSEs or Ginnie Mae with little or no notice and
without any compensation. If any of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or
Ginnie Mae were to terminate us as a servicer, or increase our
costs related to such servicing by way of additional fees, fines or
penalties, such changes could have a material adverse effect on the
revenue we derive from servicing activity, as well as the value of
the related MSRs. These agreements, and other servicing agreements
under which we service mortgage loans for non-GSE loan purchasers,
also require that we service in accordance with GSE servicing
guidelines and contain financial covenants. If we were to have our
servicing rights terminated on a material portion of our servicing
portfolio, this could adversely affect our business.
A significant increase in delinquencies for the loans serviced
could have a material impact on our revenues, expenses and
liquidity and on the valuation of our MSRs.
An increase in delinquencies will result in lower revenue for loans
we service for the GSEs and Ginnie Mae because we only collect
servicing fees from the GSEs and Ginnie Mae from payments made on
the mortgage loans. Additionally, while increased delinquencies
generate higher ancillary revenues, including late fees, these fees
may not be collected until the related loan reinstates or in the
event that the related loan is liquidated. In addition, an increase
in delinquencies may result in certain other advances being made on
behalf of delinquent loans, which may not be entirely reversible
and would decrease the interest income we receive on cash held in
collection and other accounts to the extent permitted under
applicable requirements.
We base the price we pay for MSRs on, among other things, our
projections of the cash flows from the related mortgage loans. Our
expectation of delinquencies is an assumption underlying those cash
flow projections. If delinquencies were significantly greater than
expected, the estimated fair value of our MSRs could be diminished.
If the estimated fair value of MSRs is reduced, we may not be able
to satisfy minimum net worth covenants and borrowing conditions in
our debt agreements and we could suffer a loss, which could trigger
a default and cross-defaults under our other financing arrangements
and trading agreements (impacting our ability to enter into hedging
transactions) and the possible loss of our eligibility to sell
loans to the Agencies or issue an Agency MBS, all of which would
likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
We are also subject to risks of borrower defaults and bankruptcies
in cases where we might be required to repurchase loans sold with
recourse or under representations and warranties. A borrower filing
for bankruptcy during foreclosure would have the effect of staying
the foreclosure and thereby delaying the foreclosure process, which
may potentially result in a reduction or discharge of a borrower’s
mortgage debt. Even if we are successful in foreclosing on a loan,
the liquidation proceeds upon sale of the underlying real estate
may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan,
resulting in a loss to us. For example, foreclosure may create a
negative public perception of the related mortgaged property,
resulting in a diminution of its value. Furthermore, any costs or
delays involved in the foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of
the underlying property will further reduce the net proceeds and,
thus, increase the loss. If these risks materialize, they could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, in the event of a default
under any mortgage loan we have not sold, we will bear the risk of
loss of principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value
of the collateral and the principal and of the mortgage
loan.
Our inability to promptly foreclose upon defaulted mortgage loans
could increase our cost of doing business and/or diminish our
expected cash flows.
Our ability to promptly foreclose upon defaulted mortgage loans and
liquidate the underlying real property plays a critical role in our
valuation of the assets which we acquire and our expected cash
flows on such assets. There are a variety of factors that may
inhibit our ability to foreclose upon a mortgage loan and liquidate
the real property within the time frames we model as part of our
valuation process or within the statutes of limitation under
applicable state law. These factors include, without limitation:
extended foreclosure timelines in states that require judicial
foreclosure, including states where we hold high concentrations of
mortgage loans, significant collateral documentation deficiencies,
federal, state or local laws that are borrower friendly, including
legislative action or initiatives designed to provide homeowners
with assistance in avoiding residential mortgage loan foreclosures
and that serve to delay the foreclosure process and programs that
may require specific procedures to be followed to explore the
refinancing of a mortgage loan prior to the commencement of a
foreclosure proceeding and declines in real estate values and
sustained high levels of unemployment that increase the number of
foreclosures and place additional pressure on the judicial and
administrative systems.
A decline in the fair value of the real estate that we acquire, or
that underlies the mortgage loans we own or service, may result in
reduced risk-adjusted returns or losses.
A substantial portion of our assets are measured at fair value. The
fair value of the real estate that we own or that underlies
mortgage loans that we own or service is subject to market
conditions and requires the use of assumptions and complex
analyses. Changes in the real estate market may adversely affect
the fair value of the collateral and thereby lower the cash to be
received from its liquidation. Depending on the investor and/or
insurer or guarantor, we may suffer financial losses that
increase
when we or they receive less cash upon liquidation of the
collateral for defaulted loans that we service. The same would
apply to loans that we own. In addition, adverse changes in the
real estate market increase the probability of default of the loans
we own or service.
We may be adversely affected by concentration risks of various
kinds that apply to our mortgage or MSR assets at any given time,
as well as from unfavorable changes in the related geographic
regions containing the properties that secure such
assets.
Our mortgage and MSR assets are not subject to any geographic,
diversification or concentration limitations except that we will be
concentrated in mortgage-related assets. Accordingly, our mortgage
and MSR assets may be concentrated by geography, investor,
originator, insurer, loan program, property type and/or borrower,
increasing the risk of loss to us if the particular concentration
in our portfolio is subject to greater risks or is undergoing
adverse developments. We may be disproportionately affected by
general risks such as natural disasters, including major
hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes and severe or
inclement weather should such developments occur in or near the
markets in California or the Gulf Coast region in which such
properties are located. For example, as of December 31, 2022,
approximately 20.4% of our mortgage and MSR assets had underlying
properties in California. In addition, adverse conditions in the
areas where the properties securing or otherwise underlying our
mortgage and MSR assets are located (including business layoffs or
downsizing, industry slowdowns, changing demographics, natural
disasters and other factors) and local real estate conditions (such
as oversupply or reduced demand) may have an adverse effect on the
value of those assets. A material decline in the demand for real
estate in these areas, regardless of the underlying cause, may
materially and adversely affect us. Concentration or a lack of
diversification can increase the correlation of non-performance and
foreclosure risks among subsets of our mortgage and MSR assets,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Many of our mortgage assets may be illiquid and we may not be able
to adjust our portfolio in response to changes in economic and
other conditions.
Our MSRs, securities and mortgage loans that we acquire may be or
become illiquid. It may also be difficult or impossible to obtain
or validate third-party pricing on the assets that we purchase.
Illiquid investments typically experience greater price volatility,
as a ready market does not exist, or may cease to exist, and such
investments can be more difficult to value. Contractual
restrictions on transfer or the illiquidity of our assets may make
it difficult for us to sell such assets if the need or desire
arises, which could impair our ability to satisfy margin calls or
access capital for other purposes when needed. In addition, if we
are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio
quickly, we may realize significantly less than the recorded value,
or may not be able to obtain any liquidation proceeds at all, thus
exposing us to a material or total loss.
Fair values of our MSRs are estimates and the realization of
reduced values from our recorded estimates may materially and
adversely affect our financial results and credit
availability.
The fair values of our MSRs are not readily determinable and the
fair value at which our MSRs are recorded may differ from the
values we ultimately realize. Ultimate realization of the fair
value of our MSRs depends to a great extent on economic and other
conditions that change during the time period over which it is held
and are beyond our control. Further, fair value is only an estimate
based on good faith judgment of the price at which an asset can be
sold since transacted prices of MSRs can only be determined by
negotiation between a willing buyer and seller. In certain cases,
our estimation of the fair value of our MSRs includes inputs
provided by third-party dealers and pricing services, and
valuations of certain securities or other assets in which we invest
are often difficult to obtain and are subject to judgments that may
vary among market participants. Changes in the estimated fair
values of those assets are directly charged or credited to earnings
for the period. If we were to liquidate a particular asset, the
realized value may be more than or less than the amount at which
such asset was recorded. Accordingly, in either event, our
financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by
our determinations regarding the fair value of our MSRs, and such
valuations may fluctuate over short periods of time.
We utilize analytical models and data in connection with the
valuation of our assets, and any incorrect, misleading or
incomplete information used in connection therewith would subject
us to potential risks.
We rely heavily on models and data to value our assets, including
analytical models (both proprietary models developed by us and
those supplied by third parties) and information and data supplied
by third parties. Models and data are also used in connection with
our potential acquisition of assets and the hedging of those
acquisitions. Models are inherently imperfect predictors of actual
results because they are based on historical data available to us
and our assumptions about factors such as future mortgage loan
demand, default rates, severity rates, home price trends and other
factors that may overstate or understate future experience. Our
models could produce unreliable results for a number of reasons,
including the limitations of historical data to predict results due
to unprecedented events or circumstances, invalid or incorrect
assumptions underlying the models, the need for manual adjustments
in response to rapid changes in economic conditions, incorrect
coding of the models, incorrect data being used by the models or
inappropriate application of a model to products or events outside
of the model’s intended use. In particular, models are less
dependable when the economic environment is outside of historical
experience.
In the event models and data prove to be incorrect, misleading or
incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose us to
potential risks. For example, by relying on incorrect models and
data, especially valuation models, we may be induced to buy certain
assets at prices that are too high, to sell certain other assets at
prices that are too low or to miss favorable opportunities
altogether. Similarly, any hedging based on faulty models and data
may prove to be unsuccessful.
We rely on internal models to manage risk and to make business
decisions. Our business could be adversely affected if those models
fail to produce reliable and/or valid results.
We make significant use of business and financial models in
connection with our proprietary technology to measure and monitor
our risk exposures and to manage our business. For example, we use
models to measure and monitor our exposures to interest rate,
credit and other market risks. The information provided by these
models is used in making business decisions relating to strategies,
initiatives, transactions, pricing and products. If these models
are ineffective at predicting future losses or are otherwise
inadequate, we may incur unexpected losses or otherwise be
adversely affected.
We build these models using historical data and our assumptions
about factors such as future mortgage loan demand, default rates,
home price trends and other factors that may overstate or
understate future experience. Our assumptions may be inaccurate and
our models may not be as predictive as expected for many reasons,
including the fact that they often involve matters that are
inherently beyond our control and difficult to predict, such as
macroeconomic conditions, and that they often involve complex
interactions between a number of variables and
factors.
Our models could produce unreliable results for a variety of
reasons, including, but not limited to, the limitations of
historical data to predict results due to unprecedented events or
circumstances, invalid or incorrect assumptions underlying the
models, the need for manual adjustments in response to rapid
changes in economic conditions, incorrect coding of the models,
incorrect data being used by the models, or inappropriate
application of a model to products or events outside of the model’s
intended use. In particular, models are less dependable when the
economic environment is outside of historical experience, as was
the case from 2008 to 2010 or during the COVID-19
pandemic.
We continue to monitor the markets and make necessary adjustments
to our models and apply appropriate management judgment in the
interpretation and adjustment of the results produced by our
models. As a result of the time and resources, including technical
and staffing resources, that are required to perform these
processes effectively, it may not be possible to replace existing
models quickly enough to ensure that they will always properly
account for the impacts of recent information and
actions.
We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information from and
about borrowers, mortgage loans and the properties securing them,
and any misrepresented information could adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In connection with our activities, we may rely on information
furnished by or on behalf of borrowers and/or our business
counterparties, including Broker Partners. We also may rely on
representations of borrowers and business counterparties as to the
accuracy and completeness of that information, and upon the
information and work product produced by appraisers, credit
repositories, depository institutions and others, as well as the
output of automated underwriting systems created by the GSEs and
Ginnie Mae and others. If any of this information or work product
is intentionally or negligently misrepresented in connection with a
mortgage loan and such misrepresentation is not detected prior to
loan funding, the fair value of the loan may be significantly lower
than expected. Whether a misrepresentation is made by the loan
applicant, another third party or one of our associates, we
generally bear the risk of loss associated with the
misrepresentation. Our controls and processes may not have detected
or may not detect all misrepresented information in our loan
originations or acquisitions, or from our business counterparties.
Any such misrepresented information could materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Fraudulent emails have been sent, and may in the future be sent, on
behalf of the Company which introduce malware, including spyware,
through malicious links in order to redirect funds to the
fraudster’s account. Such incidents could adversely affect our
reputation, business, financial condition and results of
operation.
The technology and other controls and processes we have created to
help us identify misrepresented information in our mortgage loan
production operations were designed to obtain reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that such information is identified and
addressed appropriately. Accordingly, such controls may not have
detected, and may fail in the future to detect, all misrepresented
information in our mortgage loan production operations. In the
future, we may experience financial losses and reputational damage
as a result of mortgage loan fraud.
General Risk Factors
We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of
Nasdaq and the rules of the SEC and, as a result, qualify for, and
rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance
requirements.
As of December 31, 2022, our Sponsor beneficially owned
approximately 92.3% of the voting power of our common stock. As a
result, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the
corporate governance standards of Nasdaq. Under these rules, a
company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an
individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and
may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance
requirements, including the requirement that:
•a
majority of our board of directors consist of “independent
directors” as defined under the rules of Nasdaq;
•our
director nominees be selected, or recommended for our board of
directors’ selection by a nominating/governance committee comprised
solely of independent directors; and
•the
compensation of our executive officers be determined, or
recommended to our board of directors for determination, by a
compensation committee comprised solely of independent
directors.
We have and intend to continue to utilize these exemptions. As a
result, we do not have a majority of independent directors and our
Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee do not consist entirely of independent directors.
Accordingly, stockholders of the Company do not have the same
protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject
to all of the corporate governance requirements of
Nasdaq.
Our Sponsor controls us and their interests may conflict with yours
in the future.
As of December 31, 2022, our Sponsor beneficially owned
approximately 92.3% of the voting power of our common stock. As a
result, our Sponsor is able to control the election and removal of
our directors and thereby determine our corporate and management
policies, including potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of
dividends, asset sales, amendment of our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws and
other significant corporate transactions for so long as our Sponsor
and its affiliates retain significant ownership of us. Our Sponsor
and its affiliates may also direct us to make significant changes
to our business operations and strategy, including with respect to,
among other things, new product and service offerings, team member
headcount levels and initiatives to reduce costs and expenses. This
concentration of our ownership may delay or deter possible changes
in control of the Company, which may reduce the value of an
investment in our common stock. So long as our Sponsor continues to
own a significant amount of our voting power, even if such amount
is less than 50%, our Sponsor will continue to be able to strongly
influence or effectively control our decisions and, so long as our
Sponsor and its affiliates collectively own at least 5% of all
outstanding shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, our Sponsor will be able to appoint
individuals to our board of directors under the stockholders’
agreement that we entered into in connection with the initial
public offering on February 2, 2021 (the “IPO”). The interests of
our Sponsor may not coincide with the interests of other holders of
our common stock.
In the ordinary course of their business activities, our Sponsor
and its affiliates may engage in activities where their interests
conflict with our interests or those of our stockholders. Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our
Sponsor, any of its affiliates or any director who is not employed
by us (including any non-employee director who serves as one of our
officers in both his or her director and officer capacities) or his
or her affiliates do not have any duty to refrain from engaging,
directly or indirectly, in the same business activities or similar
business activities or lines of business in which we operate. Our
Sponsor and its affiliates also may pursue acquisition
opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a
result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.
In addition, our Sponsor may have an interest in pursuing
acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions that, in their
judgment, could enhance their investment, even though such
transactions might involve risks to you.
In addition, our Sponsor and its affiliates are able to determine
the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval and are
able to cause or prevent a change of control of the Company or a
change in the composition of our board of directors and could
preclude any acquisition of the Company. This concentration of
voting control could deprive you of an opportunity to receive a
premium for your shares of common stock as part of a sale of the
Company and ultimately might affect the market price of our common
stock.
We have incurred, and will continue to incur, significantly
increased costs and we became subject to additional regulations and
requirements as a result of becoming a public company, and our
management is, and will continue to be, required to devote
substantial time to new compliance matters, which could lower our
profits or make it more difficult to run our business.
As a public company, we have incurred, and will continue to incur,
significant legal, regulatory, finance, accounting, investor
relations, insurance and other expenses that we did not incur as a
private company, including costs associated with public company
reporting requirements and costs of recruiting and retaining
non-executive directors. We also have incurred and will incur costs
associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act and
related rules implemented by the SEC and Nasdaq. The expenses
incurred by public companies generally for reporting and corporate
governance purposes have been increasing. Our management will need
to devote a substantial amount of time to ensure that we comply
with all of these requirements, diverting the attention of
management away from revenue-producing activities. These laws and
regulations also could make it more difficult or costly for us to
obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer
liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced policy
limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain
the same or similar coverage. These laws and regulations could also
make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified
persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or
as our executive officers. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy
our obligations as a public company, we could be subject to
delisting of our common stock, fines, sanctions and other
regulatory action and potentially civil litigation.
While we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” we are a
“smaller reporting company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced
disclosure requirements applicable to “smaller reporting companies”
will make our common stock less attractive to
investors.
Because our gross revenue exceeded $1.07 billion in fiscal year
2020, we ceased to be an “emerging growth company” as defined in
Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act as of December 31, 2020.
However, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item
10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. As such, we may take advantage of
certain exemptions and relief from various reporting requirements
that are applicable to other public companies that are not “smaller
reporting companies,” including, among other things, providing only
two years of audited financial statements, we will not be required
to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section
404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and we will be subject to reduced
disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our
periodic reports and proxy statements. We will remain a “smaller
reporting company” until the last day of the fiscal year in which
(1) the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates
exceeds $250 million as of the end of the prior second fiscal
quarter, or (2) our annual revenues exceed $100 million during such
completed fiscal year and the market value of our common stock held
by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior second
fiscal quarter. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced
disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our
financial statements with other public companies difficult or
impossible.
We cannot predict if investors may find our common stock less
attractive if we rely on the exemptions and relief granted to
“smaller reporting companies.” If some investors find our common
stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active
trading market for our common stock and our stock price may decline
and/or become more volatile.
Failure to comply with requirements to design, implement and
maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse
effect on our business and stock price.
As a public company, we have significant requirements for enhanced
financial reporting and internal controls. Effective internal
controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports
and effectively prevent fraud. We may in the future discover areas
of our internal controls that need improvement. We cannot assure
you that we will be successful in maintaining adequate control over
our financial reporting and financial processes. Furthermore, as we
continue to grow our business, our internal controls will become
more complex, and we will require significantly more resources to
ensure our internal controls remain effective. If we are unable to
establish or maintain appropriate internal financial reporting
controls and procedures, it could cause us to fail to meet our
reporting obligations on a timely basis, result in material
misstatements in our consolidated financial statements and harm our
results of operations.
In connection with the implementation of the necessary procedures
and practices related to internal control over financial reporting,
we may identify deficiencies that we may not be able to remediate
in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for
compliance with the requirements of Section 404. In addition, we
may encounter problems or delays in completing the remediation of
any deficiencies identified by our independent registered public
accounting firm in connection with the issuance of their
attestation report. Our testing, or the subsequent testing (if
required) by our independent registered public accounting firm, may
reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial
reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Any material
weaknesses could result in a material misstatement of our annual or
quarterly consolidated financial statements. As a smaller reporting
company, our independent registered public accounting firm is not
required to conduct, and has not conducted, an audit of our
internal control over financial reporting. It is possible that, had
our independent registered public accounting firm conducted an
audit of our internal control over financial reporting, such firm
might have identified material weaknesses and deficiencies that we
have not identified. If we or our independent auditors discover a
material weakness, the disclosure of that fact, even if quickly
remedied, could result in a default and cross-defaults under our
financing arrangements.
We may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have
effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance
with Section 404 or our independent registered public accounting
firm may not issue an unqualified opinion. If either we are unable
to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial
reporting or our independent registered public accounting firm is
unable to provide us with an unqualified report, investors could
lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could
have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common
stock.
Our stock price may change significantly, and you may not be able
to resell shares of our common stock at or above the price you paid
or at all, and you could lose all or part of your investment as a
result.
The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and
could be subject to wide fluctuations. You may not be able to
resell your shares at or above your purchase price due to a number
of factors such as those listed in “—Risks Related to Our Business”
and the following:
•results
of operations that vary from the expectations of securities
analysts and investors;
•results
of operations that vary from those of our competitors;
•changes
in expectations as to our future financial performance, including
financial estimates and investment recommendations by securities
analysts and investors;
•changes
in economic conditions for companies in our industry;
•changes
in market valuations of, or earnings and other announcements by,
companies in our industry;
•declines
in the market prices of stocks generally, particularly those of
companies in our industry;
•additions
or departures of key management personnel;
•strategic
actions by us or our competitors;
•announcements
by us, our competitors, our suppliers of significant contracts,
price reductions, new products or technologies, acquisitions,
dispositions, joint marketing relationships, joint ventures, other
strategic relationships or capital commitments;
•changes
in preference of our customers and our market share;
•changes
in general economic or market conditions or trends in our industry
or the economy as a whole;
•changes
in business or regulatory conditions;
•future
sales of our common stock or other securities;
•investor
perceptions of or the investment opportunity associated with our
common stock relative to other investment
alternatives;
•changes
in the way we are perceived in the marketplace, including due to
negative publicity or campaigns on social media to boycott certain
of our products, our business or our industry;
•the
public’s response to press releases or other public announcements
by us or third parties, including our filings with the
SEC;
•changes
or proposed changes in laws or regulations or differing
interpretations or enforcement thereof affecting our
business;
•announcements
relating to litigation or governmental investigations;
•guidance,
if any, that we provide to the public, any changes in this guidance
or our failure to meet this guidance;
•the
development and sustainability of an active trading market for our
common stock;
•exchange
rate fluctuations;
•tax
developments;
•changes
in accounting principles; and
•other
events or factors, including those resulting from informational
technology system failures and disruptions, epidemics, pandemics,
natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism, civil unrest or
responses to these events.
Furthermore, the stock market may experience extreme volatility
that, in some cases, may be unrelated or disproportionate to the
operating performance of particular companies. These broad market
and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of
our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.
In addition, price volatility may be greater if the public float
and trading volume of our common stock is low.
In the past, following periods of market volatility, stockholders
have instituted securities class action litigation against various
issuers. For example, in June 2021, we and certain of our directors
and officers were named as defendants in a putative class action
alleging various securities law violations. We may be the target of
this type of litigation in the future as well. Any such litigation
could have a substantial cost and divert resources and the
attention of executive management from our business regardless of
the outcome of such litigation, which may adversely affect the
market price of our common stock.
You may be diluted by the future issuance of additional common
stock in connection with our incentive plans, acquisitions or
otherwise.
As of December 31, 2022, we had 861,601,293 shares of common
stock authorized but unissued. Our amended and restated certificate
of incorporation authorizes us to issue these shares of common
stock, options and other equity awards relating to common stock for
the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by
our board of directors in its sole discretion, whether in
connection with acquisitions or otherwise. As of December 31,
2022, we have reserved 7,584,217 shares for issuance under the 2021
Incentive Plan; substitute options granted in connection with the
IPO are not counted against the share reserve under the 2021
Incentive Plan. Any common stock that we issue, including under the
2021 Incentive Plan or other equity incentive plans that we may
adopt in the future, would dilute the percentage ownership
currently held by our stockholders. In the future, we may also
issue our securities in connection with investments or
acquisitions. The amount of shares of our common stock issued in
connection with an investment or acquisition could constitute a
material portion of our then-outstanding shares of our common
stock. Any issuance of additional securities in connection with
investments or acquisitions may result in additional dilution to
you.
Our board of directors is authorized to issue and designate shares
of our preferred stock in additional series without stockholder
approval.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes
our board of directors, without the approval of our stockholders,
to issue 250 million shares of our preferred stock, subject to
limitations prescribed by applicable law, rules and regulations and
the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation, as shares of preferred stock in series, to establish
from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such
series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights
of the shares of each such series and the qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof. The powers, preferences and
rights of these additional series of preferred stock may be senior
to or on parity with our common stock, which may reduce its
value.
Our ability to raise capital in the future may be
limited.
Our business and operations may consume resources faster than we
anticipate. In the future, we may need to raise additional funds
through the issuance of new equity securities, debt or a
combination of both. Additional financing may not be available on
favorable terms or at all. If adequate funds are not available on
acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our capital
requirements. If we issue new debt securities, the debt holders
would have rights senior to holders of our common stock to make
claims on our assets and the terms of any debt could restrict our
operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common
stock. If we issue additional equity securities or securities
convertible into equity securities, existing
stockholders
will experience dilution and the new equity securities could have
rights senior to those of our common stock. Because our decision to
issue securities in any future offering will depend on market
conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict
or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings.
Thus, you bear the risk of our future securities offerings reducing
the market price of our common stock and diluting their
interest.
As a holding company, we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries
to transfer funds to us to meet our obligations, including to pay
dividends.
We are a holding company for all of our operations and are a legal
entity separate from our subsidiaries. Dividends and other
distributions from our subsidiaries are the principal sources of
funds available to us to pay corporate operating expenses, to pay
stockholder dividends, to repurchase stock and to meet our other
obligations. The inability to receive dividends from our
subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, liquidity or results of
operations.
Our subsidiaries have no obligation to pay amounts due on any of
our liabilities or to make funds available to us for such payments.
The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or other
distributions to us in the future will depend, among other things,
on their earnings, tax considerations and covenants contained in
any financing or other agreements. In addition, such payments may
be limited as a result of claims against our subsidiaries by their
creditors, including suppliers, vendors, lessors and
employees.
If the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other
distributions or payments to us is materially restricted by cash
needs, bankruptcy or insolvency, or is limited due to operating
results or other factors, we may be required to raise cash through
the incurrence of debt, the issuance of equity or the sale of
assets. However, there is no assurance that we would be able to
raise sufficient cash by these means. This could materially and
adversely affect our ability to pay our obligations or pay
dividends, which could have an adverse effect on the trading price
of our common stock.
We may not pay cash dividends in the future.
We have, from time to time, declared cash dividends in respect of
our common stock. Our Board reassesses the payment of cash
dividends on a quarterly basis, and determinations as to whether to
declare and pay cash dividends, if any, depend on a variety of
factors, including general macroeconomic, business and financial
market conditions; applicable laws; our financial condition,
results of operations, contractual restrictions, capital
requirements, and business prospects; and other factors the Board
may deem relevant at the time. Accordingly, we make no assurance
that we will pay dividends in the future for any particular quarter
or at all. To the extent that the Board determines to declare cash
dividends for any particular quarter, we make no assurance that
such dividends will be consistent with dividends paid in any prior
period.
Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our
existing stockholders in the public market could cause the market
price for our common stock to decline.
The sale of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock in
the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur,
including sales by our existing stockholders, could harm the
prevailing market price of shares of our common stock. These sales,
or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it
more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a
time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
As of December 31, 2022, we had a total of 138,398,707 shares
of our common stock outstanding. Of the outstanding shares,
7,509,299 shares are freely tradable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares held
by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the
Securities Act, or Rule 144, including our directors, executive
officers and other affiliates (including our Sponsor
).
The remaining outstanding 130,889,408 shares of common stock held
by certain of our existing stockholders, including our Sponsor and
certain of our directors and executive officers, representing
approximately 94.6% of the total outstanding shares of our common
stock as of December 31, 2022, are “restricted securities”
within the meaning of Rule 144 and subject to certain restrictions
on resale. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market
only if they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold
pursuant to an exemption from registration such as Rule
144.
Pursuant to a registration rights agreement, our Sponsor has the
right, subject to certain conditions, to require us to register the
sale of their shares of our common stock under the Securities Act.
See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions.” By exercising its registration rights and selling a
large number of shares, our Sponsor could cause the prevailing
market price of our common stock to decline. Certain of our
existing stockholders may have “piggyback” registration rights with
respect to future registered offerings of our common stock. As of
December 31, 2022, the shares covered by registration rights
represent approximately 92.3% of our total common stock
outstanding. Registration of any of these outstanding shares of
common stock would result in such shares becoming freely tradable
without compliance with Rule 144 upon effectiveness of the
registration statement.
On January 29, 2021, we filed a registration statement on Form S-8
under the Securities Act to register an aggregate of 22,344,275
shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options and
subject to issuance under the 2021 Incentive Plan
and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Shares registered under the
registration statement on Form S-8 are eligible for sale in the
open market.
If our existing stockholders exercise their registration rights,
the market price of our shares of common stock could drop
significantly if the holders of these restricted shares sell them
or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. These
factors could also make it more difficult for us to raise
additional funds through future offerings of our shares of common
stock or other securities.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could
delay or prevent a change of control.
Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have an
anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a merger,
acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt, or other change of
control transaction that a stockholder might consider in its best
interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium
over the market price for the shares held by our
stockholders.
These provisions provide for, among other things:
•a
classified board of directors, as a result of which our board of
directors is divided into three classes, with each class serving
for staggered three-year terms;
•the
ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of
preferred stock;
•advance
notice requirements for nominations of directors by stockholders
and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at our
annual meetings;
•certain
limitations on convening special stockholder meetings;
•the
removal of directors only for cause and only upon the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of common
stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors if
our Sponsor and its affiliates cease to beneficially own at least
40% of shares of common stock entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors; and
•that
certain provisions may be amended only by the affirmative vote of
at least 66 2/3% of shares of common stock entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors if our Sponsor and its
affiliates cease to beneficially own at least 40% of shares of
common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors.
These anti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult for a
third party to acquire us, even if the third party’s offer may be
considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. As a result, our
stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium
for their shares.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides,
subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the
State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for substantially all
disputes between us and our stockholders and the federal district
courts will be the exclusive forum for Securities Act claims, which
could limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a suit in a
different judicial forum than they may otherwise choose for
disputes with us or our directors, officers, team members or
stockholders.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides,
subject to limited exceptions, that unless we consent to the
selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the
State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be
the sole and exclusive forum for any (i) derivative action or
proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (ii) action asserting
a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director,
officer, or other employee or stockholder of our company to the
Company or our stockholders, creditors or other constituents, (iii)
action asserting a claim against the Company or any director or
officer of the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) or our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated
bylaws or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of
Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) action asserting a claim
against the Company or any director or officer of the Company
governed by the internal affairs doctrine; provided that, the
exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to
enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act, which
already provides that such claims must be bought exclusively in the
federal courts. Our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation also provides that, unless we consent in writing to
the selection of an alternative forum, the U.S. federal district
courts will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any
actions or proceedings asserting claims arising under the
Securities Act. While the Delaware Supreme Court has upheld the
validity of similar provisions under the DGCL, there is uncertainty
as to whether a court in another state would enforce such a forum
selection provision. Our exclusive forum provision does not relieve
us of our duties to comply with the federal securities laws and the
rules and regulations thereunder, and our stockholders will not be
deemed to have waived our compliance with these laws, rules and
regulations.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest
in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and
consented to the forum provisions in our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation. This choice of forum provision may
limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum
that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our
directors, officers, other team members or stockholders.
Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of
forum
provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we
may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in
other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, results of
operations and financial conditions.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
We operated through a network of 7 leased corporate offices located
throughout the United States, totaling approximately 210,000 square
feet as of December 31, 2022. Our headquarters and principal
executive offices are located at
2211 Old Earhart Road, Suite 250, Ann Arbor,
Michigan 48105. At this location, we lease office space totaling
approximately 30,000 square feet. The lease for this location
expires on June 30, 2029.
We believe that our facilities are in good operating condition and
are sufficient for our current needs. Any additional space needed
to support future needs and growth will be available on
commercially reasonable terms.
Item 3. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
As an organization that, among other things, provides consumer
residential mortgage lending and servicing as well as related
services and engages in online marketing and advertising, we
operate within highly regulated industries on a federal, state and
local level. We are routinely subject to various examinations and
legal and administrative proceedings in the normal and ordinary
course of business. This can include, on occasion, investigations,
subpoenas, enforcement actions involving the CFPB or FTC, state
regulatory agencies and attorney generals. In the ordinary course
of business, we are, from time to time, a party to civil litigation
matters, including class actions. None of these matters have had,
nor are pending matters expected to have, a material impact on our
assets, business, operations or prospects.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Part II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder
Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information for Common Stock
Our common stock has been listed and traded on Nasdaq under the
symbol “HMPT” since January 29, 2021.
Holders of Record
As of March 3, 2023, there were approximately 12 shareholders of
record of our common stock. This does not include the significant
number of beneficial owners whose stock is in nominee or “street
name” accounts through brokers, banks or other
nominees.
Dividend Policy
Beginning with the conclusion of the second fiscal quarter of 2021,
we began to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis. Our board of
directors (the “Board”) determined not to declare a dividend on our
common stock for the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2022.
The Board’s determination reflects our desire to maintain a strong
liquidity position
to support operations in the current macroeconomic environment,
including rising interest rates and inflationary pressure, and the
potential impact on our results of operations and financial
condition.
The Board intends to reassess the payment of cash dividends on a
quarterly basis. Future determinations to declare and pay cash
dividends, if any, will be made at the discretion of the Board and
will depend on a variety of factors, including general
macroeconomic, business and financial market conditions; applicable
laws; our financial condition, results of operations, contractual
restrictions, capital requirements, and business prospects; and
other factors the Board may deem relevant at the time.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated
Purchases
On February 24, 2022, we announced a stock repurchase program
whereby we could repurchase up to a total of $8.0 million of
our issued and outstanding stock from time to time until the
program’s expiration on December 31, 2022 on the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases under the stock
repurchase program may also be made from time to time pursuant to
one or more plans adopted under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act.
The program did not require us to repurchase any specific number of
shares. Shares repurchased under the program were subsequently
retired.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
None.
Item 6. [Reserved]
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and
results of operations should be read in conjunction with our
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Report. The following discussion includes
forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and
assumptions and involves numerous risks and uncertainties,
including, but not limited to, those described in the
“Item
1A. Risk Factors”
section of this Report. Refer to “Cautionary
Note on Forward-Looking Statements.”
Future results could differ significantly from the historical
results presented in this section.
Overview
We are a leading residential mortgage originator and servicer
driven by a mission to create financially healthy, happy
homeowners. We do this by delivering scale, efficiency and savings
to our partners and customers. Our business model is focused on
leveraging a nationwide network of partner relationships to drive
sustainable originations. We support our origination operations
through a robust operational infrastructure and a highly responsive
customer experience. We then leverage our servicing platform to
manage the customer experience. We believe that the complementary
relationship between our origination and servicing businesses
allows us to provide a best-in-class experience to our customers
throughout their homeownership lifecycle.
Our primary focus is our Wholesale channel, which is a
business-to-business-to-customer distribution model in which we
utilize our relationships with 9,259 partnering independent
mortgage brokers (“Broker Partners”) to reach our end-borrower
customers. We had 1,658 active broker partners as of
December 31, 2022. Through our Wholesale channel, we propel
the success of our Broker Partners through a combination of full
service, localized sales coverage and an efficient loan fulfillment
process supported by our fully integrated technology platform. On
June 1, 2022, the Company completed the previously announced sale
of the Correspondent channel, through which we purchased closed and
funded mortgages from a trusted network of correspondent sellers
(“Correspondent Partners”). For additional information refer
to
Note 26 – Sale of The Correspondent Channel and Home Point Asset
Management LLC.
In our Direct channel, we originate residential mortgages primarily
for existing servicing customers who are seeking new financing
options.
While we initiate our customer relationships at the time the
mortgage is originated, we maintain ongoing connectivity with our
approximately 315 thousand servicing customers. In February 2022,
we announced an agreement with ServiceMac, pursuant to which
ServiceMac subservices all mortgage loans underlying Mortgage
servicing rights (“MSRs”) we hold. ServiceMac began subservicing
newly originated agency loans for us in the second quarter of 2022.
The Company completed transitioning to ServiceMac the balance of
the agency portfolio and all of the Government National Mortgage
Association (“Ginnie Mae”) portfolio in the third quarter of 2022.
ServiceMac performs subservicing functions on the Company’s behalf,
but we continue to hold the MSRs. We believe that our relationship
with ServiceMac allows us to maintain a leaner cost structure with
a greater variable component and provides greater flexibility when
strategically selling certain non-core MSRs. The number of our
servicing portfolio customers was 315,478 and 425,989, while the
servicing portfolio unpaid principal balance (“UPB”) was $88.7
billion and $128.4 billion as of December 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
In the environment of rapidly rising interest rates and increased
competition, we are strategically managing our business by managing
our liquidity, reducing expenses, and concentrating our efforts on
margins over volume.
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2021 Summary
We generated $255.6 million of total revenue, net for the year
ended December 31, 2022 compared to $961.5 million of total
revenue, net for the year ended December 31, 2021. We had
$163.5 million of net loss for the year ended December 31,
2022 compared to $166.3 million of net income for the year ended
December 31, 2021. We generated $195.2 million of Adjusted
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to
$746.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. We had
$189.6 million of Adjusted net loss for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to $0.4 million Adjusted net loss
for the year ended December 31, 2021. Refer to
“Non-GAAP
Financial Measures”
for further information regarding our use of Adjusted revenue and
Adjusted net income, including limitations related to such non-GAAP
measures and a reconciliation of such measures to net income, the
nearest comparable financial measure calculated and presented in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
We originated $27.7 billion of mortgage loans for the year
ended December 31, 2022 compared to $96.2 billion for the
year ended December 31, 2021, representing a decrease of $68.5
billion or 71.2%. Our MSR Servicing Portfolio was
$88.7 billion as of December 31, 2022 compared to
$128.4 billion as of December 31, 2021. Year-over-year
decreases were due to rising interest rates, increased competition
in the industry, and MSR sales. Our gain on sale margins decreased
47 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared
to the year ended December 31, 2021. Additionally, according
to the Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage Finance Forecast,
average 30-year mortgage rates increased by approximately 340 basis
points from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022. An
increase of this nature generally results in our Origination volume
declining as refinance opportunities decrease, which also increases
competition, resulting in lower gain on sale margins.
However, when rates increase, we experience lower prepayment speeds
and a subsequent upward adjustment to the fair value of our MSRs
for the loans that still exist in our portfolio.
Segments
Our operations are organized into two separate reportable segments:
Origination and Servicing.
In our Origination segment, we source loans through two distinct
production channels: Direct and Wholesale. As discussed in
Note 26 – Sale of The Correspondent Channel and Home Point Asset
Management LLC,
on June 1, 2022, the Company completed the sale of its
Correspondent channel.
The Direct channel provides the Company’s existing servicing
customers with various financing options. At the same time, it
supports the servicing assets in the ecosystem by retaining
existing servicing customers who may otherwise refinance their
existing mortgage loans with a competitor. The Wholesale channel
consists of mortgages originated through a nationwide network of
9,259 Broker Partners. Prior to its sale, the Correspondent channel
consisted of closed and funded mortgages that we purchased from a
trusted network of Correspondent Partners. Once a loan is locked,
it becomes channel agnostic. The channels in our Origination
segment function in unison through the following activities:
hedging, funding, and production. Our Origination segment has
contribution loss of $106.9 million and contribution margin of
$237.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
Our Servicing segment consists of servicing loans that were
produced in our Originations segment where the Company retained the
servicing rights. In February 2022, the Company entered into an
agreement with ServiceMac, pursuant to which ServiceMac subservices
all mortgage loans underlying the Company’s MSRs. We also
strategically buy and sell MSRs. Our Servicing segment generated
Contribution margins of $121.8 million and $185.8 million for the
years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
We believe that maintaining both an Origination segment and a
Servicing segment provides us with a more balanced business model
in both rising and declining interest rate environments, as
compared to other industry participants that predominantly focus on
either origination or servicing, instead of both.
Key Factors Affecting Results of Operations for Periods
Presented
Residential Real Estate Market Conditions
Our Origination volume is impacted significantly by broader
residential real estate market conditions and the general economy.
Housing affordability, availability and general economic conditions
influence the demand for our products. Housing affordability and
availability are impacted by mortgage interest rates, availability
of funds to finance purchases, availability of alternative
investment products, and the relative relationship of supply and
demand. General economic conditions are impacted by unemployment
rates, changes in real wages, inflation, consumer confidence,
seasonality, and the overall economic environment. Recent market
conditions, such as rapidly rising interest rates, high inflation,
and home price appreciation due to limited housing supply, have led
to a decrease in the affordability index and negatively impacted
Origination volume.
Changes in Interest Rates
Origination volume is impacted by changes in interest rates.
Decreasing interest rates tend to increase the volume of purchase
loan origination and refinancing whereas increasing interest rates
tend to decrease the volume of purchase loan origination and
refinancing.
Changes in interest rates impact the value of interest rate lock
commitments (“IRLCs”) and loans held for sale (“MLHS”). IRLCs
represent an agreement to extend credit to a customer whereby the
interest rate is set prior to the loan funding. These commitments
bind us to fund the loan at a specified rate. When loans are
funded, they are classified as held for sale until they are sold.
During the origination and sale process, the value of IRLC and MLHS
inventory fluctuates with changes in interest rates; for example,
if we enter into IRLC at low interest rates followed by an increase
in interest rates in the market, the value of our IRLC will
decrease.
The fair value of MSRs is also driven primarily by interest rates,
which impact the likelihood of loan prepayments. In periods of
rising interest rates, the fair value of the MSRs generally
increases as prepayments decrease, and therefore the estimated life
of the MSRs and related expected cash flows increase. In a
declining interest rate environment, the fair value of MSRs
generally decreases as prepayments increase and therefore the
estimated life of the MSRs, and related cash flows,
decrease.
To mitigate the interest rate risk impact, we employ economic
hedging strategies through forward delivery commitments on
mortgage-backed securities or whole loans and options on forward
contracts.
Early 2021 had a falling interest rate environment. In the second
half of 2021, interest rates started to rise at a rapid pace, which
continued into 2022. The rapid rise in interest rates has adversely
impacted our Origination volumes.
Key Performance Indicators
We review several operating metrics, including the following key
performance indicators to evaluate our business, measure our
performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate
financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe
these key metrics are useful to investors both because they allow
for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by
management in its financial and operational decision-making, and
they may be used by investors to help analyze the health of our
business.
Our origination metrics enable us to monitor our ability to
generate revenue and expand our market share across different
channels. In addition, they help us track origination quality and
compare our performance against the nationwide originations market
and our competitors. Other key performance indicators include the
number of Broker Partners and, prior to the sale of our
Correspondent channel, number of Correspondent Partners, which
enable us to monitor key inputs of our business model. As noted
above, in June, 2022 the Company completed the previously announced
sale of the Correspondent channel. For additional information refer
to
Note 26 – Sale of The Correspondent Channel and Home Point Asset
Management LLC.
Our servicing metrics enable us to monitor the size of our customer
base, the characteristics and value of our MSR Servicing Portfolio,
and help drive retention efforts.
Origination Segment KPIs
The following presents key performance indicators for our
business:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Origination Volume by Channel |
|
|
|
Wholesale |
$ |
22,393,275 |
|
$ |
69,450,704 |
Correspondent |
4,529,238 |
|
21,872,389 |
Direct |
757,771 |
|
4,880,301 |
Origination volume |
$ |
27,680,284 |
|
$ |
96,203,394 |
|
|
|
|
Fallout Adjusted (“FOA”) Lock Volume by Channel |
|
|
|
Wholesale |
$ |
22,132,356 |
|
$ |
61,021,701 |
Correspondent |
3,879,896 |
|
18,827,684 |
Direct |
592,908 |
|
3,295,243 |
FOA Lock Volume |
$ |
26,605,160 |
|
$ |
83,144,628 |
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale margin by Channel |
|
|
|
Wholesale |
$ |
139,704 |
|
$ |
557,946 |
Correspondent |
5,452 |
|
47,155 |
Direct |
15,271 |
|
100,846 |
Gain on sale margin attributable to channels |
160,427 |
|
705,947 |
Other (loss) gain on sale(a)
|
(45,807) |
|
44,633 |
Total gain on sale margin(b)
|
$ |
114,620 |
|
$ |
750,580 |
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale margin by Channel (bps) |
|
|
|
Wholesale |
63 |
|
|
91 |
|
Correspondent |
14 |
|
|
25 |
|
Direct |
258 |
|
|
306 |
|
Gain on sale margin attributable to channels
|
60 |
|
|
85 |
|
Other (loss) gain on sale(a)
|
(17) |
|
|
5 |
|
Total gain on sale margin(b)
|
43 |
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
Origination Volume by Purpose |
|
|
|
Purchase |
61.3 |
% |
|
31.1 |
% |
Refinance |
38.7 |
% |
|
68.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Market Share |
|
|
|
Overall share of origination market(c)
|
1.3 |
% |
|
2.1 |
% |
Share of wholesale channel(d)
|
6.6 |
% |
|
9.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Third Party Partners |
|
|
|
Number of Broker Partners(e)
|
9,259 |
|
8,012 |
Number of Correspondent Partners(f)
|
N/A |
|
676 |
(a) Includes loan fee income, interest income (expense), net,
realized and unrealized gains (losses) on locks and mortgage loans
held for sale, net hedging results, the provision for the
representation and warranty reserve and differences between modeled
and actual pull-through.
(b) Gain on sale margin calculated as gain on sale divided by
Fallout Adjusted Lock volume. Gain on sale includes gain on loans,
net, loan fee income, and interest income (expense), net for the
Origination segment.
(c) Overall share of origination market share data for
December 31, 2022 is obtained from
Inside Mortgage Finance,
a third party provider of residential mortgage industry news and
statistics.
(d) Share of wholesale channel for December 31, 2022 is
obtained from
Inside Mortgage Finance,
a third party provider of residential mortgage industry news and
statistics.
(e) Number of Broker Partners with whom the Company sources
loans.
(f) Number of Correspondent Partners from whom the Company
purchased loans prior to the completion of the previously announced
sale of the Correspondent channel.
Servicing Segment KPIs
The following presents key performance indicators for our
business:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
Mortgage Servicing |
|
|
|
MSR Servicing Portfolio - UPB
(a)
|
$ |
88,668,633 |
|
$ |
128,359,574 |
MSR Servicing Portfolio - Units
(b)
|
315,478 |
|
425,989 |
|
|
|
|
60 days or more delinquent
(c)
|
0.9 |
% |
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
MSR Portfolio |
|
|
|
MSR Multiple
(d)
|
6.0 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
Weighted Average Note Rate
(e)
|
3.35 |
% |
|
2.96 |
% |
(a) The unpaid principal balance of loans we service on behalf of
Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mae and others, at period
end.
(b) Number of loans in our capitalized servicing portfolio at
period end.
(c) Total balances of outstanding loan principals for which
installment payments are at least 60 days past due as a percentage
of the outstanding loan principal as of a specified
date.
(d) Calculated as the MSR fair market value as of a specified date
divided by the related UPB divided by the weighted average service
fee.
(e) Weighted average interest rate of our MSR portfolio at period
end.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures presented in
this Report, including Adjusted revenue and Adjusted net income
provide useful information to investors and others in understanding
and evaluating our operating results. These measures are not
financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and
should not be considered as a substitute for net income, or any
other operating performance measure calculated in accordance with
U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure
reported by other companies.
We believe that the presentation of Adjusted revenue and Adjusted
net income provides useful information to investors regarding our
results of operations because each measure assists both investors
and management in analyzing and benchmarking the performance and
value of our business. Adjusted revenue and Adjusted net income
provide indicators of performance that are not affected by
fluctuations in certain costs or other items. Accordingly,
management believes that these measurements are useful for
comparing general operating performance from period to period, and
management relies on these measures for planning and forecasting of
future periods. The Company measures the performance of the
segments primarily on a contribution margin basis. Additionally,
these measures allow management to compare our results with those
of other companies that have different financing and capital
structures. However, other companies may define Adjusted revenue
and Adjusted net income differently, and as a result, our measures
of Adjusted revenue and Adjusted net income may not be directly
comparable to those of other companies.
Adjusted revenue.
We define Adjusted revenue as Total revenue, net exclusive of the
impact of the change in fair value of MSRs related to changes in
valuation inputs and assumptions, net of MSRs hedge, and adjusted
for Income from equity method investment.
Adjusted net income.
We define Adjusted net (loss) income as Net (loss) income exclusive
of the impact of the change in fair value of MSRs related to
changes in valuation inputs and assumptions, net of MSRs economic
hedging results.
The non-GAAP information presented below should be read in
conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements
and the related notes.
The following presents a reconciliation of Adjusted revenue and
Adjusted net loss to the nearest U.S. GAAP financial measures of
Total revenue, net and Net (loss) income, as
applicable:
Reconciliation of Total Revenue, Net to Adjusted
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Total revenue, net |
$ |
255,647 |
|
|
$ |
961,516 |
|
(Loss) income from equity method investment |
(26,278) |
|
|
15,373 |
|
Change in fair value of MSR (due to inputs and assumptions), net of
hedge(a)
|
(34,132) |
|
|
(230,727) |
|
Adjusted revenue |
$ |
195,237 |
|
|
$ |
746,162 |
|
Reconciliation of Total Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted Net
Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Net (loss) income |
$ |
(163,454) |
|
|
$ |
166,272 |
|
Change in fair value of MSR (due to inputs and assumptions), net of
hedge(a)
|
(34,132) |
|
|
(230,727) |
|
Income tax effect of change in fair value of MSR (due to inputs and
assumptions), net of hedge(b)
|
7,988 |
|
|
64,059 |
|
Adjusted net loss |
$ |
(189,598) |
|
|
$ |
(396) |
|
(a)
MSR fair value changes due to valuation inputs and assumptions are
measured using a static discounted cash flow model that includes
assumptions such as prepayment speeds, delinquencies, discount
rates, and effects of changes in market interest rates. Refer
to
Note 4 - Mortgage Servicing Rights
to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
Report. We exclude changes in fair value of MSRs (due to inputs and
assumptions), net of hedge from Adjusted revenue and Adjusted net
loss as they add volatility and we believe that they are not
indicative of the Company’s operating performance or results of
operations. This adjustment does not include changes in fair value
of MSRs due to realization of cash flows. Realization of cash flows
occurs when cash is collected as customers make scheduled payments,
partial prepayments of principal, or pay their mortgage in full.
The adjustment includes the gain (loss) on MSR sales since it is
not indicative of the Company’s results of operations.
(b) The income tax effect of change in fair value of MSR (due to
inputs and assumptions), net of hedge is calculated as the MSR
valuation change, net of hedge multiplied by the quotient of Income
tax benefit (expense) divided by (Loss) income before income
tax.
Description of Certain Components of our Results of
Operations
Components of Revenue
Gain on loans, net
includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses on mortgage
loans, as well as the changes in fair value of all loan-related
derivatives, including but not limited to, forward mortgage-backed
securities sales commitments, IRLCs, freestanding loan-related
derivative instruments and the representation and warranty
reserve.
Loan fee income
consists of fee income earned on all loan originations, including
amounts earned related to application and underwriting fees. Fees
associated with the origination and acquisition of mortgage loans
are recognized when earned, which is the date the loan is
originated or acquired.
Interest income (expense), net
consists of interest income recognized on MLHS for the period from
loan funding to sale, which is typically less than 30 days. Loans
are placed on non-accrual status and the related accrued interests
is reserved when any portion of the principal or interest is 90
days past due or earlier if factors indicate that the ultimate
collectability of the principal or interest is not probable.
Interest received for loans on non-accrual status is recorded as
income when collected. Loans return to accrual status when the
principal and interest become current and it is probable that the
amounts are fully collectible. Interest income (expense), net is
presented net of interest expense related to our loan funding
warehouse and other facilities as well as expenses related to
amortization of capitalized debt expense, original issue discount,
gains or losses upon extinguishment of debt, and commitment fees
paid on certain debt agreements.
Loan servicing fees
consist of fees received from loan servicing. Loan servicing
involves the servicing of residential mortgage loans on behalf of
an investor. Total loan servicing fees include servicing and other
ancillary servicing revenue earned for servicing mortgage loans
owned by investors. Servicing fees received for servicing mortgage
loans owned by investors are based on a stipulated percentage of
the outstanding monthly principal balance on such loans, or the
difference between the weighted-average yield received on the
mortgage loans and the amount paid to the investor, less guaranty
fees and interest on curtailments (reduction of principal balance).
Loan servicing fees are receivable only out of interest collected
from mortgagors and are recorded as income when earned, which is
generally upon collection. Late charges and other miscellaneous
fees collected from mortgagors are also recorded as income when
collected.
Change in fair value of mortgage servicing rights.
MSRs represent the fair value assigned to contracts that obligate
us to service the mortgage loans on behalf of the owners of the
mortgage loans in exchange for service fees and the right to
collect certain ancillary income from the borrower. We recognize
MSRs at our estimate of the fair value of the contract to service
loans. Changes in the fair value of MSRs are recognized as current
period income as a component of Change in fair value of MSRs. To
hedge against interest rate exposure on these assets, we enter into
various derivative instruments, which may include but are not
limited to swaps and forward loan purchase commitments. Changes in
the value of derivatives designed to protect against MSR value
fluctuations, or MSR hedging gains and losses, are also included as
a component of Change in fair value of MSRs. This account also
includes gains and losses from the sale of MSRs.
Other income
consists of income that is dissimilar in nature to revenues the
Company earns from its ongoing central operations. Other income
includes gain from the sale of certain assets.
Components of Operating Expenses
Compensation and benefits
expense includes all salaries, commissions, bonuses and
benefit-related expenses for our associates.
Loan expense
primarily includes loan origination costs, loan processing costs,
and fees related to loan funding. Certain passthrough fees such as
flood certification, credit report, and appraisal fees, among
others, are presented net within Loan expense.
Loan servicing expense
primarily includes subservicing fees, non-performing servicing
expenses, and general servicing expenses, such as printing
expenses, recording fees, and title search fees.
Production technology
includes origination and servicing system technology
expenses.
General and administrative
primarily includes occupancy and equipment, marketing and
advertising costs, travel and entertainment, legal reserves, and
professional services, such as audit and consulting
fees.
Depreciation
includes depreciation of Property and equipment.
Other expenses
primarily consist of insurance, dues and subscriptions, and other
employee-related expenses such as recruitment fees and training
expenses.
Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based compensation consists of equity awards and is measured
and expensed accordingly under ASC 718,
Compensation—Stock Compensation.
Results of Operations – Years Ended December 31, 2022 and
2021
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following presents certain consolidated financial
data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
$ Change |
|
% Change |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on loans, net |
$ |
47,105 |
|
|
$ |
585,762 |
|
|
$ |
(538,657) |
|
|
(92.0) |
% |
Loan fee income |
46,029 |
|
|
150,921 |
|
|
(104,892) |
|
|
(69.5) |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
91,417 |
|
|
136,477 |
|
|
(45,060) |
|
|
(33.0) |
% |
Interest expense |
(112,281) |
|
|
(169,390) |
|
|
57,109 |
|
|
(33.7) |
% |
Interest expense, net |
(20,864) |
|
|
(32,913) |
|
|
12,049 |
|
|
(36.6) |
% |
Loan servicing fees |
265,275 |
|
|
331,382 |
|
|
(66,107) |
|
|
(19.9) |
% |
Change in fair value of mortgage servicing rights |
(97,689) |
|
|
(76,831) |
|
|
(20,858) |
|
|
27.1 |
% |
Other income |
15,791 |
|
|
3,195 |
|
|
12,596 |
|
|
394.2 |
% |
Total revenue, net |
255,647 |
|
|
961,516 |
|
|
(705,869) |
|
|
(73.4) |
% |
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
256,856 |
|
|
494,227 |
|
|
(237,371) |
|
|
(48.0) |
% |
Loan expense |
21,865 |
|
|
63,912 |
|
|
(42,047) |
|
|
(65.8) |
% |
Loan servicing expense |
35,382 |
|
|
27,373 |
|
|
8,009 |
|
|
29.3 |
% |
Production technology |
16,153 |
|
|
31,866 |
|
|
(15,713) |
|
|
(49.3) |
% |
General and administrative |
60,317 |
|
|
95,476 |
|
|
(35,159) |
|
|
(36.8) |
% |
Depreciation |
10,700 |
|
|
10,127 |
|
|
573 |
|
|
5.7 |
% |
Impairment of goodwill |
10,789 |
|
|
— |
|
|
10,789 |
|
|
N/A |
Other expenses |
22,675 |
|
|
29,638 |
|
|
(6,963) |
|
|
(23.5) |
% |
Total expenses |
434,737 |
|
|
752,619 |
|
|
(317,882) |
|
|
(42.2) |
% |
(Loss) income before income tax |
(179,090) |
|
|
208,897 |
|
|
(387,987) |
|
|
(185.7) |
% |
Income tax benefit (expense) |
41,914 |
|
|
(57,998) |
|
|
99,912 |
|
|
(172.3) |
% |
(Loss) income from equity method investment |
(26,278) |
|
|
15,373 |
|
|
(41,651) |
|
|
(270.9) |
% |
Net (loss) income |
$ |
(163,454) |
|
|
$ |
166,272 |
|
|
$ |
(329,726) |
|
|
(198.3) |
% |
Consolidated results are further analyzed in our segment disclosure
below.
Origination Segment
The following presents certain financial data for the Origination
segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
$ Change |
|
% Change |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on loans, net |
$ |
47,105 |
|
|
$ |
585,762 |
|
|
$ |
(538,657) |
|
|
(92.0) |
% |
Loan fee income |
46,029 |
|
|
150,921 |
|
|
(104,892) |
|
|
(69.5) |
% |
Loan servicing fees |
— |
|
|
8 |
|
|
(8) |
|
|
(100.0) |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
79,245 |
|
|
133,551 |
|
|
(54,306) |
|
|
(40.7) |
% |
Interest expense |
(57,870) |
|
|
(119,654) |
|
|
61,784 |
|
|
(51.6) |
% |
Interest income, net |
21,375 |
|
|
13,897 |
|
|
7,478 |
|
|
53.8 |
% |
Other income |
111 |
|
|
— |
|
|
111 |
|
|
N/A |
Total origination revenue, net |
114,620 |
|
|
750,588 |
|
|
(635,968) |
|
|
(84.7) |
% |
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
157,373 |
|
|
373,127 |
|
|
(215,754) |
|
|
(57.8) |
% |
Loan expense |
21,865 |
|
|
62,809 |
|
|
(40,944) |
|
|
(65.2) |
% |
Loan servicing expense |
— |
|
|
32 |
|
|
(32) |
|
|
(100.0) |
% |
Production technology |
14,153 |
|
|
29,895 |
|
|
(15,742) |
|
|
(52.7) |
% |
General and administrative |
23,906 |
|
|
39,640 |
|
|
(15,734) |
|
|
(39.7) |
% |
Other expenses |
4,207 |
|
|
8,030 |
|
|
(3,823) |
|
|
(47.6) |
% |
Total origination expenses |
221,504 |
|
|
513,533 |
|
|
(292,029) |
|
|
(56.9) |
% |
Origination net (loss) income |
$ |
(106,884) |
|
|
$ |
237,055 |
|
|
$ |
(343,939) |
|
|
(145.1) |
% |
Origination Revenue, Net
Gains on loans, net
The following presents components of Gain on loans,
net:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
FOA Lock Volume by Channel |
|
|
|
Wholesale |
$ |
22,132,356 |
|
|
$ |
61,021,701 |
|
Correspondent |
3,879,896 |
|
|
18,827,684 |
|
Direct |
592,908 |
|
|
3,295,243 |
|
FOA Lock Volume |
$ |
26,605,160 |
|
|
$ |
83,144,628 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale margin by Channel |
|
|
|
Wholesale |
$ |
139,704 |
|
|
$ |
557,946 |
|
Correspondent |
5,452 |
|
|
47,155 |
|
Direct |
15,271 |
|
|
100,846 |
|
Gain on sale margin attributable to channels |
160,427 |
|
|
705,947 |
|
Other (loss) gain on sale(a)
|
(45,807) |
|
|
44,633 |
|
Total gain on sale margin(b)
|
$ |
114,620 |
|
|
$ |
750,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale margin by Channel (bps) |
|
|
|
Wholesale |
63 |
|
91 |
Correspondent |
14 |
|
25 |
Direct |
258 |
|
306 |
Gain on sale margin attributable to channels
|
60 |
|
85 |
Other (loss) gain on sale(a)
|
(17) |
|
5 |
Total gain on sale margin(b)
|
43 |
|
90 |
(a) Includes loan fee income, interest income (expense), net,
realized and unrealized gains (losses) on locks and MLHS, net
hedging results, the provision for the representation and warranty
reserve, and differences between modeled and actual
pull-through.
(b) Gain on sale margin calculated as gain on sale divided by FOA
Lock volume. Gain on sale includes gain on loans, net, loan fee
income, and interest income (expense), net for the Origination
segment.
The following presents details of the characteristics of our
mortgage loan production:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Origination volume |
$ |
27,680,284 |
|
|
$ |
96,203,394 |
|
Originated MSR UPB |
$ |
30,802,034 |
|
|
$ |
92,052,349 |
|
Gain on sale margin (%)
(a)
|
0.43 |
% |
|
0.90 |
% |
Retained servicing (UPB)
(%)
(b)
|
97.8 |
% |
|
96.8 |
% |
(a) Includes loan fee income, interest income (expense), net,
realized and unrealized gains (losses) on locks and MLHS, net
hedging results, the provision for the representation and warranty
reserve and differences between modeled and actual
pull-through.
(b) Represents the percentage of our loan sales UPBs for which we
retained the underlying servicing UPB during the
period.
Gain on loans, net decreased by $538.7 million, or 92.0% for the
year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a
reduction in origination volume, a decrease of $636.0 million, or
84.7% in gain on sale margin, as well as $56.9 million increase in
provision for representation and warranty reserve.
We experienced a decrease in FOA lock volume and Origination volume
across all of our origination channels primarily due to rising
interest rates. Additionally, we saw a significant decrease in gain
on sale margins due to the competitive environment during the year
ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year. As
mortgage interest rates rise, the origination market contracts,
primarily due to a decline in refinance volume, which generally
leads to increased competition and lower gain on sale margins. Our
origination market share decreased from 2.1% to 1.3%, and our share
of the wholesale channel decreased from 9.8% to 6.6% compared to
the prior year.
Loan fee income
Loan fee income decreased by $104.9 million, or 69.5% for the year
ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2021. The decrease was consistent with the
decrease in Origination volume.
Interest income, net
Interest income, net increased by $7.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The increase in interest income, net was driven by $54.3
million decrease in interest income and $61.8 million decrease in
interest expense. Interest income decreased due to lower MLHS
balance partially offset by the impact of the rising interest
rates. Interest expense decreased as a result of a decrease in
warehouse borrowing and related fees due to the decrease in
Origination volume. The Company continues to strategically
rightsize its warehouse lines of credit to minimize associated
costs and more efficiently operate in the environment of rising
interest rates and increased competition.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $292.0 million, or 56.9%, for the year
ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by
decreases in compensation and benefits expense, loan expense,
production technology expense, and general and administrative
expenses.
Compensation and benefits expense
decreased by $215.8 million, or 57.8%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of $119.6
million in salary and benefits and $96.2 million decrease in
variable compensation due to headcount reductions detailed
in
Note 18 - Restructuring,
decrease in Origination volume, and the sale of the Correspondent
channel detailed in
Note 26 – Sale of The Correspondent Channel and Home Point Asset
Management LLC.
Compensation and benefits expense was 0.6% and 0.4% of Origination
volume for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
Loan expense
decreased by $40.9 million, or 65.2%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was consistent with the decrease in Origination
volume.
Production technology expense
decreased by $15.7 million, or 52.7%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily driven by
lower variable expenses associated with the Company’s origination
systems as a result of the decline in Origination volume, combined
with the investment the Company made in improving and upgrading the
Company’s origination technologies in 2021.
General and administrative expense
decreased $15.7 million, or 39.7%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily driven by decrease in outsourced
loan review services due to the decline in origination volume, as
well as lower expenses as a result of cost-saving initiatives
implemented in the second half of 2021 and continuing during
2022.
Servicing Segment
The following table sets forth certain servicing segment financial
data for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
$ Change |
|
% Change |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan servicing fees |
$ |
265,275 |
|
|
$ |
331,374 |
|
|
$ |
(66,099) |
|
|
(19.9) |
% |
Change in fair value of mortgage servicing rights |
(97,689) |
|
|
(76,831) |
|
|
(20,858) |
|
|
27.1 |
% |
Interest income |
12,172 |
|
|
2,926 |
|
|
9,246 |
|
|
316.0 |
% |
Interest expense |
— |
|
|
(995) |
|
|
995 |
|
|
(100.0) |
% |
Interest income, net |
12,172 |
|
|
1,931 |
|
|
10,241 |
|
|
530.3 |
% |
Other income |
— |
|
|
227 |
|
|
(227) |
|
|
(100.0) |
% |
Total servicing revenue, net |
179,758 |
|
|
256,701 |
|
|
(76,943) |
|
|
(30.0) |
% |
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
16,356 |
|
|
30,481 |
|
|
(14,125) |
|
|
(46.3) |
% |
Loan expense |
— |
|
|
1,104 |
|
|
(1,104) |
|
|
(100.0) |
% |
Loan servicing expense |
35,382 |
|
|
27,340 |
|
|
8,042 |
|
|
29.4 |
% |
Production technology |
2,000 |
|
|
1,971 |
|
|
29 |
|
|
1.5 |
% |
General and administrative |
4,139 |
|
|
9,417 |
|
|
(5,278) |
|
|
(56.0) |
% |
Other expenses |
116 |
|
|
564 |
|
|
(448) |
|
|
(79.4) |
% |
Total servicing expenses |
57,993 |
|
|
70,877 |
|
|
(12,884) |
|
|
(18.2) |
% |
Servicing net income |
$ |
121,765 |
|
|
$ |
185,824 |
|
|
$ |
(64,059) |
|
|
(34.5) |
% |
Servicing Revenue, Net
Loan servicing fees
The following presents certain characteristics of our mortgage loan
servicing portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
MSR Servicing Portfolio (UPB) |
$ |
88,668,633 |
|
|
$ |
128,359,574 |
|
Average MSR Servicing Portfolio (UPB) |
$ |
108,514,104 |
|
|
$ |
108,318,412 |
|
MSR Servicing Portfolio (Loan Count) |
315,478 |
|
|
425,989 |
|
MSRs Fair Value Multiple (x) |
6.0 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
Delinquency Rates (%) |
1.6 |
% |
|
0.7 |
% |
Weighted average credit score |
748 |
|
|
757 |
|
Weighted average servicing fee, net (bps) |
27 |
|
|
26 |
|
Loan servicing fees decreased by $66.1 million, or 19.9%, for the
year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by $20.0
million lower ancillary servicing income due to lower loan
modification fees earned on GNMA loans and gains in 2021 as a
result of the Company selling 77% of its GNMA MSR portfolio during
the fourth quarter of 2021 and approximately 40% of its MSR
servicing portfolio in 2022.
Change in fair value of MSRs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Realization of cash flows |
$ |
(131,821) |
|
|
$ |
(307,558) |
|
Valuation inputs and assumptions |
358,782 |
|
|
227,401 |
|
Economic hedging results |
(242,487) |
|
|
(33,699) |
|
(Loss) gain on MSR sales |
(82,163) |
|
|
37,025 |
|
Change in fair value of MSRs |
$ |
(97,689) |
|
|
$ |
(76,831) |
|
Change in fair value of MSRs presented losses for both years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021. Fair value losses increased by
$20.9 million, or 27.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2022
compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The change was
primarily driven by the $82.2 million loss on MSR sales, which was
partially offset by changes in valuation inputs and assumptions net
of hedge, that were favorably affected by an increase in interest
rates during the period, as well as decrease in loss from
realization of cash flows resulting from a decrease in prepayments
due to higher interest rates and higher scheduled payments
collected on loans in our MSR portfolio.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $12.9 million, or 18.2%, for the year
ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by
decreases in compensation and benefits expense and general and
administrative expenses, partially offset by the increases in loan
servicing expense.
Compensation and benefits expense
decreased
by $14.1 million, or 46.3%, for the year ended December 31,
2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The
decrease was primarily driven by the salary expense decreases due
to employee headcount reductions and efficiencies gained from the
transition of subservicing to ServiceMac.
Loan servicing expense
increased by $8.0 million, or 29.4%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The increase was primarily due to $16.3 million increase in
subservicing fee due to outsourcing of the servicing to ServiceMac,
partially offset by $6.1 million decrease in recording fees and
other reductions in loan servicing expense due to the sale of MSRs
and other efficiencies gained from the subservicing to
ServiceMac.
General and administrative expense
decreased $5.3 million, or 56.0%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in
professional services and consulting fees resulting from the
Company’s cost savings initiatives.
Corporate Segment
The following presents corporate financial data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
$ Change |
|
% Change |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
$ |
(54,411) |
|
|
$ |
(48,741) |
|
|
$ |
(5,670) |
|
|
11.6 |
% |
Interest expense, net |
(54,411) |
|
|
(48,741) |
|
|
(5,670) |
|
|
11.6 |
% |
Other (expense) income |
(10,598) |
|
|
18,341 |
|
|
(28,939) |
|
|
(157.8) |
% |
Total corporate revenue, net |
(65,009) |
|
|
(30,400) |
|
|
(34,609) |
|
|
113.8 |
% |
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
83,127 |
|
|
90,619 |
|
|
(7,492) |
|
|
(8.3) |
% |
General and administrative |
32,272 |
|
|
46,419 |
|
|
(14,147) |
|
|
(30.5) |
% |
Depreciation and amortization |
10,700 |
|
|
10,127 |
|
|
573 |
|
|
5.7 |
% |
Impairment of goodwill |
10,789 |
|
|
— |
|
|
10,789 |
|
|
N/A |
Other expenses |
18,352 |
|
|
21,044 |
|
|
(2,692) |
|
|
(12.8) |
% |
Total corporate expenses |
155,240 |
|
|
168,209 |
|
|
(12,969) |
|
|
(7.7) |
% |
Corporate net loss |
$ |
(220,249) |
|
|
$ |
(198,609) |
|
|
$ |
(21,640) |
|
|
10.9 |
% |
Total Corporate Revenue
Interest expense, net
increased by $5.7 million, or 11.6%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The increase in expense was driven by an increase in
corporate debt interest due to issuance of the Senior Notes in
January 2021.
Other expense
increased by $28.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the Other income for the year
ended December 31, 2021. The increase in Other expense was
primarily driven by $41.7 million increase in loss from our
equity method investment, which included an impairment charge of
$8.8 million detailed in
Note 21 - Shareholders’ Equity and Equity Method
Investment,
partially offset by $9.3 million debt extinguishment gain related
to the repurchase and retirement of $50.0 million of outstanding
Senior Notes (as defined below) during the year ended
December 31, 2022.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $13.0 million, or 7.7%, for the year
ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by
changes in compensation and benefits, impairment of goodwill,
general and administrative, and other expenses.
Compensation and benefits expense
decreased by $7.5 million, or 8.3%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily driven by $11.5 million lower
salary expense and $9.4 million lower variable compensation for the
year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by $15.6
million increase in severance expense due to headcount reduction
detailed in
Note 18 - Restructuring
resulting from the decrease in Origination volume.
Impairment of goodwill charge
of
$10.8 million
was
recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 as discussed
in
Note 6 - Goodwill.
General and administrative expenses
decreased by $14.1 million, or 30.5%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in
professional services fees of $12.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022, as a result of higher costs in 2021
associated with the Company’s IPO.
Other expenses
decreased by $2.7 million, or 12.8%, for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily driven by $3.4 million decrease in
employee related expenses due to the reduction in employee
headcount and $1.7 million reduction in other expenses due to the
Company’s cost saving initiatives. These decreases were partially
offset by $2.4 million loss related to asset disposal and $0.4
million loss from the sale of the Correspondent
channel.
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
Income tax benefit (expense)
is recognized for the entire company rather than on a segment
basis. Income tax benefit increased by $99.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the income tax
expense for the year ended December 31, 2021. The change is
primarily due to the change in (loss) income before income tax. Our
overall effective tax rate of 23.4% and 27.8% for the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, differed from the
U.S. statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the impact of state
incomes taxes, the equity investment, sale of its equity interests
in HPAM and its wholly owned subsidiary HPMAC detailed in
Note 26 – Sale of The Correspondent Channel and Home Point Asset
Management LLC,
goodwill impairment, limitations on the tax deductibility of
officers’ compensation applicable to a public entity in both
periods, equity-based compensation, and non-deductible transaction
costs in 2021 associated with the Company’s IPO.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash
Historically, our primary sources of liquidity have
included:
•Borrowings,
including under our warehouse funding facilities and other secured
and unsecured financing facilities.
•Cash
flow from our operations, including:
•Sale
of mortgage loans held for sale,
•Loan
origination fees,
•Servicing
fee income,
•Interest
income on loans held for sale,
•Proceeds
from sale of mortgage servicing rights, and
•Cash
and marketable securities on hand.
Historically, our primary uses of funds have included:
•Origination
of loans,
•Payment
of interest expense,
•Repayment
of debt,
•Payment
of operating expenses, and
•Changes
in margin requirements for derivative contracts.
We are also subject to contingencies which may have a significant
impact on the use of our cash.
Summary of Certain Indebtedness
To originate and aggregate loans for sale into the secondary
market, we use our own working capital and borrow on a short-term
basis primarily through committed and uncommitted mortgage
warehouse lines of credit that we have established with different
large global and regional banks and financial institutions. Our
loan funding facilities are primarily in the form of master
repurchase agreements and participation agreements. New loan
originations that are financed under these facilities are generally
financed at approximately 95% to 100% of the principal balance of
the loan (although certain types of loans are financed at lower
percentages of the principal balance of the loan).
At the time of either the funding or purchase, mortgage loans are
pledged as collateral for borrowings on mortgage warehouse lines of
credit.
In most cases, loans will remain on one of the warehouse lines of
credit facilities for only a short time, generally less than one
month, until the loans are pooled and sold. During the time the
loans are held for sale, we earn interest income from the borrower
on the underlying mortgage loan. This income is partially offset by
the interest and fees we have to pay under the mortgage warehouse
lines of credit.
When we sell a pool of loans in the secondary market, the proceeds
received from the sale of the loans are used to pay back the
amounts we owe on the mortgage warehouse lines of credit. We rely
on the cash generated from the sale of loans to fund future loans
and repay borrowings under our mortgage warehouse lines of credit.
Delays or failures to sell loans in the secondary market could have
an adverse effect on our liquidity position.
We held mortgage warehouse lines of credit arrangements with eight
separate financial institutions with a total maximum borrowing
capacity of $2.8 billion and an unused borrowing capacity of $2.3
billion as of December 31, 2022, approximately
$106.0 million of which is available and undrawn. Refer
to
Note 10 - Warehouse Lines of Credit
of our consolidated financial statements.
In light of the recent decline in the Origination volumes, the
Company continues to strategically rightsize its warehouse lines of
credit in order to minimize associated costs and more efficiently
operate in the environment of rising interest rates and increased
competition.
We maintained a servicing advance financing facility, MSR financing
facility and an operating line of credit with total combined unused
borrowing capacity of $459.2 million as of December 31, 2022.
Refer to
Note 11 – Term Debt and Other Borrowings, net
of our consolidated financial statements.
The amount owed and outstanding on our loan funding facilities
fluctuates significantly based on our Origination volume and the
amount of time it takes us to sell the loans we
originate.
Our debt financing agreements also contain margin call provisions
that, upon notice from the applicable lender at its option, require
us to transfer cash or, in some instances, additional assets in an
amount sufficient to eliminate any margin deficit. A margin deficit
generally will result from any decline in the market value (as
determined by the applicable lender) of the assets subject to the
related financing agreement relative to the available financing and
offsetting hedges. Upon notice from the applicable lender, we
generally will be required to satisfy the margin call on the day of
such notice or the following business day.
The warehouse facilities and other lines of credit require
maintenance of certain operating and financial covenants, and the
availability of funds under these facilities is subject to, among
other conditions, our continued compliance with these covenants.
These financial covenants include, but are not limited to,
maintaining a certain minimum tangible net worth, minimum
liquidity, minimum profitability levels, and ratio of indebtedness
to tangible net worth, among others. A breach of these covenants
can result in an event of default under these facilities following
which the lenders would be able to pursue certain remedies against
us. In addition, each of these facilities includes cross-default or
cross-acceleration provisions that could result in all facilities
terminating if an event of default or acceleration of maturity
occurs under any facility.
In January 2021, the Company issued $550.0 million aggregate
principal amount of its Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”) in a
private placement transaction. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a
senior unsecured basis by each of the Company’s wholly owned
subsidiaries existing on the date of issuance, other than HPAM and
HPMAC. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum,
payable semi-annually in arrears. The Senior Notes will mature on
February 1, 2026.
The Indenture governing the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”) contains
covenants and restrictions that, among other things and subject to
certain exceptions, limit the ability of the Company and its
restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur certain additional debt or
issue certain preferred shares; (ii) incur liens; (iii) make
certain distributions, investments, and other restricted payments;
(iv) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and (v) merge
or consolidate or sell, transfer, lease, or otherwise dispose of
all or substantially all of their assets. The Indenture governing
the Senior Notes does not include any financial maintenance
covenants. Refer to
Note 11 – Term Debt and Other Borrowings, net
of our consolidated financial statements.
The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the
indenture and our warehouse facilities and other lines of credit as
of December 31, 2022.
The Company may, at any time and from time to time, seek to retire
or purchase the Company’s outstanding Senior Notes through cash
purchases in the form of open-market purchases, privately
negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any,
will be upon such terms and at such prices as the Company may
determine, and will depend on prevailing market conditions, the
Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, and
other factors. The amounts involved may be material. The Company
repurchased and retired $50.0 million of outstanding Senior Notes
during the second quarter of 2022.
Summary of Mortgage Loan Participation Agreement
In November 2021, we entered into a Mortgage Loan Participation
Sale Agreement (the “Gestation Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase
Bank, National Association, as purchaser (the “Gestation
Purchaser”). Subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of
the Gestation Agreement, including the affirmative and negative
covenants contained therein, the Gestation Agreement permits the
Gestation Purchaser to purchase from us from time to time during
the term of the Gestation Agreement participation certificates
evidencing a 100% undivided beneficial ownership interest in
designated pools of fully amortizing first lien residential
mortgage loans that are intended to ultimately be included in
mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) issued or guaranteed, as
applicable, by Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie
Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), and
Ginnie Mae.
The aggregate purchase price of participation certificates owned by
the Gestation Purchaser at any given time for which the Gestation
Purchaser has not been paid the purchase price for the related MBS
by the applicable takeout investor as specified in the applicable
takeout commitment cannot exceed $400 million, which was reduced
from $1.5 billion during the third quarter of 2022. On January 31,
2023, HPF terminated the Gestation Agreement. For additional
information, refer to
Note 27 – Subsequent Events.
The Gestation Agreement and certain ancillary agreements thereto
contain various financial and non-financial covenants, including
financial covenants relating to the maintenance of tangible net
worth, liquidity, and a ratio of total indebtedness to tangible net
worth. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of
December 31, 2022.
Repurchase Obligation Relief
Certain of the Company’s loan sale contracts include provisions
requiring the Company to repurchase a loan if a borrower fails to
make certain initial loan payments due to the acquirer or if the
accompanying mortgage loan fails to meet customary representations
and warranties. Historically, the Company received relief of
certain repurchase obligations on loans sold to the Federal
National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) or Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) by taking advantage of their
repurchase alternative program. This program provided the Company
with the ability, in certain instances, to pay a fee to FNMA or
FHLMC, in lieu of being obligated to repurchase the loan. During
September and October 2022, FNMA and FHMC notified the Company that
they will not provide repurchase obligation relief through the
repurchase alternative program beginning in the fourth quarter of
2022 until further notice.
Cash Flows
The following presents the summary of the Company’s cash
flows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |
$ |
3,654,503 |
|
|
$ |
(2,356,148) |
|
Net cash provided by investing activities |
771,766 |
|
|
208,601 |
|
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities |
(4,525,467) |
|
|
2,158,444 |
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted
cash |
(99,198) |
|
|
10,897 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of
period |
$ |
108,592 |
|
|
$ |
207,790 |
|
Our Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased by
$99.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2021.
Operating Activities
Our Cash flows from operating activities are primarily influenced
by changes in the levels of our inventory of MLHS as shown
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
Cash flows from: |
(dollars in thousands) |
Mortgage loans held for sale |
$ |
3,654,789 |
|
|
$ |
(2,347,241) |
|
Gain on loans, net |
(47,105) |
|
|
(585,762) |
|
Decrease in fair value of derivative assets, net |
36,148 |
|
|
215,550 |
|
Decrease in fair value of mortgage loans held for sale |
138,530 |
|
|
41,824 |
|
Other operating sources |
10,671 |
|
|
361,305 |
|
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |
$ |
3,654,503 |
|
|
$ |
(2,356,148) |
|
Cash provided by operating activities increased by $6.0 billion for
the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the cash used for
operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021. The
increase provided by operating activities is primarily driven by
decrease in the level of inventory of loans held for sale as a
result of a decrease in Origination volume for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31,
2021. This increase was partially offset by the change in fair
value of derivative assets of $179.4 million primarily due to
interest rate lock commitment (“IRLC”) revenue and margin call
assets.
Investing Activities
Cash provided by investing activities increased by $563.2 million
primarily due to proceeds from sale of MSRs of $757.3 million for
the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $262.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Financing Activities
Our Cash flows from financing activities are primarily influenced
by changes in warehouse borrowings as shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
Cash flows from: |
(dollars in thousands) |
Warehouse borrowings, net |
$ |
(4,222,177) |
|
|
$ |
1,713,242 |
|
Distributions to parent, net1
|
— |
|
|
(294,897) |
|
Other financing sources |
(303,290) |
|
740,099 |
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities |
$ |
(4,525,467) |
|
|
2,158,444 |
|
(1) distributions to Home Point Capital LP, our direct parent prior
to the merger consummated in connection with the
IPO.
Cash used for financing activities increased for the year ended
December 31, 2022 compared to the cash provided by financing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase
in use was primarily driven by decrease in proceeds, net of
payments, on warehouse borrowings due to a decrease in Origination
volume. As noted above, the Company continues to strategically
rightsize its warehouse lines of credit in order to minimize
associated costs and more efficiently operate in the environment of
rising interest rates and increased competition.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
Cash Requirements from Contractual and Other
Obligations
As of December 31, 2022, our material cash requirements from
known contractual and other obligations include interest and
principal payments under the Senior Notes, payments under the MSR
financing facility (the “MSR Facility”), and payments under our
warehouse facilities. Annual cash payments for interest under the
Senior Notes totaled approximately $25.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022 and $500.0 million of the outstanding Senior
Notes’ principal is due in 2026. Annual cash payments for interest
under the MSR Facility totaled approximately $25.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 2022 and approximately $300.0 million
outstanding under the MSR Facility matures in 2024 and $150.0
million matures in 2025. Approximately $0.5 billion of outstanding
borrowings under the warehouse facilities mature in 2023, which are
typically repaid using the proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans
to investors, usually within 30 days. We do not have material
commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2022
given the nature of our business.
The sources of funds needed to satisfy these cash requirements
include cash flows from operations and financing activities,
including cash flows from sales of MSRs, sale of loans into the
secondary market, loan origination fees, servicing fee income, and
interest income on mortgage loans. Refer to “Note
10 - Warehouse Lines of Credit,”
“Note
11 – Term Debt and Other Borrowings, net,”
and “Note
13 - Commitments and Contingencies”
of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further
discussion of contractual obligations, commercial commitments, and
other contingencies, including legal contingencies.
Dividend Payments and Suspension of Dividend
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid
quarterly cash dividends of approximately $11.1 million to its
common stockholders, representing $0.04 per share of common stock
for the fourth quarter of 2021 and first quarter of
2022.
Our board of directors (the “Board”) has determined not to declare
a dividend on our common stock for the second, third, and fourth
quarters of 2022. The Board’s determination reflects our desire to
maintain a strong liquidity position
to support operations in the current macroeconomic environment,
including rising interest rates and inflationary pressure, and the
potential impact on our results of operations and financial
condition.
The Board intends to reassess the payment of cash dividends on a
quarterly basis. Future determinations to declare and pay cash
dividends, if any, will be made at the discretion of the Board and
will depend on a variety of factors, including general
macroeconomic, business and financial market conditions; applicable
laws; our financial condition, results of operations, contractual
restrictions, capital requirements, and business prospects; and
other factors the Board may deem relevant at the time.
Repurchase and Indemnification Obligations
In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to liability
with respect to certain representations and warranties that we make
to the investors who purchase the loans that we originate. Under
certain circumstances, we may be required to repurchase mortgage
loans, or indemnify the purchaser of such loans for losses
incurred, if there has been a breach of these representations and
warranties, or in the case of early payment defaults. In addition,
in the event of an early payment default, we are contractually
obligated to refund certain premiums paid to us by the investors
who purchased the related loan.
Interest Rate Lock Commitments, Loan Sale and Forward
Commitments
In the normal course of business, we are party to financial
instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial
instruments include commitments to extend credit to borrowers at
either fixed or floating interest rates. IRLCs are binding
agreements to lend to a borrower at a specified interest rate
within a specified period of time as long as there is no violation
of conditions established in the contract. Forward commitments
generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses
which may require payment of a fee. As many of the commitments
expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do
not necessarily represent future cash requirements. In addition, we
have forward commitments to sell MBS at specified future dates and
interest rates.
The following presents a summary of the notional amounts of
commitments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Interest rate lock commitments—fixed rate |
$ |
596,633 |
|
|
$ |
5,979,475 |
|
Interest rate lock commitments—variable rate |
2,337 |
|
|
89,288 |
|
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities |
819,900 |
|
7,819,802 |
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S.
GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. We have identified certain
accounting estimates as being critical because they require us to
make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that
are uncertain. We believe that the judgment, estimates, and
assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances at the
time. However, actual results could differ, and the use of other
assumptions or estimates could result in material differences in
our results of operations or financial condition. Our critical
accounting policies and estimates are discussed below and relate to
fair value measurements, particularly those determined to be Level
2 and Level 3. Refer to “Note
16 - Fair Value Measurements”
to our consolidated financial statements.
Mortgage loans held for sale.
We have elected to record MLHS at fair value. The majority of our
MLHS at fair value are saleable into the secondary mortgage
markets, and their fair values are estimated using observable
quoted market or contracted prices or market price equivalents,
which would be used by other market participants. These saleable
loans are considered Level 2. A smaller portion of our MLHS consist
of loans repurchased from the Government-Sponsored Enterprises
(“GSEs”) and Ginnie Mae that have subsequently been deemed to be
non-saleable to GSEs and Ginnie Mae when certain representations
and warranties are breached. These repurchased loans are considered
Level 3 at collateral value less estimated costs to sell the
properties.
Changes in economic or other relevant conditions could cause our
assumptions with respect to market prices of securities backed by
similar mortgage loans to be different than our estimates.
Increases in the market yields of similar mortgage loans result in
a lower Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value.
Derivative financial instruments.
Our derivative financial instruments are accounted for as
free-standing derivatives and are included in the consolidated
balance sheets at fair value. These derivative financial
instruments include, but are not limited to, forward MBS sales and
purchase commitments, IRLCs, and other derivative instruments used
to economically hedge fluctuations in MSRs’ fair
value.
Interest rate lock commitments
The Company estimates the fair value of IRLCs based on the value of
the underlying mortgage loan, quoted MBS prices and estimates of
the fair value of the MSRs and the probability that the mortgage
loan will fund within the terms of the interest rate lock
commitment. The Company estimates the fair value of forward sales
commitments based on quoted MBS prices. The weighted average
pull-through rate for IRLCs was 77.5% and 86.1% for the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Given the
significant and unobservable nature of the pull-through factor,
IRLCs are classified as Level 3.
Mortgage Servicing Rights.
We have elected to record MSRs at fair value. MSRs are recognized
as a component of Gain on loans, net when loans are sold, and the
associated servicing rights are retained. Subsequent changes in
fair value of MSRs due to the collection and realization of cash
flows and changes in model inputs and assumptions are recognized in
current period earnings and included as a separate line item in the
consolidated statements of operations.
We use a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value
of MSRs. This approach consists of projecting servicing cash flows
discounted at a rate that management believes market participants
would use in their determinations of value.
Changes in economic and other relevant conditions could cause our
assumptions, such as with respect to the prepayment speeds, to be
different than our estimates. The key assumptions used to estimate
the fair value of MSRs are prepayment speeds and the discount rate.
Increases in prepayment speeds generally have an adverse effect on
the value of MSRs as the underlying loans prepay faster, which
causes accelerated MSR amortization. Increases in the discount rate
result in a lower MSR value and decreases in the discount rate
result in a higher MSR value. Refer to “Note
4 - Mortgage Servicing Rights”
to our consolidated financial statements.
Forward sales and purchase commitments.
The Company treats forward mortgage-backed securities purchase and
sale commitments that have not settled as derivatives and
recognizes them at fair value. These forward commitments will be
fulfilled with loans not yet sold or securitized and new
originations and purchases. The forward commitments allow the
Company to reduce the risk related to market price volatility. The
Company estimates the fair value of forward commitments based on
quoted MBS prices.
MSR derivatives: interest rate swap and Treasury futures purchase
contracts.
These derivatives represent a combination of derivatives used to
offset possible adverse changes in the fair value of MSRs and
include options on swap contracts, interest rate swap contracts,
and other instruments. Fair value is determined by using quoted
prices for similar instruments.
Representation and warranty reserves
Loans sold to investors which we believe met investor and agency
guidelines at the time of sale may be subject to repurchase in the
event of default by the borrower or subsequent discovery that
guidelines were not satisfied. The Company establishes a reserve
for the probable lifetime loss based on borrower performance,
repurchase demand behavior, and historical loan defect experience.
This reserve considers both the estimate of expected losses on
loans sold during the current accounting period as well as
adjustments to the Company’s previous estimate of expected losses
on loans sold.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Effective
Refer to “Note
2 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting
Policies”
to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent
accounting developments and the expected effect on the
Company.
Item 7A. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure About Market
Risk
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide
information for this item.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Home Point Capital Inc. & Subsidiaries
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Home Point Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022
and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and
the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated
financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2022,
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on
our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”)
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in
accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated
financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due
to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we
engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial
reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation
of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising
from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to
the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures
that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2)
involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex
judgments. The communication of critical audit matter does not
alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial
statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the
critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the
critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it
relates.
Fair Value of Mortgage Servicing Rights
As described in Notes 2, 4 and 16 to the Company's consolidated
financial statements, the Company’s balance of mortgage servicing
rights (“MSRs”) was $1.40 billion as of December 31, 2022. The
Company has elected to account for MSRs at fair value and
determines the fair value by estimating the fair value of the
future servicing cash flows associated with the mortgage loans
being serviced. Prepayment speeds and discount rates are both
significant unobservable assumptions that are key to the valuation
of MSRs. The fair value of MSRs is classified as Level 3 in the
valuation hierarchy.
We identified the valuation of MSRs as a critical audit matter
because of (i) the significant judgments made by management in
determining the prepayment speeds and discount rates assumptions,
and (ii) the high degree of auditor judgment and an increased
extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the
appropriateness of these significant unobservable valuation
assumptions, including specialized skill and knowledge
needed.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit
matter include:
–Testing
the relevance and reliability of loan level data used in
determining the MSR valuation by verifying the completeness and
accuracy of the data.
–Evaluating
the reasonableness of management’s MSR valuation methodology and
the design of the valuation model used to estimate the fair value
of MSRs with the assistance of personnel with specialized skill and
knowledge.
–Assessing
the reasonableness of the prepayment speed and discount rate
assumptions used by management in valuing the MSRs, by (i)
comparing the assumptions used by the Company with those used by
peer institutions and (ii)
comparing the assumptions used by the Company to independent market
information with the assistance of personnel with specialized skill
and knowledge.
–Evaluating
the Company’s MSR fair value by (i) comparing it with an
independently determined estimate of fair value, and (ii) comparing
it to values implied by observable transactions with the assistance
of personnel with specialized skill and knowledge.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 9, 2023
HOME POINT CAPITAL INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
Assets: |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
97,248 |
|
|
$ |
170,987 |
|
Restricted cash |
11,344 |
|
|
36,803 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash |
108,592 |
|
|
207,790 |
|
Mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value) |
642,993 |
|
|
5,107,161 |
|
Mortgage servicing rights (at fair value) |
1,402,542 |
|
|
1,525,103 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
11,660 |
|
|
21,892 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
124,691 |
|
|
129,092 |
|
Derivative assets |
25,611 |
|
|
84,385 |
|
Goodwill |
— |
|
|
10,789 |
|
Government National Mortgage Association loans eligible for
repurchase |
85,937 |
|
|
65,237 |
|
Assets held for sale |
— |
|
|
63,664 |
|
Other assets |
36,166 |
|
|
43,228 |
|
Total assets |
$ |
2,438,192 |
|
|
$ |
7,258,341 |
|
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity: |
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
Warehouse lines of credit |
$ |
496,481 |
|
|
$ |
4,718,658 |
|
Term debt and other borrowings, net |
942,083 |
|
|
1,226,524 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
64,349 |
|
|
138,193 |
|
Government National Mortgage Association loans eligible for
repurchase |
85,937 |
|
|
65,237 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
183,860 |
|
|
229,752 |
|
Derivative liabilities |
4,110 |
|
|
26,736 |
|
Other liabilities |
57,836 |
|
|
76,588 |
|
Total liabilities |
1,834,656 |
|
|
6,481,688 |
|
Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders’ Equity: |
|
|
|
Preferred stock (250,000,000 authorized shares, none issued and
outstanding, $0.0000000072 par value per share)
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Common stock (1,000,000,000 authorized shares, 138,398,707 and
139,326,953 shares issued and outstanding; par value $0.0000000072
per share)
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
513,710 |
|
|
523,811 |
|
Retained earnings |
89,826 |
|
|
252,842 |
|
Total shareholders' equity |
603,536 |
|
|
776,653 |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |
$ |
2,438,192 |
|
|
$ |
7,258,341 |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
HOME POINT CAPITAL INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
Revenue: |
|
|
|
Gain on loans, net |
$ |
47,105 |
|
|
$ |
585,762 |
|
Loan fee income |
46,029 |
|
|
150,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
91,417 |
|
|
136,477 |
|
Interest expense |
(112,281) |
|
|
(169,390) |
|
Interest expense, net |
(20,864) |
|
|
(32,913) |
|
Loan servicing fees |
265,275 |
|
|
331,382 |
|
Change in fair value of mortgage servicing rights |
(97,689) |
|
|
(76,831) |
|
Other income |
15,791 |
|
|
3,195 |
|
Total revenue, net |
255,647 |
|
|
961,516 |
|
Expenses: |
|
|