Finance Of America Companies Inc.
Q4 2021 Earnings Call Transcript

Published: 3 Mar 2022

[Operator:]

Hello and welcome to the Finance of America’s Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Earnings Call. My name is Casey and I will be coordinating your call today. I will now hand over to your host, Michael Fant, Senior Vice President of Finance to begin. Michael, please go ahead.

[Michael Fant:]

Thank you and good morning, everyone and welcome to Finance of America’s fourth quarter and full year 2021 earnings call. With me today are Patty Cook, Chief Executive Officer and Johan Gericke, Chief Financial Officer. As a reminder, this call is being recorded and you can find the earnings release and presentation on our Investor Relations website at www.financeofamerica.com. In addition, we will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures on this call. You can find reconciliations of non-GAAP to GAAP financial measures to the extent available without unreasonable efforts discussed on today’s call, in our earnings press release and presentation on the Investor Relations page of our website. Also, I would like to remind everyone that comments on this conference call maybe forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the company’s expected operating and financial performance for future periods. These statements are based on the company’s current expectations and are subject to the Safe Harbor statement for forward-looking statements that you will find in yesterday’s news release. Actual results for future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to a number of risks or other factors, including those that are described in the Risk Factors section of Finance of America’s Form S-1, originally filed with the SEC on May 25, 2021 as well as our subsequent filings with the SEC. We are not undertaking any commitment to update these statements, if conditions change. Please note these are year end and interim period financials and are unaudited. Now, I would like to turn the call over to Finance of America’s Chief Executive Officer, Patty Cook. Patty?

[Patty Cook:]

Thanks, Michael and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for our fourth quarter and full year 2021 earnings call. I am extremely proud of what the Finance of America team has accomplished, delivering a solid performance and our first financial year as a public company. On a full year basis, Finance of America delivered $1.7 billion in revenue and adjusted net income of $308 million. Our specialty finance and services business had a standout quarter and beat the high-end of our adjusted net income guidance. Notably, our reverse business outperformed again, with revenue growth of 3% quarter-over-quarter and a 101% year-over-year increase. Our continued success is a direct result of Finance of America’s unique business model and the reverse and commercial lenders services and capital markets capability that collectively form and separate us from other lenders in the category. This model also helps FOA maintain operating profitability despite the mortgage market evolution. As many of you know, the mortgage industry is currently facing a tough environment and persistent headwinds. The demand for refinancing has dramatically decreased from the highs of 2020 as rates have increased. These macro conditions have led to a shift from refinancing to home purchase. We believe Finance of America is well-positioned to take advantage of the expected growth in the purchase and non-agency market, yet remain able to leverage the episodic refinance opportunities as we did in 2020. In the fourth quarter, SF&S accounted for 51% of our revenue and the bulk of our adjusted net income. These businesses continue to perform well and we expect SF&S to be the main driver of our profitability and growth in the foreseeable future. To continue building on this momentum, while also managing against the broader economic outlook, we are committed to executing the three strategic priorities that I outlined last quarter. These are

[Johan Gericke:]

Thank you, Patty and good morning everyone. As Patty mentioned earlier, FOA had a strong year as our SF&S businesses gained momentum. Before we dig into the numbers, I want to touch briefly on the $1.36 billion pre-tax GAAP loss for the quarter. This was entirely due to an impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. GAAP required that we evaluate our goodwill and intangibles as part of our year-end close process. Due to a sustained decline in our stock price, the company recognized a $1.4 billion charge in the fourth quarter as we wrote off all goodwill and certain intangible assets to align the company’s book value per share with supportable control premium. The impairment did not impact adjusted net income and increased tangible book value by roughly $30 million as it created a deferred tax asset that will amortize over time. Excluding the impact of the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, the company generated $15 million in net income. Turning to the numbers, the company generated adjusted net income of $70 million and fully diluted adjusted earnings per share of $0.37 in line with our Q4 guidance. I will discuss revenue and other financial impact in more detail as I cover the individual segments. Moving to the balance sheet, cash decreased by $61 million in Q4, primarily due to an increase in cash invested in proprietary assets and periodic outflows related to compensation and other expenses that are accrued monthly, but paid sporadically. You should expect to see fluctuations in our cash position quarter-to-quarter based on the timing of securitizations and other large transactions as well as mismatches between accrued and paid expenses, such as bonuses. We continue to grow our MSR balances with a 26% increase quarter-over-quarter to $428 million as we retained servicing rights on agency mortgages originated in our retail channel. Tangible equity increased by $39 million or 9% quarter-over-quarter, benefiting from the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. Turning to our individual reporting segments, revenue in mortgage originations decreased by 20% relative to the third quarter and recorded a pre-tax loss of $8 million, excluding the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. The $3 million adjusted net loss for the segment was entirely driven by our home improvement business as mortgage broke even on an adjusted net income basis. Mortgage originations margin decreased 9 basis points quarter-over-quarter primarily due to channel mix as we originated a higher percentage of volume through our wholesale channel and a lower percentage in our retail channel. Our reverse origination segment set a third consecutive quarterly funding record. The high funding volumes were driven by both new originations and refinances resulting from recent home price appreciation. This delivered quarterly revenue of $114, up 3% from the prior quarter and an increase of 107% year-over-year. Pre-tax income, excluding the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, was $75 million, growing 9% compared to last quarter. For the full year, reverse originations generated $389 million in revenue or a 101% increase over 2020 and $243 million in pre-tax income, excluding the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, a 127% increase compared to the prior year. Our commercial originations business also continued its path of expansion, producing record quarterly funded volume of $580 million and revenue growth of 7% quarter-over-quarter. For the full year 2021, revenue increased 157% compared to 2020. Pre-tax income, excluding the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, was $8 million, growing 33% compared to last quarter. We continue to see a strong pipeline in this business. Lender services produced $83 million in total revenue. Pre-tax income, excluding the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, remained flat relative to last quarter. For the full year, lender services delivered $39 million in pre-tax income, excluding the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets compared to $20 million last year, a 95% increase. We continue to focus on expanding business lines to deepen cross-sell and onboarding new third-party customers to drive further growth. On a combined basis, reverse, commercial and lender services delivered the year-over-year revenue growth of 86% in 2021 and pre-tax income, excluding the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets grew 144%, an impressive performance for these businesses. Finally, looking at our portfolio management segment, revenue was negatively impacted predominantly by fair value marks on reverse assets as actual prepayment speeds exceeded modeled outcomes. These marks reflect lifetime impacts across the portfolio of assets and are driven by several factors, including home price appreciation. In closing, this was a strong quarter and year for Finance of America. Our SF&S businesses beat the fourth quarter earnings guidance. And for the full year, the company generated $308 million of adjusted net income or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.61. With that, let me now hand back to Patty for closing remarks.

[Patty Cook:]

Thanks, Johan. I want to provide a glimpse of what we have seen for the first quarter. Similar to last quarter, you will see that we divide our guidance into two parts

[Operator:]

We take our first question from Doug Harter from Credit Suisse. Please go ahead.

[Doug Harter:]

Thanks. You talked about expecting to see commercial and reverse margins down in the first quarter. Can you talk how much of that is kind of related to volatility and execution in securitization markets versus competitive dynamics?

[Patty Cook:]

You are spot on, Doug that it is related to the volatility we are seeing in the market. So not surprisingly in times like this, you will see some pressure on spreads in non-agency product and that’s what’s reflected in our first quarter guidance. It’s not related to competitive pressure.

[Doug Harter:]

So yes, I guess so kind of if when volatility kind of subsides, what margins seen in the fourth quarter and – the full year ‘21 would those be representative of where you think could be longer term?

[Patty Cook:]

Yes. I do.

[Doug Harter:]

Great. And then on the forward business, you mentioned that the home improvement new product line kind of caused the loss in the quarter can you just talk about what specifically that was and some of your expectations for profitability for that going forward?

[Patty Cook:]

Yes. I would say the loss is really related to setting up the business, getting us in a position where the business is recognizing Finance of America as the new owner of the brands in that space, getting our salespeople and our ops aligned. So, I would say it’s sort of the normal absorption and setup of the new business. And as I have said, during my remarks, we expect that to flip to profitability during this year. The exciting thing about that business, though it’s not only the profit it will generate, but it’s our opportunity to acquire those customers who we are quite confident. We have other products that will satisfy them where the real opportunity lies.

[Doug Harter:]

Great. Thanks Patty and congratulations on your retirement.

[Patty Cook:]

Thanks Doug. Appreciate it.

[Operator:]

The next question comes from Stephen Laws from Raymond James. Please go ahead.

[Stephen Laws:]

Hi, good morning. Patty, you just commented on the strong reverse, its three quarters in a row as record volumes you mentioned. But can you comment kind of what’s driving that, is it penetration story sort of and what’s driving to pick up there? What are you – what is that really doing, it’s proactive and how are you acquiring the new customers? And as a follow-up, obviously, that kind of where do you see that pipeline going, as you think about where quarterly volumes can be over the next couple of years?

[Patty Cook:]

So, there are two dynamics that are going on in referred, both of which are propelling volume. One is, is the uptake, the awareness for new customers, we are seeing very solid growth in what I would say our first time, referred borrowers. But at the same time, the amazing home price appreciation has certainly fueled volumes from, call it a cash-out refi. So, it’s really both of those that are continuing to contribute to the volume and reverse. As we have mentioned on prior calls, we are also excited about the marketing and sort of awareness activity that are going on in reverse, to continue to increase the population size of participants. Johan, would you add anything?

[Johan Gericke:]

I don’t have much there, Patty, I think you are 100% correct. Even we have seen as Patty mentioned growth, both on the new to reverse, as well as the cash out refinance piece. And I think the other thing that gives us comfort about continued growth is it’s a long gestation period before you actually originate these loans. And so we have good visibility into what’s coming into the pipeline. The issue is, obviously, we are concerned, as you heard, Patty mentioned earlier, around volatility on margins, volatility in the market and how that plays out on margins.

[Stephen Laws:]

Great. On the expense side, can you talk about, I guess almost expense guidance, but where that’s headed, kind of how much of the expenses are variable tied to refi volumes that will come out and kind of where do we – how do we think of margins as we move through the year?

[Patty Cook:]

Stephen, are you talking about overall mortgage in particular?

[Stephen Laws:]

Really, in the forward business, forward mortgage business, that you have the mix shifting more to purchase? How is the variable fixed comp structure there as volumes decline on the refi side?

[Patty Cook:]

Yes. Clearly, we like the rest of the industry are adjusting our capacity for the expectation of lower volume. We have reduced headcount both on and offshore, to continue to optimize mortgage to breakeven or make a little bit of money. We certainly think if we enter the spring buying season that the prospects for our mortgage business improved. That alongside with flex, I mean it’s a relatively new product, it’s 18% of our volume now, but as we go into the purchase market season, we think that product will continue to benefit.

[Johan Gericke:]

Yes. Just to add to that, even I would say a good rule of thumb as to think of the fixed variable components look roughly 50-50 in the mortgage business. But already as Patty mentioned, like the fixed components will come down too.

[Stephen Laws:]

Great. Patty, your thoughts around a stock buyback with the stock where it is certainly, company forecasted profitability, plenty of cash flow. Can you give us any updated thoughts on potentially stock repurchase?

[Patty Cook:]

If you look at our performance, we are continuing to, I am going to say, conserve and reserve that cash for continued investment in the growth of the business, right. As you see commercial and reverse business growth that has implications for the size to the balance sheet we are carrying while we are waiting for those to be securitized. So, at this point, the best use of our cash continues to be to reinvest in the business.

[Stephen Laws:]

Right. As Doug said, congratulations – congrats on your retirement. Thank you.

[Patty Cook:]

Thanks Stephen.

[Operator:]

Our next question comes from James Faucette from Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead, James.

[Sandy Beatty:]

Hi. Thanks. This is Sandy Beatty on for James. I just wanted to follow-up quickly on reverse, and particularly on just in terms of the rising rate environment. How has that product held up historically? I mean is there any correlation there? Anything we should keep in mind, obviously, that’s been a pretty big topic just with mortgage broadly?

[Patty Cook:]

The difference between reverse and let’s say your traditional mortgage business, is that I would say that catalysts for refinancing in the reverse business is more about home price appreciation that it is interest rates. So, as the equity in the reverse borrowers count goes up. They have the opportunity to take out cash. And that really is what’s fueling the higher volume in that sector. It’s much less correlated to interest rates than forward mortgage, which is one of the reasons we love the business. That’s a compliment to mortgage.

[Sandy Beatty:]

Got it. That’s super helpful. And then maybe just as a quick follow-up there. I know cash out refi has been a focus across the space, particularly recently. I just wanted to get a sense. Are those products competitive from the perspective of the borrower? I mean what are the relative attractiveness there just in terms of balancing between those? Can you just provide a little bit of color there?

[Patty Cook:]

So, if I understand your question, not dissimilar from what motivates the reverse borrower, right, it’s an opportunity for them to take advantage of our price appreciation, and potentially then monetize the equity they have in their home. In terms of competitive products in the forward business, those are mostly agency mortgage. So, as long as the rate on the mortgage is still relatively attractive, borrowers are likely going to continue to take advantage of monetizing the equity they have in their home. So, I think…

[Sandy Beatty:]

Got it. Thank you, guys.

[Patty Cook:]

Okay.

[Operator:]

Our next question comes from Lee Cooperman from Omega Family Office. Please go ahead, Lee.

[Lee Cooperman:]

Yes, I need a little help from you. Everything I am hearing from you, basically, is optimistic and constructive about the outlook. Your stock has collapsed from about ten to three and change. So, what do you think the market is missing about the prospects of the company? I gather in response to previous question regarding stock repurchase, that the lines of business are growing for you require capital retention, and you see you are not generating free cash flow. But what do you think the market is missing about the prospects of the company? It seems to be a very much of a disconnect between how the stock is performing versus the way you sound on the call?

[Patty Cook:]

Yes. Lee, I don’t know whether it’s, I mean the story we told has been consistent, right, which is the SF&S business is there to provide the, let’s say that counter to the cyclicality of mortgage. We said it every quarter, we have been on the call, and the results are proving it out. So, from my perspective, I would say, people have to believe that that trend continues. And if you think it does, then we should be beginning to be distinguished from the peer group. So, maybe I think the story we are telling is clear. And maybe if they want to see it in results for some period of time before they put it in the multiple of the stock price the best…

[Lee Cooperman:]

I think probably we would help to educate the market if you showed the rate of return on this business that’s growing, versus the rate of return of buying back stock. Because most people think that your stock is under three times earnings and you are earning 50% on tangible book, that the stock would be mispriced. But generally speaking, you would like to see the company have a similar view, which it doesn’t because the need for capital retention. So, I think return on capital in these new businesses versus stock repurchase, if you could explain that to the market better, maybe that would help. But good luck in your retirement by the way.

[Patty Cook:]

Thanks Lee and I appreciate the comments.

[Operator:]

We currently have no questions registered. So, I will hand it back to our speaker team.

[Patty Cook:]

Thank you everybody for joining the call this morning. We are happy with our performance and delighted to be able to share it with you this morning. Have a good day.

[Operator:]

This now concludes today’s call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect your lines.