Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 25% year-over-year increase in revenue for the fourth quarter and a 6% sequential increase [20] - Adjusted return on equity (ROE) was 7% for the quarter and 17% when adjusted for governmental impacts [21] - Book value per share increased by more than $11 quarter-over-quarter and $17 year-over-year due to ongoing profitable operations and the release of a $120 million valuation allowance [22][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The origination segment saw significant growth, with record levels of origination volume in both Consumer Direct and B2B channels [22] - B2B volume continued to exceed previous records, supported by a strong enterprise sales force and improved margins [23] - Consumer Direct volume increased sharply, reflecting strong recapture performance and improved revenue per loan [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The owned MSR portfolio increased by 15% year-over-year, while total industry servicing growth was only 2% [13] - The servicing UPB at the end of 2025 was up 9% over the prior year, with $49 billion in servicing additions net of runoff [13] - The company expects a 5%-15% increase in servicing book UPB growth for 2026, despite the non-renewal of the Rithm contract [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company executed a strategic partnership with Finance of America Reverse to simplify its participation in the reverse mortgage market, aiming for future earnings growth [5] - The focus for 2026 includes executing a proven strategy, simplifying operations, and investing in technology to drive profitable growth [19] - The company plans to evaluate opportunistic bulk acquisitions if the economics are compelling [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment is viewed as largely favorable for housing and housing finance, with projected 15% year-over-year growth in total industry origination volume [16] - Potential headwinds include the impact of FHA modification rule changes and increased competition in forward residential subservicing [17] - The company remains optimistic about its balanced business model and its attractiveness to investors in the mortgage sector [18] Other Important Information - The company has a liquidity position of $205 million at year-end 2025, with $181 million in unrestricted cash [30] - A $10 million share buyback program has been approved, which can be funded with liquidity as of year-end 2025 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of FHA changes on MSR - Management noted a $14 million impact in Q4 and indicated that quantifying future impacts is challenging but expects stabilization by Q2 2026 [38][40] Question: Government shutdown impact on origination - Management reported no material impact on refinance performance during the government shutdown, with a record-setting quarter for refinances [41] Question: Guidance on adjusted ROE - The guidance of 13%-15% for adjusted ROE is pre-tax and considers the $120 million increase in equity from earnings [42][44] Question: Ideal interest rate environment for subservicing - Management indicated that subservicing opportunities are not solely dependent on interest rates and highlighted recent market disruptions as catalysts for growth [49][50] Question: Capital availability from Rithm portfolio transfer - The transfer of the Rithm portfolio itself will not free up capital, but the closing of the reverse mortgage business sale is expected to free up approximately $100 million [53]