Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Velocity Financial, Inc. reported a 64% increase in originations for 2024, leading to a 37% increase in net revenue [8][9] - The Q4 pretax return on equity (ROE) was 26.8% [9] - Core earnings for Q4 were $0.60 per share, with full-year core earnings at $2.03 per share [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan production for Q4 was $563.5 million, an 18.2% increase over Q3 and a 60% increase year-over-year [19] - The weighted average coupon on the total portfolio at year-end was 9.53%, a 16 basis points increase from Q3 [23] - The non-performing loan (NPL) rate at the end of Q4 was 10.7%, relatively flat compared to 10.6% for Q3 [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total loan portfolio ended at $5.1 billion, a 6.4% increase from Q3 and over a 24% increase year-over-year [23] - The company experienced significant improvement in the capital markets post-presidential election, with tighter spreads for securitizations [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue capturing market share by lending to both residential and commercial real estate investors, addressing unmet needs in the market [7] - The strategy includes retaining earnings and building book value, with an adjusted book value estimated at $18.73 per share [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in another strong year of growth, citing healthy demand for their lending products [13][34] - The company is less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations compared to other mortgage segments, allowing it to continue providing capital to underserved borrowers [12] Other Important Information - The company reported $96 million in total liquidity at the end of Q4, with $50 million in cash and cash equivalents [31] - Non-performing loan resolution gains for Q4 were $5.6 million, with a total of $10.2 million for the year [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Production expectations for 2025 - Management indicated that the current run rate is a good forecast for the rest of the year, with increasing demand expected [39] Question: Average loan balance increase - The increase in average loan balance is attributed to a higher commercial component rather than entering new markets [41][43] Question: Capital needs for growth - Current retained earnings and ATM issuance are sufficient for growth, but additional capital may be needed if growth accelerates significantly [45] Question: Borrower mindset amidst rate volatility - Borrowers focus on acquiring and managing properties rather than being overly concerned with interest rates [52][55] Question: NPL resolutions process - Most NPL resolutions involve borrowers either paying current or refinancing, with a small percentage going to foreclosure [66]