BELLINGHAM, Wash., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vija Williams, one of the most respected thought leaders and insiders in the real estate industry, is joining eXp Realty, marking a pivotal moment in her impressive 20+ year career. Currently the Head of Industry at PLACE and co-owner of Seattle-based Vija Real Estate, Williams is launching a bold new initiative at eXp: the UPGRADE community. “This is more than a move, it’s a mission,” said Williams. “I’m joining eXp Realty to build the UPGRADE community ...

Core Insights - The article highlights that economic pressures and high costs are suppressing spring home sales in the U.S. real estate market [1] - An increase in new listings is noted, allowing some buyers to secure better deals [1] Group 1: Economic Impact - Economic tensions are affecting consumer confidence and purchasing power, leading to a slowdown in home sales [1] - High costs associated with home buying are further contributing to the decline in sales activity [1] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The number of new listings is on the rise, indicating a potential shift in market conditions [1] - Some buyers are benefiting from the increased inventory, which is providing them with more options and negotiating power [1]

Core Insights - KE Holdings Inc. ("Beike") reported strong financial performance in Q1 2025, with total transaction value increasing by 34.0% year-over-year and net revenues rising by 42.4% [3][5][7] - The company continues to expand its housing transaction services, with significant growth in active stores and agents, and is focusing on AI applications to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [3][4][5] Business and Financial Highlights - Net revenues reached RMB 23.3 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), up 42.4% year-over-year, driven by growth in both existing and new home transaction services [5][8] - Gross transaction value (GTV) was RMB 843.7 billion (US$ 116.3 billion), an increase of 34.0% year-over-year, with existing home transactions growing by 28.1% and new home transactions by 53.0% [7][8] - Home rental services saw a remarkable increase in net revenues, reaching RMB 5.1 billion (US$ 0.7 billion), up 93.8% year-over-year [5][8] Operational Efficiency - Operating expenses decreased by 31.3% quarter-over-quarter to RMB 4.2 billion (US$ 0.6 billion), contributing to improved profitability [5][10] - Net income for Q1 2025 was RMB 855 million (US$ 118 million), a 97.9% increase year-over-year, while adjusted net income was RMB 1,393 million (US$ 192 million) [5][16][17] Strategic Focus - The company is committed to its "One Body, Three Wings" strategy, emphasizing long-term development and prudent investment in AI applications [3][4][8] - Share repurchase program continues, with approximately US$ 139 million allocated to buybacks in Q1 2025, representing about 0.6% of total issued shares [6][21] Market Context - The overall market for new home sales remained stable, with national sales relatively flat year-over-year, contrasting with significant declines in the previous year [4][5] - The company is leveraging its platform to empower industry partners, resulting in a notable increase in the number of active stores and agents by 29.6% and 23.0% year-over-year, respectively [3][5]

Summary of Compass (COMP) FY Conference Call - May 14, 2025 Company Overview - Compass is the largest independent real estate brokerage firm in the U.S. by sold volume for four consecutive years, focusing on empowering agents with technology and a strong culture [3][4] - The company has a market share of 6% and operates with 37,000 agents, having invested $1.7 billion in its technology platform over the last twelve years [6] Financial Performance - Record first quarter results were reported, including record EBITDA and free cash flow [7] - Market share increased to the highest levels, with organic transaction growth of 7% while the overall market declined by 2%, resulting in a 9% faster growth rate [7] - Inorganic growth, including M&A, resulted in a 28% year-over-year increase, significantly outperforming the market [8] Growth Strategy - The company aims to grow through: 1. **Market Recovery**: Current existing home sales are at a low of 4 million, with potential growth to mid-cycle levels of 5.4 to 5.6 million homes, representing a 35% increase [11][12] 2. **Agent Recruitment**: 700 principal agents were hired in the last quarter, producing 2.5 times more than those who left [13] 3. **Accretive M&A**: Targeting four to six times EBITDA multiples, with recent acquisitions of top market companies [14] Agent Retention and Value Proposition - Compass achieved a 97% agent retention rate, significantly higher than the industry average of 70% [15] - The platform is the primary reason agents are attracted to Compass, providing tools that save time and lower operating costs [16][19] - The platform includes comprehensive features for both buy-side and sell-side workflows, enhancing agent efficiency [17][19] Marketing Strategy - The newly launched three-phase marketing strategy has seen nearly 50% of listings utilize it within two months of its introduction [30] - This strategy allows sellers to test aspirational prices privately before going public, reducing the risk of price drops [31][32] Industry Dynamics - The Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) allows for private listings, which Compass leverages to create more private exclusives [35][41] - The company believes that offering more choices to sellers aligns with their interests and enhances agent performance [44][45] Market Outlook - Recent increases in purchase mortgage applications (up 13% and 19% year-over-year) indicate a potential recovery in the housing market [56] - The company anticipates a positive trend in home sales for May and June, contingent on macroeconomic stability [58] Earnings Power and Cost Discipline - In a recovering market, Compass expects significant revenue growth, with operational expenses maintained at a 3% to 4% organic increase [59][66] - The company emphasizes cost discipline as a permanent strategy, having reduced transaction service costs by 50% over two years [66] Conclusion - Compass is positioned to capitalize on market recovery through strategic growth initiatives, a strong technology platform, and a focus on agent success, while maintaining cost discipline and enhancing its market share through M&A activities [62][66]

NEW YORK, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN), the technology-powered real estate brokerage, has selected Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, as its preferred SSP to power data-driven deals. Leveraging Magnite's programmatic technology, Redfin can connect advertisers with exclusive real estate audiences at key moments in their home-buying journey. Megan Hughes mhughes@magnite.com "Our collaboration with Magnite gives us the tools to package and a ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased by 32.1% to $93.1 million compared to $70.5 million in the same period last year, exceeding analyst expectations by approximately 12% [6][17] - Brokerage revenue rose nearly 36% to $88.9 million from $65.4 million last year, with gross profit improving to $8.1 million, a 13% year-over-year increase [6][7][8] - GAAP net loss for Q1 2025 was $5.6 million or $0.24 per share, compared to a loss of $5.9 million or $0.31 per share in Q1 2024, reflecting cost-saving efforts [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The brokerage business closed approximately 9,715 real estate transactions, a 26.1% increase from 7,703 transactions in Q1 2024 [20] - Mortgage revenue increased by 13% to $2.6 million from $2.3 million in Q1 2024, while title business revenue rose 43% to $1 million from $700,000 [14][23] - Adjusted EBITDA for the real estate division improved to approximately $1.6 million in Q1 2025, up from $800,000 in Q1 2024 [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Housing inventory increased by 16% in California, 20% in Utah, 28% in Colorado, and 18% in Georgia, indicating a shift towards a more balanced market [13] - Average home prices dropped year-over-year by 2.4% in Florida, 4% in Colorado, 8% in Kansas, and 5% in Illinois, reflecting market adjustments [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three core drivers for long-term profitability: expanding revenue through strategic growth, enhancing gross margins via agent programs like Elevate, and maintaining cost discipline [25][27] - The Elevate program aims to enhance agent productivity and profitability, with over 120 agents signing up shortly after its soft launch [9][10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism despite ongoing economic headwinds, stating that the company is well-positioned to benefit from improvements in market activity [4][14] - The company expects to achieve adjusted EBITDA profitability in Q2 2025, marking a significant milestone [5][27] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a cash position of $8 million, including $2.7 million in net proceeds from a public offering [24] - Cost-cutting initiatives are projected to reduce expenses by approximately $750,000 per quarter going forward [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on how Elevate enhances profitability on gross profit and adjusted EBITDA per transaction? - Management indicated that the Elevate program is expected to increase gross profit margins by three to four times compared to traditional programs due to the efficiency of the platform [31][34] Question: Have discussions with similar-sized agent teams accelerated post-launch of Elevate? - Management confirmed increased conversations with various brokerages and technology partners since the launch of Elevate, indicating potential partnerships and licensing opportunities [36][37]

Investment Ratings - The overall industry view is rated as Attractive [4] - Specific company ratings include Equal-Weight (EW) for Compass, Inc. (COMP), DoubleVerify Holdings Inc (DV), Playtika Holding Corp (PLTK), FIGS, and Peloton Interactive, Inc. (PTON) [6][9][10][11][12] - Underweight (UW) rating for Yelp Inc (YELP) [11] Core Insights - Compass, Inc. (COMP) reported lower-than-expected results in 1Q, with revenue and EBITDA 4% and 15% below estimates, but management remains optimistic about future growth [2] - DoubleVerify Holdings Inc (DV) showed encouraging signs of stabilization with 1Q revenue 7% above estimates, driven by strong growth in Activation [6] - Playtika Holding Corp (PLTK) posted solid 1Q results, with revenue and EBITDA exceeding estimates, but faces challenges in its social casino segment [9] - FIGS delivered strong 1Q results, but lowered its FY25 EBITDA margin guidance due to tariff impacts [7][8] - Yelp Inc (YELP) exceeded expectations in 1Q, but faces uncertainty in long-term growth due to macroeconomic pressures [11][12] Company Summaries Compass, Inc. (COMP) - 1Q results were below expectations, but management added 700 new agents and expects positive free cash flow by year-end [2][5] - Revenue guidance for 2Q is 5% and 2% ahead of estimates, indicating potential recovery [5][69] DoubleVerify Holdings Inc (DV) - 1Q revenue growth was driven by a 20% increase in Activation, with profitability exceeding estimates [6] - The company maintains a FY revenue growth guide of 10% despite solid 1Q results [6] Playtika Holding Corp (PLTK) - 1Q revenue and EBITDA were 12% and 6% above estimates, but social casino challenges persist [9] - The company is optimistic about improving margins and increasing direct-to-consumer revenue [9] FIGS, Inc. (FIGS) - Strong 1Q results with revenue and EBITDA above consensus, but lowered FY25 EBITDA margin guidance due to tariffs [7][8] - Management is focused on long-term growth despite near-term challenges [8] Yelp Inc (YELP) - 1Q results exceeded expectations, driven by strength in Services advertising [11] - The company has widened its revenue and EBITDA guidance for FY25, reflecting ongoing macro uncertainty [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q1 increased by 28.7% year over year, reaching $1.36 billion, while adjusted EBITDA was a record $15.6 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $20.1 million in the previous year [4][20][25] - Total transactions increased by 27.8%, with organic transactions up 7.3%, contrasting with a 2.1% decline in the overall market [4][21] - The company generated $19.5 million in free cash flow, marking a new record for Q1 and an improvement from $5.9 million in the same quarter last year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The title and escrow business saw strong momentum, with attach rates up 695 basis points year over year [6] - Principal agent retention grew to 96.6%, an increase of 30 basis points year over year, indicating strong agent loyalty [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market share increased to 6%, up 125 basis points year over year and 95 basis points from Q4 [22] - Gross transaction value reached $52 billion, reflecting a 30.7% increase from the previous year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to control organic operating expenses at a growth rate of 3% to 4% annually while expanding its agent base and enhancing agent productivity through its platform [14][15] - The acquisition of Christie's International Real Estate is expected to empower independent brokerages and enhance the company's market presence [6][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the volatility in March was due to market uncertainty related to tariff discussions, but they expect a recovery in transactions as stability returns to the market [20][44] - The company believes that the demand for homes is merely deferred rather than eliminated, anticipating that full-year transactions will align with previous expectations if market stability is maintained [44] Other Important Information - The company completed the acquisition of Christie's International Real Estate on January 13, 2025, which is expected to positively impact financial metrics and operational synergies [24][27] - The weighted average share count for Q1 was 550 million, with an expected increase due to the acquisition-related share issuance [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was revenue growth tracking ahead of the disruption in March? - Management indicated that revenue was tracking close to the midpoint of guidance before the March volatility, with April tracking expectations [40] Question: What is the latest with NAR's clear cooperation policy? - Management confirmed that the three-phase marketing strategy complies with NAR's updated policies and emphasizes homeowner choice [50][52] Question: How is the company addressing agent recruitment post-NAR changes? - Management reported strong organic recruitment, with 700 new agents added in Q1, indicating continued demand for the company's value proposition [61] Question: What are the churn trends in the quarter? - Churn was in line with historical levels, with no significant changes noted, and the company added agents instead of experiencing churn from the Christie's acquisition [75] Question: What does success look like for the three-phase marketing strategy? - Success is defined by agents continuing to differentiate themselves, gaining more listings, and achieving better terms for sellers [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q1 2025 increased by 28.7% year over year, reaching $1.36 billion, while adjusted EBITDA was a record $15.6 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $20.1 million in the previous year [20][25][26] - Total transactions increased by 27.8%, with organic transactions up 7.3%, significantly outperforming the overall market, which saw a decline of 2.1% [4][21] - The company generated $19.5 million in free cash flow, marking a new record for Q1 and an improvement from $5.9 million in Q1 2024 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The title and escrow business showed strong momentum, with attach rates up 695 basis points year over year [6] - Principal agent retention grew to 96.6%, reflecting the company's ability to retain talent in a competitive market [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Compass' market share increased to 6%, up 125 basis points year over year, indicating a strong competitive position [21] - Gross transaction value reached $52 billion, a 30.7% increase from the previous year, driven by a combination of increased transactions and a slight rise in average selling price [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to control organic operating expenses at a growth rate of 3% to 4% annually while expanding its market share through organic growth and M&A activities [14][15] - The acquisition of Christie's International Real Estate is expected to enhance the company's market position and provide access to new segments [6][24] - The three-phase marketing strategy is designed to empower agents and provide homeowners with more marketing choices, which is expected to drive future growth [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to outpace the market despite recent volatility due to external factors such as tariff discussions [20][36] - The company anticipates continued growth in transactions and market share, driven by its strong agent recruitment and retention strategies [5][60] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with $127 million in cash and cash equivalents, with $50 million drawn on its revolver to fund acquisitions [27] - The guidance for Q2 2025 includes expected revenue in the range of $2 billion to $2.15 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $115 million and $135 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was revenue growth tracking ahead of the disruption in March? - Management indicated that revenue growth was tracking close to the midpoint of guidance before the March volatility, with April tracking expectations [40][41] Question: What is the latest with NAR's clear cooperation policy? - Management confirmed that the three-phase marketing strategy remains intact under the current rules, emphasizing homeowner choice [48][50] Question: How is the company addressing agent recruitment post-NAR changes? - Management noted that the demand for the three-phase marketing strategy continues to resonate with agents, particularly in the luxury segment [56][60] Question: What are the churn trends in the quarter? - Churn was in line with historical levels, with no significant changes noted, and the company added agents instead of experiencing churn [72][73] Question: How is the private exclusive listings strategy performing? - The majority of transactions that close as private exclusives are co-brokered with agents from other firms, indicating a collaborative approach [77][78] Question: How is the company thinking about market share in the context of M&A? - Management expressed optimism about continued market share gains through both organic growth and acquisitions, with a focus on top-performing agents [91][92]

Revenue in Q1 Grew 28.7% YoY and Organic Revenue Grew 14.6% YoY Quarterly Market Share Grew 125bps YoY to a Record 6.0%; Organic Share Was Up 82bpsOperating Cash Flow Grew 169% YoY to a Record $23.1 Million in Q1NEW YORK, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass, Inc. (NYSE: COMP) ("Compass" or "the Company"), a leading tech-enabled real estate services company that includes the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States by sales volume1, announced its financial results for the first quarter ...