Onity Group (ONIT) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 30, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company Participants Valerie Haertel - Vice President of Investor RelationsGlen Messina - CEO, President & Chair of the BoardSean O'Neil - Executive VP & CFORandy Binner - Managing DirectorBose George - Managing DirectorEric Hagen - Managing Director Operator Good day, everyone, and welcome to the Onity Group's First Quarter Earnings and Business Update Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. Later, will h ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted pretax income of $25 million for Q1 2025, up from $15 million in the prior year quarter, resulting in an adjusted ROE of 22%, exceeding guidance of 16% to 18% [7][26] - GAAP net income attributable to common shareholders was $21 million, or $2.5 per share fully diluted, reflecting an annualized return on equity of 19% [8] - Book value per share increased by approximately 4% year over year and 2% compared to year-end 2024 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The origination and servicing segments both operated profitably, with adjusted pretax income for origination and servicing at $48 million, driven by servicing performance [14] - Total servicing UPB increased by $13 billion year over year, with owned MSR additions more than doubling compared to Q1 2024 [20] - The servicing segment's fee generation grew by 6% year over year, while reverse servicing was lower compared to the prior year due to strong asset gains in Q1 2024 [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Mortgage Bankers Association and Fannie Mae estimate industry origination volumes to increase by 17% year over year, contingent on a 9% increase in home purchase volume and a 39% increase in refinancing volume [10] - The company noted that the probability of a recession has increased, although mortgage delinquencies have not yet deteriorated [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate growth in originations volume and total servicing UPB as part of its 2025 operating priority [7] - The balanced business model is designed to perform well in both high and low interest rate environments, with a focus on maintaining a resilient servicing platform [12] - The company is targeting new product launches to expand market opportunities and access higher margin segments [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about navigating the dynamic market environment and delivering long-term value for shareholders [37] - The company is maintaining its full-year guidance, expecting continued interest rate volatility and M&A activity in the industry [12][10] - Management highlighted the importance of special servicing skills in minimizing exposure to advances during a recession [18] Other Important Information - The company reached a settlement in principle for a nearly two-decade-old class action litigation matter, allowing it to move forward [52] - The majority of the company's deferred tax assets are not limited by a timeframe, providing flexibility for future utilization [51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the valuation allowance and its impact - Management discussed the potential to lift the valuation allowance, which could positively impact net income and book value [41][42] Question: Timing for utilizing deferred tax assets - Management confirmed that the majority of deferred tax assets are indefinite and not limited by a timeframe [51] Question: Legal expenses and regulatory matters - Management addressed a legal expense related to a settlement of a long-standing litigation and confirmed compliance with regulatory matters [52][54] Question: Impact of Rocket Coupe merger on subservicing market - Management noted mixed reactions from clients regarding the merger, with some exploring alternatives while others align with Rocket [57] Question: Advantages of being a flow buyer versus a bulk buyer - Management highlighted the flexibility of targeting different markets based on economic conditions, which provides a competitive advantage [60][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted pretax income for Q1 2025 was $25 million, with an annualized adjusted ROE of 22%, exceeding guidance [6][24] - GAAP net income attributable to common shareholders was $21 million, or $2.5 per share fully diluted, reflecting an annualized return on equity of 19% [7] - Average servicing UPB for the quarter was $5 billion, up $13 billion compared to Q1 2024 [7] - Book value per share increased approximately 4% year-over-year and 2% compared to year-end 2024 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The origination and servicing segments both reported profitability, with adjusted pretax income of $48 million for Q1 2025 [12] - Servicing segment adjusted pretax income grew due to increased fee generation, up 6% year-over-year [26] - Originations volume grew by 50% year-over-year, with the high-margin consumer direct channel growing by about 165% [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry origination volumes are expected to increase by 17% year-over-year, driven by a 9% increase in home purchase volume and a 39% increase in refinancing volume [8] - The company noted that the probability of a recession has increased, but mortgage delinquencies have not yet deteriorated [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate growth in originations volume and total servicing UPB as part of its 2025 operating priority [6] - The balanced business model is designed to perform well in both high and low interest rate environments [11] - The company is focused on product development, with new product launches expected to expand market opportunities [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic and unpredictable year, maintaining full-year guidance despite market volatility [10] - The company believes its servicing portfolio mix and special servicing skills will help minimize delinquencies in a recession [10] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility to evaluate options for creating shareholder value [11] Other Important Information - The company reached a settlement on a nearly two-decade-old class action litigation matter, allowing it to move forward [50] - The valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets could potentially increase book value by approximately $22 per share if lifted [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the valuation allowance and its implications - Management confirmed that lifting the valuation allowance would directly impact net income and book value, with ongoing analysis to determine the extent of the allowance [40][42] Question: Timing for utilizing deferred tax assets - The majority of the deferred tax assets are indefinite and not limited by a timeframe, allowing for flexibility in utilization [49] Question: Legal expenses and regulatory matters - Management discussed a settlement of a legacy class action lawsuit and noted ongoing compliance with legal matters in the mortgage industry [50][52] Question: Impact of Rocket Coupe merger on the subservicing market - Management indicated that the merger could lead to clients exploring alternatives, creating opportunities for growth in the subservicing business [56][58] Question: Advantages of being a flow buyer versus a bulk buyer - The company highlighted its flexibility in sourcing MSRs through various channels, allowing it to maximize returns based on market conditions [60] Question: Operating efficiency objectives - Management stated that while there is no specific target for operating efficiency, the goal is to continue increasing pretax income across segments [62]