Revenue Recognition
The majority of revenues generated by the Company in connection with originations and servicing are not within the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
The primary components of fee income consist of the following:
Loan Origination Fees
Loan origination fees are recorded in Fee income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when a loan is successfully funded, with the related costs recognized in loan production and portfolio related expenses when incurred at the date of origination.
The Company collects certain fees from the borrower, including underwriting fees, credit reporting fees, loan administration fees, and appraisal fees. The Company has determined that it is primarily responsible for fulfillment and acceptability for these services, and has discretion in setting the price to the borrower, and therefore these fees should be recognized gross as the Company is the principal for the specified goods and services performed.
In addition to the fees above, the Company also acts as agent for certain services for its customers. These services include obtaining flood certification and inspection fees. In these transactions, the Company will facilitate the providing of the goods or services to prospective borrowers, and collects these amounts from the borrower prior to the services being provided.
Loan origination fees were $28.5 million and $36.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Loan Servicing Fees
Loan servicing income represents recurring servicing and other ancillary fees earned for servicing mortgage loans owned by investors. Servicing fees received for servicing mortgage loans owned by investors are based on a stipulated percentage of the outstanding monthly principal balance on such loans, or the difference between the weighted average yield received on the mortgage loans and the amount paid to the investor, less guaranty fees and interest on curtailments. Loan servicing income is receivable only out of interest collected from mortgagors and is recorded as income when collected. Late charges and other miscellaneous fees collected from mortgagors are also recorded as income when collected and are included as a component of Fee income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Loan servicing fees were $1.7 million and $8.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.