Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere herein and with our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in the 2023 Form 10-K. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar amounts in tables are in millions. Neither Anywhere, the indirect parent of Anywhere Group, nor Anywhere Intermediate, the direct parent company of Anywhere Group, conducts any operations other than with respect to its respective direct or indirect ownership of Anywhere Group. As a result, the condensed consolidated financial positions, results of operations and cash flows of Anywhere, Anywhere Intermediate and Anywhere Group are the same. This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, contains forward-looking statements. See "Forward-Looking Statements" in this Quarterly Report as well as our 2023 Form 10-K for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
OVERVIEW
We, through our subsidiaries, are a global provider of residential real estate services and report our operations in the following three business segments:
•Anywhere Brands ("Franchise Group")—franchises a portfolio of well-known, industry-leading franchise brokerage brands, including Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, Century 21®, Coldwell Banker®, Coldwell Banker Commercial®, Corcoran®, ERA® and Sotheby's International Realty®. As of June 30, 2024, our real estate franchise systems and proprietary brands had approximately 316,000 independent sales agents worldwide, including approximately 182,900 independent sales agents operating in the U.S. (which included approximately 54,500 company owned brokerage independent sales agents). As of June 30, 2024, our real estate franchise systems and proprietary brands had approximately 18,000 offices worldwide in 118 countries and territories, including approximately 5,500 brokerage offices in the U.S. (which included approximately 610 company owned brokerage offices). This segment also includes our global relocation services operation through Cartus® Relocation Services ("Cartus") and lead generation activities through Anywhere Leads Inc. ("Leads Group").
•Anywhere Advisors ("Owned Brokerage Group")—operates a full-service real estate brokerage business with approximately 610 owned and operated brokerage offices with approximately 54,500 independent sales agents under the Coldwell Banker®, Corcoran® and Sotheby’s International Realty® brand names in many of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. This segment also includes our share of equity earnings or losses from our minority-owned real estate auction joint venture.
•Anywhere Integrated Services ("Title Group")—provides full-service title, escrow and settlement services to consumers, real estate companies, corporations and financial institutions primarily in support of residential real estate transactions. This segment also includes the Company's share of equity earnings or losses from Guaranteed Rate Affinity, our minority-owned mortgage origination joint venture, and from our minority-owned title insurance underwriter joint venture.
Our technology and data organization is dedicated to providing innovative technology products and solutions that support the productivity and success of Anywhere’s businesses, brands, brokers, agents, and consumers.
CURRENT BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TRENDS
The residential real estate market is at historic lows. According to data from NAR, homesale transactions in 2023 totaled 4.09 million compared to 5.03 million transactions in 2022 and 6.12 million in 2021, marking the lowest amount since 1995. For the Company, combined closed homesale sides for Franchise Group and Owned Brokerage Group decreased by 36% in 2023 compared to 2021 (20% in 2022 and by another 20% in 2023 compared to the previous year).
Market conditions in the residential real estate industry remained weak in the first half of 2024. NAR reported that existing homesale transactions decreased 3% for the first half of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. For 2024, as of its most recently released forecast, Fannie Mae is forecasting existing homesale transactions to increase 2% to 4.17 million.
Several market factors contributed to the substantial declines in homesale transactions, the reduced activity in purchase and refinancing units and the reduced mortgage origination volume. These factors include the rapid escalation of mortgage rates starting in March 2022, persistent high inflation over the past two years, low housing inventory, reduced housing affordability, and broader macroeconomic concerns. The low housing inventory environment not only led to a decrease in closed homesale sides but also contributed to an elevation in the average homesale price over the past two years.
The table below sets forth changes in homesale transaction volume, closed homesale sides (homesale transactions) and average homesale price at Franchise Group and Owned Brokerage Group, both on a combined and individual basis, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with the same period in 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 |
Anywhere Combined | | | |
Homesale transaction volume* | 3% | | 3% |
Closed homesale sides | (5)% | | (5)% |
Average homesale price | 8% | | 7% |
Anywhere Brands - Franchise Group | | | |
Homesale transaction volume* | 2% | | 3% |
Closed homesale sides | (5)% | | (4)% |
Average homesale price | 7% | | 7% |
Anywhere Advisors - Owned Brokerage Group | | | |
Homesale transaction volume* | 4% | | 3% |
Closed homesale sides | (5)% | | (5)% |
Average homesale price | 9% | | 8% |
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* Homesale transaction volume is measured by multiplying closed homesale sides by average homesale price.
The graphic below shows the improvement in combined homesale transaction volume for the Company by quarter in 2023 and 2024 as compared with the same period in the prior year:
Furthermore, refinancing title and closing units declined 2% and purchase title and closing units declined 1% at Title Group during the first half of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 as a result of the high interest rate environment.
Operational Efficiencies and Cost Savings. We continue to execute on our strategic plan to optimize operational efficiency, reduce office footprint costs, centralize certain aspects of our operational support structure and drive changes in how we serve our affiliated independent sales agents, franchisees and consumers. During the second quarter of 2024, we realized cost savings of approximately $30 million and approximately $60 million year to date of which approximately half related to specific restructuring activities.
Mortgage Rates. Freddie Mac's data shows that average mortgage rates for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage more than doubled in 2022, reaching a peak of 7.79% in the fourth quarter of 2023, the highest since 2000. Although rates began to decrease slightly in early 2024, they have remained high. As of the week ending July 25, 2024, mortgage rates averaged 6.78%.
Mortgage rates are influenced by a multitude of factors, including federal interest rates, Treasury note yields, inflation, demand, consumer income, unemployment levels, foreclosure rates, and fiscal and monetary policies. Since March 2022, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board has taken action intended to try to control inflation raising the target federal funds rate by over 400 basis points in 2022 and an additional 100 basis points in 2023. The Federal Reserve has kept rates unchanged since July 2023. In their most recent press release in July 2024, they conveyed their anticipation that inflation will gradually align with their target, prompting a reduction in rates. However, the timing of these cuts remains uncertain. As of June 30, 2024 yields on the 10-year Treasury note were 4.36% compared to 3.81% as of June 30, 2023.
The interest rate environment has adversely affected various aspects of our business. Higher mortgage rates typically lead to reduced homesale transaction volume, decreased housing affordability, and lower activity in both purchase and refinancing units and mortgage origination. We anticipate that our business will continue to be negatively impacted by the current high mortgage rate environment until there is an improvement in the interest rate environment. For example, we believe the high mortgage rate environment is contributing to decreased homesale transaction volume, as potential home sellers choose to stay with their lower mortgage rate rather than sell their home and pay a higher mortgage rate with the purchase of another home and potential home buyers choose to rent rather than pay higher mortgage rates.
Inflation. The prevailing inflationary environment has affected U.S. consumers and the repercussions may persist. As evidenced by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI), a gauge employed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was a 3% (not seasonally adjusted) increase for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2024. The CPI serves as a metric for capturing the average fluctuations in prices paid by urban consumers across a diverse array of consumer goods and services. The macroeconomic landscape, including on-going conflicts around the world, introduces an additional layer of complexity to the inflationary dynamics. These geopolitical disruptions have the potential to intensify inflationary pressures, contributing to the volatility witnessed in the broader economic context. As consumers navigate this challenging landscape, the potential for continued impact on their purchasing power remains a significant consideration.
Affordability. The combination of higher mortgage rates and inflation has negatively impacted housing affordability. This is further exacerbated by the significant increase in home prices due to inventory constraints. Future periods may see further negative impacts on housing affordability due to persistent inflation, potential increases in mortgage rates, rising homesale prices, the cost of homeowners and flood insurance, further declines in housing inventory, stagnant or declining wages and other economic challenges.
Inventory & Turnover. Continued declines in inventory have and may continue to result in insufficient supply to meet demand. Housing inventory levels have been a persistent industry-wide concern for years, particularly in certain sought-after geographies and at lower price points. Additional inventory pressure arises from periods of slow new housing construction, potential home sellers choosing to stay with their lower mortgage rate rather than sell their home, real estate investment firms that purchase homes for rental use, and alternative competitors, such as iBuying models. These pressures have led to a significant increase in the average sales price over the past two years, which we believe has contributed to further deterioration of inventory at lower price points.
Recruitment and Retention of Independent Sales Agents; Commission Income. Recruitment and retention of independent sales agents and independent sales agent teams are critical to the business and financial results of a brokerage, including our company owned brokerages and those operated by affiliated franchisees. We've seen modest declines in our independent sales agents which we believe are consistent with a broader market trend of agents leaving the industry. Moreover, ongoing legal issues and changes in industry practices suggest that less experienced agents may continue to exit the industry.
Aggressive competition for the affiliation of independent sales agents in this industry continues to make recruitment and retention efforts at both Franchise Group and Owned Brokerage Group challenging, in particular with respect to more productive sales agents, and had and may continue to have a negative impact on our market share. These competitive market factors along with other trends (such as changes in the spending patterns of independent sales agents, as more agents purchase services from third parties outside of their affiliated broker) are expected to continue to put upward pressure on the average share of commissions earned by independent sales agents. If independent sales agents affiliated with our company owned brokerages are paid a higher proportion of the commissions earned on a homesale transaction or the level of commission income we receive from a homesale transaction is otherwise reduced, the operating margins of our company owned brokerages could continue to be adversely affected. Similarly, franchisees have and may continue to seek reduced royalty fee arrangements or other incentives from us to offset the continued business pressures on such franchisees, which would result in a reduction in royalty fees paid to us.
Competition and Industry Disruption. See Part I., "Item 1.—Business—Competition" in our 2023 Form 10-K for a discussion of the current competitive environment, including with respect to competition for independent sales agents and franchisees as well as non-traditional competition and industry disruption.
Litigation & Regulatory Matters. As further described in Note 6, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the final court approval of our nationwide settlement in the Burnett antitrust sell-side class action litigation (the "Anywhere Settlement") has been appealed, which delays our final payment of the remaining $53.5 million due under the Anywhere Settlement until 21 business days after all appellate rights are exhausted (we previously paid the first $30 million due). We are on track to implement the NAR Settlement (as defined in Note 6) requirements by the mid-August 2024 deadline.
In addition, we believe the DOJ is continuing to focus on the manner in which broker commissions are communicated, negotiated and paid, including how MLSs and state associations are implementing the changes required by the NAR settlement, and on broader restrictions or bans on offers of compensation. We believe the DOJ has also begun focusing on certain other rules and may continue to expand the scope of its scrutiny.
For a further discussion of these matters, see Part II., "Item 1.—Legal Proceedings" and Note 6, "Commitments and Contingencies—Litigation", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, as well as Part I., "Item 1.—Business—Government and Other Regulations", Part I., "Item 1A.—Risk Factors", Part I. and "Item 3.—Legal Proceedings" in our 2023 Form 10-K, and Note 15, "Commitments and Contingencies—Litigation", to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2023 Form 10-K.
* * *
Other Third Party Data. This Quarterly Report includes data and information obtained from independent sources such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, the National Association of Realtors ("NAR") and the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"). We caution that such information is subject to change and do not endorse or suggest reliance on this data or information alone.
KEY DRIVERS OF OUR BUSINESSES
Within Franchise Group and Owned Brokerage Group, our assessment of operating performance relies on the following key operating metrics:
•Closed Homesale Sides: This metric captures the number of transactions representing either the "buy" or "sell" side of a homesale transaction.
•Average Homesale Price: This metric reflects the average selling price of closed homesale transactions.
•Average Homesale Broker Commission Rate: This metric indicates the average commission rate earned on either the "buy" or "sell" side of a homesale transaction.
For Franchise Group, an additional metric, Net Royalty Per Side, is utilized. This metric represents the royalty payment to the Franchise Group for each homesale transaction side factoring in royalty rates, homesale prices, average homesale broker commission rates, volume incentives and other incentives. Net royalty per side is a comprehensive measure that accounts for changes in average homesale prices and all incentives and represents the royalty revenue impact of each incremental side.
For Owned Brokerage Group, we also gauge performance using Gross Commission Income Per Side. This metric is derived by dividing gross commission income (comprising commissions from homesale transactions and other activities, primarily leasing transactions) by closed homesale sides. Owned Brokerage Group, as a franchisee of Franchise Group, pays a royalty fee of approximately 6% per transaction to Franchise Group. The remaining gross commission income is distributed between the broker (Owned Brokerage Group) and independent sales agents based on their respective independent contractor agreements, specifying the agents share of the broker commission.
For Title Group, our assessment of operating performance centers on key metrics related to title and closing units differentiating between Purchase Title and Closing Units (resulting from home purchases), and Refinance Title and Closing Units (stemming from homeowners refinancing their home loans). The Average Fee Per Closing Unit metric represents the average fee earned on both purchase and refinancing title sides.
The following table presents our drivers for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. See "Results of Operations" below for a discussion as to how these drivers affected our business for the periods presented.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | % Change | | 2024 | | 2023 | | % Change |
Anywhere Brands - Franchise Group (a) | | | | | | | | | | | |
Closed homesale sides | 194,372 | | | 203,928 | | | (5) | % | | 339,147 | | | 354,419 | | | (4) | % |
Average homesale price | $ | 506,676 | | | $ | 473,312 | | | 7 | % | | $ | 491,070 | | | $ | 458,303 | | | 7 | % |
Average homesale broker commission rate | 2.42 | % | | 2.46 | % | | (4) | bps | | 2.43 | % | | 2.46 | % | | (3) | bps |
Net royalty per side | $ | 462 | | | $ | 451 | | | 2 | % | | $ | 443 | | | $ | 426 | | | 4 | % |
Anywhere Advisors - Owned Brokerage Group | | | | | | | | | | |
Closed homesale sides | 71,895 | | | 75,506 | | | (5) | % | | 122,408 | | | 129,303 | | | (5) | % |
Average homesale price | $ | 775,453 | | | $ | 709,764 | | | 9 | % | | $ | 748,239 | | | $ | 690,401 | | | 8 | % |
Average homesale broker commission rate | 2.36 | % | | 2.43 | % | | (7) | bps | | 2.38 | % | | 2.42 | % | | (4) | bps |
Gross commission income per side | $ | 19,141 | | | $ | 18,059 | | | 6 | % | | $ | 18,648 | | | $ | 17,525 | | | 6 | % |
Anywhere Integrated Services - Title Group | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase title and closing units | 29,816 | | | 30,136 | | | (1) | % | | 51,141 | | | 51,885 | | | (1) | % |
Refinance title and closing units | 2,394 | | | 2,308 | | | 4 | % | | 4,419 | | | 4,506 | | | (2) | % |
Average fee per closing unit | $ | 3,323 | | | $ | 3,202 | | | 4 | % | | $ | 3,287 | | | $ | 3,170 | | | 4 | % |
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(a)Includes all franchisees except for Owned Brokerage Group.
Declines in the number of closed homesale sides and/or declines in average homesale price adversely affect our results of operations by: (i) reducing the royalties we receive from our franchisees, (ii) reducing the commissions our company owned brokerage operations earn, and (iii) reducing the demand for services offered through Title Group, including title, escrow and settlement services or the services of our mortgage origination, title underwriter insurance, or other joint ventures. Additionally, declining closed homesale sides and/or declines in average homesale price increase the risk of franchisee default due to lower homesale volume. Further, our results have been and may continue to be negatively affected by a decline in commission rates charged by brokers, greater commission payments to independent sales agents, lower royalty rates from franchisees or an increase in other incentives paid to franchisees, among other factors.
Average homesale broker commission rate declined for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared with the same period in 2023, for both Franchise Group and Owned Brokerage Group partially related to an increase of homesale transactions individually in excess of $10 million that occurred in the second quarter of 2024 and the increase in average homesale broker commission in the second quarter of 2023.
Royalty fees are charged to all franchisees pursuant to the terms of the relevant franchise agreements and franchisees may receive volume incentives described in each of the real estate brands' franchise disclosure documents. Other incentives may also be used as consideration to attract new franchisees, grow franchisees (including through independent sales agent recruitment) or extend existing franchise agreements, although in contrast to volume incentives, the majority of other incentives are not homesale transaction based. See Part I., "Item 1.—Business—Anywhere Brands—Franchise Group—Operations—Franchising" in our 2023 Form 10-K for additional information.
Over the past several years, our top 250 franchisees have grown faster than our other franchisees through organic growth and market consolidation, which has had, and may continue to, put pressure on our ability to renew or negotiate franchise agreements with favorable terms due to their size and scale, and that has had, and could, adversely impact our royalty revenue.
We face significant competition from other national real estate brokerage brand franchisors for franchisees and we expect that the trend of increasing incentives will continue in the future in order to attract, retain, and help grow certain franchisees. Taking into account competitive factors, from time to time, we have and may continue to introduce pilot programs or restructure or revise the model used at one or more franchised brands, including with respect to fee structures, minimum production requirements or other terms. We expect to experience pressures on net royalty per side, largely due to the impact of competitive market factors noted above and continued concentration among our top 250 franchisees.
Owned Brokerage Group has a significant concentration of real estate brokerage offices and transactions in geographic regions where home prices are at the higher end of the U.S. real estate market, particularly the east and west coasts, while Franchise Group has franchised offices that are more widely dispersed across the United States. Accordingly, operating results and homesale statistics may differ between Owned Brokerage Group and Franchise Group based upon geographic presence and the corresponding homesale activity in each geographic region. In addition, the share of commissions earned by independent sales agents directly impacts the margin earned by Owned Brokerage Group. Such share of commissions earned by independent sales agents varies by region and commission schedules are generally progressive to incentivize sales agents to achieve higher levels of production.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Discussed below are our condensed consolidated results of operations and the results of operations for each of our reportable segments. The reportable segments presented represent those for which we maintain separate financial information regularly reviewed and utilized by our chief operating decision maker for performance assessment and resource allocation. The classification of reportable segments also considers the distinctive nature of services offered by each segment. Management's evaluation of individual reportable segment performance centers on two key metrics: revenue and Operating EBITDA. Operating EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net (excluding relocation services interest for securitization assets and securitization obligations), income taxes, and certain non-core items. Non-core items include restructuring charges, former parent legacy items, gains or losses on the early extinguishment of debt, impairments, and gains or losses on discontinued operations or the sale of businesses, investments or other assets. Operating EBITDA Margin is defined as Operating EBITDA as a percentage of revenues. Our presentation of Operating EBITDA may not align with similar measures employed by other entities. Variations may arise due to differences in the inclusion or exclusion of specific items and the interpretation of non-core elements within the calculation.
Our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our other disclosures in this Item 2. including under the heading Current Business and Industry Trends.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 vs. Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Our consolidated results comprised the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | Change |
Net revenues | $ | 1,669 | | | $ | 1,671 | | | $ | (2) | |
Total expenses | 1,631 | | | 1,649 | | | (18) | |
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings and noncontrolling interests | 38 | | | 22 | | | 16 | |
Income tax expense | 11 | | | 8 | | | 3 | |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities | (3) | | | (5) | | | 2 | |
Net income | 30 | | | 19 | | | 11 | |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net income attributable to Anywhere and Anywhere Group | $ | 30 | | | $ | 19 | | | $ | 11 | |
Net revenues remained relatively flat for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 driven by a decrease in revenue at Franchise Group primarily from our relocation operations and leads business as a result of lower relocation volume, partially offset by an increase in revenue at Owned Brokerage Group primarily due to higher homesale transaction volume.
Total expenses decreased $18 million or 1% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2023 primarily due to:
•a $25 million net decrease in operating and general and administrative expenses primarily attributable to a decrease in employee-related and other operating costs due to cost savings initiatives in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2023; and
•a $9 million decrease in marketing costs as a result of cost savings initiatives,
partially offset by a $16 million increase in commission and other sales agent-related costs primarily due to higher homesale transaction volume at Owned Brokerage Group.
Equity in earnings were $3 million during the second quarter of 2024 compared to earnings of $5 million during the second quarter of 2023. Equity in earnings during the second quarter of 2024 consisted of $1 million of earnings for the Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture and $2 million of earnings for the operations of our other equity method investments. Equity in earnings during the second quarter of 2023 consisted of $2 million of earnings for Guaranteed Rate Affinity, $1 million of earnings for the Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture and $2 million of earnings for the operations of our other equity method investments.
The Company continues to execute on its strategic plan ("the Operational Efficiencies Plan") to optimize operational efficiency, reduce its office footprint costs, centralize certain aspects of its operational support structure and drive changes in how it serves its affiliated independent sales agents, franchisees and consumers . Under the Operational Efficiencies Plan we incurred $6 million of costs, including $5 million of personnel related costs and $1 million of facility related costs, during the second quarter of 2024 compared to $5 million of costs during the second quarter of 2023. Total expected restructuring costs under the Operational Efficiencies Plan are currently anticipated to be $88 million with $79 million incurred to date through the second quarter of 2024. During the second quarter of 2024, we realized cost savings of approximately $30 million and approximately $60 million year to date of which approximately half related to specific restructuring activities. Furthermore, in connection with prior restructuring programs, we incurred $1 million of costs during both the second quarter of 2024 and 2023 primarily related to the transformation of our corporate headquarters. See Note 5, "Restructuring Costs", in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company's provision for income taxes in interim periods is computed by applying its estimated annual effective tax rate against the income or loss before income taxes for the period. In addition, non-recurring or discrete items are recorded in the period in which they occur. The provision for income taxes was an expense of $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to an expense of $8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Our effective tax rate was 27% and 30% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table reflects a reconciliation of Net income attributable to Anywhere and Anywhere Group to Operating EBITDA and the results of each of our reportable segments during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 |
Net income attributable to Anywhere and Anywhere Group | $ | 30 | | | $ | 19 | |
Income tax expense | 11 | | | 8 | |
Income before income taxes | 41 | | | 27 | |
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 48 | | | 49 | |
Interest expense, net | 40 | | | 39 | |
Restructuring costs, net (a) | 7 | | | 6 | |
Impairments (b) | 2 | | | 4 | |
Former parent legacy cost, net (c) | 1 | | | 1 | |
Operating EBITDA | $ | 139 | | | $ | 126 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenues (d) | | $ Change | | % Change | | Operating EBITDA | | $ Change | | % Change | | Operating EBITDA Margin | | Change |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | |
Franchise Group | $ | 265 | | | $ | 284 | | | $ | (19) | | | (7) | % | | $ | 159 | | | $ | 164 | | | $ | (5) | | | (3) | % | | 60 | % | | 58 | % | | 2 | |
Owned Brokerage Group | 1,393 | | | 1,380 | | | 13 | | | 1 | | | 4 | | | (10) | | | 14 | | | 140 | | | — | | | (1) | | | 1 | |
Title Group | 103 | | | 100 | | | 3 | | | 3 | | | 9 | | | 10 | | | (1) | | | (10) | | | 9 | | | 10 | | | (1) | |
Corporate and Other | (92) | | | (93) | | | 1 | | | (d) | | (33) | | | (38) | | | 5 | | | 13 | | | | | | | |
Total Company | $ | 1,669 | | | $ | 1,671 | | | $ | (2) | | | — | % | | $ | 139 | | | $ | 126 | | | $ | 13 | | | 10 | % | | 8 | % | | 8 | % | | — | |
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(a)Restructuring charges incurred for the three months ended June 30, 2024 include $2 million at Franchise Group, $1 million at Owned Brokerage Group, $1 million at Title Group and $3 million at Corporate and Other. Restructuring charges incurred for the three months ended June 30, 2023 include $4 million at Owned Brokerage Group, $1 million at Title Group and $1 million at Corporate and Other.
(b)Non-cash impairments primarily related to leases and other assets.
(c)Former parent legacy cost is recorded in Corporate and Other.
(d)Revenues include the elimination of transactions between segments, which consists of intercompany royalties and marketing fees paid by Owned Brokerage Group of $92 million and $93 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are eliminated through the Corporate and Other line.
As described in the aforementioned table, Operating EBITDA margin for "Total Company" expressed as a percentage of revenues remained flat for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Franchise Group's margin increased 2 percentage points primarily due to lower employee-related and other operating costs as a result of cost savings initiatives, partially offset by lower revenue from our relocation operations and leads business as a result of lower volume. Owned Brokerage Group's margin increased 1 percentage point primarily due to cost savings initiatives. Title Group's margin decreased 1 percentage point primarily due to an increase in employee-related and other operating costs.
Corporate and Other Operating EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2024 improved $5 million to a loss of $33 million primarily attributable to lower expense in 2024 related to cost savings initiatives.
Anywhere Brands—Franchise Group
Revenues decreased $19 million to $265 million and Operating EBITDA decreased $5 million to $159 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Revenues decreased $19 million primarily due to an $8 million decrease in revenue from our relocation operations and leads business as a result of lower relocation volume and a $5 million decrease in other franchise revenue primarily related to the timing of registration fees for meetings and conferences. Royalty revenue decreased $2 million driven by a 5% decrease in existing homesale transactions and a decline in the average homesale broker commission rate, partially offset by a 7% increase in average homesale price. Furthermore, brand marketing fund revenue and related expense decreased $4 million primarily due to lower advertising costs for the three months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with the same period in 2023.
Franchise Group's revenue includes intercompany royalties received from Owned Brokerage Group of $89 million during both the second quarter of 2024 and 2023 which are eliminated in consolidation against the expense reflected in Owned Brokerage Group's results.
Operating EBITDA decreased $5 million primarily due to the $19 million decrease in revenues discussed above, partially offset by a $6 million decrease in employee-related and other operating costs primarily as a result of cost savings initiatives, a $4 million decrease in brand marketing fund expense discussed above and a $4 million decrease in meetings and conferences expenses due to timing.
Anywhere Advisors—Owned Brokerage Group
Revenues increased $13 million to $1,393 million and Operating EBITDA increased $14 million to $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023.
The revenue increase of $13 million was primarily driven by a 4% increase in homesale transaction volume at Owned Brokerage Group which consisted of a 9% increase in average homesale price, partially offset by a 5% decrease in existing homesale transactions and a decline in the average homesale broker commission rate.
Operating EBITDA increased $14 million primarily due to:
•a $13 million increase in revenues as discussed above;
•a $10 million decrease in other operating costs primarily related to a decrease in employee-related costs due to lower employee headcount as a result of cost savings initiatives; and
•a $6 million decrease in marketing expense as a result of cost savings initiatives,
partially offset by a $16 million increase in commission expenses paid to independent sales agents primarily as a result of higher homesale transaction volume.
Anywhere Integrated Services—Title Group
Revenues increased $3 million to $103 million and Operating EBITDA decreased $1 million to $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023.
Revenues increased $3 million primarily due to an increase in the average fee per closing unit and refinance units partially offset by a decrease in purchase units.
Operating EBITDA decreased $1 million primarily due to a decrease in equity in earnings primarily related to Guaranteed Rate Affinity. The increase in revenue discussed above was offset by operating expenses.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
Our consolidated results comprised the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | Change |
Net revenues | $ | 2,795 | | | $ | 2,802 | | | $ | (7) | |
Total expenses | 2,885 | | | 2,962 | | | (77) | |
Loss before income taxes, equity in earnings and noncontrolling interests | (90) | | | (160) | | | 70 | |
Income tax benefit | (17) | | | (38) | | | 21 | |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities | (2) | | | (3) | | | 1 | |
Net loss | (71) | | | (119) | | | 48 | |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net loss attributable to Anywhere and Anywhere Group | $ | (71) | | | $ | (119) | | | $ | 48 | |
Net revenues decreased $7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 driven by a decrease in revenue at Franchise Group primarily from our relocation operations and leads business as a result of lower relocation volume, partially offset by an increase in revenue at Owned Brokerage Group primarily due to higher homesale transaction volume.
Total expenses decreased $77 million or 3% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to:
•a $62 million decrease in operating and general and administrative expenses primarily attributable to higher expense in 2023 related to accruals for legal matters, as well as a decrease in employee-related and other operating costs due to cost savings initiatives in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023;
•a $15 million decrease of former parent legacy costs due to the absence of expense for a legacy tax matter recorded during the first quarter of 2023;
•a $13 million decrease in marketing costs as a result of cost savings initiatives; and
•$13 million of lower restructuring costs,
partially offset by a $19 million increase in commission and other sales agent-related costs primarily due to higher homesale transaction volume at Owned Brokerage Group.
Equity in earnings were $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to earnings of $3 million during the same period of 2023. Equity in earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2024 consisted of $1 million of earnings for the Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture and $3 million of earnings for the operations of our other equity method investments, partially offset by $2 million of losses for Guaranteed Rate Affinity. Equity in earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2023 consisted of $2 million of earnings for the Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture and $1 million of earnings for the operations of our other equity method investments.
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we incurred $16 million of costs related to the Operational Efficiencies Plan, including $10 million of personnel related costs and $6 million of facility related costs, compared to $28 million of costs during the six months ended 2023. Furthermore, in connection with prior restructuring programs, we incurred $2 million of costs during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily related to the transformation of our corporate headquarters. See Note 5, "Restructuring Costs", in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company's provision for income taxes in interim periods is computed by applying its estimated annual effective tax rate against the income or loss before income taxes for the period. In addition, non-recurring or discrete items are recorded in the period in which they occur. The provision for income taxes was a benefit of $17 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a benefit of $38 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Our effective tax rate was 19% and 24% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily impacted by non-deductible executive compensation and equity awards for which the market value at vesting was lower than at the date of grant.
The following table reflects a reconciliation of Net loss attributable to Anywhere and Anywhere Group to Operating EBITDA and the results of each of our reportable segments during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 |
Net loss attributable to Anywhere and Anywhere Group | $ | (71) | | | $ | (119) | |
Income tax benefit | (17) | | | (38) | |
Loss before income taxes | (88) | | | (157) | |
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 103 | | | 99 | |
Interest expense, net | 79 | | | 77 | |
Restructuring costs, net (a) | 18 | | | 31 | |
Impairments (b) | 8 | | | 8 | |
Former parent legacy cost, net (c) | 2 | | | 17 | |
Gain on the sale of businesses, investments or other assets, net | — | | | (1) | |
Operating EBITDA | $ | 122 | | | $ | 74 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenues (d) | | $ Change | | % Change | | Operating EBITDA | | $ Change | | % Change | | Operating EBITDA Margin | | Change |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | |
Franchise Group | $ | 465 | | | $ | 491 | | | $ | (26) | | | (5) | % | | $ | 248 | | | $ | 261 | | | $ | (13) | | | (5) | % | | 53 | % | | 53 | % | | — | |
Owned Brokerage Group | 2,312 | | | 2,295 | | | 17 | | | 1 | | | (55) | | | (85) | | | 30 | | | 35 | | | (2) | | | (4) | | | 2 | |
Title Group | 174 | | | 172 | | | 2 | | | 1 | | | (6) | | | (7) | | | 1 | | | 14 | | | (3) | | | (4) | | | 1 | |
Corporate and Other | (156) | | | (156) | | | — | | | (d) | | (65) | | | (95) | | | 30 | | | 32 | | | | | | | |
Total Company | $ | 2,795 | | | $ | 2,802 | | | $ | (7) | | | — | % | | $ | 122 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | 48 | | | 65 | % | | 4 | % | | 3 | % | | 1 | |
_______________
(a)Restructuring charges incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2024 include $3 million at Franchise Group, $7 million at Owned Brokerage Group, $1 million at Title Group and $7 million at Corporate and Other. Restructuring charges incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2023 include $6 million at Franchise Group, $18 million at Owned Brokerage Group, $1 million at Title Group and $6 million at Corporate and Other.
(b)Non-cash impairments primarily related to leases and other assets.
(c)Former parent legacy cost is recorded in Corporate and Other and relates to a legacy tax matter.
(d)Revenues include the elimination of transactions between segments, which consists of intercompany royalties and marketing fees paid by Owned Brokerage Group of $156 million during both the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and are eliminated through the Corporate and Other line.
As described in the aforementioned table, Operating EBITDA margin for "Total Company" expressed as a percentage of revenues increased 1 percentage point for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Franchise Group's margin remained flat primarily due to lower revenue from our relocation operations and leads business as a result of lower volume, offset by lower employee-related and other operating costs as a result of cost savings initiatives. Owned Brokerage Group's margin increased 2 percentage points primarily due to cost savings initiatives. Title Group's margin increased 1 percentage point primarily due to an increase in revenue as a result of an increase in the average fee per closing unit.
Corporate and Other Operating EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2024 improved $30 million to a loss of $65 million primarily attributable to higher expense in 2023 related to accruals for legal matters and lower expense in 2024 related to cost savings initiatives.
Anywhere Brands - Franchise Group
Revenues decreased $26 million to $465 million and Operating EBITDA decreased $13 million to $248 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Revenues decreased $26 million primarily due to a $17 million decrease in revenue from our relocation operations and leads business as a result of lower relocation volume and a $5 million decrease in other franchise revenue primarily related to the timing of registration fees for meetings and conferences. Furthermore, brand marketing fund revenue and related
expense decreased $4 million primarily due to lower advertising costs during the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with the same period in 2023. Royalty revenue remained flat driven by a 4% decrease in existing homesale transactions and a decline in the average homesale broker commission rate, partially offset by a 7% increase in average homesale price.
Franchise Group's revenue includes intercompany royalties received from Owned Brokerage Group of $150 million and $149 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are eliminated in consolidation against the expense reflected in Owned Brokerage Group's results.
Operating EBITDA decreased $13 million primarily due to the $26 million decrease in revenues discussed above, partially offset by a $5 million decrease in employee-related and other operating costs primarily as a result of cost savings initiatives, a $4 million decrease in brand marketing fund expense discussed above and a $4 million decrease in meetings and conferences expenses due to timing.
Anywhere Advisors - Owned Brokerage Group
Revenues increased $17 million to $2,312 million and Operating EBITDA increased $30 million to a loss of $55 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023.
The revenue increase of $17 million was primarily driven by a 3% increase in homesale transaction volume at Owned Brokerage Group which consisted of an 8% increase in average homesale price, partially offset by a 5% decrease in existing homesale transactions and a decline in the average homesale broker commission rate.
Operating EBITDA increased $30 million primarily due to:
•a $20 million decrease in other operating costs primarily related to a decrease in employee-related costs due to lower employee headcount as a result of cost savings initiatives;
•a $17 million increase in revenues as discussed above; and
•a $10 million decrease in marketing expense as a result of cost savings initiatives,
partially offset by a $19 million increase in commission expenses paid to independent sales agents primarily as a result of higher homesale transaction volume.
Anywhere Integrated Services - Title Group
Revenues increased $2 million to $174 million and Operating EBITDA increased $1 million to a loss of $6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023.
Revenues increased $2 million primarily due to an increase in the average fee per closing unit partially offset by the decrease in purchase units.
Operating EBITDA increased $1 million due to the increase in revenue as discussed above and lower employee-related and other operating costs primarily as a result of cost savings partially offset by a decrease in equity in earnings primarily related to Guaranteed Rate Affinity.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Financial Condition
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 | | Change |
Total assets | $ | 5,846 | | | $ | 5,839 | | | $ | 7 | |
Total liabilities | 4,232 | | | 4,158 | | | 74 | |
Total equity | 1,614 | | | 1,681 | | | (67) | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, total assets increased $7 million primarily due to:
•a $92 million increase in relocation and trade receivables primarily due to timing; and
•a $22 million increase in cash and cash equivalents as discussed below under the header "Cash Flows",
partially offset by:
•a $44 million net decrease in franchise agreements and other amortizable intangible assets primarily due to amortization;
•a $26 million decrease in property and equipment primarily due to asset depreciation;
•a $19 million net decrease in operating lease assets primarily due to asset depreciation; and
•a $15 million net decrease in other current and non-current assets primarily due to prepaid contracts and independent sales agent incentives.
Total liabilities increased $74 million primarily due to:
•a $118 million net increase in corporate debt primarily related to additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility; and
•a $37 million increase in securitization obligations,
partially offset by:
•a $50 million decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities primarily due to payment of employee-related liabilities in the first quarter of 2024 which were fully accrued as of December 31, 2023 and payments of previously accrued legal matters;
•a $20 million decrease in operating lease liabilities; and
•an $18 million decrease in deferred tax liabilities.
Total equity decreased $67 million due to net loss of $71 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows from operations, supplemented by funds available under our Revolving Credit Facility and Apple Ridge securitization facility are our primary sources of liquidity, along with, from time to time, distributions from our unconsolidated joint ventures.
Our primary uses of liquidity include working capital, business investment and capital expenditures, as well as debt service (includes contractual amortization and interest payments). We have used and may also use future cash flows to repurchase or redeem outstanding indebtedness and to acquire stock under our share repurchase program.
Business investments may include investments in strategic initiatives, including our existing or future joint ventures, products and services that are designed to simplify the home sale and purchase transaction, independent sales agent recruitment and retention, and franchisee system growth and acquisitions.
From time to time, we seek to repay, refinance or restructure all or a portion of our debt or to repurchase our outstanding debt through, as applicable, tender offers, exchange offers, open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such transactions, if any, will depend on a number of factors, including prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements and contractual requirements (including compliance with the terms of our debt agreements), among other factors. We plan to extend, refinance, replace or repay our Term Loan A Facility by November 2024. See Note 4, "Short and Long-Term Debt", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
On May 9, 2024, we received final court approval of a settlement agreement the Company has entered into to settle all claims asserted against it or that could have been asserted against it in the Burnett and Moehrl antitrust class action litigation. The final approval has been appealed by several parties. Under the terms of the nationwide settlement we agreed to injunctive relief as well as monetary relief of $83.5 million, of which $30 million has been paid and the remaining $53.5 million will be due within 21 business days after all appellate rights are exhausted. See Note 6, "Commitments and Contingencies", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
As further described in Note 6, "Commitments and Contingencies—Litigation—Cendant Corporate Liabilities and Guarantees to Cendant and Affiliates", the California Office of Tax Appeals has declined the Company’s petition for a rehearing of its legacy tax matter, and the tax assessment, which as of June 30, 2024 is accrued at $40 million, is anticipated to become payable when Avis Budget Group receives notice from California which could be as early as the third quarter of 2024, even if the Company seeks further judicial relief.
Our material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations as of June 30, 2024 have not changed materially from the amounts reported in our 2023 Form 10-K.
Other material factors that may impact our liquidity, include, but are not limited to, the following:
Market and Macroeconomic Conditions. Our earnings have significantly decreased since mid 2022. This decline has been driven by the rapid downturn in the residential real estate market and has resulted in a substantial increase in our net debt leverage ratio. If the residential real estate market or the economy as a whole does not improve or further weakens, our business, financial condition and liquidity are likely to continue to be adversely affected. In particular, we may experience higher leverage as a result of lower earnings and/or increased borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility, and our ability to access capital, grow our business and return capital to stockholders may be adversely impacted.
Material Litigation. We are a party to certain material litigation, as described in Note 6, "Commitments and Contingencies—Litigation", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We dispute the allegations against the Company in each of these matters, believe we have substantial defenses against plaintiffs’ claims and are vigorously defending these actions, however it is not feasible to predict the ultimate outcome of litigation. Adverse outcomes in these matters could have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our business, results of operations and financial condition, in particular with respect to liquidity.
Seasonality. Historically, operating results and revenues for all of our businesses have been strongest in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. A significant portion of the expenses we incur in our real estate brokerage operations are related to marketing activities and commissions and therefore, are variable. However, many of our other expenses, such as interest payments, facilities costs and certain personnel-related costs, are fixed and cannot be reduced during the seasonal fluctuations in the business. Consequently, our need to borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility and corresponding debt balances are generally at their highest levels at or around the end of the first quarter of every year but a continued downturn in the residential real estate market or other factors impacting our liquidity could require us to incur additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
We believe that we will continue to meet our cash flow needs during the next twelve months through the sources outlined above. In the event that our liquidity assumptions change or we seek to provide incremental liquidity, we may explore additional debt financing, debt exchanges, private or public offerings of debt or common stock or consider asset disposals.
Cash Flows
At June 30, 2024, we had $137 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, an increase of $18 million compared to the balance of $119 million at December 31, 2023. The following table summarizes our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | Change |
Cash provided by (used in): | | | | | |
Operating activities | $ | (83) | | | $ | (20) | | | $ | (63) | |
Investing activities | (35) | | | (20) | | | (15) | |
Financing activities | 136 | | | 9 | | | 127 | |
Effects of change in exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | — | | | 1 | | | (1) | |
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 18 | | | $ | (30) | | | $ | 48 | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, $63 million more cash was used in operating activities compared to the same period in 2023 principally due to:
•$104 million less cash provided by the net change in relocation and trade receivables due to timing; and
•$36 million more cash used for accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities primarily related to the payment of higher employee incentive compensation in the first quarter of 2024 and payments of previously accrued legal matters,
partially offset by $75 million more cash provided by operating results.
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, $15 million less cash was provided by investing activities compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to the absence in 2024 of $8 million proceeds from the sale of business in 2023 and $6 million proceeds received from investments in 2023.
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, $136 million of cash was provided by financing activities compared to $9 million of cash provided by financing activities during the same period in 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, $136 million of cash was provided by financing activities primarily due to:
•$125 million of additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility; and
•$37 million net increase in securitization borrowings,
partially offset by:
•$13 million of other financing payments primarily related to contracts and finance leases; and
•$10 million of quarterly amortization payments on the term loan facilities.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, $9 million of cash was provided by financing activities as follows:
•$38 million net increase in securitization borrowings,
partially offset by:
•$18 million of other financing payments primarily related to finance leases and contracts; and
•$7 million of quarterly amortization payments on the term loan facilities.
Financial Obligations
See Note 4, "Short and Long-Term Debt", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, for information on the Company's indebtedness as of June 30, 2024.
Covenants under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, Term Loan A Facility and Indentures; Events of Default
The Senior Secured Credit Agreement, Term Loan A Agreement, and the indentures governing the Unsecured Notes and 7.00% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes contain various covenants that limit (subject to certain exceptions) Anywhere Group’s ability to, among other things:
•incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock;
•pay dividends or make distributions to Anywhere Group’s stockholders, including Anywhere;
•repurchase or redeem capital stock;
•make loans, investments or acquisitions;
•incur restrictions on the ability of certain of Anywhere Group's subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make other payments to Anywhere Group;
•enter into transactions with affiliates;
•create liens;
•merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of Anywhere Group's and its material subsidiaries' assets;
•transfer or sell assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries; and
•prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated indebtedness.
As a result of the covenants to which we remain subject, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business and we may be unable to engage in favorable business activities or finance future operations or capital needs. In addition, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Term Loan A Agreement require us to maintain a senior secured leverage ratio.
Senior Secured Leverage Ratio applicable to our Senior Secured Credit Facility and Term Loan A Facility
The senior secured leverage ratio is tested quarterly and may not exceed 4.75 to 1.00. The senior secured leverage ratio is measured by dividing Anywhere Group's total senior secured net debt by the trailing four quarters EBITDA calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, as those terms are defined in the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. Total senior secured net debt does not include the 7.00% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, our unsecured indebtedness, including the Unsecured Notes and Exchangeable Senior Notes, or the securitization obligations. EBITDA calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, includes adjustments for restructuring, retention and disposition costs, former parent legacy cost (benefit) items, net, loss (gain) on the early extinguishment of debt, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash charges, extraordinary, nonrecurring or unusual items and incremental securitization interest costs, as well as pro forma cost savings for restructuring initiatives, the pro forma effect of business optimization initiatives and the pro forma effect of acquisitions and new franchisees, in each case calculated as of the beginning of the trailing four-quarter period. The Company was in compliance with the senior secured leverage ratio covenant at June 30, 2024.
Events of Default
Certain events would constitute an event of default under the Senior Secured Credit Facility or Term Loan A Facility as well as the indentures governing the 7.00% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, Unsecured Notes and Exchangeable Senior Notes. Such events of default include, without limitation, nonpayment of principal or interest, insolvency, bankruptcy, nonpayment of certain material judgments, change of control, and cross-events of default on material indebtedness as well as, under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and Term Loan A Facility, material misrepresentations, failure to comply with the senior secured leverage ratio covenant and failure to obtain an unqualified audit opinion by 90 days after the end of any fiscal year. If such an event of default were to occur and the Company failed to obtain a waiver from the applicable lenders or holders of the 7.00% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, Unsecured Notes or Exchangeable Senior Notes, our financial condition, results of operations and business would be materially adversely affected.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The SEC has adopted rules to regulate the use in filings with the SEC and in public disclosures of "non-GAAP financial measures," such as Operating EBITDA. These measures are derived on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with GAAP.
Operating EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net (excluding relocation services interest for securitization assets and securitization obligations), income taxes, and certain non-
core items. Non-core items include restructuring charges, former parent legacy items, gains or losses on the early extinguishment of debt, impairments, and gains or losses on discontinued operations or the sale of businesses, investments or other assets. Operating EBITDA is our primary non-GAAP measure. Operating EBITDA Margin is defined as Operating EBITDA as a percentage of revenues.
We present Operating EBITDA because we believe it is useful as a supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of our operating businesses and provides greater transparency into our results of operations. Our management, including our chief operating decision maker, uses Operating EBITDA as a factor in evaluating the performance of our business. Operating EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or other statement of operations data prepared in accordance with GAAP.
We believe Operating EBITDA facilitates company-to-company operating performance comparisons by backing out potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting net interest expense), taxation, the age and book depreciation of facilities (affecting relative depreciation expense) and the amortization of intangibles, as well as other items that are not core to the operating activities of the Company such as restructuring charges, gains or losses on the early extinguishment of debt, former parent legacy items, impairments, gains or losses on discontinued operations and gains or losses on the sale of businesses, investments or other assets, which may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to operating performance. We further believe that Operating EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies, many of which present an Operating EBITDA measure when reporting their results.
Operating EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider Operating EBITDA either in isolation or as a substitute for analyzing our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•this measure does not reflect changes in, or cash required for, our working capital needs;
•this measure does not reflect our interest expense (except for interest related to our securitization obligations), or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
•this measure does not reflect our income tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our taxes;
•this measure does not reflect historical cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often require replacement in the future, and this measure does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and
•other companies may calculate this measure differently so they may not be comparable.
Critical Accounting Estimates
In presenting our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported therein. Several of the estimates and assumptions we are required to make relate to matters that are inherently uncertain as they pertain to future events. However, events that are outside of our control cannot be predicted and, as such, they cannot be contemplated in evaluating such estimates and assumptions. If there is a significant unfavorable change to current conditions, it could result in a material adverse impact to our combined results of operations, financial position and liquidity. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we used when preparing our financial statements were the most appropriate at that time.
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which includes a description of our critical accounting policies that involve subjective and complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results.
Impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets
Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to an impairment assessment annually as of October 1, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The impairment assessment involves the use of accounting estimates and assumptions, changes in which could materially impact our financial condition or operating performance if actual results differ from such estimates and assumptions. Although management believes that assumptions are reasonable, actual results may vary significantly.
Furthermore, significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets, a decrease in our business results, growth rates that fall below our assumptions, divestitures, and a sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization may have a negative effect on the fair values and key valuation assumptions. Such changes could result in changes to our estimates of our fair value and a material impairment of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets. To address this uncertainty, a sensitivity analysis is performed on key estimates and assumptions.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1, "Basis of Presentation", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.