Blend Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

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Insights

The reported achievement of revenue guidance and the improvement in operating loss for Blend Labs are key financial indicators that are likely to influence investor sentiment. The consistent double-digit revenue growth suggests that the company is expanding its market presence, which is a positive sign for potential investors. The reduction in operational losses indicates improved efficiency in cost management, which could lead to future profitability. However, the broader market environment remains challenging, which suggests that the company's performance must be viewed in the context of wider economic conditions that could affect its growth trajectory.

Blend Labs' strategic focus on expanding its consumer banking footprint and deepening mortgage relationships is a calculated move within the cloud banking software industry. By maintaining a leading market share in mortgages, the company leverages a stable revenue stream while exploring growth in consumer banking. This diversification can be beneficial in mitigating risks associated with market volatility. However, it is important to assess the competitive landscape and the demand for cloud banking solutions to determine the sustainability of Blend's growth and market position.

The streamlining of cost structures leading to reduced operational losses is indicative of effective management practices, especially in a challenging market environment. Such fiscal discipline can be a buffer during economic downturns and can also provide the company with more agility to invest in growth opportunities as they arise. However, it is essential to analyze the macroeconomic factors that may affect the banking software sector, such as interest rate changes, regulatory shifts and technological advancements, to fully understand the potential impact on Blend Labs' financial health in the long term.

03/14/2024 - 04:21 PM

Meets Fourth Quarter 2023 Revenue Guidance and Delivers Strong Operating Loss Improvement in Every Quarter in 2023

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE:BLND), a leader in cloud banking software, today announced its fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results.

“Despite a challenging market environment, Blend has achieved substantial progress on our three strategic priorities over the course of 2023,” said Nima Ghamsari, Head of Blend. “First, we’ve expanded our consumer banking footprint by achieving double digit year-on-year revenue growth in every quarter. Second, we continued to deepen our mortgage relationships and maintain our leading market share. And third, we’ve succeeded in streamlining our cost structure, which resulted in a significant reduction in loss from operations.

“Looking ahead, we are optimistic about our strong pipeline and we will continue to accelerate our growth as we work towards our mission of building simple, proactive, and instant experiences for any banking product.”

Recent Business Highlights

Expanding Consumer Banking Footprint: Closed eight new consumer banking deals in the fourth quarter, which includes signing a multi-year consumer banking deal with Citizens Bank, one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, to deliver a more consistent, frictionless application experience to their customers.
Growing Mortgage Customer Base and Focus on Continued Innovation: Welcomed two new top 100 financial institutions by retail customer base to our mortgage solution, including the 10th largest credit union in the U.S. based on total assets. Blend’s ongoing product investments in new data integrations and AI-enhancements, like Blend Copilot, are positioning its customers for more efficient growth ahead of a potential industry rebound.
Continued Strengthening of Mortgage Suite Unit Economics: Blend’s mortgage suite economic value per funded loan rose to $91 in 4Q23 from $81 in 4Q22, representing continued adoption of its mortgage add-on products.
Pacing Towards Profitability: Blend GAAP net operating loss decreased significantly in 4Q23 compared to the same period last year. Blend non-GAAP net operating loss in 4Q23 outperformed the top end of guidance on execution of efficiency initiatives. This increased operating efficiency places the company on track to achieve non-GAAP profitability within the year.

Fourth Quarter Financial Summary

Revenue

Total company revenue in 4Q23 was $36.1 million, composed of Blend Platform segment revenue of $25.9 million and Title segment revenue of $10.2 million.
Within the Blend Platform segment, Mortgage Suite revenue decreased by 3% year-over-year to $17.2 million, amidst a 20-25% industry mortgage market volume decline over the same period as determined by Blend’s internal estimates, which are informed from a sample of third-party estimates, such as those published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, and Inside Mortgage Finance where Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data is unavailable.
Consumer Banking Suite revenue totaled $6.4 million in 4Q23, an increase of 15% as compared to the prior-year period.
Professional services revenue increased 11% year-over-year to $2.3 million.

Gross Margin & Profitability

Blend GAAP gross profit margin was approximately 55%, up from 34% in 4Q22. Blend non-GAAP gross profit margin was approximately 55%, up from 35% in 4Q22.
GAAP Blend Platform segment gross profit was $18.2 million in 4Q23, up from $14.6 million in 4Q22. Non-GAAP Blend Platform segment gross profit was $18.3 million in 4Q23, up from $14.9 million in 4Q22.
GAAP and non-GAAP Software platform gross margins were 79% in 4Q23, up compared to 72% on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis in 4Q22.
GAAP loss from operations was $21.9 million, compared to $75.2 million in 4Q22. Non-GAAP loss from operations was $13.1 million, compared to $43.1 million in 4Q22.
GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders was $0.13 compared to $0.35 in 4Q22. Non-GAAP consolidated net loss per share was $0.09 compared to $0.21 in 4Q22.

Full Year Financial Summary

Revenue

Total company revenue in 2023 was $156.8 million, composed of Blend Platform segment revenue of $109.5 million and Title segment revenue of $47.3 million.
Within the Blend Platform segment, Mortgage Suite revenue decreased by 18% year-over-year, to $77.6 million.
Consumer Banking Suite revenue totaled $23.6 million in 2023, an increase of 22% as compared to 2022.
Professional services revenue increased 7% year-over-year to $8.3 million.

Gross Margin & Profitability

Blend GAAP gross profit margin was approximately 52%, up from 38% in 2022. Blend Non-GAAP gross profit margin was approximately 52%, up from 39% in 2022.
GAAP Blend Platform segment gross profit was $76.5 million in 2023, up from $75.2 million in 2022. Non-GAAP Blend Platform segment gross profit was $77.4 million in 2023, up from $76.3 million in 2022.
GAAP and non-GAAP Software platform gross margins were 78% in 2023, up compared to 73% on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis in 2022.
GAAP loss from operations was $156.2 million, compared to $746.2 million in 2022. Non-GAAP loss from operations was $77.6 million, compared to $159.2 million in 2022.
GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders was $0.76 compared to $3.28 in 2022. Non-GAAP consolidated net loss per share was $0.41 compared to $0.78 in 2022.

Liquidity, Cash, & Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2023, Blend has cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, including restricted cash, totaling $144.2 million with total debt outstanding of $140.0 million in the form of the Company’s term loan.
Blend cash used in operating activities was $127.6 million in 2023, compared to $190.4 million in 2022. Free cash flow was $(128.2) million in 2023, compared to $(192.5) million in 2022.
During 4Q23, Blend prepaid a portion of its outstanding term loan balance in an aggregate principal amount of $85.0 million, terminated the revolving line of credit, and amended the maturity date of the term loan to provide for a maturity extension to June 30, 2027, provided certain conditions are satisfied. These conditions were not met as of December 31, 2023.

First Quarter 2024 Outlook

Blend is providing guidance for the first quarter of 2024 as follows:

	*$ in millions*
Q1 2024 Guidance
Blend Platform Segment Revenue	$22.0 – $24.0
Title Revenue	$10.5 – $11.5
Blend Labs, Inc. Consolidated Revenue	$32.5 – $35.5

Non-GAAP Net Operating Loss	($14.0) – ($12.0)

Blend’s 1Q24 guidance reflects an internally estimated 800,000 - 875,000 U.S. aggregate industry mortgage originations in 1Q24.

Note that economic conditions, including those affecting the levels of real estate and mortgage activity, as well as the financial condition of some of our financial customers, remain highly uncertain.

We have not provided the forward-looking GAAP equivalent to our non-GAAP Net Operating Loss outlook or a GAAP reconciliation as a result of the uncertainty regarding, and the potential variability of, stock-based compensation, which is affected by our hiring and retention needs and future prices of our stock, and non-recurring, infrequent or unusual items.

Webcast Information

On Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 4:30 pm ET, Blend will host a live discussion of its fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results. A link to the live discussion will be made available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://investor.blend.com. A replay will also be made available following the discussion at the same website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, quotations of management; the “First Quarter and Full Year 2024 Outlook” section above; Blend’s expectations regarding its financial condition and operating performance, including growth opportunities and plans for future operations and competitive position; Blend’s products, pipeline, and technologies; Blend’s customers and customer relationships, including the businesses of such customers and their position in the market; Blend’s cost reduction efforts and ability to achieve profitability in the future; projections for mortgage loan origination volumes, including projections provided by third parties; other macroeconomic and industry conditions; and Blend’s expectations for changes in revenue, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “would,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology that concern Blend’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all.

Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith beliefs and assumptions as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that: changes in economic conditions, such as mortgage interest rates, credit availability, real estate prices, inflation or consumer confidence, adversely affect our industry, markets and business, we fail to retain our existing customers or to acquire new customers in a cost-effective manner; our customers fail to maintain their utilization of our products and services; our relationships with any of our key customers were to be terminated or the level of business with them significantly reduced over time; we are unable to compete in highly competitive markets; we are unable to manage our growth; we are unable to make accurate predictions about our future performance due to our limited operating history in an evolving industry and evolving markets; we are unable to successfully integrate or realize the benefits of our acquisition of Title365; our restructuring actions do not result in the desired outcomes or adversely affect our business, impairment charges on certain assets have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations; or we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows or otherwise maintain sufficient liquidity to fund our operations and satisfy our liabilities. Further information on these risks and other factors that could affect our financial results are set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 that will be filed following this press release. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Blend does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Key Metrics

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, this press release and the accompanying tables contain, and the conference call will contain, non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP software platform gross profit and gross margin, non-GAAP Blend Platform segment gross profit and gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP loss from operations, non-GAAP net operating loss, and non-GAAP consolidated net loss per share. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally in analyzing our financial results and believes they are useful to investors, as a supplement to the corresponding GAAP financial measures, in evaluating our ongoing operational performance and trends, in allowing for greater transparency with respect to measures used by our management in their financial and operational decision making, and in comparing our results of operations with other companies in the same industry, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to help investors understand the operational performance of their businesses.

We adjust the following items from our non-GAAP financial measures as detailed in the reconciliations below:

Stock-based compensation and amortization of warrant. We exclude stock-based compensation and amortization of warrant, which are non-cash expenses, from our non-GAAP financial measures because we believe that excluding these items provides meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In particular, companies calculate stock-based compensation expense using a variety of valuation methodologies and subjective assumptions, and expense related to stock-based awards can vary significantly based on the timing, size and nature of awards granted.

Compensation realignment costs. We exclude the compensation realignment costs incurred in connection with the change in our compensation strategy from our non-GAAP financial measures. These costs relate to amortization of one-time two-installment cash bonus payment made to certain employees in lieu of previously committed equity-based awards, driven by an organizational initiative to standardize our equity compensation program. We believe that excluding these charges for purposes of calculating the non-GAAP financial measures provides more meaningful period to period comparisons.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets. We exclude amortization of acquired intangible assets, which is a non-cash expense, from our non-GAAP financial measures. We exclude these amortization expenses because we do not believe these expenses have a direct correlation to the operation of our business.

Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill. We exclude impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, which are non-cash charges, from our non-GAAP financial measures. These charges are unusual in nature and we do not believe these charges have a direct correlation to the operation of our business.

Restructuring costs. We exclude restructuring costs as these costs primarily include employee severance, executive transition costs and other costs directly associated with resource realignments incurred in connection with changing strategies or business conditions. These costs can vary significantly in amount and frequency based on the nature of the actions as well as the changing needs of our business and we believe that excluding them provides easier comparability of pre- and post-restructuring operating results.

Litigation contingencies. We exclude costs related to litigation contingencies, which represent reserves for legal settlements. These costs are non-recurring in nature and we do not believe they have a direct correlation to the operation of our business.

Foreign currency gains and losses. We exclude unrealized gains and losses resulting from remeasurement of assets and liabilities from foreign currency into the functional currency as we do not believe these gains and losses to be indicative of our business performance and excluding these gains and losses provides information consistent with how we evaluate our operating results.

Transaction-related costs. We exclude costs related to mergers and acquisitions from our non-GAAP financial measures as we do not consider these costs to be related to organic continuing operations of the acquired business or relevant to assessing the long-term performance of the acquired assets. These adjustments allow for more accurate comparisons of the financial results to historical operations and forward looking guidance. These costs include financial advisory, legal, accounting and other transactional costs incurred in connection with acquisition activities, and non-recurring transition and integration costs.

Gains related to carrying value adjustments of non-marketable equity securities. We exclude gains related to the carrying value adjustments of non-marketable equity securities because we do not believe these non-cash gains have a direct correlation to the operation of our business.

Income taxes. We exclude non-cash non-recurring tax benefits from our non-GAAP financial measures. These tax benefits consist of the changes in the valuation allowance resulting from acquisitions and from changes in U.S. tax law requiring capitalization and amortization of research and development costs for tax purposes.

In addition, our non-GAAP financial measures include measures related to our liquidity, such as free cash flow, unlevered free cash flow and free cash flow margin. Free cash flow is defined as net cash flow from operating activities less cash spent on additions to property, equipment, internal-use software and intangible assets. Unlevered free cash flow is defined as free cash flow plus cash paid for interest on our outstanding debt. Free cash flow margin is defined as free cash flow divided by total revenue. We believe information regarding free cash flow, free cash flow margin and unlevered free cash flow provide useful information to investors as a basis for comparing our performance with other companies in our industry and as a measurement of the cash generation that is available to invest in our business and meet our financing needs. However, given our debt service obligations (including the existing $140 million remaining principal on the term loan under our credit agreement due in June 2026) and other contractual obligations, unlevered free cash flow does not represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.

It is important to note that the particular items we exclude from, or include in, our non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the items excluded from, or included in, similar non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies in the same industry. In addition, other companies may utilize metrics that are not similar to ours.

The non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only and is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. There are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures since they exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in our financial statements. Please see the reconciliation tables at the end of this release for the reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results. Management encourages investors and others to review Blend’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

About Blend

Blend is the infrastructure powering the future of banking. Financial providers — from large banks, fintechs, and credit unions to community and independent mortgage banks — use Blend’s platform to transform banking experiences for their customers. Blend powers billions of dollars in financial transactions every day. To learn more, visit www.blend.com.

Blend Labs, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

	December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	30,962		$	124,199
Marketable securities and other investments		105,960			229,948
Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of $149 and $436, respectively		18,345			22,718
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,569			19,231
Total current assets		169,836			396,096
Property and equipment, net		3,945			5,742
Operating lease right-of-use assets		8,565			11,668
Intangible assets, net		2,108			2,127
Deferred contract costs		2,453			1,691
Restricted cash, non-current		7,291			5,358
Other non-current assets		11,867			10,082
Total assets	$	206,065		$	432,764
Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	2,170		$	1,260
Deferred revenue		8,984			8,695
Accrued compensation		5,562			10,059
Other current liabilities		14,858			15,459
Total current liabilities		31,574			35,473
Operating lease liabilities, non-current		6,982			11,091
Other non-current liabilities		2,228			5,478
Debt, non-current, net		138,334			216,801
Total liabilities		179,118			268,843
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		46,190			40,749
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value: 200,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022		—			—
Class A, Class B and Class C Common Stock, $0.00001 par value: 3,000,000 (Class A 1,800,000, Class B 600,000, Class C 600,000) shares authorized as of December 31, 2023; 249,910 (Class A 240,262, Class B 9,648, Class C 0) and 240,931 (Class A 230,210, Class B 10,721, Class C 0) shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		2			2
Additional paid-in capital		1,321,944			1,286,815
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		441			(708	)
Accumulated deficit		(1,341,630	)		(1,162,937	)
Total stockholders’ equity		(19,243	)		123,172
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity	$	206,065		$	432,764

Blend Labs, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Year Ended
December 31,

2023

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FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Blend Labs, Inc.?

The ticker symbol for Blend Labs, Inc. is BLND.

What were Blend Labs, Inc.'s financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023?

Blend Labs, Inc. announced its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial results, meeting revenue guidance and showing strong operating loss improvement.

What were Blend Labs, Inc.'s strategic priorities in 2023?

Blend Labs, Inc.'s strategic priorities in 2023 included expanding consumer banking footprint, deepening mortgage relationships, and optimizing cost structure.