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Countrywide.... Whats happening?

By
Mortgage and Lending with 1st Mortgage Corporation

 

I'm not sure if you are all aware but Countrywide, one of the nations largest mortgage lenders is looking like it is in trouble. It's stocks plunged $2.17, or around 28% on Tuesday after sinking to a 52 week low of $5.05. What is happenng to Countrywide???

There have been rumors of a Countrywide bankruptcy but they have been denied everytime the subject has been brought up. In a prepared statement (I recieved in my email):


"There is no substance to the rumor that Countrywide is planning to
file for bankruptcy, and we are not aware of any basis for the rumor
that any of the major rating agencies are contemplating negative
action relative to the Company."

In addition, Countrywide plans to host a live management discussion Tuesday January 29th at 12:00 p.m. and they will discuss fourth quarter and full year results for the year 2007.

It seems like they're in a desperate situation considering that there stock has plunged around from a 52 week high of $45.26. Thats a drop of around 80%. The stocks were shaken due to the mortgage mess thats been going on around the nation and were more shaken this week due to a report in the New York Times that said court records show the lender fabricated documents related to a bankruptcy case in Pennsylvania.

Countrywide seems to be forcasting a profit in the fourth quarter of 2008, but I personally don't see something like that happening with the credit crises, declining home sales, forclosures and climbing deliquincy rates. We will have to wait and see.

Show All Comments Sort:
Jose Martinez
Act - Decherd, TN
It's all a rumor so I would not worry about that... 
Jan 10, 2008 02:38 AM
Anthony Frustaci
1st Mortgage Corporation - Huntersville, NC

 

I agree, but if they're commenting on a rumor then I would suspect they have something to worry about...

Jan 10, 2008 02:40 AM
Tina Merritt
Nest Realty - Blacksburg, VA
Virginia Real Estate
I read today that their 4th quarter loan fundings were up; however, their foreclosure losses greatly exceeded whatever income was generated.  Anyone know how much Countrywide planned on writing off to foreclosures?  If it was much less than what they are experiencing, it will significantly effect consumer and investor confidence.
Jan 10, 2008 02:47 AM
Susan Trombley
Trombley Real Estate - Wake Forest, NC
Broker/Realtor, Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Youngs
You bring up a valuable point here. I have not heard anything about countrywdie in quite sometime. I do wonder what is going on.
Jan 10, 2008 02:56 AM
Anthony Frustaci
1st Mortgage Corporation - Huntersville, NC

 

Tina, The loan fundings are up because rates around the country are smokin' hot!  A borrower with 680 score good assets, good job history etc (perfect borrower) can get a 5.5% at par! Thats amazing, but keep in mind that fannie mae is changing its guidelines again, raising the rates as of March 2008, I came up with a good marketing flyer for realtors if your interested.

As far as Countrywide writing off foreclosures..... I'm not too sure... I guess I should have done more research because you bring up a good point, if they have more forclosures, who would want to invest with them?

Jan 10, 2008 03:11 AM