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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

Redfin Corporation operates as a residential real estate brokerage company in the United States and Canada.The company operates an online real estate marketplace and provides real estate services, including assisting individuals in the purchase or sell of home.It also provides title and settlement services; originates and sells mortgages; and buys and sells homes.


The company was formerly known as Appliance Computing Inc.and changed its name to Redfin Corporation in May 2006.Redfin Corporation was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

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1.b. Last Insights on RDFN

Redfin Corporation's recent performance was driven by a slowdown in the housing market, with home prices growing at the slowest pace in nearly two years. The median U.S. home-sale price rose 0.7% year over year in May, down from 4.1% growth in April. New listings of U.S. homes for sale rose 6.3% year over year during the four weeks ending June 1, but declined year over year in 11 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros. The typical U.S. homebuyer's down payment is $62,468, down by roughly 1% year over year, the first annual decline in nearly two years. Homebuyers' down payments are shrinking for the first time in almost two years as the housing market cools.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. Redfin's Q4 2024 Earnings Report: A Tale of Growth and Profitability

Redfin's Q4 2024 earnings report painted a picture of steady growth and improving profitability. The company reported revenue of $244 million, marking a 12% year-over-year increase, driven by strong performance in its real estate services segment. Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $3 million, a significant improvement from the $13 million loss in Q4 2023, despite being below guidance due to higher agent pay. For the full year, Redfin achieved a $53 million improvement in adjusted EBITDA loss, bringing it to $27 million. The company also highlighted its progress in cost-saving measures, with CEO Glenn Kelman noting, "Redfin has made the only adjustment anticipated for the year, eliminating some entitlements like vacation pay to offset higher-than-expected costs."

Publication Date: Mar -08

📋 Highlights
  • Revenue Growth:: Redfin reported Q4 2024 revenue of $244 million, a 12% year-over-year increase, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth.
  • Improved Profitability:: Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $3 million, a significant improvement from the $13 million loss in Q4 2023, though it fell short of guidance due to higher agent pay.
  • Zillow Partnership:: The company received a $100 million payment from Zillow, which will fund a 38% increase in 2025 advertising and strengthen the balance sheet, while also boosting rental listings and marketplace growth.
  • Agent Expansion and Market Share Gains:: Redfin increased its agent count by 25% since Q3, exceeding 2,200 agents, and reported strong performance in key areas, with optimism about market share gains, particularly in higher-end markets.
  • Profitability Targets and Cost Savings:: Redfin aims for significant adjusted EBITDA in 2025, driven by cost savings, the Zillow partnership, and increased monetization efforts, with real estate gross margins projected to approach 30%.

Revenue Growth and Segment Performance

Real estate services revenue grew 12% year-over-year, fueled by a 13% increase in brokerage transactions. The rental segment also contributed to growth, with a 5% revenue increase. Redfin's partnership with Zillow, which included a $100 million payment, played a pivotal role in bolstering its balance sheet and funding a 38% increase in 2025 advertising. This strategic move is expected to enhance marketplace growth and rental listings. The company's agent count rose by 25% since Q3, reaching over 2,200 agents, with these agents outperforming in key areas.

2025 Outlook and Valuation Considerations

Looking ahead, Redfin expects to improve profitability in 2025, with real estate gross margins projected to approach 30%. The company has guided Q1 2025 revenue between $214-$225 million, with marketing expenses increasing to $40 million, primarily for mass media campaigns. Redfin's focus on growth and reducing staffing costs, enhanced by the Zillow partnership, is expected to drive demand and profitability. The rental business, boosted by the Zillow partnership, saw a 3x profit increase, around $13.5 million to $14 million. Despite these positive developments, Redfin's valuation metrics tell a mixed story. The company's price-to-sales ratio (P/S) of 0.71 suggests a reasonable valuation relative to its revenue growth. However, the enterprise value-to-EBITDA ratio (EV/EBITDA) of -11.32 reflects the company's ongoing profitability challenges. The negative free cash flow yield of -5.92% also highlights the company's cash burn, though this is expected to improve as profitability metrics strengthen.

Operational Highlights and Strategic Initiatives

Redfin's operational highlights included a 25% increase in agent count, now exceeding 2,200, with these agents outperforming in key areas. Marketing expenses rose by $15 million in Q1, expected to increase but at a slower pace. Profitability targets include significant adjusted EBITDA, projected in the millions. The rental business, boosted by the Zillow partnership, saw a 3X profit increase, around $13.5 million to $14 million. Revenue was approximately $200 million, with digital services ending and core advertising down, but not by 90%. The partnership is expected to improve rental listings and marketplace growth. Agent attrition is controlled post-transition, with plans to continue hiring. Redfin is optimistic about market share gains, particularly in older markets, with confidence in their agents' performance and demand handling. Glenn Kelman: Redfin has made the only adjustment anticipated for the year, eliminating some entitlements like vacation pay to offset higher-than-expected costs, resulting in one-time impacts on Q4 adjusted EBITDA. The mix between self-sourced and Redfin-sourced sales has been as expected, maintaining gross margins despite transition costs. Agents earn higher splits on self-sourced business, but Redfin focuses on maximizing gross profit from its online audience. Chris Nielsen added that Redfin has reduced expenses by cutting management and support staff, improving efficiency and driving gross margin enhancements. Agents are increasingly aligned with cost-saving measures, leading to long-term gross margin confidence. Chris Nielsen: Transition costs were higher due to program mechanics during the national rollout. Adjustments were made to ensure profitability in 2025. Glenn Kelman noted that market share gains were more pronounced in higher-end markets, with agents in lower-priced markets initially concerned but now satisfied with the new structure. Redfin continues to focus on improving economics for customers and agents while driving profitability through targeted cost reductions. Glenn emphasized the positive feedback from agents and the encouraging progress in aligning incentives and support costs for long-term success. Analysts estimates next year revenues growth at 6.1% Rules: the first paragraph should focus on financial performance like revenues, margin, EPS with figures you can add only one citation from the staff if relevant to reinforce your analysis add one or two valuation metrics to understand what's priced in using{'peRatioTTM': -4.42, 'pbRatioTTM': -8.8, 'priceToSalesRatioTTM': 0.71, 'enterpriseValueOverEBITDATTM': -11.32, 'dividendYieldPercentageTTM': 0.0, 'freeCashFlowYieldTTM': -5.92, 'roicTTM': -22.27, 'roeTTM': 521.46, 'netDebtToEBITDATTM': -4.47} Regarding companies from the financial sector, focus on relevant valuation ratios. For banks, consider Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV), Net Interest Margin (NIM), and Dividend Yield. For insurance companies, look at Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B), the Combined Ratio to assess underwriting profitability, and Dividend Yield. Convert main title into <h4> HTML elements Convert paragraphs into <p> HTML elements Convert subheadings into <h6> HTML elements example: <h4>title</h4> <p>summary

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Redfin's Q4 2024 earnings report painted a picture of steady growth and improving profitability. The company reported revenue of $244 million, marking a 12% year-over-year increase, driven by strong performance in its real estate services segment. Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $3 million, a significant improvement from the $13 million loss in Q4 2023, despite being below guidance due to higher agent pay. For the full year, Redfin achieved a $53 million improvement in adjusted EBITDA loss, bringing it to $27 million. The company also highlighted its progress in cost-saving measures, with CEO Glenn Kelman noting, "Redfin has made the only adjustment anticipated for the year, eliminating some entitlements like vacation pay to offset higher-than-expected costs."

Revenue Growth and Segment Performance

Real estate services revenue grew 12% year-over-year, fueled by a 13% increase in brokerage transactions. The rental segment also contributed to growth, with a 5% revenue increase. Redfin's partnership with Zillow, which included a $100 million payment, played a pivotal role in bolstering its balance sheet and funding a 38% increase in 2025 advertising. This strategic move is expected to enhance marketplace growth and rental listings. The company's agent count rose by 25% since Q3, reaching over 2,200 agents, with these agents outperforming in key areas.

2025 Outlook and Valuation Considerations

Looking ahead, Redfin expects to improve profitability in 2025, with real estate gross margins projected to approach 30%. The company has guided Q1 2025 revenue between $214-$225 million, with marketing expenses increasing to $40 million, primarily for mass media campaigns. Redfin's focus on growth and reducing staffing costs, enhanced by the Zillow partnership, is expected to drive demand and profitability. The rental business, boosted by the Zillow partnership, saw a 3x profit increase, around $13.5 million to $14 million. Despite these positive developments, Redfin's valuation metrics tell a mixed story. The company's price-to-sales ratio (P/S) of 0.71 suggests a reasonable valuation relative to its revenue growth. However, the enterprise value-to-EBITDA ratio (EV/EBITDA) of -11.32 reflects the company's ongoing profitability challenges. The negative free cash flow yield of -5.92% also highlights the company's cash burn, though this is expected to improve as profitability metrics strengthen.

Operational Highlights and Strategic Initiatives

Redfin's operational highlights included a 25% increase in agent count, now exceeding 2,200, with these agents outperforming in key areas. Marketing expenses rose by $15 million in Q1, expected to increase but at a slower pace. Profitability targets include significant adjusted EBITDA, projected in the millions. The rental business, boosted by the Zillow partnership, saw a 3X profit increase, around $13.5 million to $14 million. Revenue was approximately $200 million, with digital services ending and core advertising down, but not by 90%. The partnership is expected to improve rental listings and marketplace growth. Agent attrition is controlled post-transition, with plans to continue hiring. Redfin is optimistic about market share gains, particularly in older markets, with confidence in their agents' performance and demand handling. Glenn Kelman: Redfin has made the only adjustment anticipated for the year, eliminating some entitlements like vacation pay to offset higher-than-expected costs, resulting in one-time impacts on Q4 adjusted EBITDA. The mix between self-sourced and Redfin-sourced sales has been as expected, maintaining gross margins despite transition costs. Agents earn higher splits on self-sourced business, but Redfin focuses on maximizing gross profit from its online audience. Chris Nielsen added that Redfin has reduced expenses by cutting management and support staff, improving efficiency and driving gross margin enhancements. Agents are increasingly aligned with cost-saving measures, leading to long-term gross margin confidence. Chris Nielsen: Transition costs were higher due to program mechanics during the national rollout. Adjustments were made to ensure profitability in 2025. Glenn Kelman noted that market share gains were more pronounced in higher-end markets, with agents in lower-priced markets initially concerned but now satisfied with the new structure. Redfin continues to focus on improving economics for customers and agents while driving profitability through targeted cost reductions. Glenn emphasized the positive feedback from agents and the encouraging progress in aligning incentives and support costs for long-term success. Analysts estimates next year revenues growth at 6.1% Rules: the first paragraph should focus on financial performance like revenues, margin, EPS with figures you can add only one citation from the staff if relevant to reinforce your analysis add one or two valuation metrics to understand what's priced in using{'peRatioTTM': -4.42, 'pbRatioTTM': -8.8, 'priceToSalesRatioTTM': 0.71, 'enterpriseValueOverEBITDATTM': -11.32, 'dividendYieldPercentageTTM': 0.0, 'freeCashFlowYieldTTM': -5.92, 'roicTTM': -22.27, 'roeTTM': 521.46, 'netDebtToEBITDATTM': -4.47} Regarding companies from the financial sector, focus on relevant valuation ratios. For banks, consider Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV), Net Interest Margin (NIM), and Dividend Yield. For insurance companies, look at Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B), the Combined Ratio to assess underwriting profitability, and Dividend Yield. Convert main title into <h4> HTML elements Convert paragraphs into <p> HTML elements Convert subheadings into <h6> HTML elements example: <h4>title</h4> <p>summary

subtitle

text

3. NewsRoom

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Starter-Home Sales Climb 5%, But Prices Are Staying in Check as Inventory Hits 9-Year High

Dec -04

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Redfin Reports Inventory Growth Loses Steam As Would-Be Sellers React to Lackluster Homebuying Demand

Dec -04

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First Look: Insurers, Auto Rules, AI and Fed Jitters

Dec -04

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Redfin Reports 15% of Home Purchases Fell Through in October, Up Slightly From a Year Earlier

Dec -03

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Redfin's 2026 Predictions: Welcome to The Great Housing Reset

Dec -02

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Redfin's Fairweather on Why Unsold Properties are Leaving the Housing Market

Nov -30

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Increase in delistings is propping up home prices, says Redfin CEO

Nov -26

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Redfin Reports Rising Home Prices, Economic Volatility Curb Would-Be Buyers' Appetites in Leadup to Thanksgiving

Nov -26

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (11.55%)

6. Segments

Real Estate

Expected Growth: 11.5%

Redfin Corporation's 11.5% growth in Real Estate is driven by increasing demand for online real estate services, expansion into new markets, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the company's focus on technology and data analytics enables it to provide a more efficient and cost-effective home buying and selling experience, attracting more customers and driving revenue growth.

Rentals

Expected Growth: 10.8%

Rental growth of 10.8% driven by increasing demand for single-family rentals, Redfin's expanded agent network, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the company's focus on technology and customer experience, as well as the growing popularity of iBuying and power buying, contribute to the segment's rapid expansion.

Mortgage

Expected Growth: 13.2%

Redfin Corporation's 13.2% mortgage growth is driven by increasing demand for online real estate services, expansion into new markets, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, low interest rates, government-backed loans, and a strong housing market contribute to the growth. Furthermore, Redfin's technology-driven platform and competitive pricing strategy also attract more customers, fueling the segment's growth.

Other

Expected Growth: 10.2%

Redfin Corporation's 10.2% growth in 'Other' segment is driven by increasing adoption of its title and settlement services, expansion of mortgage lending business, and growing demand for its iBuying platform, RedfinNow, which provides instant home buying and selling services, thereby increasing revenue from non-brokerage services.

7. Detailed Products

Redfin Real Estate Brokerage

Redfin's real estate brokerage provides a full-service, technology-powered home buying and selling experience, offering a comprehensive platform for customers to search, buy, and sell homes.

RedfinNow

RedfinNow is a platform that allows homeowners to sell their homes directly to Redfin, providing a quick and hassle-free selling experience.

Redfin Mortgage

Redfin Mortgage offers a digital mortgage lending platform, providing customers with a streamlined and transparent home financing experience.

Redfin Title and Settlement

Redfin's title and settlement services provide a seamless and efficient closing process, ensuring a smooth transaction for buyers and sellers.

Redfin Premier Agent

Redfin Premier Agent is a partner program that connects top-performing agents with Redfin's technology and customer base.

8. Redfin Corporation's Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

Redfin Corporation's threat of substitutes is medium due to the presence of traditional real estate brokers and online real estate platforms. However, Redfin's unique business model and technology-driven approach provide a competitive advantage, reducing the threat of substitutes.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

Redfin Corporation's customers have low bargaining power due to the company's strong brand reputation and limited alternatives. Additionally, Redfin's technology-driven approach and competitive pricing strategy reduce the bargaining power of customers.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

Redfin Corporation's suppliers, including real estate agents and brokers, have low bargaining power due to the company's large market share and strong negotiating power. Redfin's ability to attract and retain top agents also reduces the bargaining power of suppliers.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants in the online real estate brokerage industry is high due to low barriers to entry and the attractiveness of the market. However, Redfin Corporation's strong brand reputation, technology, and established network of agents provide a competitive advantage, reducing the threat of new entrants.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The intensity of rivalry in the online real estate brokerage industry is high due to the presence of established players and new entrants. Redfin Corporation faces intense competition from traditional real estate brokers and online platforms, which drives innovation and competitive pricing strategies.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 95.83%
Debt Cost 3.95%
Equity Weight 4.17%
Equity Cost 17.28%
WACC 4.50%
Leverage 2296.41%

11. Quality Control: Redfin Corporation passed 2 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
Douglas Elliman

A-Score: 4.4/10

Value: 9.0

Growth: 1.0

Quality: 4.9

Yield: 1.0

Momentum: 9.5

Volatility: 1.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Redfin

A-Score: 4.2/10

Value: 7.5

Growth: 4.0

Quality: 5.1

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 3.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Transcontinental Realty Investors

A-Score: 4.2/10

Value: 2.0

Growth: 4.7

Quality: 3.4

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 9.5

Volatility: 5.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
eXp World Holdings

A-Score: 4.1/10

Value: 5.1

Growth: 5.2

Quality: 4.5

Yield: 3.0

Momentum: 3.0

Volatility: 3.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Anywhere Real Estate

A-Score: 3.9/10

Value: 8.1

Growth: 1.8

Quality: 2.9

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 9.5

Volatility: 1.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Comstock

A-Score: 3.3/10

Value: 7.4

Growth: 4.9

Quality: 4.8

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 2.5

Volatility: 0.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

11.19$

Current Price

11.19$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows