In today’s CEO Daily: Diane Brady reports on Bilt’s new AI-powered concierge service. The big leadership story: Nvidia’s blockbuster results don’t impress investors. The markets: Mixed globally, with the FTSE rally continuing. Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune. Good morning. “Housing is the gateway for commerce,” says Ken Chenault. He ought to know. As chairman and CEO of American Express from 2001 to 2018, he transformed the brand from being perceived as a credit card for the elite ...

“Housing is the gateway for commerce,” says former American Express CEO Ken Chenault, who is now chairman and managing director of venture capital firm General Catalyst and chair of Bilt’s board. He credits Jain with creating a robust infrastructure around home payments and local commerce that can now be replicated across different geographies and partners. “What Bilt has been able to do is have housing become the anchor. No one has been able to establish this anchor at scale, and it’s frictionless. You go ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company reported $163.4 billion in originations, a 17% increase from 2024, with net income of $244 million, which was down from $329 million in 2024 [3][9] - For Q4 2025, the company achieved $49.6 billion in originations, a 28% year-over-year increase, with net income of $164.5 million, significantly up from $12.1 million in Q3 [4][8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was over $697 million, while Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $232.8 million [4][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The servicing income for 2025 was $725 million, up from $637 million in 2024, indicating growth in this segment [9] - The company maintained a mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio with a UPB of approximately $241 billion and a fair value of $4.1 billion [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to capitalize on the growing broker channel, driven by consumer preferences for rate shopping and the guidance provided by mortgage brokers [6][12] - The company is positioned uniquely in the market with a 100% broker model, which is seen as a significant competitive advantage [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on bringing servicing in-house and completing the acquisition of Two Harbors, which are viewed as strategic inflection points for growth [5][10] - The company aims to enhance its operational capacity through disciplined investments in people, processes, and technology [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the mortgage and housing industry, citing potential benefits from government initiatives aimed at improving affordability and lowering rates [12] - The company anticipates maintaining its number one position in the market and is excited about the potential of AI to drive efficiency and production [12][14] Other Important Information - The company reported total revenue of $3.2 billion for 2025, up from $2.7 billion in 2024, reflecting strong overall performance [9] - The total equity at the end of Q4 was $1.6 billion, with total available liquidity of $1.8 billion [10] Summary of Q&A Session - The management did not conduct a traditional Q&A session but encouraged stakeholders to refer to SEC filings for more detailed information about the business and strategy [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company reported $163.4 billion in originations, a 17% increase from 2024, with net income of $244 million, which included a $435 million MSR write-down [5][9] - For Q4 2025, the company achieved $49.6 billion in originations, up 28% year-over-year, with a net income of $164.5 million, including a $28.8 million MSR write-down [5][9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was over $697 million, while Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $232.8 million [5][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The servicing income for 2025 was $725 million, an increase from $637 million in 2024 [10] - The company maintained a MSR portfolio with a UPB of approximately $241 billion and a fair value of $4.1 billion [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a growing trend of consumers entering the broker channel, driven by factors such as rate shopping and the ability of mortgage brokers to guide consumers [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on bringing servicing in-house and has a strategic partnership with Bilt, which is expected to enhance lead flow and consumer engagement [6][7] - The pending acquisition of Two Harbors is viewed as a strategic inflection point that will enhance operational capabilities and market position [7][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the mortgage and housing industry, citing potential benefits from government initiatives aimed at improving affordability and lowering rates [13] - The company anticipates maintaining its number one position in the market and is excited about the potential of AI to reduce expenses while increasing production [13][14] Other Important Information - The company reported total revenue of $3.2 billion for 2025, up from $2.7 billion in 2024 [9][10] - The total equity at the end of Q4 was $1.6 billion, with total available liquidity of $1.8 billion [10][11] Summary of Q&A Session Questions and Answers - The management did not engage in a traditional Q&A session but encouraged stakeholders to refer to SEC filings for more detailed information about the business and strategy [15][16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company reported $163.4 billion in originations, a 17% increase from 2024, with net income of $244 million, which included a $435 million MSR write-down [3][4] - For Q4 2025, the company achieved $49.6 billion in originations, up 28% year-over-year, with a net income of $164.5 million, including a $28.8 million write-down of MSRs [4][8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was over $697 million, while Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $232.8 million [4][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The servicing income for 2025 was $725 million, an increase from $637 million in 2024 [9] - The company maintained a MSR portfolio with a UPB of approximately $241 billion and a fair value of $4.1 billion [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a growing trend of consumers entering the broker channel, driven by factors such as rate shopping and the ability of mortgage brokers to guide them [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on bringing servicing in-house and completing the acquisition of Two Harbors, which are seen as strategic inflection points for operational improvements and market dominance [5][6] - The company aims to enhance its broker channel growth and consumer retention through a closed-loop platform that integrates various services [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the mortgage and housing industry, citing support from government entities aimed at improving affordability and lowering rates [12] - The company anticipates maintaining its number one position in the market and is excited about the potential of AI to drive efficiency and production [12][14] Other Important Information - The company reported total revenue of $3.2 billion for 2025, up from $2.7 billion in 2024 [8][9] - The total equity at the end of Q4 was $1.6 billion, with total available liquidity of $1.8 billion [9][10] Summary of Q&A Session - The management did not conduct a traditional Q&A session but encouraged stakeholders to refer to SEC filings for more detailed information about the business and strategy [13]

Media Industry - Former President Donald Trump has endorsed the potential merger between Nexstar Media Group (NXST) and Tegna Inc. (TGNA), viewing it as a strategic move to foster greater competition against what he terms "Fake News" national television networks [3][8] Banking Sector - The partnership dissolution between Wells Fargo (WFC) and fintech startup Bilt has taken a chaotic turn, with customers attempting to close accounts reportedly receiving unexpected credit cards [4][8] Legal and Regulatory Issues - Creditors have accused Optimum Communications (OPTU) of "weaponizing" antitrust laws to avoid bankruptcy proceedings, indicating a fierce legal battle with significant implications for the company's financial future [5][8] Political Landscape - The upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance by Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny is anticipated to highlight the contentious political divide surrounding Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, potentially creating risks for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections [6][8]

Wells Fargo's breakup with Bilt took another chaotic turn this week when the startup’s customers who opted to close their accounts with the bank were surprised to receive credit cards anyway. https://t.co/WdtjezcjgW ...

Bilt credit cards are in a million wallets. CEO Ankur Jain heard personally from a lot of them after rolling out a much-derided overhaul of its points system https://t.co/NGmpcDmxtW ...

Core Insights - Bilt is transitioning to its Bilt Card 2.0, which introduces a tiered rewards structure and requires users to spend more on everyday purchases to earn points on rent payments, raising concerns among current users about the value of the new card [6][8][10]. Group 1: Changes in Rewards Structure - The new Bilt Card 2.0 requires users to spend up to 75% of their rent amount on everyday purchases to earn the same rewards that previously required only five small transactions [2][6]. - The card will now allow users to earn points on mortgage payments for the first time, expanding its appeal to homeowners [7][9]. - Annual fees for the new card range from $0 to $495, depending on the version chosen [6]. Group 2: User Base and Market Position - Over 5 million people earn rewards through Bilt by paying rent, but only about 800,000 are cardholders, indicating a modest customer base compared to larger credit card companies [3][4]. - Bilt has established a strong following among upper-income renters, particularly in urban areas, as many are unable to purchase homes due to high prices and mortgage rates [4]. Group 3: Transition and Customer Concerns - Existing cardholders must preorder the new card by January 30 to retain their current credit card number, or they will be converted to a standard Wells Fargo Autograph card [5]. - The rollout of Bilt 2.0 has faced challenges, including customer concerns about the new rewards system, prompting the CEO to address these issues publicly [11]. Group 4: Financial Implications for Users - Users who spend less on credit cards may find the new Bilt card less beneficial, as it complicates the rewards system compared to the original card [8][10]. - For high spenders, particularly those who spend at least $2,000 monthly on food and travel, the new card can be advantageous due to significant points multipliers [9].

Core Viewpoint - JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warns that President Trump's proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates could lead to significant reductions in credit availability for most Americans, potentially harming the economy [1][5]. Group 1: Impact on Consumers and Credit Availability - Dimon estimates that the interest rate cap could result in 80% of Americans losing access to credit [2]. - Banking groups caution that such government-imposed limits would restrict credit approvals to consumers with high incomes and excellent credit scores, and could dismantle popular rewards programs funded by interest income and fees [7]. - Proponents of the cap argue it would provide substantial relief to consumers burdened by inflation [9]. Group 2: Industry Response - JPMorgan plans to conduct a "real analysis" on the effects of the proposed cap to present to the government, indicating that initial thoughts have already been shared [8]. - Other financial executives, including Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan and leaders from Citigroup and Wells Fargo, have expressed concerns about the negative implications of a 10% cap on credit card rates [8]. Group 3: Political Context - The credit card cap proposal is largely supported by Democrats, with Trump suggesting that its effects should be tested in states like Vermont and Massachusetts [2]. - Trump argues that the cap would benefit consumers who have been overcharged by credit card companies, which typically charge rates between 20% to 30% [3][7]. Group 4: Market Reactions - New York-based startup Bilt has introduced credit cards with a 10% APR for the next 12 months, responding to Trump's call, while Wall Street expresses concerns that such a cap could reduce spending and transaction volumes [4].