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DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or the “Codification”).

ASC 250 requires that a change in the reporting entity or the consummation of a transaction accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests, i.e., a reorganization of entities under common control, be retrospectively applied to the financial statements of all prior periods when the financial statements are issued for a period that includes the date the change in reporting entity or the transaction occurred. Prior to the IPO, the Company completed a reorganization where LLC units in LD Holdings held by certain members (“Continuing LLC Members) were exchanged on a one-for-one basis for Class A holding units (“Holdco Units”) and Class C common stock. LD Holdings continues to be a holding company and has no material assets other than its equity interests in its direct subsidiaries consisting of a 99.99% ownership in LDLLC (the majority asset of the group), and 100% equity ownership in ART, LDSS, Mello, and MCS. As a result of the IPO and reorganization, loanDepot, Inc. became a holding company, its sole material asset is its equity interest in LD Holdings and as the sole managing member of LD Holdings, loanDepot, Inc. indirectly operates and controls all of LD Holdings’ business and affairs. The IPO and reorganization were considered transactions between entities under common control, therefore, the financial statements for the periods prior to the IPO and reorganization were adjusted to combine the previously separate entities for presentation. The financial results of LD Holdings and its subsidiaries are consolidated with loanDepot, Inc, and the consolidated net earnings or loss are allocated to the noncontrolling interest to reflect the entitlement of the Continuing LLC Members.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the Company and consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. VIEs are entities that have a total equity investment at risk that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, whose equity investors at risk lack the ability to control the entity's activities, or is structured with non-substantive voting rights. The Company evaluates its associations with VIEs, both at inception and when there is a change in circumstance that requires reconsideration, to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and

consolidation is required. A primary beneficiary is defined as a variable interest holder that has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest requires both: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of a VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company has not provided financial or other support during the periods presented to any VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide. Other entities that the Company does not consolidate, but for which it has significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain items in prior periods were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Financing lease obligations are included as part of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Gain on the origination and sale of loans, net was adjusted to exclude the change in fair value of forward sale contracts, including pair offs hedging MSRs, which are now included in the change in fair value of servicing rights, net on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company determined that this change would more appropriately reflect the hedged item and better align with industry practice. Gain on origination and sale of loans, net and change in fair value of servicing rights, net, in the current and prior periods along with the related financial statement disclosures were adjusted to reflect this reclassification in reports beginning after the first quarter of 2021.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through the date of this report and has not identified any recordable or disclosable events that were not already reported in these consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

Basis of Presentation

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Certain items in prior periods were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Financing lease obligations are included as part of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Management has made significant estimates in certain areas, including determining the fair value of loans held for sale, servicing rights, derivative assets and derivative liabilities, trading securities, awards granted under the incentive equity plan, and determining the loan loss obligation on sold loans. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reportable Segments

Reportable SegmentsThe Company’s organizational structure is currently comprised of one operating segment. This determination is based on the organizational structure, which reflects how the chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of the business. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of our business that comprise our one segment based on the measurement of income before income taxes.

Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (not in a forced transaction) between willing market participants at the measurement date. Financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include the Company’s loans held for sale, derivative assets and derivative liabilities, and servicing rights.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are categorized based on whether the inputs are observable in the market and the degree that the inputs are observable. The categorization of assets and liabilities measured at fair value within the

valuation hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is prioritized into three levels (with Level 3 being the lowest) defined as follows:

•Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

•Level 2 - Prices determined or determinable using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs are inputs that other market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. These may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and other inputs.

•Level 3 - Prices determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable (for example, when there is little or no market activity), unobservable inputs may be used. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, and are based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The fair value option provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets, financial liabilities, unrecognized firm commitments, and written loan commitments not previously carried at fair value. The Company has elected the fair value option on loans held for sale (“LHFS”). Elections were made to mitigate income statement volatility caused by differences in the measurement basis of elected instruments with derivative financial instruments that are carried at fair value.

The following are methods and assumptions used to measure the Company’s financial instruments recorded at fair value, as well as a description of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value disclosures for financial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis.

Loans held for sale, at fair value- Management has elected to account for loans held for sale at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in current period income, to more timely reflect the Company's performance. LHFS are valued at the best execution value based on the underlying characteristics of the loan, which is either based off of the to be announced mortgage-backed securities (“TBA MBS”) prices market, or investor pricing, based on product, note rate and term, therefore LHFS are classified as Level 2. The most significant data inputs used in this valuation include, but are not limited to, loan type, underlying loan amount, note rate, loan program, and expected sale date of the loan. The valuations for LHFS are adjusted at the loan level to consider the servicing release premium and loan level pricing adjustments specific to each loan. Changes in the fair value of the LHFS are recorded in current earnings as a component of gain on origination and sale of loans, net.

Loans eligible for repurchase - Loans eligible for repurchase represents certain mortgage loans sold pursuant to Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) programs where the Company, as servicer, has the unilateral option to repurchase the loan if certain criteria are met, including if a loan is greater than 90 days delinquent. Regardless of whether the repurchase option has been exercised, the Company must recognize eligible loans as an asset with a corresponding repurchase liability in its consolidated balance sheets. These loans are government guaranteed. The carrying value of loans eligible for repurchase approximates the fair value.

Servicing rights, at fair value- The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value of servicing rights. This approach consists of projecting servicing cash flows. The inputs used in the Company's discounted cash flow model are based on market factors, which management believes are consistent with assumptions and data used by market participants valuing similar servicing rights. The key inputs used in the valuation of servicing rights include mortgage prepayment speeds, discount rates, costs to service the loan, and other inputs such as projected and actual rates of delinquencies, defaults and liquidations, ancillary fee income, and amounts of future servicing advances. These inputs can, and generally do, change from period to period as market conditions change. Servicing rights are classified as Level 3 as considerable judgment is required to estimate the fair values and the exercise of such judgment can significantly affect the Company's income.

Derivative assets and liabilities, at fair value - Derivative assets and liabilities at fair value include interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”), forward sales contracts, interest rate swap futures, and put options on treasuries. Changes in fair value of derivatives hedging IRLCs and loans held for sale at fair value are included in gain on origination and sale of loans, net on the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in fair value of derivatives hedging mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) are included in change in fair value of servicing rights, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

Interest rate lock commitments- The Company enters into IRLCs with prospective borrowers, which are commitments to originate loans at a specified interest rate. The IRLCs are recorded as a component of derivative assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value being recorded in current earnings as a component of gain on origination and sale of loans, net. The Company estimates the fair value of the IRLCs based on quoted agency TBA MBS prices, its estimate of the fair value of the servicing rights it expects to receive in the sale of the loans, the probability that the mortgage loan will fund or be purchased (the “pull-through rate”), and estimated transformative costs. The pull-through rate is based on the Company’s own experience and is a significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of these instruments and results in the classification of these instruments as Level 3. Significant changes in the pull-through rate of the IRLCs, in isolation, could result in significant changes in fair value measurement.

Forward sale contracts - Mandatory trades are valued using available market pricing sources that reflect the commitments particular product, coupon, and settlement. These derivatives are classified as Level 2. Best efforts forward delivery commitments are valued using investor pricing considering the current base loan price. An anticipated loan funding probability is applied to value best efforts commitments hedging IRLCs, which results in the classification of these contracts as Level 3. The current base loan price and the anticipated loan funding probability are the most significant assumptions affecting the value of the best efforts commitments. The best efforts forward delivery commitments hedging LHFS are classified as Level 2; such contracts are transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 at the time the underlying loan is originated.

Put options on treasuries and interest rate swap futures - The Company also utilizes put options and treasury futures to hedge interest rate risk. These instruments are actively traded in a liquid market and classified as Level 1 inputs.

Trading securities, at fair value - Trading securities, at fair value represent retained interest in the credit risk of the assets collateralizing certain securitization transactions. The fair value is based on observable market data for similar securities obtained from sources independent of the Company and therefore classified as Level 2.

Warehouse lines - The Company’s warehouse lines of credit bear interest at a rate that is periodically adjusted based on a market index. The carrying value of warehouse lines of credit approximates fair value. The warehouse lines are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Debt obligations, net - Debt consists of secured debt facilities and unsecured Senior Notes. The Company’s secured credit facilities are highly liquid and short-term in nature and as a result, their carrying value approximated fair value. The secured credit facilities bear interest at a rate that is periodically adjusted based on a market index and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Fair value of the Company’s Senior Notes are estimated using quoted market prices. The Senior Notes are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The unsecured term loan was classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, all amounts recorded in cash and cash equivalents represent cash held in banks, with the exception of insignificant amounts of petty cash held on hand.

Restricted Cash

Cash balances that have restrictions as to the Company's ability to withdraw funds are considered restricted cash. Restricted cash is the result of the terms of the Company's warehouse lines of credit, debt obligations, and cash collateral associated with the Company’s derivative activities. In accordance with the terms of the warehouse lines of credit and debt obligations, the Company is required to maintain cash balances with the lender as additional collateral for the borrowings.

Loans Held for Sale, at Fair Value

Loans held for sale are accounted for at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in current period income. All changes in fair value, including changes arising from the passage of time, are recognized as a component of gain on origination and sale of loans, net.

Sale Recognition - The Company recognizes transfers of loans held for sale as sales when it surrenders control over the loans. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (ii) the transferee has the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement that entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase or redeem them before their maturity or (b) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets. If the sale criteria are not met, the transfer is recorded as a secured borrowing in which the assets remain on the balance sheet and the proceeds from the transaction are recognized as a liability.

Net interest income - Interest income on loans held for sale is recognized using their contractual interest rates. Interest income recognition is suspended for loans when they become 90 days delinquent, or when, in management's opinion, a full recovery of interest and principal becomes doubtful. Interest income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest income on non-accrual loans is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash is received. Interest expense on warehouse and other lines of credit, debt obligations, and other types of borrowings is recognized using their contractual rates. Interest expense includes the amortization of expenses incurred in connection with financing activities over the term of the related borrowings.

Origination Income, net - Origination income, net, reflects the fees earned, net of lender credits paid from originating loans. Origination income includes loan origination fees, processing fees, underwriting fees and other fees collected from the borrower at the time of funding. Lender credits typically include rebates or concessions to borrowers for certain loan origination costs.

Loan Loss Obligations on Loans Sold

When the Company sells loans to investors, the risk of loss or default by the borrower is generally transferred to the investor. However, the Company is required by these investors to make certain representations relating to credit information, loan documentation and collateral. These representations and warranties may extend through the contractual life of the mortgage loan. Subsequent to the sale, if underwriting deficiencies, borrower fraud or documentation defects are discovered in individual mortgage loans, the Company may be obligated to repurchase the respective mortgage loan or indemnify the investors for any losses from borrower defaults if such deficiency or defect cannot be cured within the specified period following discovery.

In the case of early loan payoffs and early defaults on certain loans, the Company may be required to repay all or a portion of the premium initially paid by the investor on loans. The estimated obligation associated with early loan payoffs and early defaults is calculated based on historical loss experience.

The obligation for losses related to the representations and warranties and other provisions discussed above is recorded based upon an estimate of losses. The liability for repurchase losses is assessed quarterly. Because the Company does not service all of the loans it sells, it does not maintain nor have access to the current balances and loan performance data with respect to all of the individual loans previously sold to investors. However, the Company uses industry-available prepayment data, historical and projected loss frequency and loss severity ratios, default expectations, and expected investor repurchase demands, to estimate its exposure to losses on loans previously sold. Given current general industry trends in mortgage loans as well as housing prices, market expectations around losses related to the Company's obligations could vary significantly from the obligation recorded as of the balance sheet dates. The Company records a provision for loan losses, included in gain on origination and sale of loans, net in the consolidated statements of operations, to establish the loan repurchase reserve for sold loans which is reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.

Securitizations

The Company is involved in several types of securitization and financing transactions that utilize special-purpose entities (SPEs). A SPE is an entity that is designed to fulfill a specified limited need of the sponsor. The Company’s principal use of SPEs is to obtain liquidity by securitizing certain of its financial and non-financial assets. SPEs involved in the Company’s securitization and other financing transactions are often considered VIEs.

Securitization transactions are accounted for either as sales or secured borrowings. The Company may retain economic interests in the securitized and sold assets, which are generally retained in the form of subordinated interests, residual interests, and/or servicing rights.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value. The Company accounts for derivatives as free-standing derivatives and does not designate any derivative financial instruments for hedge accounting. All derivative financial instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in the fair values being reported in current period earnings. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for purposes other than in support of its risk management activities. Certain derivatives, loan warehouse and repurchase agreements are subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. In certain circumstances the Company may elect to present certain financial assets, liabilities subject to master netting arrangements in a net position on the consolidated balance sheets.

Interest rate lock commitments - The Company enters into IRLCs to originate loans held for sale, at specified interest rates, with customers who have applied for residential mortgage loans and meet certain credit and underwriting criteria. The Company is exposed to price risk related to its loans held for sale, IRLCs and servicing rights. The Company bears price risk from the time a commitment to originate a loan is made to a borrower or to purchase a loan from a third-party, to the time the loan is sold. During this period, the Company is exposed to losses if mortgage interest rates rise because the value of the IRLC or the loan held for sale decreases.

Forward sale contracts - The Company manages the price risk created by IRLCs and LHFS by entering into forward sale agreements to sell or buy specified residential mortgage loans at prices which are fixed as of the forward commitment date. Forward sale contracts also include pair offs hedging MSRs, IRLCs, and LHFS.

Put options on treasuries and interest rate swap futures - The Company is exposed to losses on servicing rights through changes in fair value if mortgage interest rates decline. The Company manages the risk created by servicing rights by hedging the fair value of servicing rights with interest rate swap futures and options on Treasury bond future contracts.

Servicing Rights

The value of the servicing rights is derived from the net positive cash flows associated with the servicing contracts. Servicing rights arise from contractual agreements between the Company and investors (or their agents) in mortgage securities and mortgage loans. Under these contracts, the Company performs loan servicing functions in exchange for fees and other

remuneration. Servicing functions typically include, among other responsibilities, collecting and remitting loan payments; responding to borrower inquiries; accounting for principal and interest; holding custodial (impound) funds for payment of property taxes and insurance premiums; counseling delinquent mortgagors; and supervising the acquisition of real estate in settlement of loans and property disposition. The Company is required to make servicing advances on behalf of borrowers and investors to cover delinquent balances for property taxes, insurance premiums and other costs. Advances are made in accordance with servicing agreements and are recoverable upon collection from the borrower or foreclosure of the underlying loans. The Company periodically reviews the receivable for collectability and amounts are written-off when deemed uncollectible. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had $81.1 million and $46.6 million, respectively, in outstanding servicing advances included in prepaid expenses and other assets.

When the Company sells a loan on a servicing-retained basis, it recognizes a servicing asset at fair value based on the present value of future cash flows generated by the servicing asset retained in the sale. The Company has made the election to carry its servicing rights at fair value. The Company recognizes sales of servicing rights to a purchaser as sales when (i) the Company has received approval from the investor, if required, (ii) the purchaser is currently approved as a servicer and is not at risk of losing approval status, (iii) if the portion of the sales price has been financed, an adequate nonrefundable down payment has been received and the note receivable from the purchaser provides full recourse to the purchaser, and (iv) any temporary servicing performed by the Company for a short period of time is compensated in accordance with a subservicing contract that provides adequate compensation. Additionally, the Company recognizes sales of servicing rights as sales if title passes, if substantially all risks and rewards of ownership have irrevocably passed to the purchaser and any protection provisions retained by the Company are minor and can be reasonably estimated. If a sale is recognized and only minor protection provisions exist, a liability is accrued for the estimated obligation associated with those provisions. The liability for servicing rights is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.

Servicing Fee Income - The Company receives a servicing fee monthly on the remaining outstanding principal balances of the loans subject to the servicing contracts. Servicing fee income is recognized on an accrual basis and is recorded to servicing fee income. The servicing fees are collected from the monthly payments made by the mortgagors. The Company is contractually entitled to receive other remuneration including rights to various mortgagor-contracted fees such as late charges, collateral reconveyance charges and loan prepayment penalties, and the Company is generally entitled to retain the interest earned on funds held pending remittance related to its collection of mortgagor payments.

Subservicing Expense - The Company utilizes a sub-servicer to service a portion of its loan servicing portfolio and records the costs to subservicing expense.

Change in Fair Value of Servicing Rights, net - The Company is exposed to fair value risk related to its servicing rights. Servicing rights generally decline in fair value when market mortgage interest rates decrease. Decreasing market mortgage interest rates normally encourage increased mortgage refinancing activity. Increased refinancing activity reduces the life of the loans underlying the servicing rights, thereby reducing their value. Reductions in the value of these assets affect income primarily through change in fair value. Unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of servicing rights are recorded to change in fair value of servicing rights, net. Realized and unrealized hedging gains or losses used to hedge interest rate risk on servicing rights are recorded to change in fair value of servicing rights, net. Realized gains or losses from the sale of servicing rights are also included in change in fair value of servicing rights, net.

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts Receivable, netAccounts receivable are assessed for collectibility and a reserve is established when amounts are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms. The Company writes off accounts receivable when management deems them uncollectible.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Costs associated with internally developed software during the development stage, both internal expenses and those paid to third parties, are capitalized and amortized over three years. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over

the lesser of the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. Useful lives for purposes of computing depreciation are as follows:


	Years
Leasehold improvements	2	-	15
Furniture and equipment	5	-	7
Computer software	3	-	5

Expenditures that materially increase the asset life are capitalized, while ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gains or losses are included in earnings.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at contract inception and recognizes an operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and corresponding operating lease liability based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, except leases with initial terms less than or equal to 12 months. While the operating leases may include options to extend the term, these options are not included when calculating the operating lease right-of-use asset and lease liability unless the Company is reasonably certain it will exercise such options. Most of the leases do not provide an implicit rate and, therefore, the Company determines the present value of lease payments by using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s lease agreements include both lease and non-lease components (such as common area maintenance), which are generally included in the lease and are accounted for together with the lease as a single lease component. Certain of the Company’s lease agreements permit it to sublease leased assets. Sublease income is included as a component of lease expense.

Operating lease ROU assets are regularly reviewed for impairment under the long-lived asset impairment guidance in ASC Subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment - Overall.

Loans Eligible for Repurchase

Loans Eligible for RepurchaseLoans eligible for repurchase represents certain mortgage loans sold pursuant to Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) programs where the Company, as servicer, has the unilateral option to repurchase the loan if certain criteria are met, including if a loan is greater than 90 days delinquent. Regardless of whether the repurchase option has been exercised, the Company must recognize eligible loans and a corresponding repurchase liability in its consolidated balance sheets. The terms of the Ginnie Mae MBS program allow, but do not require, the Company to repurchase mortgage loans when the borrower has made no payments for three consecutive months. As a result of this right, the Company records the loans in loans eligible for repurchase and records a corresponding liability in liability for loans eligible for repurchase on its consolidated balance sheets.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Acquired intangible assets are recognized and reported separately from goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess cost of acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated lives using the straight-line method. On an annual basis, during the fourth quarter, the Company evaluates whether there has been a change in the estimated useful life or if certain impairment indicators exist.

Goodwill must be allocated to reporting units and tested for impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate there may be justification for conducting an interim test. Impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level. In testing goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In making this assessment, the Company considers all relevant events and

circumstances. These include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations and the reporting unit's overall financial performance. If the Company concludes, based on its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is at least equal to its carrying amount, then the Company concludes that the goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and no further testing is performed. However, if the Company determines, based on its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company will perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. At the Company’s option, it may, in any given period, bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative approach. The quantitative assessment begins with a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to the difference, limited to the total amount of goodwill for the reporting unit.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived AssetsThe Company periodically assesses long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If management identifies an indicator of impairment, it assesses recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the asset. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and is measured as the excess of carrying value over fair value.

Income Taxes

The Company’s provision for income taxes is made for current and deferred income tax on pretax net income adjusted for permanent and temporary differences based on enacted tax laws and applicable statutory tax rates. The Company accounts for interest and penalties associated with income tax obligations as a component of income tax expense.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates for the periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the change. Deferred tax assets are recorded in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred tax liabilities are recorded in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Following the IPO and Reorganization, the Company’s purchase of Holdco Units and any future exchanges of Holdco Units for cash or Class A Common Stock are expected to result in increases to the Company’s allocable tax basis in its assets. These increases in tax basis are expected to increase (for tax purposes) depreciation and amortization deductions allocable to the Company, and therefore reduce the amount of tax that the Company would otherwise be required to pay in the future. As a result, the Company has entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement, (“TRA”) with Parthenon stockholders and certain Continuing LLC Members, whereby loanDepot, Inc. will be obligated to pay such parties or their permitted assignees, 85% of the amount of cash tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state, and local taxes that loanDepot, Inc. realizes, or is deemed to realize as a result of future tax benefits from increases in tax basis. The TRA liability is accounted for as a contingent liability within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with amounts accrued when deemed probable and estimable.

The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet the more-likely than-not threshold of being sustained would be recorded as a tax benefit in the current period.

Stock-Based Compensation

Effective upon the completion of the IPO, the Company adopted the loanDepot, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan allows for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and stock

appreciation rights. There are currently only RSUs granted under the 2021 Plan. The Company uses the grant-date fair value of equity awards to determine the compensation cost associated with each award. Compensation cost for service-based equity awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Compensation cost for awards with only service conditions that have graded vesting schedules is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award such that compensation cost recognized at any date is at least equal to the portion of the grant-date value of the award that is vested at that date. Expense is reduced for actual forfeitures as they occur. The cost of stock-based compensation is recorded to personnel expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings per share

Basic net income per common share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (distributed earnings) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Distributed and undistributed earnings are allocated between common and participating security shareholders based on their respective rights to receive dividends. According to the Company’s certificate of incorporation, the holders of Class A common stock and Class D common stock are entitled to share equally, on a per share basis, in dividends and other distributions of cash, property or shares of stock of the Company as may be declared by the board of directors.

Diluted net income per common share is calculated using the more dilutive of either the treasury stock method or the two-class method. The dilutive calculation considers common stock issuable under the assumed conversion of Class C common stock to Class A common stock as well as restricted stock units granted under the Corporation’s stock plans using the treasury stock method, if dilutive.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue RecognitionDirect title insurance premiums, escrow and sub escrow fees, and default and foreclosure service revenues are reported within other income in the consolidated statements of operations and are within the scope of ASC Topic 606. Direct title insurance premiums are based on a percentage of the gross title premiums charged by the title insurance provider and are recognized net as revenue when the Company is legally or contractually entitled to collect the premium. Revenue is recognized at the point-in-time upon the closing of the underlying real estate transaction as the earnings process is considered complete. Cash is typically collected at the closing of the underlying real estate transaction. Escrow and sub escrow fees are primarily associated with managing the closing of real estate transactions including the processing of funds on behalf of the transaction participants, gathering and recording the required closing documents, and providing other related activities. Escrow and sub escrow fees are recognized as revenue when the closing process is complete or when the Company is legally or contractually entitled to collect the fee. Revenue is primarily recognized at a point-in-time upon closing of the underlying real estate transaction or completion and billing of services. Cash is typically collected at the closing of the underlying real estate transaction. Default and foreclosure service revenues are associated with foreclosure title searches, tax searches, title updates, deed recordings and other related services. Fees vary by service and are recognized as revenue when the service is complete and billed or when the Company is entitled to collect the fee.

Marketing and Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred and principally represent online advertising costs, including fees paid to search engines, distribution partners, master service agreements with brokers, and desk rental agreements with realtors. Prepaid advertising expenses are capitalized and recognized during the period the expenses are incurred.

Concentration of Risk

The Company has concentrated its credit risk for cash by maintaining deposits in several financial institutions, which may at times exceed amounts covered by insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk related to cash.

Due to the nature of the mortgage lending industry, changes in interest rates may significantly impact revenue from originating mortgages and subsequent sales of loans to investors, which are the primary source of income for the Company.

The Company originates mortgage loans on property located throughout the United States, with loans originated for property located in California totaling approximately 31% and 30% of total loan originations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The Company sells mortgage loans to various third-party investors. Three investors accounted for 41%, 32%, and 14% of the Company’s loan sales for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 41%, 31%, and 18% for the year ended December 31, 2020. No other investors accounted for more than 5% of the loan sales for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The Company funds loans through warehouse lines of credit. As of December 31, 2021, 19% and 11% of the Company's warehouse lines were payable to two separate lenders.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTSIn December 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” The amendments in ASU 2019-12 simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The guidance clarifies that single-member limited liability companies and similar disregarded entities that are not subject to income tax are not required to recognize an allocation of consolidated income tax expense in their separate financial statements, but they could elect to do so. This ASU was effective for public business entities for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2021 did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” which provided optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the benefits of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 are elective and apply to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contract, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 to clarify that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. This guidance is effective upon issuance and allows application to contract changes as early as January 1, 2020. The Company has added alternative base rate language, which may include the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") to agreements for its derivatives, warehouse and other lines of credit, and debt obligations that use LIBOR. The Company has applied the optional expedients under ASU 2020-04 and accounted for the contract modifications related to reference rate reform prospectively. There was no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements from adopting this standard.