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Zelman’s #1-Ranked Investment Banking Team Advised Dream Finders on Its Successful Acquisition of Crescent Homes

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Zelman Partners, a Walker & Dunlop Company, acted as the exclusive buy-side M&A advisor for Dream Finders Homes in its acquisition of Crescent Homes. The acquisition expands Dream Finders' presence in Charleston, Greenville, and Nashville markets. Zelman has completed six M&A transactions worth over $1.5 billion in the past year, showcasing expertise in the housing sector.
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The acquisition of Crescent Homes by Dream Finders Homes represents a strategic move to diversify and expand the company's market presence. By entering the Charleston, Greenville and Nashville markets, Dream Finders Homes is not only increasing its geographic coverage but also tapping into the economic growth and demographic shifts favoring the Southeastern United States. The homebuilding industry is cyclical and sensitive to economic indicators such as interest rates, employment levels and consumer confidence. Expanding into these markets could mitigate regional risks and provide new revenue streams.

It is also worth noting that the acquisition is part of a broader trend in the industry where consolidation is becoming more common as homebuilders seek economies of scale and market share gains. This trend is often a response to increasing land and construction costs, as well as a way to leverage brand recognition and operational efficiencies. For stakeholders, the short-term benefits may include stock price appreciation due to anticipated synergies, while long-term benefits could include improved competitive positioning and increased market share.

From a financial perspective, the acquisition's impact on Dream Finders Homes' balance sheet and earnings is critical. The deal size, while not disclosed in the article, is likely significant given Zelman Partners' historical transaction values. Investors will be keen on understanding the acquisition's financing structure, whether it involves cash, debt, or stock and how it will affect Dream Finders Homes' leverage ratios.

Furthermore, the integration process will be closely watched for its efficiency and effectiveness in realizing the projected synergies. Cost savings and cross-selling opportunities are typical justifications for such M&A activity and their realization will be pivotal for the deal to be accretive to earnings. The market will also look for management's guidance on anticipated impacts on revenue and profit margins, as well as any potential changes in the company's strategic direction post-acquisition.

An economist's viewpoint would highlight the broader economic implications of the deal. The housing market is a significant component of the U.S. economy and activity in this sector can be a bellwether for overall economic health. The acquisition suggests confidence in the housing market's prospects, particularly in the Southeastern U.S., which has been experiencing population growth and a robust job market.

Additionally, the deal could have a multiplier effect on the local economies of the markets Dream Finders Homes is entering. The construction of new homes generates employment and stimulates demand for goods and services. However, it's important to monitor the affordability and supply issues in the housing market, as these could be affected by consolidation in the industry, potentially influencing the pace of new home construction and pricing strategies.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zelman Partners, A Walker & Dunlop Company (NYSE: WD), served as exclusive buy-side M&A advisor to Dream Finders Homes (NYSE: DFH) on its acquisition of privately-owned homebuilder Crescent Homes.

The acquisition meaningfully enhances Dream Finders’ geographic footprint and allows the company to expand into the markets of Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee.

“This is Zelman’s sixth M&A transaction in the last 12 months totaling more than $1.5 billion of transaction value and representing over 70% market share over that time frame. These transactions range in size from $25 million to more than $450 million and include buy-side and sell-side advisory roles involving private homebuilders, single-family land developers and multifamily developers, clearly demonstrating our ability to provide leading M&A services to clients of any size across the housing ecosystem. I’m incredibly proud to be surrounded by the most talented, dedicated, experienced, and hard-working colleagues in the business,” stated Zelman’s Head of Investment Banking, Tony McGill.

Patrick Zalupski, Dream Finders’ founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, shared: “We have a long history of working with the Zelman team, initially as an industry advisor when we were raising private capital, then on our IPO in 2021, our debut High Yield issuance in 2023, and as our buy-side advisor on this acquisition. They understand our long-term goals and strategic objectives, and have the right deal experience, horsepower and personality to support our growing organization. Tony and his team seamlessly complimented our internal diligence effort by assisting in aggregating, organizing and analyzing project underwriting and modeling information, supporting our internal approval processes, and helping manage the various parties to keep deal documentation and diligence on track.”

“Dream Finder’s stock has tripled since last year for good reason. This is their second acquisition as a public company and fifth acquisition since 2019, demonstrating management’s unwavering commitment to driving shareholder value through increased scale, geographic diversification, and access to high-quality land in highly desirable locations. In addition, the structure of this transaction adheres to Dream Finders’ disciplined land-light operating philosophy that serves the dual purposes of maximizing returns on equity while minimizing capital invested in land,” stated McGill.

For more information please visit Zelman Investment Banking or contact us directly here or 212-993-5855.

About Zelman

Founded in 2007, Zelman is the leading investment banking and institutional research advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the U.S. housing industry including single-family, multifamily, SFR / BFR, building products, mortgage, technology, brokerage, and related businesses. Zelman specializes in bespoke institutional research and investment banking services encompassing mergers & acquisitions, private equity capital raising, initial public offerings, public bond underwritings, private debt placements and related corporate finance, valuation and strategic advisory services.

All securities offered through Zelman Partners LLC, a registered broker dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC.

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD) is one of the largest commercial real estate finance and advisory services firms in the United States. Our ideas and capital create communities where people live, work, shop, and play. The diversity of our people, breadth of our brand and technological capabilities make us one of the most insightful and client-focused firms in the commercial real estate industry.

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Investor Relations

Phone 301.202.3207

investorrelations@walkeranddunlop.com



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VP, Public Relations

Phone 301.564.3291

info@walkeranddunlop.com

Source: Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

Dream Finders Homes (NYSE: DFH)

Zelman Partners, a Walker & Dunlop Company (NYSE: WD)

Charleston, Greenville, and Nashville

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