Marcus & Millichap Sees First Revenue Gain in Two Years Despite Quarterly Loss
Nov 21, 2024 • 5 min read
Marcus & Millichap, a leading national investment brokerage based in Calabasas, California, has reported its first year-over-year revenue gain since 2022, marking a significant milestone amid a challenging market environment. The company posted $168.5 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2024, a 4% increase from the same period last year. This uptick was driven by a rise in commission and financing fees, alongside increased property sales and lending volumes.
Despite the positive revenue growth, Marcus & Millichap reported its sixth consecutive quarterly loss, with a net loss of $5.4 million in the third quarter—narrowed from a $9.24 million loss in the prior-year quarter. The loss is attributed to rising business development costs, including investments in hiring and training professionals, as the company positions itself for a market rebound.
Signs of a Market Rebound
CEO Hessam Nadji expressed optimism about the company's trajectory and the broader real estate market during an earnings call on Friday. He highlighted that the third quarter's performance could signal the beginning of a "measured but sustainable recovery in the transaction and financing markets."
"A 15% increase in total sales volume to $8.5 billion underscores a tilt toward larger, higher-dollar deals compared to earlier quarters," Nadji noted. "We believe that these underpinnings of a recovery cycle include the return of capital to the market as prices adjust, the Federal Reserve’s shift toward lowering interest rates, and notable improvement in our pipeline."
Marcus & Millichap joined other major publicly traded brokerages like CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Colliers International, Newmark, and JLL in reporting increased revenue, suggesting a broader positive trend in the commercial real estate sector.
Strategic Investments Amidst Losses
While Marcus & Millichap was the only major brokerage to report a drop in earnings for the quarter, Nadji emphasized that the continued investments are part of a strategic plan to "remain on offense during the downturn." The company believes that these expenditures will provide leverage during the anticipated market recovery.
"It appears that investor psychology is finally shifting toward 'missing out on buying opportunities,' while more sellers are coming to terms with realistic pricing," Nadji said. "Our disciplined approach to platform investments and expense management, combined with our strong capital position, sets us up well for the future."
Institutional Capital and Market Dynamics
Emerging trends point toward a stronger momentum of institutional capital returning to the market. Nadji highlighted that "record capital on the sideline coupled with price adjustments over the last two years are motivating buyers to re-enter the market."
However, smaller private investors continue to face challenges due to tight lending requirements from banks and credit unions. The company saw a 4.3% year-over-year decline in private-client revenue, while revenue from larger deals typically made by institutional investors jumped 23.5% in the quarter.
Brightening Property Fundamentals
Stronger property fundamentals are also attracting investors back into the market. Tenant demand is largely balancing out with levels of new construction across most property types. Nadji mentioned that construction starts are expected to decline in 2025 and 2026, which is "particularly positive for multifamily and industrial properties" that have experienced high levels of construction in recent years.
The brokerage anticipates benefiting from a combination of pent-up demand resulting from two years of deals that were canceled or postponed due to market disruptions. Additionally, rising distress among some property owners is driving more sales activity in sectors like shopping centers, industrial facilities, self-storage units, and larger apartment complexes.
Looking Ahead
Marcus & Millichap's recent performance and strategic positioning indicate cautious optimism for the commercial real estate market's future. By investing in talent and infrastructure during the downturn, the company aims to capitalize on the recovery phase as market conditions improve.
"We are encouraged by the increasing deal activity and believe that our efforts will yield positive results as the market continues to stabilize," Nadji concluded.
About Marcus & Millichap:
Marcus & Millichap is a leading brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research, and advisory services. Founded in 1971, the company has a long-standing reputation for closing transactions across various property types and markets.